Beverage Containers, And Tabs And Lids For Use With Beverage Containers

Abstract

A container configured to hold fluid, and a lid and tab for use with the container, are provided that allow for venting the container when dispensing fluid therefrom. The lid includes scored portions configured to be severed from a surface of the lid for venting the container and dispensing fluid from the container. A scored venting portion of the lid has a protrusion, and the tab has a raised portion that generally aligns with the protrusion when the tab is coupled to the lid. To open and vent the container, the tab is moved to sever a scored pouring portion from a surface of the lid, and the raised portion of the tab is deformed to engage the protrusion of the lid to sever the scored venting portion from the surface of the lid.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/441,165 filed Feb. 9, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to containers (e.g., beverage containers, etc.), and tabs and lids for use with such containers.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Beverage containers often include tabs attached to lids of the containers for use in opening the containers. For example, the tabs can be pivoted relative to the lids to depress scored portions of the lids and form openings in the lids for dispensing beverages from the containers. Some beverage containers include oversized dispensing openings to allow air to enter the containers when dispensing beverages. Other beverage containers, however, include separate openings in the lids (in addition to dispensing openings) to allow air to enter the containers when dispensing beverages. But these other beverage containers have not been used successfully on a commercial scale.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

Example embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed to tabs suitable for use with containers. In one example embodiment, a tab includes a raised portion configured to move between a convex position and a concave position for use in venting a container in which the tab is used.

Example embodiments of the present disclosure are also generally directed to lids for containers. In one example embodiment, a lid for a beverage container includes a surface, a scored portion formed in the surface, and a tab coupled to the surface. The scored portion includes a protrusion extending generally above the surface, and the tab is operable to engage the protrusion of the scored portion and sever at least part of the scored portion from the surface to thereby define an opening in the surface.

Example embodiments of the present disclosure are also generally directed to containers. In one example embodiment, a beverage container includes a can, a lid coupled to the can, and a tab coupled to the lid. The lid includes a scored pouring portion and a scored venting portion. The scored venting portion includes a protrusion extending generally above a surface of the lid. The tab includes a raised portion configured to move between a convex position and a concave position to engage the protrusion and sever at least part of the scored venting portion from the lid to thereby define an opening in the lid for venting the container when pouring beverage from the container.

Example embodiments of the present disclosure are also generally directed to methods of making tabs for use with containers. In one example embodiment, a method of making a tab for use with a beverage container includes forming a raised portion on the tab, wherein the raised portion is configured to move between a concave position and a convex position for use in venting the beverage container.

Example embodiments of the present disclosure are also generally directed to methods of opening and venting containers for dispensing fluid from the containers. In one example embodiment, such a method includes moving a raised portion of a tab between a concave position and a convex position to sever a scored portion from a surface of a lid of the container to thereby define an opening in the lid for venting the container when dispensing the fluid from the container.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a beverage container according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the beverage container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is the top plan view of the beverage container of FIG. 2 with a tab of the beverage container removed to help illustrate scored portions formed in a lid of the beverage container;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the tab of the beverage container of FIG. 1 with a raised portion of the tab shown in a generally convex position;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the tab of FIG. 4, with the raised portion of the tab shown depressed and in a generally concave position;

FIG. 6 is a section view of the beverage container of FIG. 1 taken in a plane including line 6-6 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal section view of the lid of the beverage container of FIG. 1 prior to installation of the lid to the beverage container and shown in a stacked configuration with multiple other lids;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary longitudinal section view of the beverage container of FIG. 1 and another beverage container shown in a stacked configuration;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the beverage container of FIG. 1 with the tab shown in a generally vertical position and one of the scored portions of the lid shown partly severed and folded generally below the lid thereby defining an opening in the lid through which beverage can be dispensed from the container;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the beverage container of FIG. 9 with the tab shown in a generally horizontal position and substantially flat against the lid of the container;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the beverage container of FIG. 10 with the tab removed to help illustrate the scored portions of the lid, which are shown partly severed and folded generally below the lid, and openings defined by the scored portions for dispensing beverage from the container and venting the container when dispensing the beverage from the container;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a beverage container according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure with a tab of the beverage container removed to help illustrate scored portions formed in a lid of the beverage container;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a beverage container according to still another example embodiment of the present disclosure with a tab of the beverage container removed to help illustrate scored portions formed in a lid of the beverage container; and

