Beverage can and lid thereof

A lid for a beverage can in which the lid is designed to facilitate its use, such as, for example, by being openable intuitively, with a single hand, and through spring-loading. Also, the beverage can, including the lid, may be manufactured more efficiently.

Skip to: Description  ·  Claims  · Patent History  ·  Patent History
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/642,862 filed on Mar. 14, 2018 and incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to beverage cans and, more particularly, to lids (which may sometimes also be referred to as “ends”) of beverage cans.

BACKGROUND

Opening mechanisms of beverage cans, which hold drinkable liquids such as carbonated beverages (e.g., soft drinks, sparkling water, etc.), alcoholic beverages (e.g., beer), juices, etc., have evolved over time.

While various designs have been contemplated, they may present certain drawbacks. For example, lids (sometimes a.k.a. “ends”) of beverage cans with removable flaps and pushbuttons exist but typically require both hands to operate their opening mechanism, which sometimes fails, detaches and is thrown away, creating dangerous debris and often reducing recyclability of the beverage cans. Also, beverage cans having lids with levers and hinged flaps exist, but normally require both hands to operate their opening mechanism.

For these and other reasons, there is a need for improvements directed to beverage cans, including their lids.

SUMMARY

According to various aspects of this disclosure, there is provided a lid for a beverage can in which the lid is designed to facilitate its use, such as, for example, by being openable intuitively, with a single hand, and through spring-loading. Also, the beverage can, including the lid, may be manufactured more efficiently.

For example, according to an aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a lid for a beverage can. The lid comprises: an outer side comprising a button manually pressable upon to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can; and an inner side comprising a spring configured to enlarge the pouring opening after the button is manually pressed upon.

According to another aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a lid for a beverage can. The lid comprises: an inner side; and an outer side comprising a button manually pressable upon to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can. The lid is configured to create the pouring opening in response to only the button being manually pressed upon.

According to another aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a lid for a beverage can. The lid comprises: an inner side; and an outer side comprising a button manually pressable upon to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can. The outer side is free of any other button manually pressable upon to open the beverage can elsewhere than at the pouring opening.

According to another aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a lid for a beverage can. The lid comprises: an inner side; and an outer side comprising a button manually pressable upon to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can. The lid is configured to create the pouring opening without any other button being manually pressed upon.

According to another aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a lid for a beverage can. The lid comprises: an inner side; and an outer side comprising a button manually pressable upon to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can. The lid is configured to create the pouring opening without manually applying force on the lid other than manually pressing upon the button.

According to another aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a lid for a beverage can. The lid comprises an outer side comprising an actuator manually operable to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can. The lid comprises an inner side comprising a spring configured to enlarge the pouring opening after the actuator is manually operated.

According to another aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a lid for a beverage can. The lid comprises: an inner side; and an outer side comprising a button manually pressable upon to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can. A ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.1.

According to another aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a beverage can comprising a lid as discussed above.

According to another aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a beverage can comprising a body and a lid. The lid comprises: an inner side; and an outer side comprising an actuator manually operable to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can. At least part of the lid is formed integrally with a part of the body of the beverage can.

According to another aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a precursor for a beverage can. The precursor comprises: a part of a body of the beverage can; and a lid. The lid comprises: an inner side; and an outer side comprising an actuator manually operable to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can. At least part of the lid is formed integrally with the part of the body of the beverage can.

According to another aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a method of making a beverage can. The method comprises: providing metallic material; and forming at least part of a lid of the beverage can and at least part of a body of the beverage can integrally with one another from the metallic material. The lid comprises an actuator manually operable to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can.

According to another aspect of this disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for making a beverage can. The apparatus comprises: an input to receive metallic material; and forming machinery configured to form at least part of a lid of the beverage can and at least part of a body of the beverage can integrally with one another from the metallic material. The lid comprises an actuator manually operable to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can.

According to another aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a method of producing a beverage can. The beverage can comprises: a top comprising an actuator manually operable to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can; and a bottom opposite to the top of the beverage can. The method comprises: filling a body of the beverage can with the drinkable liquid while the top of the beverage can is located below the bottom of the beverage can via an opening at the bottom of the beverage can; and closing the opening at the bottom of the beverage can.

According to another aspect of this disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for producing a beverage can. The beverage can comprises: a top comprising an actuator manually operable to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can; and a bottom opposite to the top of the beverage can. The apparatus comprises: a filling device configured to fill a body of the beverage can with the drinkable liquid while the top of the beverage can is located below the bottom of the beverage can via an opening at the bottom of the beverage can; and a closing device configured to close the opening at the bottom of the beverage can.

