EP1616802A1 - Can end - Google Patents
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- Publication number
- EP1616802A1 EP1616802A1 EP05105543A EP05105543A EP1616802A1 EP 1616802 A1 EP1616802 A1 EP 1616802A1 EP 05105543 A EP05105543 A EP 05105543A EP 05105543 A EP05105543 A EP 05105543A EP 1616802 A1 EP1616802 A1 EP 1616802A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- tab
- score
- aperture
- vent
- tail portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D17/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions
- B65D17/28—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness
- B65D17/401—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness characterised by having the line of weakness provided in an end wall
- B65D17/4012—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness characterised by having the line of weakness provided in an end wall for opening partially by means of a tearing tab
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2517/00—Containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting, piercing or tearing of wall portions, e.g. preserving cans or tins
- B65D2517/0001—Details
- B65D2517/0091—Means for venting upon initial opening
- B65D2517/0092—Means for venting upon initial opening formed as a partial score line located close to the tab connection
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2517/00—Containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting, piercing or tearing of wall portions, e.g. preserving cans or tins
- B65D2517/0001—Details
- B65D2517/0091—Means for venting upon initial opening
- B65D2517/0094—Means for venting upon initial opening formed as a separate opening
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an end adapted for use on a pressurised container.
- the invention provides an easy open end suitable for use on a pressurised food can or the like.
- a pressurised food can the food product is inserted into the can and stored therein under pressure.
- the increased pressure in the can is achieved by pressurising the headspace above the food product.
- a droplet of liquefied, inert gas may be inserted into the can just prior to sealing, as described in Patent No. US 2894844 B (PABST BREWING CO.).
- the liquid evaporates and the resultant gas pressurises the headspace.
- a portion of the can may be designed such that it can be irreversibly deformed inwardly. After filling the can and sealing the open end thereof, the deformable portion of the can is deformed inwardly, thereby reducing the volume of the headspace and pressurising the headspace gases.
- This technique is described in European Patent No. EP 0521642 B (CMB FOODCAN PLC.).
- the advantage of pressurising a food can is that the can may be made of substantially thinner gauge metal, which is deformable under normal conditions.
- the increased internal pressure in the can helps to support the walls of the can, providing the rigidity required for handling and transport.
- the use of thinner gauge metal has significant cost benefits to the can manufacturer and also has significant environmental benefits.
- Conventional food cans comprise a body, in which a food product is stored, and at least one separate end, which is connected to the free edge of the body, conventionally by seaming and in particular by a technique known as "double seaming".
- Conventional ends comprise a flat plate-like centre panel connected to a seaming portion (often referred to as the "cover hook") via a chuck wall, which supports a seaming chuck during the double seaming operation.
- a concave reinforcing bead (looking from the outside of the can) is normally provided to strengthen the end and support the seam.
- Some food cans are provided with an easy open end, which is connected to the can body in the same manner as a conventional end.
- An easy open end differs from the convention end in that a thinned score line is provided on the flat, plate-like centre panel, around the periphery of a desired aperture.
- a tab is connected to the end, usually by a rivet, and the tab has a tail portion and a nose portion arranged on either side of the rivet.
- the tab is located on the plate-like centre panel with the nose portion overlying or adjacent to the thinned score line, defining the desired aperture.
- a consumer lifts the tail portion of the tab, which causes the tab to pivot (axially) about the rivet, pressing the nose portion against the score line area of the can end. This pressure causes the score line to rupture around the periphery of the aperture.
- the aperture panel may then be pulled free from the remainder of the can, allowing access to the contents of the container.
- a container whose contents are held under pressure, has the disadvantage that upon first opening by a consumer, the pressure inside the container is rapidly released to atmosphere and the stream of released gases may carry a quantity of product.
- This problem is particularly difficult when the product in the container is coloured and/or viscous, as this may spoil a consumer's clothes, or where the product is potentially harmful to a consumer.
- This problem is referred to as "spurting” and is highly undesirable for the consumer. In extreme circumstances, such "spurting” may have explosive force making the can dangerous.
- the present invention is concerned with controlling "spurting” i.e. controlling the forceful ejection of headspace gases and entrained product particles upon first opening of a pressurised container.
