PROPORTION, TAPERED-END CAN

Abstract

A multi-piece metal cylindrical can with tapered ends including a double-seam joint creating a hermetic seal. The cylindrical can includes can ends, a side wall portion, a first transition portion and a second transition portion. The can ends each have a diameter that is less than the diameter of the side wall portion.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a multi-piece, metal can with tapered-ends.

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to a three-piece metal can. The three-piece metal can includes a first circular can end, second circular can end, cylindrical can side wall and a double-seam joint. The first circular can end has a first diameter. The second circular can end has a first diameter. The cylindrical can side wall includes a height, first end, second end, side wall portion, first transition portion, second transition portion and seam. The first end and second end of the cylindrical side wall have substantially the first diameter. The side wall portion of the cylindrical side wall has a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. The first transition portion extends from the first end to the side wall portion. The second transition portion extends from the second end to the side wall portion. The seam extends from the first end to the second end. The second diameter is between 80% and 120% of the height and 105% and 120% of the first diameter. The double-seam joint hermetically seals the second circular can end to the side wall.

Another embodiment relates to a two-piece metal can. The two-piece metal can includes a cylindrical can side wall, circular can end and a double-seam joint. The cylindrical can side wall has a height and includes a first end, second end, side wall portion, first transition portion and a second transition portion. The first end and second end of the cylindrical can side wall have substantially the first diameter. The side wall portion has a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The first transition portion extends from the first end to the side wall portion. The second transition portion extends from the second end to the side wall portion. The first diameter is between 80% and 120% of the height. The double-seam joint hermetically seals the bottom circular can end to one of the first or second ends.

Yet another embodiment relates to a two-piece metal can. The two-piece container includes a circular can end, cylindrical can side wall and a double-seam joint. The cylindrical can side wall has a height and includes a first end, second end, side wall portion, first transition portion and a second transition portion. The first end has a first diameter. The second end has a second diameter. The side wall portion has a third diameter that is greater than the first and second diameters. The first transition portion extends from the first end to the side wall portion. The second transition portion extends from the second end to the side wall portion. The second diameter is between 80% and 120% of the height. The double-seam joint hermetically seals the bottom circular can end to one of the first or second ends.

Yet another embodiment relates to a three-piece metal can. The three-piece metal can includes a first circular can end, a second circular can end and a cylindrical can side wall. The first circular can end and second circular can end have a first diameter. The cylindrical can side wall has a height, first end, second end, side wall portion, first transition portion and a second transition portion. The first end and second end have substantially the first diameter. The side wall portion has a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The first transition portion extends from the first end to the side wall portion. The second transition portion extends from the second end to the side wall portion. The first diameter is between 75% and 100% of the height.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the claimed design;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the claimed design of FIG. 1, the rear view, the left side view and the right side view being the same as the front view;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the claimed design of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the claimed design of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the claimed design;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the claimed design of FIG. 5, the rear view, the left side view and the right side view being the same as the front view;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the claimed design of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the claimed design of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the claimed design;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the claimed design of FIG. 9, the rear view, the left side view and the right side view being the same as the front view;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the claimed design of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the claimed design of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the claimed design;

FIG. 14 is a front view of the claimed design of FIG. 13, the rear view, the left side view and the right side view being the same as the front view;

FIG. 15 is a top view of the claimed design of FIG. 13; and

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the claimed design of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring to all of the figures, a can is shown which includes a first can end (or top can end), a second can end (or bottom can end) and a side wall. Cans of this type may include a shaped side wall (as shown by examples), separately formed bottom can end and a separately formed top can end. The can ends may be fabricated all, or in part, from a metal (e.g., steel) and are joined to the side wall with a rolled joint double-seam or soldered joint creating a hermetic seal. The side wall can be formed from a rolled piece of metal with a seam or welded joint extending from the top to the bottom of the side wall. The relative dimensions, including angles, in the Figures are to scale. Actual measurements of the Figures will disclose the relative dimensions and angles of the preferred embodiments. Accordingly, actual dimensions not expressly set out in this description, can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions measured in the Figures in combination with the express dimensions set out in this description.

