Patents by Inventor Michael R. Gogola

Michael R. Gogola 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).

  • Publication number: 20240409267
    Abstract: Can ends for beverage containers and related methods are disclosed. An example can end includes a center panel, the center panel having a first area, and a pour panel formed on the center panel, the pour panel to define a pour opening having a second area, where a first area-to-second area ratio is approximately 0.22 inches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2024
    Publication date: December 12, 2024
    Inventors: Michael R. Gogola, Rex Villasin
  • Patent number: 12139317
    Abstract: A can end has a public side and an opposing product side. A circumferential curl is located about a center axis and defines an outer perimeter of the can end. A circumferential wall extends downwardly from the curl. A circumferential, generally U-shaped countersink extends radially inwardly from the circumferential wall relative to the center axis and upwardly. A center panel extends radially inwardly from the countersink relative to the center axis and has a displaceable tear panel defined by frangible score and a hinge segment on the public side and a tab fixed to the public side which has a nose portion overlying a portion of the displaceable tear panel. A circumferential panel joins the countersink with the center panel and has a first panel radius joined to a second panel radius by a short wall extending upwardly and inwardly. The circumferential panel has a bead formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: REXAM BEVERAGE CAN COMPANY
    Inventors: Randall G. Forrest, Michael R. Gogola
  • Publication number: 20240253856
    Abstract: Re-closable mobile packages are disclosed. An example can end includes a center panel having a pour opening. A first track extends from an upper surface of the center panel around a perimeter of the pour opening. A cover is rotatably coupled to the center panel about a rotational axis. The cover includes a second track. The second track extends partially around a perimeter of the cover such that the second track defines at least a first gap. The second track to engage the first track when the cover is in a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2024
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Inventors: Rex Villasin, Peter Kim, Alex Teckenbrock, Michael R. Gogola
  • Publication number: 20240246139
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed. An example apparatus includes an alignment retainer and a profile retainer, where the profile retainer is movably coupled to the alignment retainer. A biasing element is positioned between the alignment retainer and the profile retainer to enable movement of the alignment retainer relative to the profile retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2024
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Inventor: Michael R. Gogola
  • Patent number: 11981476
    Abstract: Re-closable mobile packages are disclosed. An example can end includes a center panel having a pour opening, a first wall extending from the center panel around a perimeter of the pour opening, and a cover rotatably coupled to the center panel. The cover is rotatable relative to the pour opening between a first position and a second position. The cover interlocks with the first wall when the cover is in the first position to prevent access to the pour opening. The cover exposes the pour opening when cover is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: ARDAGH METAL PACKAGING USA CORP.
    Inventors: Rex Villasin, Peter Kim, Alex Teckenbrock, Michael R Gogola
  • Publication number: 20230264856
    Abstract: Can ends having re-closable covers are disclosed. An example can end includes a can end having center panel defining a pour panel and a first wall extending from the center panel. A cover defines a first opening and rotatably couples to the can end. The cover is rotatable relative to the pour panel between a first position and a second position. The opening of the cover aligns with the pour panel to allow access to the pour panel when the cover is in the first position. The opening of the cover is offset relative to the pour panel such that the opening is misaligned with the pour panel to at least one of restrict or prevent access to the pour panel when the cover is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2023
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Inventors: Michael R. Gogola, Rex A. Villasin, Peter Kim, Alex J. Teckenbrock, Jonathan M. Holland, Abhik Soanpet
  • Publication number: 20230049520
    Abstract: Re-closable mobile packages are disclosed. An example can end includes a center panel having a pour opening, a first wall extending from the center panel around a perimeter of the pour opening, and a cover rotatably coupled to the center panel. The cover is rotatable relative to the pour opening between a first position and a second position. The cover interlocks with the first wall when the cover is in the first position to prevent access to the pour opening. The cover exposes the pour opening when cover is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventors: Rex Villasin, Peter Kim, Alex Teckenbrock, Michael R. Gogola
  • Publication number: 20220063864