- a further problem with containers having so called easy open ends is that once rupture of the score line is initiated the rapid release of pressured gases from inside the container may result in uncontrolled severing of the score line, causing the aperture panel to missile. Such missiling is potentially very dangerous.
- the present invention provides an easy open end for sealing a pressurised container, such as a food can or the like, having the features according to claim 1.
- the end has a vent score, which is ruptured to form a vent opening, before the main aperture score begins to rupture.
- the vent opening allows the internal pressure in the container to be released whilst the aperture score, remains largely intact. This two-stage opening prevents missiling of the aperture panel, because the pressure in the container is largely released, before the container is opened.
- the end panel and/or tab is designed to define a shield, which ensures that any product entrained within the pressurised gases and ejected from the vent opening is retained in the area surrounding the vent opening and does not make contact with the consumer.
- FIGURE 1 shows a conventional food can filled with product after the associated end has been sealed to the food can.
- FIGURE 2 shows a side section view of a conventional easy-open food can end prior to opening, having a tab and a "moustache" score vent.
- FIGURE 3 shows a side section of the same end as shown in Figure 2, after the tail portion of the tab has been lifted to the extent necessary to open the vent score, but prior to severing of the main aperture score.
- FIGURE 4 shows a plan view of a portion of the can end shown in Figures 2 and 3 prior to attachment of the tab, showing the layout of the vent score and main aperture score in relation to the position of the rivet
- FIGURE 5 shows a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the can end according to the invention prior to opening, with the vent aperture provided distant from the aperture score and sealed by a tape.
- FIGURE 6 shows a side section view of the same end as shown in figure 5, prior to opening.
- FIGURE 7 shows a side section view through a portion of a food can end prior to opening, according to another embodiment of the invention.
- the end 3 has a vent score overlain by the tail portion of the tab and a ridge in the plate-like portion of the end, surrounding the vent score to act as a shield.
- FIGURE 8 shows the same side section as shown in Figure 7 after the tail portion of the tab has been lifted to the extent necessary to open the vent score, but prior to severing of the main aperture score.
- FIGURE 9 shows a plan view of a portion of the can end shown in Figures 8 and 9 prior to attachment of the tab, showing the layout of the vent score and main aperture score in relation to the position of the rivet.
- FIGURE 10 shows a side section view through a portion of a food can end according to another embodiment of the invention prior to opening, having a vent score and a catching feature defined on the underside of the tail portion of the tab.
- FIGURE 11 shows the same side section view as shown in Figure 10, after tail portion of the tab has been lifted to the extent necessary to open the vent score, but prior to severing of the main aperture score.
- a conventional food can 1 includes a body 2 and an associated end 3.
- the end 3 has a flat plate-like centre panel 31, a reinforcing bead 42 and a cover hook 41.
- the food can 1 is filled with a product 5 to a predetermined fill height, thus leaving an unfilled headspace 6.
- the end 3 is placed over the free end of the can body 2 and supported thereon by the cover hook 41. Thereafter, a portion of the cover hook 41 and the free edge of the can body 2 is rolled together, to form a double seam 4 by a known process.
- a conventional easy-open food can end further defines an aperture score 32, which ruptures to release an aperture panel (not shown), to allow access to the contents of the food can without the need to use a separate opening device.
- the conventional easy open end again comprises a flat plate-like centre panel 31 on which the aperture score is defined.
- a tab 7 is fixed to the centre panel 31 by a rivet 8 and comprises a nose portion 71 and a tail portion 75, arranged on either side of the rivet 8.
- the free end of the nose portion 71 of the tab 7 defines a nose 72, which is used to propagate severing of the aperture score 32 by pressing on or adjacent to it.
- the tab 7 is arranged on the centre panel 31 with the nose portion 71 lying in a position where the nose 72 can press on or adjacent to the aperture score.
- a user On first opening, a user lifts the tail portion 75 of the tab 7 rotating it vertically about the rivet 8 and thereby pressing the nose 72 on or adjacent to the aperture score 32, to propagate severing thereof.
- the end panel 31 has a further vent score 33 overlain by the tail portion of the tab 75 adjacent to the rivet 8.