Referring to FIG. 1, can 10 includes can ends 12, 14 and side wall 16, preferably formed from metal. Can 10, can ends 12, 14 and side wall 16 are shown in further detail in FIGS. 2-4. Can end 12 has a diameter D24. Can end 14 has a diameter D30. Diameter D24 and diameter D30 can be substantially similar. Exemplary dimensions are illustrated in inches. In one embodiment, both diameters D24, D30 are approximately 3.112 inches. Alternative embodiments include diameter D30 to be greater in length than diameter D24.

Additionally, can end 12, or the end in which the user opens, shows a pull top 22. Exemplary pull top 22 is illustrated in FIG. 1. However, alternative embodiments of can end 12 may include a rim and a foil closure adhered to the rim.

Side wall 16 has a height 32 that includes can ends 12, 14, side wall portion 34 and transition portions 38, 40. The side wall is fabricated from steel, the interior is typically coated with an organic coating and the exterior is typically coated with ink.

Referring to FIG. 2, the side wall portion 34 of can 10 has a diameter D36 that is greater in length than diameters D24, D30. For example, diameters D24, D30 are 3.112 inches and diameter D36 is 3.604 inches. The side wall portion 34 also includes transition portions 38, 40. Transition portion 38 is located between can end 12 and the top of side wall portion 34. Transition portion 40 is located between can end 14 and the bottom of side wall portion 34.

The dimensions of can 10 are suitable with various diameters and heights for various applications. Exemplary dimensions are illustrated in inches. Exemplary dimensions with the diameter and height are between approximately 2.9 inches and 3.4 inches in diameter and approximately 3.0 inches and 5.2 inches in height. In one embodiment, diameters D24 or D30 is 96% of height 32, the diameter is 3.112 inches and the height is 3.257 inches. In this same embodiment, diameter D30 is 100% of the length of diameter D24, diameter D24 is 3.112 inches and diameter D30 is 3.112 inches. In additional embodiments, diameter D24 can be smaller in length or substantially similar to height 32 and the length of diameter D36 is greater than the length of diameter D24.

Referring to FIG. 5, can 110 includes can ends 112, 114 and side wall 140, preferably formed from metal. Can 110, can ends 112, 114 and side wall 140 are shown in further detail in FIGS. 6-8. Can end 112 has a diameter D116. Can end 114 has a diameter D118. Diameter D116 and diameter D118 can be substantially similar. Exemplary dimensions are illustrated in inches. In one embodiment, both diameters D116, D118 are approximately 2.950 inches. Alternative embodiments include diameter D118 to be greater in length than diameter D116.

Additionally, can end 112, or the end in which the user opens, shows a pull top 138. Exemplary pull top 138 is illustrated in FIG. 5. However, alternative embodiments of can end 112 may include a rim and a foil closure adhered to the rim.

Side wall 140 has a height 120 that includes can ends 112, 114, side wall portion 122 and transition portions 126, 128. The side wall is fabricated from steel, the interior is typically coated with an organic coating and the exterior is typically coated with ink.

Referring to FIG. 6, the side wall portion 122 of can 110 has a diameter D124 that is greater than diameters D116, D118. For example, diameters D116, D118 are 2.950 inches and diameter D124 is 3.302 inches. The side wall portion 122 also includes transition portions 126, 128. Transition portion 126 is located between can end 112 and the top of side wall portion 122. Transition portion 128 is located between can end 114 and the bottom of side wall portion 122.