These and other aspects of this disclosure will now become apparent upon review of a description of embodiments that follows in conjunction with accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

A detailed description of embodiments is provided below, by way of example only, with reference to accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 to 6 show an embodiment of a beverage can comprising a lid, wherein the beverage can is open in FIGS. 2, 5A and 5B;

FIGS. 7 to 11 show another embodiment of the beverage can comprising a variant of the lid;

FIGS. 12 and 13 show yet another embodiment of the beverage can comprising another variant of the lid;

FIGS. 14 and 15 show yet another embodiment of the beverage can comprising another variant of the lid;

FIGS. 16 to 35 show other embodiments of the beverage can comprising other variants of the lid;

FIGS. 36 to 44 show another embodiment of the beverage can and an example of a manufacturing process to make the beverage can in that embodiment; and

FIGS. 45 to 49 show other embodiments of the beverage can comprising other variants of the lid.

It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for purposes of illustrating certain embodiments and are an aid for understanding. They are not intended to be limitative.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 to 6 show an example of a beverage can 10 in accordance with an embodiment. The beverage can 10 is a metal container configured to hold a drinkable liquid, such as a carbonated beverage (e.g., a soft drink, sparkling water, etc.), an alcoholic beverage (e.g., beer), a juice, an energy drink, a tea, or any other suitable beverage. The beverage can 10 comprises a body 13 that contains the drinkable liquid and a lid 12 (sometimes also referred to as an “end”) that is openable by a user to drink the drinkable liquid, such as by drinking it directly from the beverage can 10 or by pouring it into a glass, cup or other drinking vessel from which it is then drank.

As further discussed later, in this embodiment, the lid 12 of the beverage can 10 is designed to facilitate its use, such as, for example, by being openable intuitively, with a single hand, and through spring-loading. Also, the beverage can 10, including the lid 12, may be manufactured more efficiently.

In this embodiment, the lid 12 of the beverage can 10 comprises an outer side 14, an inner side 16, and an opening system 18 to create a pouring opening 20 to pour the drinkable liquid from the beverage can 10, either into the user's mouth or into a glass, cup or other drinking vessel from which the drinkable liquid is then drank. The lid 12 comprises a base 50 underlying its outer side 14 and its inner side 16. The outer side 14 of the lid 12 comprises an outer surface 53 of the base 50, while the inner side 16 of the lid 12 comprises an inner surface 52 of the base 50.

The opening system 18 comprises an actuator 22 that is part of the outer side 14 of the lid 12 and manually operable to initiate creation of the pouring opening 20. That is, the actuator 22 is configured to be manually operated by the user to start creating the pouring opening 20. In this example, the actuator 22 allows the beverage can 10 to be opened with a single one of the user's hands, i.e., allows one-hand opening.

In this embodiment, the actuator 22 comprises a button 30 manually pressable upon to initiate creation of the pouring opening 20. When the beverage can 10 is to be opened, the user's thumb can be placed onto and press upon the button 30 to initiate creation of the pouring opening 20.

Notably, in this embodiment, the lid 12 is configured to create the pouring opening 20 in response to only the button 30 being manually pressed upon. Thus, the lid 20 is configured to create the pouring opening 20 without manually applying force on the lid 20 other than manually pressing upon the button 30. That is, no other manual pressing or other manual force has to be exerted on the lid 12 to start creating the pouring opening 20. In particular, in this example, the lid 12 is configured to create the pouring opening 20 without any other button being manually pressed upon. This facilitates and simplifies opening of the beverage can 10. In this regard, in this example, the outer side 14 of the lid 12 is free of (i.e., without) any other button manually pressable upon to open the beverage can 10 elsewhere than at the pouring opening 20. For instance, the outer side 14 of the lid 12 is free of any button manually pressable upon to create a vent opening or any other opening spaced from the pouring opening 20.

More particularly, in this embodiment, the button 30 projects from the outer surface 53 of the base 50 of the lid 12. In this example, a height Hb of the button 30 is greater than a thickness TL of the base 50 (i.e., a thickness of the lid 12 from the outer surface 53 to the inner surface 52). In cases where it varies such as in this embodiment, the thickness TL of the base 50 can be taken as an average thickness of the base 50. For instance, in some embodiments, a ratio of the height Hb of the button 30 over the thickness TL of the base 50 may be at least 2, in some cases at least 2.5, in some cases at least 3, and in some cases even more.