- This vent score 33 (often referred to as a moustache score due to its shape) is arranged to sever before the nose 72 touches the area around the aperture score 32.
- the vent score 33 severs to form a vent opening 34, which allows the pressure in the can to equalise with atmospheric pressure.
- the product 5 in the can is heated and may release vapour. Upon cooling the vapour may condense creating a partial vacuum in the container 1.
- the vent opening 34 allows the pressure inside the container 1 to equalise with atmospheric pressure prior to severing of the aperture score 32, thus preventing implosion of the aperture panel.
- This two-stage opening i.e. pressure equalisation then severing of the aperture score 32) is particularly important in pressurised food cans, where the pressure in the food can is substantially higher than atmospheric pressure.
- a problem with pressurised food cans is that upon first opening of the vent score 33, the pressurised head space gases are released very rapidly and may entrain particles of product therein. If a conventional venting system is used (as described above), these entrained particles may be fired towards the user ("spurting"). Hence, it is an aim of the present invention to shield a user from contact with any product ejected from the vent opening 34.
- vent opening 34 is provided distant from the side wall of the body 2 of the can i.e. towards the centre of the end panel 31.
- a vent in this position minimises the amount of product entrained within the headspace gasses.
- the product surface is attracted by the side wall and a meniscus forms.
- a vent opening 34 in this position has a greater likelihood of venting headspace gasses in which a large amount of product is entrained.
- FIG. 5 A simple arrangement of an embodiment having a vent opening positioned in the centre of the can 1 is shown in figures 5 and 6.
- An easy open end according to this embodiment comprises an end panel 31 and a tab 7 affixed thereto by a rivet 8 as previously described.
- a vent opening 34 is provided in the centre of the end panel 31 (as shown in Figure 5).
- a tape 9, at least adhesive in the vicinity of the vent opening 34 and at one end is affixed to the end panel 31, covering the vent opening 34 and looped around the tail portion of the tab 75.
- the tape may be removed by pulling its free end upwards (as shown in figure 6), but this limits its shield effect when the pressurised headspace gases are released.
- the tape 9 is removed from the vent opening 34, by lifting the tail portion of the tab 75. This means that the tape remains fixed to the end panel 31 on the far side of the vent opening 34 (furthest from the tab 7) and the tape 9 itself shields the vent opening 34 and prevents ejected product from making contact with the user
- FIGS 7 to 9 show another embodiment of the invention, which incorporates the principles discussed above, but is suitable for mass production.
- the vent score 33 is defined in the area overlain by the tail portion 75 of the tab 7 (see figure 7). This allows the vent score 33 to be positioned further from the side wall of the can and thereby minimises the "spurting" likely to occur upon first opening of the container.
- a user who wants to open the can lifts the tail portion 75 of the tab 7, severing the vent score 33 to create a vent opening 34 (see Figure 8).
- the plate-like end panel 31 has a ridge 77 surrounding the vent score 33 and upon first opening, this ridge 77, in conjunction with a catcher element 78 on the tail portion 75 of the tab 7 creates a shield 76, which prevents any product ejected from the vent opening 34 from reaching the user.
- the orientation of the aperture score 32, vent score 33 and ridge 77 in relation to the rivet 8, can more clearly be understood from figure 9.
- the aperture score 32 is again severed by contact of the nose 72 on or adjacent to the aperture score 32 after the tail portion 75 of the tab 7 has been lifted and the vent score 33 severed to produce a vent opening 34.
- vent score 33 is overlain by the tail portion 75 of the tab 7.
- a guard element on the underside of the tail portion 75 is folded flat against the end panel 31 and held in this folded configuration by the rivet 8.
- the folded guard element is biased towards its upright orientation, orthogonal to the tail portion 75 of the tab 7 (as shown in figure 11) and upon lifting of the tail portion, springs into this upright orientation, providing a shield 76 for the vent opening 34.