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a beverage container according to yet another example embodiment of the present disclosure with a tab of the beverage container removed to help illustrate scored portions formed in a lid of the beverage container.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed toward containers configured to hold fluid, and lids and tabs for use with such containers. Some example embodiments allow for venting the containers to promote quick and easy pouring of fluid from the containers with generally uniform, smooth, continuous flow and little or no foam formation. In so doing, openings are provided in the containers for dispensing the fluid from the containers, and openings are provided in the containers for venting the containers (e.g., when dispensing fluid from the containers, etc.).

In some example embodiments, containers include lids having scored portions that can be opened to dispense fluid from the containers and, as desired, scored portions that can be opened to vent the containers, for example, while dispensing the fluid, etc. In some example embodiments, the containers include unique tabs configured for use to open the various scored portions as desired (e.g., tabs operable to sever the scored portions from the lids and thereby define desired openings in the lids, etc.). The containers may be, for example, beverage containers (e.g., soda containers, beer containers, etc.), other containers, etc., and the containers may have any desired size (e.g., twelve ounce sizes, twenty-four ounce sizes, etc.). And, the fluid may include, for example, carbonated or uncarbonated beverages (e.g., soda, beer, etc.), other fluid, etc.

In some example embodiments, lids for use with containers include scored portions that can be opened to dispense fluid from the containers and, as desired, scored portions that can be opened to vent the containers, for example, while dispensing the fluid, etc. In some example embodiments, the lids include unique tabs configured for use to open the various scored portions as desired (e.g., tabs operable to sever the scored portions from the lids and thereby define desired openings in the lids, etc.). In some example embodiments, the scored portions that can be opened to vent the containers include protrusions extending generally above surfaces of the lids, and the tabs are operable to engage the protrusions and sever at least part of the scored portions including the protrusions from the lids to thereby define openings in the lids to vent the containers, for example, while dispensing the fluid, etc.

In some example embodiments, tabs for use with containers are configured to open scored portions defined in lids of the containers (e.g., tabs operable to sever the scored portions from the lids and thereby define desired openings in the lids, etc.). In some example embodiments, the tabs include portions configured to move between convex positions and concave positions for use in opening the scored portions of the lids to thereby vent the containers.

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1-11 illustrate an example embodiment of a container 100 of the present disclosure. The illustrated container 100 is a beverage container configured to hold a beverage. As will be described in more detail hereinafter, the illustrated container 100 can be vented to promote quick and easy pouring of the beverage from the container 100 with generally uniform, smooth, continuous flow (e.g., “no-glug” flow, generally steady stream flow, etc.) and little or no foam formation.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the illustrated container 100 generally includes a can 104 (also referred to as a body), a lid 106 (also referred to as a shell), and a tab 108. The lid 106 is coupled to the can 104 (typically after the can 104 is filled with the beverage and, if desired, pressurized to carbonate the beverage in the can 104), for example, at a neck portion 112 of the can 104 using a suitable seaming operation. And, the tab 108 is coupled to the lid 106 by a rivet 114 at a generally central location on the lid 106. When positioned generally flat against the lid 106 (as shown in FIG. 1), the tab 108 is located generally below a rim 116 of the container 100.