The dimensions of can 110 are suitable with various diameters and heights for various applications. Exemplary dimensions are illustrated in inches. Exemplary dimensions with the diameter and height are between approximately 2.9 inches and 3.4 inches in diameter and approximately 3.0 inches and 5.2 inches in height. In one embodiment, diameters D116 or D118 is 81% of height 120, the diameter is 2.950 inches and the height is 3.639 inches. In this same embodiment, diameter D118 is 100% of the length of diameter D116, diameter D116 is 2.950 inches and diameter D118 is 2.950 inches. In additional embodiments, diameter D116 can be smaller in length or substantially similar to height 120 and the length of diameter D124 is greater than the length of diameter D116.

Referring to FIG. 9, can 210 includes can ends 212, 214 and side wall 240, preferably formed from metal. Can 210, can ends 212, 214 and side wall 240 are shown in further detail in FIGS. 10-12. Can end 212 has a diameter D216. Can end 214 has a diameter D218. Diameter D216 and diameter D218 can be substantially similar. Exemplary dimensions are illustrated in inches. In one embodiment, both diameters D216, D218 are approximately 3.112 inches. Alternative embodiments include diameter D218 to be greater in length than diameter D216.

Additionally, can end 212, or the end in which the user opens, shows a pull top 238. Exemplary pull top 238 is illustrated in FIG. 9. However, alternative embodiments of can end 212 may include a rim and a foil closure adhered to the rim.

Side wall 240 has a height 220 that includes can ends 212, 214, side wall portion 222 and transition portions 226, 228. The side wall is fabricated from steel, the interior is typically coated with an organic coating and the exterior is typically coated with ink.

Referring to FIG. 10, the side wall portion 222 of can 210 has a diameter D224 that is greater than diameters D216, D218. For example, diameters D216, D218 are 3.112 inches and diameter D224 is 3.604 inches. The side wall portion 222 also includes transition portions 226, 228. Transition portion 226 is located between can end 212 and the top of side wall portion 222. Transition portion 228 is located between can end 214 and the bottom of side wall portion 222.

The dimensions of can 210 are suitable with various diameters and heights for various applications. Exemplary dimensions are illustrated in inches. Exemplary dimensions with the diameter and height are between approximately 2.9 inches and 3.4 inches in diameter and approximately 3.0 inches and 5.2 inches in height. In one embodiment, diameters D216 or D218 is 60% of height 220, the diameter is 3.112 inches and the height is 5.187 inches. In this same embodiment, diameter D218 is 100% of the length of diameter D216, diameter D216 is 3.112 inches and diameter D218 is 3.112 inches. In additional embodiments, diameter D216 can be smaller in length or substantially similar to height 220 and the length of diameter D224 is greater than the length of diameter D216.

Referring to FIG. 13, can 310 includes can ends 312, 314 and side wall 340, preferably formed from metal. Can 310, can ends 312, 314 and side wall 340 are shown in further detail in FIGS. 14-16. Can end 312 has a diameter D316. Can end 314 has a diameter D318. Diameter D316 and diameter D318 can be substantially similar. Exemplary dimensions are illustrated in inches. In one embodiment, both diameters D316, D318 are approximately 3.365 inches. Alternative embodiments include diameter D318 to be greater in length than diameter D316.

Additionally, can end 312, or the end in which the user opens, shows a pull top 338. Exemplary pull top 338 is illustrated in FIG. 13. However, alternative embodiments of can end 312 may include a rim and a foil closure adhered to the rim.

Side wall 340 has a height 320 that includes can ends 312, 314, side wall portion 322 and transition portions 326, 328. The side wall is fabricated from steel, the interior is typically coated with an organic coating and the exterior is typically coated with ink.

Referring to FIG. 14, the side wall portion 322 of can 310 has a diameter D324 that is greater than diameters D316, D318. For example, diameters D316, D318 are 3.365 inches and diameter D324 is 3.925 inches. The side wall portion 322 also includes transition portions 326, 328. Transition portion 326 is located between can end 312 and the top of side wall portion 322. Transition portion 328 is located between can end 314 and the bottom of side wall portion 322.