- the embodiments are suitable for mass production as the shield 76 is provided by part of the tail portion 75 of the tab 7 and / or features defined on the end plate 31. Further embodiments of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, embodying the features described by the claims.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Containers Opened By Tearing Frangible Portions (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to an end adapted for use on a pressurised container. In particular, the invention provides an easy open end suitable for use on a pressurised food can or the like. In a pressurised food can, the food product is inserted into the can and stored therein under pressure. The increased pressure in the can is achieved by pressurising the headspace above the food product.
- This may be achieved in a number of different ways. For example, a droplet of liquefied, inert gas may be inserted into the can just prior to sealing, as described in Patent No. US 2894844 B (PABST BREWING CO.). The liquid evaporates and the resultant gas pressurises the headspace. Alternatively, a portion of the can may be designed such that it can be irreversibly deformed inwardly. After filling the can and sealing the open end thereof, the deformable portion of the can is deformed inwardly, thereby reducing the volume of the headspace and pressurising the headspace gases. This technique is described in European Patent No. EP 0521642 B (CMB FOODCAN PLC.).
- The advantage of pressurising a food can is that the can may be made of substantially thinner gauge metal, which is deformable under normal conditions. The increased internal pressure in the can helps to support the walls of the can, providing the rigidity required for handling and transport. The use of thinner gauge metal has significant cost benefits to the can manufacturer and also has significant environmental benefits.
- Conventional food cans comprise a body, in which a food product is stored, and at least one separate end, which is connected to the free edge of the body, conventionally by seaming and in particular by a technique known as "double seaming". Conventional ends comprise a flat plate-like centre panel connected to a seaming portion (often referred to as the "cover hook") via a chuck wall, which supports a seaming chuck during the double seaming operation. At the base of the chuck wall a concave reinforcing bead (looking from the outside of the can) is normally provided to strengthen the end and support the seam.
- Some food cans are provided with an easy open end, which is connected to the can body in the same manner as a conventional end. An easy open end differs from the convention end in that a thinned score line is provided on the flat, plate-like centre panel, around the periphery of a desired aperture. A tab is connected to the end, usually by a rivet, and the tab has a tail portion and a nose portion arranged on either side of the rivet. The tab is located on the plate-like centre panel with the nose portion overlying or adjacent to the thinned score line, defining the desired aperture. On opening, a consumer lifts the tail portion of the tab, which causes the tab to pivot (axially) about the rivet, pressing the nose portion against the score line area of the can end. This pressure causes the score line to rupture around the periphery of the aperture. The aperture panel may then be pulled free from the remainder of the can, allowing access to the contents of the container.
- A container, whose contents are held under pressure, has the disadvantage that upon first opening by a consumer, the pressure inside the container is rapidly released to atmosphere and the stream of released gases may carry a quantity of product. This problem is particularly difficult when the product in the container is coloured and/or viscous, as this may spoil a consumer's clothes, or where the product is potentially harmful to a consumer. This problem is referred to as "spurting" and is highly undesirable for the consumer. In extreme circumstances, such "spurting" may have explosive force making the can dangerous. The present invention is concerned with controlling "spurting" i.e. controlling the forceful ejection of headspace gases and entrained product particles upon first opening of a pressurised container.
- A further problem with containers having so called easy open ends is that once rupture of the score line is initiated the rapid release of pressured gases from inside the container may result in uncontrolled severing of the score line, causing the aperture panel to missile. Such missiling is potentially very dangerous.
- Accordingly, the present invention provides an easy open end for sealing a pressurised container, such as a food can or the like, having the features according to claim 1.
- The end has a vent score, which is ruptured to form a vent opening, before the main aperture score begins to rupture. The vent opening allows the internal pressure in the container to be released whilst the aperture score, remains largely intact. This two-stage opening prevents missiling of the aperture panel, because the pressure in the container is largely released, before the container is opened. Furthermore, the end panel and/or tab is designed to define a shield, which ensures that any product entrained within the pressurised gases and ejected from the vent opening is retained in the area surrounding the vent opening and does not make contact with the consumer.
- The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
- FIGURE 1 shows a conventional food can filled with product after the associated end has been sealed to the food can.
- FIGURE 2 shows a side section view of a conventional easy-open food can end prior to opening, having a tab and a "moustache" score vent.
- FIGURE 3 shows a side section of the same end as shown in Figure 2, after the tail portion of the tab has been lifted to the extent necessary to open the vent score, but prior to severing of the main aperture score.