The can 104 of the illustrated container 100 is generally cylindrical in shape and includes a sidewall portion 120 and a bottom portion 121 (FIG. 6). Any suitable material can be used to form the can 104 including, for example, metals (e.g., aluminum, aluminum alloys, steel, other alloys, etc.), plastics, combinations thereof, etc. And, the material used to form the can 104 may have any suitable thickness (e.g., about 0.011 inches (about 0.28 millimeters), less than about 0.011 inches (about 0.28 millimeters), greater than about 0.011 inches (about 0.28 millimeters), etc.) depending, for example, on desired use of the can 104, desired size of the can 104, etc. Further, the can 104 may be formed by any suitable process (e.g., a drawing and ironing process (as generally known in the art), an extrusion process (as generally known in the art), a sidewall welding process (as generally known in the art), etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the final shape of the can 104 includes an open top portion (not visible), the bottom portion 121 (FIG. 6), and the sidewall portion 120. The bottom portion 121 (FIG. 6) is domed inwardly to counteract pressure of the beverage added to the can 104, and the sidewall portion 120 is generally thicker at locations adjacent the bottom portion than at locations adjacent the top portion to provide strength and stability to the can 104. In other example embodiments, cans may have different final shapes, constructions, etc. as desired.

The lid 106 of the illustrated container 100 is generally flat and includes a surface portion 122 covering the top portion of the can 104. As shown in FIG. 3, scored portions 124 and 126 are formed in the surface portion 122 on generally opposite sides of the rivet 114. The scored portion 124 is generally coplanar with the surface portion 122 of the lid 106, and the scored portion 126 includes a protrusion 130 raised generally above the surface portion 122 of the lid 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 130 is generally symmetrical and circular in shape. However, the protrusion 130 may have other shapes as desired (e.g., shapes that are not symmetrical, shapes that are not circular, shapes that accommodate the tab 108 as desired, shapes that accommodate different configurations of tabs as desired, shapes that provide desired mechanical advantage when severing the scored portion 126 from the surface portion 122 of the lid 106, etc.).

With continued reference to FIG. 3, score line 132 defines the scored portion 124 of the lid 106, and score line 134 defines the scored portion 126. As such, the illustrated scored portions 124 and 126 are configured to be partly severed from the surface portion 122 of the lid 106 along the score lines 132 and 134 (e.g., to permit the scored portions 124 and 126 to be hinged generally downwardly from the surface portion 122 of the lid 106 via portions of the scored portions 124 and 126 remaining intact with the surface portion 122 of the lid 106, etc.) to thereby define openings 136 and 138 in the lid 106 (FIG. 11) as desired. In particular, the scored portion 124 (e.g., a scored dispensing portion, a scored pouring portion, etc.) defines an opening 136 for dispensing the beverage from the container 100, and the scored portion 126 (e.g., a scored venting portion, etc.) defines an opening 138 for venting the container 100 when dispensing the beverage. The score lines 132 and/or 134 can be formed in the surface portion 122 of the lid 106 by any suitable scoring operation. And, as an example, formation of the score lines 132 and/or 134 may leave score residuals of between about 0.0030 inches (about 0.076 millimeters) and about 0.0050 inches (about 0.13 millimeters), less than about 0.0030 inches (about 0.076 millimeters), greater than about 0.0050 inches (about 0.13 millimeters), etc. These dimensions can vary as desired depending, for example, on where the score residuals are measured along the score lines 132 and/or 134, on individual manufacturer preferences, on intended use of the score lines 132 and/or 134, etc. In addition, the score lines 132 and 134 may be formed such that score residuals are about the same for both score lines 132 and 134. Alternatively, score lines 132 and 134 may be formed such that score residuals are different for both score lines 132 and 134. Further, in some example embodiments double score lines may be used to define scored portions, as generally known by those skilled in the art. While illustrated as generally circular configurations in FIG. 3, score lines 132 and/or 134 may have other configurations as desired (e.g., configurations such as the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 12-14, etc.).