In this example, the lid 12 comprises a frangible portion 34 configured to break to create the pouring opening 20. When the button 30 is manually pressed upon (e.g., by the user's thumb), a tear is initiated at the frangible portion 34 and propagates to start creating the pouring opening 20. More particularly, in this example, the frangible portion 34 comprises a line of weakness 36 defining a contour of the pouring opening 20. The tear propagates on the lid 12 by following the line of weakness 36. In this case, the frangible portion 34 is a scored portion such that the line of weakness 36 is a score line.

For example, in some embodiments, a ratio of a reduced thickness TSR of the base 50 of the lid 12 at the line of weakness 36 over a non-reduced thickness TSG of the base 50 outside of the line of weakness 36 may be no more than 0.2, in some cases no more than 0.1, in some cases no more than 0.05, and in some cases even less. For instance, in some embodiments, the reduced thickness of TSR of the lid 12 at the line of weakness 36 may be no more than 0.5 mm, in some cases no more than 0.15 mm, in some cases no more than 0.05 mm, and in some cases even less.

In this embodiment, the opening system 18 comprises a spring 40 to assist in opening the beverage can 10. It may thus be viewed as being spring-loaded. More particularly, in this embodiment, the spring 40 is part of the inner side 16 of the lid 12 and configured to enlarge the pouring opening 20 after the actuator 22 is manually operated. Accordingly, in this example, the spring 40 is configured to enlarge the pouring opening 20 after the button 30 is manually pressed upon. A spring force exerted by the spring 40 therefore helps to create the pouring opening 20, thereby facilitating opening of the beverage can 10. For instance, the spring 40 may be such that the beverage can 10 is effectively “self-opening” after the button 30 is manually pressed upon.

More particularly, in this embodiment, the spring 40 is configured to retract a flap 44 into an interior 46 of the beverage can 10 to enlarge the pouring opening 20 after the button 30 is manually pressed upon. The spring 40 is connected to the base 50. In this example, the spring 40 projects from the inner surface 52 of the base 50 into the interior 46 of the beverage can 10.

In this embodiment, the spring 40 includes a proximal extremity 72 and a distal extremity 74 that are connected to the base 50 of the lid 12 adjacent to the inner surface 52. More specifically, in this embodiment, the proximal extremity 72 of the spring 40 is fastened to the flap 44, the distal extremity 74 of the spring 40 is fastened to an anchoring portion 51 of the base 50 spaced from the flap 44, and the extremities 72, 74 of the spring 40 are substantially parallel and collinear to one another. The spring 40 is curved in the interior 46 of the beverage can 10. In this example, the spring 40 has a curved portion 76 and a linear portion 78 between its extremities 72, 74. The curved portion 76 has a curved shape which may be a circular shape, an ellipsoidal shape, or any suitable curved or bent shape. In this case, the curved portion 71 is such that the spring 40 is generally U-shaped. The curved portion 76 of the spring 40 extends from the distal extremity 74 of the spring 40 in a rearward direction while projecting from the inner surface 52 into the interior 46 of the beverage can 10, before extending in a forward direction and back towards the inner surface 52. The linear portion 78 of the spring 40 connects the curved portion 76 to the proximal extremity 72 of the spring 40. The spring 40 may be shaped in any other suitable way in other embodiments.

The spring 40 has a rest position wherein its extremities 72, 74 would not be parallel and collinear to one another such that, when the spring 40 is fastened to the flap 44 and to the base 52, the extremities 72, 74 are forced to be substantially parallel and collinear with one another and the spring 40 applies the spring force pulling on the flap 44 towards the interior 46 of the beverage can 10 and pushing on the anchoring portion 51 of the base 50 in an opposite direction.

More particularly, in this embodiment, the spring 40 is fastened to the flap 44 by a proximal fastener 82 and to the anchoring portion 51 of the base 50 by a distal fastener 84. In this example, the fasteners 82, 84 are integral rivets joining the extremities 72, 74 of the spring 40 to the flap 44 and to the anchoring portion 51 of the base 50. The proximal fastener 82 extends into an aperture 87 of the proximal extremity 72 of the spring 40 and creates a depression 86 at the outer side 14 of the lid 12. The distal fastener 84 extends into an aperture 89 of the distal extremity 74 of the spring 40 creates a depression 85 at the outer side 14 of the lid 12. Each of the apertures 87, 89 of the spring 40 may be manufactured before the fasteners 82, 84 are inserted into the apertures 87, 89, or may be manufactured simultaneously, i.e., the manufacturing of fasteners 82, 84 may create the apertures 87, 89 of the spring 40. In this case, the button 30 is disposed beside the fasteners 82, 84 (i.e., not between the fasteners 82, 84 such that it does not intersect an imaginary straight line interconnecting the fasteners 82, 84). The button 30 is adjacent to the proximal fastener 82.

