Patents by Inventor Christopher G. Neiner

Christopher G. Neiner has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9156585
    Abstract: The embodiments disclosed describe a double opening beverage can lid system. The system includes a can lid having a pour panel associated with a pour opening and a vent panel associated with a vent opening. A tab is attached to the can lid. The tab includes a primary tab portion configured to open the pour opening, and a secondary tab portion configured to open the vent opening. A rivet hole facilitates attachment of the primary tab portion and the secondary tab portion to the can lid. A shelf is bent about 180° around a rear edge of the primary tab portion. The shelf blocks at least a portion of the secondary tab portion from contacting the vent panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: ANHEUSER-BUSCH InBEV S.A.
    Inventor: Christopher G. Neiner
  • Patent number: 8783496
    Abstract: An improved beverage container of the type having a lid, a pour panel defined in the lid by a pour score and a vent panel defined in the lid by a vent score. A tab pivotally is mounted to the lid, wherein lifting the tab about a pivot in a lifting direction fractures the pour score and opens the pour panel. A secondary tab is carried by the tab, and is released into contact with the vent panel by lifting the tab to fracture the pour score, wherein pressing the tab in a direction generally opposite the lifting direction causes the secondary tab to fracture the vent score and open the vent panel. At least one anti-rotation member is disposed between the tab and the lid to prevent the tab from rotating about the rivet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Anheuser-Busch InBev, SA
    Inventors: Christopher G. Neiner, Ancil Louis Lackey, Robert Joseph Will, Richard Lynn Wise, Jason Davidson
  • Publication number: 20130264344
    Abstract: An improved beverage container of the type having a lid, a pour panel defined in the lid by a pour score and a vent panel defined in the lid by a vent score. A tab pivotally is mounted to the lid, wherein lifting the tab about a pivot in a lifting direction fractures the pour score and opens the pour panel. A secondary tab is carried by the tab, and is released into contact with the vent panel by lifting the tab to fracture the pour score, wherein pressing the tab in a direction generally opposite the lifting direction causes the secondary tab to fracture the vent score and open the vent panel. At least one anti-rotation member is disposed between the tab and the lid to prevent the tab from rotating about the rivet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: Anheuser-Busch InBev, SA
    Inventors: Christopher G. Neiner, Ancil Louis Lackey, Robert Joseph Will, Richard Lynn Wise, Jason Davidson
  • Publication number: 20130264343
    Abstract: The embodiments disclosed describe a double opening beverage can lid system. The system includes a can lid having a pour panel associated with a pour opening and a vent panel associated with a vent opening. A tab is attached to the can lid. The tab includes a primary tab portion configured to open the pour opening, and a secondary tab portion configured to open the vent opening. A rivet hole facilitates attachment of the primary tab portion and the secondary tab portion to the can lid. A shelf is bent about 180° around a rear edge of the primary tab portion. The shelf blocks at least a portion of the secondary tab portion from contacting the vent panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: ANHEUSER-BUSCH INBEV, SA
    Inventor: Christopher G. Neiner
  • Patent number: 8490825
    Abstract: Over the years there have been numerous attempts to improve the can lid oftentimes found on aluminum beverage can lids. The aims have traditionally been to reduce costs and improve performance. These aims have been accomplished through a variety of means, such as creating different formations within the can lid to reduce the amount of metal used while maintaining performance levels. Here, step portions are utilized between the annular countersink and the center panel of the can lid that cause a curvature of the center panel or to simply provide an angled inside wall. These formations, thus, reduce the amount of metal used while maintaining quality and yielding the desired performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: James Reed, Christopher G. Neiner
  • Patent number: 7673768
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the disclosed can lid has a center panel having a central axis that is perpendicular to a diameter of the outer rim, or peripheral curl portion, of the can lid, an annular countersink surrounding the center panel, an arcuate portion extending radially outward from the annular countersink, a step portion extending radially upward and outward from the arcuate portion, a first transitional portion extending radially outward from the step portion, a second transitional portion extending radially outward and upward from the first transitional portion, and a peripheral curl portion extending outwardly from the second transitional portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Metal Container Corporation
    Inventors: James Reed, Christopher G. Neiner
  • Publication number: 20080230548
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the disclosed can lid has a center panel having a central axis that is perpendicular to a diameter of the outer rim, or peripheral curl portion, of the can lid, an annular countersink surrounding the center panel, an arcuate portion extending radially outward from the annular countersink, a step portion extending radially upward and outward from the arcuate portion, a first transitional portion extending radially outward from the step portion, a second transitional portion extending radially outward and upward from the first transitional portion, and a peripheral curl portion extending outwardly from the second transitional portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: METAL CONTAINER CORPORATION
    Inventors: James REED, Christopher G. NEINER
  • Patent number: 7380684
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the disclosed can lid has a center panel having a central axis that is perpendicular to a diameter of the outer rim, or peripheral curl portion, of the can lid, an annular countersink surrounding the center panel, an arcuate portion extending radially outward from the annular countersink, a step portion extending radially upward and outward from the arcuate portion, a first transitional portion extending radially outward from the step portion, a second transitional portion extending radially outward and upward from the first transitional portion, and a peripheral curl portion extending outwardly from the second transitional portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Metal Container Corporation
    Inventors: James Reed, Christopher G. Neiner
  • Patent number: 7165696