Any suitable materials can be used to form the lid 106, including, for example, metals (e.g., aluminum, aluminum alloys, steel, other alloys, etc.), plastics, combinations thereof, etc. And, the material used to form the lid 106 may have any suitable thickness (e.g., between about 0.082 inches (about 2.08 millimeters) and about 0.088 inches (about 2.24 millimeters), less than about 0.082 inches (about 2.08 millimeters), greater than about 0.088 inches (about 2.24 millimeters), etc.) depending, for example, on desired use of the lid 106, desired size of the lid 106, etc. Further, any suitable process can be used to form the lid 106 (and couple the tab 108 thereto). For example, the lid 106 may be formed using a stamping process that includes stamping a blank from a sheet of suitable material to form the lid 106, drawing a central portion of the lid 106 upwardly to form a rivet button, and then scoring the lid 106 using suitable operations to form the scored portions 124 and 126. The protrusion 130 of scored portion 126 may be raised (e.g., drawn, etc.) generally above the surface portion 122 of the lid 106 before scoring the lid 106 (e.g., before forming score lines 132 and/or 134, etc.), while scoring the lid 106, or after scoring the lid 106, as desired. And, the tab 108 may be coupled to the lid 106 by positioning the tab 108 over the rivet button and then flattening the rivet button over the tab 108 (to form the rivet 114).

With reference now to FIGS. 1-6, the tab 108 of the illustrated container 100 is generally flat in structure and includes an abutment portion 142 (also referred to as an end portion), a lever portion 144 (also referred to as an end portion), and a pivot portion 146. The pivot portion 146 of the tab 108 is disposed generally between the abutment portion 142 and the lever portion 144. The pivot portion 146 is coupled to the lid 106 by the rivet 114 and provides a pivot point to move the tab 108 (e.g., to pivot the tab 108, etc.) when desired to open the container 100. When coupled to the lid 106, the abutment portion 142 of the tab 108 is disposed adjacent the scored portion 124 of the lid 106 and the lever portion 144 of the tab 108 is disposed adjacent the scored portion 126 of the lid 106 (FIG. 2).

The lever portion 144 of the tab 108 includes a raised portion 150 (also referred to as a dimple) configured for use in venting the container 100 as desired. FIG. 4 illustrates the tab 108 and raised portion 150 prior to use to vent the container 100. Here, the raised portion 150 (shown in broken lines) is in a generally convex position projecting generally upwardly. The raised portion 150 is defined generally within a thickness of the tab 108 such that the raised portion 150 does not extend above an upper portion of the tab 108 or, for that matter, above the rim 116 of the container 100 (e.g., the raised portion 150 includes a generally low profile, etc.) (FIG. 6). The raised portion 150 of the tab 108 defines a recess 152 (also referred to as a void) generally under the raised portion 150 such that when the tab 108 is coupled to the lid 106 of the container 100 (with the raised portion 150 in the convex position), at least part of the protrusion 130 of the lid 106 is received in and nests within the recess 152 of the raised portion 150 (FIGS. 6-8).

With additional reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the raised portion 150 of the tab 108 does not interfere with traditional operating processes used in manufacturing the container 100 (e.g., processes of stacking the lid 106 with other lids 106′ prior to being coupled to the container 100 as shown in FIG. 7, processes of moving multiple stacked lids in connection with manufacturing the container 100, processes of stacking the container 100 with another container 100′ as shown in FIG. 8, etc.). In other example embodiments, however, tabs may include raised portions that extend above upper portions of the tabs, but that still do not interfere with traditional operating processes used in manufacturing the container.

In addition, the nesting feature of the protrusion 130 of the lid 106 with the raised portion 150 of the tab 108 helps inhibit the raised portion 150 (and the tab 108) from inadvertently severing the scored portion 126 from the surface portion 122 of the lid 106, for example, during storage, transport, etc. of the container 100 (including, for example, when the container 100 is stacked end-to-end with other containers, when the container 100 is placed in an ice cooler with other containers, etc.). This nesting feature also helps position the tab 108 generally flat against the surface portion 122 of the lid 106 (as shown in FIG. 1) and below the rim 116 of the container 100, for example, when constructing the container 100, when storing the container 100, when transporting the container 100, etc.