In this embodiment, the button 30 is located on the frangible portion 34 of the lid 12, such that the button 30 is configured to enter inside the beverage can 10 when manually pressed upon. More particularly, in this embodiment, the button 30 is part of the flap 44. The button 30 is located near the line of weakness 36 of the frangible portion 34. After the button 30 is manually pushed upon and the pouring opening 20 starts to be created, an area 67 of the pouring opening 20 where the button 30 was before the button 30 was pushed upon allows gas exchange between the interior 46 of the beverage can 10 and outside the beverage can 10 when the drinkable liquid is being poured.

In this example, the lid 12 comprises a rim 92 disposed at a periphery 90 of the lid 12 and projecting upwardly from the base 50 of the lid 12. In this embodiment, the rim 92 is integrally formed with the base 50 of lid 12. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the rim 92 can be distinct from and fastened to the base 50 of the lid 12 during manufacturing of the beverage can 10.

The lid 12 may comprise one or more metallic materials and/or any other suitable material. In this embodiment, the lid 12, including its base 50, its button 30 and its spring 40, is at least partly (i.e., partly or entirely) made of aluminum. Thus, each of the base 50, the button 30 and the spring 40 includes part of the aluminum of the lid 12. More particularly, in this embodiment, the lid 12 is at least mostly (i.e., mostly or entirely) made of aluminum. In this case, the lid 12 is entirely made of aluminum. This may help for recycling of the lid 12. Accordingly, in this example, the lid 12 is entirely recyclable.

In this embodiment, a metallic material 60 of the spring 40 is different from a metallic material 62 of the base 50. More specifically, in this embodiment, the metallic material 60 is an aluminum alloy of the spring 40 and the metallic material 62 is an aluminum alloy of the base 50 which is different from the aluminum alloy 60 of the spring 40.

In this example, the aluminum alloy 60 of the spring 40 is stronger than the aluminum alloy 62 of the base 50. For instance, in some embodiments, a ratio of a tensile strength of the aluminum alloy 60 of the spring 40 over a tensile strength of the aluminum alloy 62 of the base 50 may be at least 1, in some cases at least 2, in some cases at least 3 and in some cases even more. In this embodiment, the aluminum alloy 60 of the spring 40 is aluminum alloy 7075-T6, while the aluminum alloy 62 of the base 50 is aluminum alloy 5182. Any other suitable aluminum alloys may be used in other embodiments.

The spring force exerted by the spring 40 is sufficient to enlarge the pouring opening 20 once initiated by manually pressing upon the button 30. Under the spring force, the spring 40 pulls on the flap 44 to continue tearing the lid 20 and enlarge the pouring opening 20. For example, in some embodiments, the spring force exerted by the spring 40 may be at least 30 N, in some cases at least 40 N, in some cases at least 60 N, and in some cases even more.

The spring force exerted by the spring 40 may also depend on an internal pressure of the beverage can 10 before it is open as the spring force and the internal pressure generally work against one another. For instance, the higher the internal pressure of the beverage can 10 is, the higher the spring force can be without causing failure of the frangible portion 34 without the button 30 being manually pressed upon. In some cases, the spring force may be opposed by the internal pressure of the beverage can 10 to counter a tendency of the spring 40 to pull downwards and inwardly deflect (e.g., bow) the base 50 of the lid 12. For example, in some embodiments, a ratio of the spring force exerted by the spring 40 over the internal pressure of the beverage can 10 may be between 80 N/MPa and 105 N/MPa, in some cases between 105 and 130 N/MPa, and in some cases about 105 N/MPa.

A cross-sectional area of the pouring opening 20, which is normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can 10, is suitable for drinking or otherwise pouring the drinkable liquid and comparable to existing beverage cans. For example, in some embodiments, a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening 20 over a cross-sectional area of the lid 12 normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.1, in some cases at least 0.15, in some cases at least 0.2, and in some cases even more. For instance, in some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening 20 may be between 2 cm2 and 8 cm2, in some cases between 2 cm2 and 4 cm2, and in some cases about 2.8 cm2.

In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening 20 is greater than a cross-sectional area of the button 30 normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can 10. In other words, the pouring opening 20 is larger than the button 30. For example, in some embodiments, a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening 20 over the cross-sectional area of the button 30 may be at least 2, in some cases at least 4, in some cases at least 6, and in some cases even more.