- FIGURE 4 shows a plan view of a portion of the can end shown in Figures 2 and 3 prior to attachment of the tab, showing the layout of the vent score and main aperture score in relation to the position of the rivet
- FIGURE 5 shows a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the can end according to the invention prior to opening, with the vent aperture provided distant from the aperture score and sealed by a tape.
- FIGURE 6 shows a side section view of the same end as shown in figure 5, prior to opening.
- FIGURE 7 shows a side section view through a portion of a food can end prior to opening, according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the
end 3 has a vent score overlain by the tail portion of the tab and a ridge in the plate-like portion of the end, surrounding the vent score to act as a shield. - FIGURE 8 shows the same side section as shown in Figure 7 after the tail portion of the tab has been lifted to the extent necessary to open the vent score, but prior to severing of the main aperture score.
- FIGURE 9 shows a plan view of a portion of the can end shown in Figures 8 and 9 prior to attachment of the tab, showing the layout of the vent score and main aperture score in relation to the position of the rivet.
- FIGURE 10 shows a side section view through a portion of a food can end according to another embodiment of the invention prior to opening, having a vent score and a catching feature defined on the underside of the tail portion of the tab.
- FIGURE 11 shows the same side section view as shown in Figure 10, after tail portion of the tab has been lifted to the extent necessary to open the vent score, but prior to severing of the main aperture score.
- Referring to figure 1, a conventional food can 1 includes a
body 2 and an associatedend 3. Theend 3 has a flat plate-like centre panel 31, a reinforcingbead 42 and acover hook 41. The food can 1 is filled with aproduct 5 to a predetermined fill height, thus leaving anunfilled headspace 6. Theend 3 is placed over the free end of thecan body 2 and supported thereon by thecover hook 41. Thereafter, a portion of thecover hook 41 and the free edge of thecan body 2 is rolled together, to form adouble seam 4 by a known process. - Referring to figures 2, 3 and 4 a conventional easy-open food can end further defines an
aperture score 32, which ruptures to release an aperture panel (not shown), to allow access to the contents of the food can without the need to use a separate opening device. The conventional easy open end again comprises a flat plate-like centre panel 31 on which the aperture score is defined. Atab 7 is fixed to thecentre panel 31 by arivet 8 and comprises anose portion 71 and atail portion 75, arranged on either side of therivet 8. The free end of thenose portion 71 of thetab 7 defines anose 72, which is used to propagate severing of theaperture score 32 by pressing on or adjacent to it. Thus, thetab 7 is arranged on thecentre panel 31 with thenose portion 71 lying in a position where thenose 72 can press on or adjacent to the aperture score. - On first opening, a user lifts the
tail portion 75 of thetab 7 rotating it vertically about therivet 8 and thereby pressing thenose 72 on or adjacent to theaperture score 32, to propagate severing thereof. - The
end panel 31 has afurther vent score 33 overlain by the tail portion of thetab 75 adjacent to therivet 8. This vent score 33 (often referred to as a moustache score due to its shape) is arranged to sever before thenose 72 touches the area around theaperture score 32. The vent score 33 severs to form avent opening 34, which allows the pressure in the can to equalise with atmospheric pressure. During processing, theproduct 5 in the can is heated and may release vapour. Upon cooling the vapour may condense creating a partial vacuum in the container 1. Thevent opening 34 allows the pressure inside the container 1 to equalise with atmospheric pressure prior to severing of theaperture score 32, thus preventing implosion of the aperture panel. This two-stage opening (i.e. pressure equalisation then severing of the aperture score 32) is particularly important in pressurised food cans, where the pressure in the food can is substantially higher than atmospheric pressure. - As already mentioned, a problem with pressurised food cans is that upon first opening of the
vent score 33, the pressurised head space gases are released very rapidly and may entrain particles of product therein. If a conventional venting system is used (as described above), these entrained particles may be fired towards the user ("spurting"). Hence, it is an aim of the present invention to shield a user from contact with any product ejected from thevent opening 34. - The inventors have found that "spurting" can be mitigated if the