The raised portion 150 of the tab 108 is configured to move relative to the tab 108 (e.g., relative to the abutment portion 142 of the tab 108, relative to the pivot portion 146 of the tab 108, relative to the lever portion 144 of the tab 108, etc.) for use in venting the beverage container 100. In particular, the raised portion 150 is configured to move between the generally convex position (FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 6-8) and a generally concave position (FIG. 5) for use in venting the beverage container 100 (e.g., the tab 108 is operable to deform for use in venting the beverage container 100, etc.). For example, following initial assembly (and filling) of the container 100, the raised portion 150 of the tab 108 initially projects upwardly in the generally convex position. When desired to vent the container 100, finger pressure is applied to the raised portion 150 to collapse the raised portion 150 to the generally concave position. In so doing, the raised portion 150 engages the protrusion 130 of the scored portion 126 (providing generally metal-to-metal contact therebetween) and causes the scored portion 126 to sever from the surface portion 122 of the lid 106 along the score line 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the raised portion 150 then remains in the generally concave position (after severing the scored portion 126 from the surface portion 122 of the lid 106). In other example embodiments, however, the raised portion 150 may return to the convex position after severing the scored portion 126 from the surface portion 122 of the lid 106.

The raised portion 150 of the tab 108 shown in the illustrated container 100 is generally symmetrical and circular in shape. In other example embodiments, however, tabs can include raised portions that have shapes other than circular, shapes that are not symmetrical, other desired shapes to accommodate protrusions of lids, etc. In addition, tabs may be shaped other than illustrated herein, for example, to accommodate various configurations of the raised portions, to accommodate various configurations of protrusions of lids (e.g., for venting containers having the lids, etc.), to provide desired mechanical advantage when severing scored portions from the lids, etc.

Any suitable materials can be used to form the tab 108 of the container 100, including, for example, metals (e.g., aluminum, aluminum alloys, steel, other alloys, etc.), plastics, combinations thereof, etc. And, the resulting tab 108 may have any suitable thickness (e.g., about 0.01 inches (about 0.25 millimeters), less than about 0.01 inches (about 0.25 millimeters), greater than about 0.01 inches (about 0.25 millimeters), etc.) depending, for example, on desired use of the tab 108, desired size of the tab 108, etc. Further, the tab 108 can be formed using a suitable die process, and the raised portion 150 can be formed monolithically with the tab 108 (with the lever portion 144 of the tab 108) in connection with the process. As an example, a blank may be cut from suitable material, and edge portions of the blank may be generally folded, curled, or rolled in shape to form the general shape of the tab 108. The lever portion 144 of the tab 108 (including the raised portion 150) may then be generally countersunk relative to the edge portions of the tab 108, and the raised portion 150 may then be formed by bowing at least part of the lever portion 144 upwardly (but still maintaining the raised portion 150 below an upper portion of the tab 108 as defined by the edge portions). In other example embodiments, tabs may include raised portions formed separately from the tabs and coupled thereto.

An example operation of opening and venting the illustrated container 100 will next be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 9-11. FIG. 1 illustrates the container 100 in a generally assembled and sealed condition, after the container 100 is filled with beverage and pressurized. The tab 108 is positioned generally flat against the lid 106. And, the raised portion 150 of the tab 108 is positioned generally over the protrusion 130 of the scored portion 126 (such that at least part of the protrusion 130 nests generally within the raised portion 150 (within the recess 152 of the raised portion 150)).