    Abstract: A can end has a public side and an opposing product side. A circumferential curl is located about a center axis and defines an outer perimeter of the can end. A circumferential wall extends downwardly from the curl. A circumferential, generally U-shaped countersink extends radially inwardly from the circumferential wall relative to the center axis and upwardly. A center panel extends radially inwardly from the countersink relative to the center axis and has a displaceable tear panel defined by frangible score and a hinge segment on the public side and a tab fixed to the public side which has a nose portion overlying a portion of the displaceable tear panel. A circumferential panel joins the countersink with the center panel and has a first panel radius joined to a second panel radius by a short wall extending upwardly and inwardly. The circumferential panel has a bead formed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Randall G. Forrest, Michael R. Gogola
  • Patent number: 11174069
    Abstract: A can end has a public side and an opposing product side. A circumferential curl is located about a center axis and defines an outer perimeter of the can end. A circumferential wall extends downwardly from the curl. A circumferential, generally U-shaped countersink extends radially inwardly from the circumferential wall relative to the center axis and upwardly. A center panel extends radially inwardly from the countersink relative to the center axis and has a displaceable tear panel defined by frangible score and a hinge segment on the public side and a tab fixed to the public side which has a nose portion overlying a portion of the displaceable tear panel. A circumferential panel joins the countersink with the center panel and has a first panel radius joined to a second panel radius by a short wall extending upwardly and inwardly. The circumferential panel has a bead formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: REXAM BEVERAGE CAN COMPANY
    Inventors: Randall G. Forrest, Michael R. Gogola
  • Patent number: 10577148
    Abstract: Tabs having cleats and related methods are disclosed. An example tab includes a lift end and a nose opposite the lift end, where the nose is to at least partially extend over a pour panel of the can end. A central webbing is interposed between the lift end and the nose. The central webbing defines a hinge line about which the tab is to pivot away from a center panel of the can end when the tab is coupled to the can end. A first cleat is formed on the nose. The first cleat is offset relative to a first side of the center axis of the tab such that a longitudinal axis of the first cleat intersects the center axis at a first angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Ardagh Metal Beverage USA Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Gogola, Randall G. Forrest
  • Patent number: 10486852
    Abstract: A can end for a two-piece beverage container has a curl positioned about a longitudinal axis which defines an outer perimeter of the can end. A circumferential wall angles downwardly and radially inwardly relative to a radially inner portion of the curl. A strengthening member extends radially inwardly relative to the circumferential wall. A center panel extends radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis towards the strengthening member and has a diameter greater than 87.7% of an overall diameter of the can end. A frangible score and a hinge portion define an openable tear panel in the center panel. A stay-on tab is attached to the center panel and has a nose portion overlying the tear panel opposite a lift end of the tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: REXAM BEVERAGE CAN COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael R. Gogola, Randall G. Forrest
  • Publication number: 20190112096
    Abstract: Tabs having cleats and related methods are disclosed. An example tab includes a lift end and a nose opposite the lift end, where the nose is to at least partially extend over a pour panel of the can end. A central webbing is interposed between the lift end and the nose. The central webbing defines a hinge line about which the tab is to pivot away from a center panel of the can end when the tab is coupled to the can end. A first cleat is formed on the nose. The first cleat is offset relative to a first side of the center axis of the tab such that a longitudinal axis of the first cleat intersects the center axis at a first angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Michael R. Gogola, Randall G. Forrest
  • Patent number: 9950832
    Abstract: An ecology stay-on tab beverage can end has a first axis extending though a rivet. A tear panel is defined by a frangible score and a non-frangible hinge that joins a first end of the frangible score with a second end of the frangible score. The first axis forms a line of asymmetry of the tear panel. A second axis intersects the first axis at a right angle. An intersection of the first axis with the second axis defines a center point of a clock-like reference having a 12 o'clock position at the first point and a 6 o'clock position at the second point. A first radius of curvature of the frangible score between a 5 o'clock position and a 7 o'clock position is at least 3.6 times larger than a second radius of curvature between a 7 o'clock position and a 9 o'clock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: REXAM BEVERAGE CAN COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael R. Gogola, Randall G. Forrest, Rex Villasin, Jonathan P. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20180072453