The dimensions of can 310 are suitable with various diameters and heights for various applications. Exemplary dimensions are illustrated in inches. Exemplary dimensions with the diameter and height are between approximately 2.9 inches and 3.4 inches in diameter and approximately 3.0 inches and 5.2 inches in height. In one embodiment, diameters D316 or D318 is 77% of height 320, the diameter is 3.365 inches and the height is 4.376 inches. In this same embodiment, diameter D318 is 100% of the length of diameter D316, diameter D316 is 3.365 inches and diameter D318 is 3.365 inches. In additional embodiments, diameter D316 can be smaller in length or substantially similar to height 320 and the length of diameter D324 is greater than the length of diameter D316.

Claims

1. A three-piece metal can combination comprising:

a first circular can end having a first diameter;

a second circular can end having the first diameter;

a cylindrical can side wall having a height, a first end having substantially the first diameter, a second end having substantially the first diameter, a side wall portion having a second diameter greater than the first diameter, a first transition portion which extends from the first end to the side wall, a second transition portion which extends from the second end to the side wall portion and a seam which extends from the first end to the second end, wherein the second diameter is between 80% and 120% of the height, and the second diameter is between 105% and 120% of the first diameter; and

a double-seam joint which hermetically seals the second circular can end to the side wall.

2. The can of claim 1, wherein the side wall is fabricated from steel.

3. The can of claim 2, wherein the interior of the side wall is coated with an organic coating.

4. The can of claim 3, wherein the exterior of the side wall is coated with ink.

5. The can of claim 4, wherein the first end includes a rim and a foil closure adhered to the rim.

6. The can of claim 4, wherein the first end includes a pop top.

7. A two-piece metal can comprising:

a cylindrical can side wall having a height, a first end having substantially the first diameter, a second end having substantially the first diameter, a side wall portion having a second diameter greater than the first diameter, a first transition portion which extends from the first end to the side wall and a second transition portion which extends from the second end to the side wall portion, wherein the first diameter is between 80% and 120% of the height;

a circular can end; and

a double-seam joint which hermetically seals the bottom circular can to one of the first or second ends.

8. The can of claim 7, wherein the second diameter is between 105% and 120% of the first diameter

9. The can of claim 8, wherein the side wall is fabricated from steel.

10. The can of claim 9, wherein the interior of the side wall is coated with an organic coating.

11. The can of claim 10, wherein the exterior of the side wall is coated with ink.

12. The can of claim 11, wherein the can end includes a rim and a foil closure adhered to the rim.

13. The can of claim 12, wherein the can end includes a pop top.

14. A two-piece metal can comprising:

a circular can end;

a cylindrical can side wall having a height, a first end having a first diameter, a second end having a second diameter, a side wall portion having a third diameter greater than the first and second diameters, a first transition portion which extends from the first end to the side wall and a second transition portion which extends from the second end to the side wall portion, wherein the second diameter is between 80% and 120% of the height; and

a double-seam joint which hermetically seals the bottom circular can to one of the first or second ends.

15. The can of claim 14, wherein the third diameter is between 105% and 120% of the first diameter.

16. The can of claim 15, wherein the side wall is fabricated from steel.

17. The can of claim 16, wherein the interior of the side wall is coated with an organic coating.

18. The can of claim 17, wherein the exterior of the side wall is coated with ink.

19. The can of claim 18, wherein the circular can end includes a rim and a foil closure adhered to the rim.

20. The can of claim 18, wherein the circular can end includes a pop top.

21. A three-piece metal can comprising:

a first circular can end having a first diameter;

a second circular can end having the first diameter; and

a cylindrical can side wall having a height, a first end having substantially the first diameter, a second end having substantially the first diameter, a side wall portion having a second diameter greater than the first diameter, a first transition portion which extends from the first end to the side wall and a second transition portion which extends from the second end to the side wall portion, wherein the first diameter is between 75% and 100% of the height.