To open the container 100, the lever portion 144 of the tab 108 is initially pulled generally upwardly so that the abutment portion 142 of the tab 108 moves (via pivoting movement of the tab 108 about the rivet 114) into engagement with the scored portion 124 of the lid 106. As shown in FIG. 9, continued movement of the tab 108 causes the abutment portion 142 to depress the scored portion 124 of the lid 106, sever it from the surface portion 122 of the lid 106 along the score line 132, and then position it generally below the surface portion 122 of lid 106 and out of the way of the resulting opening 136 (so that the beverage can be dispensed from the container 100 through the resulting opening 136 as desired). The lever portion 144 of the tab 108 is then pushed back down flat against the surface portion 122 of the lid 106 as shown in FIG. 10. Here, the raised portion 150 of the tab 108 is again positioned generally over the protrusion 130 of the scored portion 126 (such that at least part of the protrusion 130 nests generally within the raised portion 150 (within the recess 152 of the raised portion 150)).

To vent the container 100, the raised portion 150 (positioned generally over the protrusion 130 of the scored portion 126) is depressed and collapsed from the generally convex position to the generally concave position. In so doing, the depressed raised portion 150 engages the protrusion 130 of the scored portion 126, causes the scored portion 126 to sever from the surface portion 122 of the lid 106 along the score line 134, and folds the scored portion 126 generally below the surface portion 122 of the lid 106 so that the container 100 can be vented through the resulting opening 138 when dispensing the beverage from the container 100.

FIG. 11 illustrates the lid 106 of the container 100 with the tab 108 removed and with both the scored portion 124 and the scored portion 126 of the lid 106 severed from the surface portion 122 of the lid 106 and folded generally below the surface portion 122. The resulting opening 138 defined by the scored portion 126 of the lid 106 (when severed from the surface portion 122 of the lid 106) allows air to enter the container 100 and circulate therethrough behind the beverage as the beverage is poured from the container 100 (through the opening 136 defined by the scored portion 124). This venting action inhibits pressure differentials from forming within the container 100 during pouring operation, and thus promotes uniform, smooth, continuous flow of the beverage from the container 100.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lever portion 144 of the tab 108 includes a generally solid piece of material, with no cutout (e.g., no finger opening, etc.) commonly included in other container tabs (e.g., at locations where unneeded material is removed from the tabs for recycling, etc.). This construction of the illustrated tab 108 (and of the lever portion 144 of the tab 108) allows for inclusion of the raised portion 150 in the lever portion 144 for use in venting the container 100, as desired (and as described herein). This construction may also allow thinner materials to be used to form the tab 108 because the tab 108 includes a generally solid piece of material with no cutout. This construction may further allow for venting the container 100 while protecting users' fingers against injury (e.g., from being cut by edges of the opening formed when venting the container 100, etc.). It should be appreciated, however, that other example embodiments of the present disclosure can include tabs for use with containers in which lever portions of the tabs do include cutouts (as commonly included in existing container tabs), and that also include dimples for use in venting containers, as desired (and as described herein).

FIG. 12 illustrates a container 200 according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure. The container 200 is similar to the container 100 previously described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-11. For example, the container 200 includes a can 204 and a lid 206 coupled to the can 204. The lid 206 has an upper surface portion 222 in which scored portions 224 and 226 are formed. Scored portion 224 is formed by score line 232 and is generally coplanar with the surface portion 222 of the lid 206. And, scored portion 226 defines a protrusion 230 raised generally above the surface portion 222 of the lid 206.

In container 200, however, scored portion 226 is formed by crossed score lines 234a and 234b. Thus, when a tab (not shown) of the container 200 is manipulated to vent the container 200 (e.g., as previously described in connection with container 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-11, etc.), scored portion 226 is at least partly severed from the surface portion 222 of the lid 206 along the score lines 234a and 234b. In so doing, four severed parts of scored portion 226 project generally into the container 200 to define an opening for venting the container.

FIG. 13 illustrates a container 300 according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure. The container 300 is similar to the container 100 previously described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-11. For example, the container 300 includes a can 304 and a lid 306 coupled to the can 304. The lid 306 has an upper surface portion 322 in which scored portions 324 and 326 are formed. Scored portion 324 is formed by score line 332 and is generally coplanar with the surface portion 322 of the lid 306. And, scored portion 326 defines a protrusion 330 raised generally above the surface portion 322 of the lid 306.