vent opening 34 is provided distant from the side wall of thebody 2 of the can i.e. towards the centre of theend panel 31. A vent in this position minimises the amount of product entrained within the headspace gasses. At the point where the product contacts the side wall of the can body, the product surface is attracted by the side wall and a meniscus forms. Thus, adjacent to the side wall the product surface is closer to theend panel 31 and avent opening 34 in this position has a greater likelihood of venting headspace gasses in which a large amount of product is entrained. - A simple arrangement of an embodiment having a vent opening positioned in the centre of the can 1 is shown in figures 5 and 6. An easy open end according to this embodiment comprises an
end panel 31 and atab 7 affixed thereto by arivet 8 as previously described. Avent opening 34 is provided in the centre of the end panel 31 (as shown in Figure 5). Atape 9, at least adhesive in the vicinity of thevent opening 34 and at one end is affixed to theend panel 31, covering thevent opening 34 and looped around the tail portion of thetab 75. The tape may be removed by pulling its free end upwards (as shown in figure 6), but this limits its shield effect when the pressurised headspace gases are released. Preferably therefore, thetape 9 is removed from thevent opening 34, by lifting the tail portion of thetab 75. This means that the tape remains fixed to theend panel 31 on the far side of the vent opening 34 (furthest from the tab 7) and thetape 9 itself shields thevent opening 34 and prevents ejected product from making contact with the user. - A disadvantage of this simple arrangement is that it requires assembly of the tape onto the finished end and tab and this is not cost effective for a mass-produced item. However, this idea inspired two further embodiments of the invention, in which the vent score is overlain by the
tail portion 75 of thetab 7 and is therefore further from the side wall of the can 1. - Figures 7 to 9 show another embodiment of the invention, which incorporates the principles discussed above, but is suitable for mass production. In this embodiment, the
vent score 33 is defined in the area overlain by thetail portion 75 of the tab 7 (see figure 7). This allows thevent score 33 to be positioned further from the side wall of the can and thereby minimises the "spurting" likely to occur upon first opening of the container. - A user who wants to open the can lifts the
tail portion 75 of thetab 7, severing thevent score 33 to create a vent opening 34 (see Figure 8). The plate-like end panel 31 has aridge 77 surrounding thevent score 33 and upon first opening, thisridge 77, in conjunction with acatcher element 78 on thetail portion 75 of thetab 7 creates ashield 76, which prevents any product ejected from the vent opening 34 from reaching the user. The orientation of theaperture score 32,vent score 33 andridge 77 in relation to therivet 8, can more clearly be understood from figure 9. Theaperture score 32 is again severed by contact of thenose 72 on or adjacent to theaperture score 32 after thetail portion 75 of thetab 7 has been lifted and thevent score 33 severed to produce avent opening 34. - Another embodiment of the invention is shown in figures 10 and 11. Again, the
vent score 33 is overlain by thetail portion 75 of thetab 7. A guard element on the underside of thetail portion 75 is folded flat against theend panel 31 and held in this folded configuration by therivet 8. However, the folded guard element is biased towards its upright orientation, orthogonal to thetail portion 75 of the tab 7 (as shown in figure 11) and upon lifting of the tail portion, springs into this upright orientation, providing ashield 76 for thevent opening 34. - As will be appreciated, the embodiments (shown in figures 7 to 11) are suitable for mass production as the
shield 76 is provided by part of thetail portion 75 of thetab 7 and / or features defined on theend plate 31. Further embodiments of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, embodying the features described by the claims.
Claims (6)
- An easy open end for a pressurised container, the end comprising- an end panel (31), having an aperture score (32) defining the periphery of an aperture panel,- a vent score (33), arranged to rupture before rupture of the aperture score (32), thereby releasing the internal pressure from the container before the aperture score (32) is ruptured,- a tab (7) fixed to the end panel (31) at a connection point (8),- the tab (7) having a nose portion (71) and a tail portion (75) arranged on either side of the connection point (8), with the nose portion (71) on or adjacent to the aperture score (32) to promote rupture thereof when the tail portion (75) is lifted and the tab (7) pivots about the connection point (8),
characterised in that- the vent score (33) is defined on the end panel (31) in the region overlain by the tail portion (75) of the tab (7), and- the end panel (31) and/or tab (7) defines a shield (76), adapted to prevent the egress of product from the vent score (33) upon rupture. - An easy open end according to claim 1, wherein the shield (75) comprises an upstanding ridge (77) on the end panel (31) adjacent to the vent score (33).