    Abstract: A can end has a public side and an opposing product side. A circumferential curl is located about a center axis and defines an outer perimeter of the can end. A circumferential wall extends downwardly from the curl. A circumferential, generally U-shaped countersink extends radially inwardly from the circumferential wall relative to the center axis and upwardly. A center panel extends radially inwardly from the countersink relative to the center axis and has a displaceable tear panel defined by frangible score and a hinge segment on the public side and a tab fixed to the public side which has a nose portion overlying a portion of the displaceable tear panel. A circumferential panel joins the countersink with the center panel and has a first panel radius joined to a second panel radius by a short wall extending upwardly and inwardly. The circumferential panel has a bead formed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Randall G. Forrest, Michael R. Gogola
  • Patent number: 9896237
    Abstract: An ecology stay-on tab beverage can end has a center panel having a public side and an opposing product side. The center panel has a displaceable tear panel defined by a frangible score groove and a non-frangible hinge portion of the center panel located between a first end and a second end of the frangible score which retains the displaceable tear panel to the center panel subsequent to opening. The displaceable tear panel has a symbol thereon. The symbol conveys information to a user and is formed by a relief feature on the tear panel. The symbol and the relief feature are spaced at least 0.050 inches radially inwardly of the frangible score groove such that no portion of the symbol and the relief feature are closer than 0.050 inches to the frangible score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: REXAM BEVERAGE CAN COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael R. Gogola, Jonathan P. Meyer, Rex Villasin
  • Patent number: 9884701
    Abstract: An ecology stay-on tab beverage can end has a first curvilinear segment of frangible score severable to form a vent region and a pressure equalization port. A second curvilinear segment of frangible score has opposing terminal ends separated by a hinge segment of the center panel. The second curvilinear segment of frangible score is severable to form a pour opening. A lifting of a lift end of a tab actuates an opening sequence in which the first curvilinear segment of frangible score is severed causing the vent region and the pressure equalization port to form before the pour opening is completely formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: REXAM BEVERAGE CAN COMPANY
    Inventors: Randall G. Forrest, Michael R. Gogola
  • Patent number: 9821928
    Abstract: A can end has a public side and an opposing product side. A circumferential curl is located about a center axis and defines an outer perimeter of the can end. A circumferential wall extends downwardly from the curl. A circumferential, generally U-shaped countersink extends radially inwardly from the circumferential wall relative to the center axis and upwardly. A center panel extends radially inwardly from the countersink relative to the center axis and has a displaceable tear panel defined by frangible score and a hinge segment on the public side and a tab fixed to the public side which has a nose portion overlying a portion of the displaceable tear panel. A circumferential panel joins the countersink with the center panel and has a first panel radius joined to a second panel radius by a short wall extending upwardly and inwardly. The circumferential panel has a bead formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: REXAM BEVERAGE CAN COMPANY
    Inventors: Randall G. Forrest, Michael R. Gogola
  • Publication number: 20170137169
    Abstract: A can end for a two-piece beverage container has a curl positioned about a longitudinal axis which defines an outer perimeter of the can end. A circumferential wall angles downwardly and radially inwardly relative to a radially inner portion of the curl. A strengthening member extends radially inwardly relative to the circumferential wall. A center panel extends radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis towards the strengthening member and has a diameter greater than 87.7% of an overall diameter of the can end. A frangible score and a hinge portion define an openable tear panel in the center panel. A stay-on tab is attached to the center panel and has a nose portion overlying the tear panel opposite a lift end of the tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Michael R. Gogola, Randall G. Forrest
  • Tab
    Patent number: D893298
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: ARDAGH METAL BEVERAGE USA INC.
    Inventors: Michael R. Gogola, Randall G. Forrest
  • Tab
    Patent number: D894000
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: ARDAGH METAL BEVERAGE USA INC.
    Inventors: Michael R. Gogola, Randall G. Forrest