In container 300, however, scored portion 326 is formed by a generally straight score line 334, and the protrusion 330 of scored portion 326 has a generally oval shape. Here, when a tab (not shown) of the container 300 is manipulated to vent the container 300 (e.g., as previously described in connection with container 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-11, etc.), scored portion 326 is at least partly severed from the surface portion 322 of the lid 306 along the score line 334. In so doing, two severed parts of scored portion 326 project generally into the container 300 to define an opening for venting the container.

FIG. 14 illustrates a container 400 according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure. The container 400 is similar to the container 100 previously described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-11. For example, the container 400 includes a can 404 and a lid 406 coupled to the can 404. The lid 406 has an upper surface portion 422 in which scored portions 424 and 426 are formed. Scored portion 424 is formed by score line 432 and is generally coplanar with the surface portion 422 of the lid 406. And, scored portion 426 defines a protrusion 430 raised generally above the surface portion 422 of the lid 406.

In container 400, however, scored portion 426 is formed by a generally V-shaped score line 434, and the protrusion 330 of scored portion 326 has a raised shape generally matching the V-shaped score line 434. Here, when a tab (not shown) of the container 400 is manipulated to vent the container 400 (e.g., as previously described in connection with container 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-11, etc.), scored portion 426 is at least partly severed from the surface portion 422 of the lid 406 along the score line 434. In so doing, a V-shaped severed part of scored portion 326 projects generally into the container 300 to define an opening for venting the container.

It should be appreciated that the various scored portions illustrated herein (e.g., in FIG. 3, in FIG. 12, in FIG. 13, in FIG. 14, etc.) show example configurations of the scored portions. The present disclosure is not limited, though, to these illustrated configurations. Other configurations, variations, etc. of scored portions may be used within the scope of the present disclosure.

In other example embodiments, containers can include tabs having downwardly projecting dimples. In these embodiments, movement of the dimples relative to the tabs (to position the dimples in position for engaging protrusions of scored portions of the lids) is not required. Instead, the dimples are in position for engaging the protrusions of the scored portions of the ids following assembly of the containers. As such, the tabs can be moved generally downwardly (e.g., by finger pressure applied to the dimples, etc.) so that the dimples engage the protrusions and cause the scored portions to sever from surface portions of the lids (so that the containers can be vented through resulting openings).

In still other example embodiments, containers can include tabs having projections configured to pierce surface portions of the lids not necessarily associated with scored portions when desired to vent the containers at locations.

In still other example embodiments, containers may hold fluids other than beverages, for example, other potable fluids, unpotable fluids, etc.

In some example embodiments, providing additional openings in containers for venting the containers may allow for reducing sizes of the openings for dispensing the fluid from the containers, while still maintaining a desired pour rate of the fluid from the containers. This in turn may allow for reducing sizes of lids used in connection with the containers (e.g., allow for using lids with reduced diameters, etc.). Thus, less material may be required to make the lids and the containers.

In some example embodiments, containers, lids, and/or tabs are configured to be used with existing processes of, for example, assembling tabs to lids, stacking lids, assembling lids to cans to form the containers, etc., and at existing operational speeds for such processes. As such, example embodiments of the present disclosure could be incorporated into existing container operations with little or no modification to the operations. In addition, in some example embodiments containers, lids, and/or tabs can be recycled using existing collection streams and recycling processes.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

In addition, the disclosure of particular values (e.g., dimensions, etc.) herein is not exclusive of other values that may be useful in other example embodiments.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Claims

1. A tab suitable for use with a container, the tab comprising a raised portion configured to move between a convex position and a concave position for use in venting the container.

2. The tab of claim 1, further comprising a first end portion and a second end portion, the second end portion including the raised portion.

3. The tab of claim 2, wherein the raised portion is movable relative to the second end portion of the tab between the convex position and the concave position.