- An easy open end according to claim 1, wherein the shield (76) comprises a resiliently biased guard element, which is activated upon lifting of the tail portion (75) of the tab (7).
- An easy open end according to claim 3, wherein the resiliently biased guard element is provided by a folded section of the tail portion (75) of the tab (7), which is substantially orthogonal to the tab (7), but is folded flat between the end panel (31) by the tab (7), upon connection of the tab (7) to the end panel (31) at the connection point (8).
- An easy open end according to claim 3, wherein the resiliently biased guard element is provided by an upstanding element, connected to the end panel in an area overlain by the tail portion (75) of the tab (7) and the upstanding element is held flat by the tail portion (75) of the tab (7) upon connection of the tab (7) to the end panel (31) at the connection point (8).
- An easy open end according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connection point (8) is a rivet.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP05105543A EP1616802B1 (en) | 2004-06-26 | 2005-06-22 | Can end |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP04253845 | 2004-06-26 | ||
EP05105543A EP1616802B1 (en) | 2004-06-26 | 2005-06-22 | Can end |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1616802A1 true EP1616802A1 (en) | 2006-01-18 |
EP1616802B1 EP1616802B1 (en) | 2007-10-17 |
Family
ID=35466244
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP05105543A Not-in-force EP1616802B1 (en) | 2004-06-26 | 2005-06-22 | Can end |
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Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP1616802B1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR3021634A1 (en) * | 2014-05-27 | 2015-12-04 | Thierry Heline | HERMETIC CONTAINER EQUIPPED WITH AN EXTENDED DEGASSING PREVENTION SYSTEM FOR CONTAINING A GAS DRINK |
CN109677748A (en) * | 2019-02-14 | 2019-04-26 | 上海工程技术大学 | A kind of pop can preventing soda splash and method |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3951299A (en) * | 1975-05-27 | 1976-04-20 | Continental Can Company, Inc. | Horse-shoe shaped vent score |
US4015744A (en) * | 1975-10-28 | 1977-04-05 | Ermal C. Fraze | Easy-open ecology end |
US4030631A (en) * | 1975-08-27 | 1977-06-21 | Ermal C. Fraze | Easy-open ecology end |
US4043479A (en) * | 1976-05-10 | 1977-08-23 | The Continental Group, Inc. | Front opening easy-opening end closure with vent |
US20020014489A1 (en) * | 1999-04-19 | 2002-02-07 | Michael J. Anthony | Easy-open misting container |
-
2005
- 2005-06-22 EP EP05105543A patent/EP1616802B1/en not_active Not-in-force
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3951299A (en) * | 1975-05-27 | 1976-04-20 | Continental Can Company, Inc. | Horse-shoe shaped vent score |
US4030631A (en) * | 1975-08-27 | 1977-06-21 | Ermal C. Fraze | Easy-open ecology end |
US4015744A (en) * | 1975-10-28 | 1977-04-05 | Ermal C. Fraze | Easy-open ecology end |
US4043479A (en) * | 1976-05-10 | 1977-08-23 | The Continental Group, Inc. | Front opening easy-opening end closure with vent |
US20020014489A1 (en) * | 1999-04-19 | 2002-02-07 | Michael J. Anthony | Easy-open misting container |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR3021634A1 (en) * | 2014-05-27 | 2015-12-04 | Thierry Heline | HERMETIC CONTAINER EQUIPPED WITH AN EXTENDED DEGASSING PREVENTION SYSTEM FOR CONTAINING A GAS DRINK |
CN109677748A (en) * | 2019-02-14 | 2019-04-26 | 上海工程技术大学 | A kind of pop can preventing soda splash and method |
CN109677748B (en) * | 2019-02-14 | 2023-12-29 | 上海工程技术大学 | Pop-top can capable of preventing carbonated beverage from splashing and method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1616802B1 (en) | 2007-10-17 |
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