    Abstract: A stay-on-tab container closure suitable for use on beverage cans and the like, said closure including an center panel with an downwardly displaceable tear panel, which, in one aspect, has a smooth upper surface having no visually perceptible contour features, and which, in another aspect, has low-relief contour features on its upper surface. Closures according to the invention have reduced stresses across the score defining the tear panel, thereby reducing the likelihood of stress-induced fatigue cracking which can lead to score failure when the container closure is joined to a can body and the resulting can is internally pressurized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Metal Container Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher G. Neiner
  • Patent number: 7100789
    Abstract: The present invention describes a beverage can end which utilizes less material and has an improved internal buckle strength based on the geometric configuration of a chuck wall, inner panel wall and central panel, and which utilizes an inwardly oriented concave arch on the chuck wall with a radius of curvature between about 0.015 inches and 0.080 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Ball Corporation
    Inventors: Tuan A. Nguyen, Jess N. Bathurst, James A. Reed, Christopher G. Neiner
  • Publication number: 20040140312
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the disclosed can lid has a center panel having a central axis that is perpendicular to a diameter of the outer rim, or peripheral curl portion, of the can lid, an annular countersink surrounding the center panel, an arcuate chuckwall extending radially outward from the annular countersink, an arcuate step portion extending radially outward from the arcuate chuckwall, a transitional portion extending radially outward from the arcuate step portion, and a peripheral curl portion extending outwardly from the transitional portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Christopher G. Neiner
  • Patent number: 6702142
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the disclosed can lid has a center panel having a central axis that is perpendicular to a diameter of the outer rim, or peripheral curl portion, of the can lid, an annular countersink surrounding the center panel, an arcuate chuckwall extending radially outward from the annular countersink, an arcuate step portion extending radially outward from the arcuate chuckwall, a transitional portion extending radially outward from the arcuate step portion, and a peripheral curl portion extending outwardly from the transitional portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Metal Container Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher G. Neiner
  • Publication number: 20030173367
    Abstract: The present invention describes a beverage can end which utilizes less material and has an improved internal buckle strength based on the geometric configuration of a chuck wall, inner panel wall and central panel, and which utilizes an inwardly oriented concave arch on the chuck wall with a radius of curvature between about 0.015 inches and 0.080 inches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Tuan A. Nguyen, Jess N. Bathurst, James A. Reed, Christopher G. Neiner
  • Patent number: 6561004
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the disclosed can lid has a center panel having a central axis that is perpendicular to a diameter of the outer rim, or peripheral curl portion, of the can lid, an annular countersink surrounding the center panel, an arcuate portion extending radially outward from the annular countersink, a step portion extending radially upward and outward from the arcuate portion, a first transitional portion extending radially outward from the step portion, a second transitional portion extending radially outward and upward from the first transitional portion, and a peripheral curl portion extending outwardly from the second transitional portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Metal Container Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher G. Neiner, James Reed
  • Patent number: 6499622
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the disclosed can lid has a center panel having a central axis that is perpendicular to a diameter of the outer rim, or peripheral curl portion, of the can lid, an annular countersink surrounding the center panel, an arcuate chuckwall extending radially outward from the annular countersink, an arcuate step portion extending radially outward from the arcuate chuckwall, a transitional portion extending radially outward from the arcuate step portion, and a peripheral curl portion extending outwardly from the transitional portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Metal Container Corporation, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher G. Neiner
  • Publication number: 20020190071
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the disclosed can lid has a center panel having a central axis that is perpendicular to a diameter of the outer rim, or peripheral curl portion, of the can lid, an annular countersink surrounding the center panel, an arcuate chuckwall extending radially outward from the annular countersink, an arcuate step portion extending radially outward from the arcuate chuckwall, a transitional portion extending radially outward from the arcuate step portion, and a peripheral curl portion extending outwardly from the transitional portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Christopher G. Neiner
  • Publication number: 20020104842
    Abstract: A stay-on-tab container closure suitable for use on beverage cans and the like, said closure including an center panel with an downwardly displaceable tear panel, which, in one aspect, has a smooth upper surface having no visually perceptible contour features, and which, in another aspect, has low-relief contour features on its upper surface. Closures according to the invention have reduced stresses across the score defining the tear panel, thereby reducing the likelihood of stress-induced fatigue cracking which can lead to score failure when the container closure is joined to a can body and the resulting can is internally pressurized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: Metal Container Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher G. Neiner
  • Patent number: 6405889
    Abstract: A stay-on-tab container closure suitable for use on beverage cans and the like, said closure including an center panel with an downwardly displaceable tear panel, which, in one aspect, has a smooth upper surface having no visually perceptible contour features, and which, in another aspect, has low-relief contour features on its upper surface. Closures according to the invention have reduced stresses across the score defining the tear panel, thereby reducing the likelihood of stress-induced fatigue cracking which can lead to score failure when the container closure is joined to a can body and the resulting can is internally pressurized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Metal Container Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher G. Neiner
  • Patent number: D708060
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Anheuser-Busche InBev, SA
    Inventors: Christopher G. Neiner, Ancil Louis Lackey, Robert Joseph Will
  • Patent number: D708516
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Anheuser-Busch InBev, SA
    Inventors: Christopher G. Neiner, Ancil Louis Lackey, Robert Joseph Will, Richard Lynn Wise, Jason Davidson