4. The tab of claim 3, wherein the first end portion of the tab is operable to engage a scored portion of a lid of the container when coupled to the lid for severing at least part of the scored portion from the lid and thereby defining an opening in the lid through which fluid can be poured out of the container.

5. The tab of claim 3, wherein the raised portion of the tab is operable to engage a scored portion of a lid of the container when coupled to the lid and when moved between the convex position and the concave position for severing at least part of said scored portion from the lid and thereby defining an opening in the lid for venting the container when pouring fluid out of the container.

6. The tab of claim 1, wherein the raised portion defines a void at least partly within the raised portion capable of receiving at least part of a protrusion of a scored portion of a lid of the container within the void when the tab is coupled to the lid of the container.

7. The tab of claim 1, wherein the raised portion is formed monolithically with the tab.

8. A lid for a container, comprising the tab of claim 1.

9. The lid of claim 8, further comprising:

a first scored portion; and

a second scored portion;

wherein the tab includes a first end portion operable to engage the first scored portion for severing at least part of the first scored portion from the lid and thereby defining an opening in the lid through which fluid can be poured out of the container; and

wherein the raised portion of the tab is operable to engage the second scored portion when moved between the convex position and the concave position for severing at least part of the second scored portion from the lid and thereby defining an opening in the lid for venting the container when pouring fluid out of the container.

10. (canceled)

11. A container, comprising the tab of claim 1.

12. The container of claim 11, further comprising:

a can; and

a lid;

wherein the lid includes a first scored portion and a second scored portion;

wherein the tab is operable to engage the first scored portion for severing at least part of the first scored portion from the lid and thereby defining an opening in the lid through which fluid can be poured out of the container; and

wherein the raised portion of the tab is operable to engage the second scored portion when moved between the convex position and the concave position for severing at least part of the second scored portion from the lid and thereby defining an opening in the lid for venting the container when pouring fluid out of the container.

13. (canceled)

14. A lid for a beverage container, the lid comprising:

a surface;

a scored portion formed in the surface, the scored portion including a protrusion extending generally above the surface; and

a tab coupled to the surface, the tab operable to engage the protrusion of the scored portion and sever at least part of the scored portion from the surface to thereby define an opening in the surface.

15. The lid of claim 14, wherein the tab is configured to deform from a first position to a second position to engage the protrusion of the scored portion and sever the at least part of the scored portion from the surface to thereby define the opening in the surface.

16. The lid of claim 15, wherein the tab remains in the second position after engaging the protrusion of the scored portion and severing the at least part of the scored portion from the surface.

17. The lid of claim 15, wherein the scored portion is a scored venting portion, the lid further comprising a scored pouring portion, and wherein the tab is configured to pivot to engage the scored pouring portion and sever at least part of the scored pouring portion from the surface to thereby define an opening in the surface through which fluid can be poured out of the container.

18. The lid of claim 14, wherein the tab includes a raised portion configured to move between a convex position and a concave position to engage the protrusion of the scored portion and sever the at least part of the scored portion from the surface to thereby define the opening in the surface.

19. The lid of claim 18, wherein the raised portion defines a void at least partly within the raised portion configured to receive at least part of the protrusion of the scored portion in the void.

20-21. (canceled)

22. A beverage container, comprising:

a can;

a lid coupled to the can, the lid including a scored pouring portion and a scored venting portion, the scored venting portion including a protrusion extending generally above a surface of the lid; and

a tab coupled to the lid, the tab including a raised portion configured to move between a convex position and a concave position to engage the protrusion and sever at least part of the scored venting portion from the lid to thereby define an opening in the lid for venting the container when pouring beverage from the container.

23. The beverage container of claim 22, wherein the tab is configured to pivot to engage the scored pouring portion and sever at least part of the scored pouring portion from the lid to thereby define an opening in the lid through which beverage can be poured out of the container.

24. The beverage container of claim 23, wherein the raised portion defines a void at least partly within the raised portion configured to receive at least part of the protrusion of the scored venting portion in the void.

25-31. (canceled)