The pouring opening 20 may have any suitable shape. In this embodiment, the pouring opening 20 is noncircular. More particularly, in this embodiment, the pouring opening 20 is oblong. In this example, the pouring opening 20 is generally kidney-shaped.

The beverage can 10, including the lid 12, may be manufactured in any suitable way. In this embodiment, the lid 12 is manufactured by pressing, using sheets of aluminum alloy. The lid 12 may be pressed once, or it may be manufactured by being pressed several times. For example, in some embodiments, a first pressing may cut the periphery of the lid 12 from a sheet of aluminum alloy, then a second pressing may apply a thread of the lid 12 (e.g., the button 30, the line of weakness 36, etc.), then a third pressing may form the integral rivets 82, 84, and then a fourth pressing may fasten the extremities 72, 74 of the spring 40, the flap 44 and the anchoring portion 51 of the base 50. A manufacturing process for the lid 12 may comprise one or more operations other than pressing (e.g., water jet cutting, water jet surfacing, etc.). The lid 12 may be seamed to the body 13 of the beverage can 10 in a seaming process comprising one or more steps involving a seaming chuck and a seaming roll to create a mechanical interlock between the lid 12 and the body 13 of the beverage can 10. A compound may be used in a seam between the lid 12 and the body 13 of the beverage can 10 to further seal the lid 12 with the body 13 of the beverage can 10, thus preventing gas or liquid to get through.

In use, when the button 30 is manually pressed upon (e.g., by the user's thumb), a stress is applied on the lid 12 near the frangible portion 34, which creates stress concentration causing initial failure of the aluminum alloy 62 of the lid 12 on a portion of the line of weakness 36. This initial failure weakens the frangible portion 34 of the lid 12 and the spring 40 creates further stress concentration on the weakened frangible portion 34, at the line of weakness 36, near the initial failure. Additionally, the initial failure allows gas exchange between the interior 46 of the beverage can 10 and an environment of the beverage can 10, thus allowing the internal pressure, which works against the spring 40, to drop. This combination of events causes a propagation of the initial failure through the frangible portion 34 of the lid 12 along the line of weakness 36. When the failure has propagated through the whole line of weakness 36 such that the flap 44 is completely detached from the base 50, the spring 40 returns to its rest position, causing the flap 44 to move towards the interior 46 of the beverage can 10 and creating the pouring opening 12.

In this embodiment, the lid 12 is configured such that another beverage can is stackable on the beverage can 10 without interference from the button 30. For example, in this embodiment, the rim 92 of the lid 12 extends at least as high as the button 30. In this case, the rim 92 of the lid 12 extends higher than the button 30.

The lid 12, including its opening system 18, may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments.

For example, in some embodiments, the frangible portion 34 of the lid 12, including its line of weakness 36, may have various other shapes.

As shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, in some embodiments, the button 30 is between the fasteners 82, 84 such that it intersects an imaginary straight line interconnecting the fasteners 82, 84. The button 30 is located near the line of weakness 36 of the frangible portion 34 and is connected to a remaining portion of the flap 44 by a portion 94 of the flap 44 having a reduced width. The line of weakness 36 is closed, i.e., has no extremity.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in some embodiments, a trajectory of the line of weakness 36 may be different. For example, in some embodiments, the line of weakness 36 may be open, i.e., has extremities not connecting to one another. In this example, a hinge 102 connects two points of the line of weakness 36. When the beverage can 10 is opened, the flap 44 is not completely detached from the base 50, as the hinge 102 maintains connection of the flap 44 to the base 50.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, in some embodiments, the line of weakness 36 may be prolonged towards the distal fastener 84 such that the force applied by the spring 44 is able to cause failure of the aluminum alloy 62 in a portion 112 of the line of weakness 36, but only able to bend (i.e., not cause failure of) the aluminum alloy 62 in a remaining portion 114 of the weakness line 36. In this example, the remaining portion 114 of the line of weakness 36 acts as the hinge 102.

The spring 40, the fasteners 82, 84 and the frangible portion 34 may be configured in various ways. For example, in some embodiments, the button 30 may not be in-line with the fasteners 82, 84, but rather offset (e.g., decentered) such that it is closer to the rim 92 of the lid 12 than if it were at a center of the lid 12, and the shape of the frangible portion 34 may change accordingly.

As shown in FIG. 16, in some embodiments, the button 30 is offset (e.g., decentered) and beside the fasteners 82, 84 (i.e., not between the fasteners 82, 84 such that it does not intersect an imaginary straight line interconnecting the fasteners 82, 84). The line of weakness 36 traces a hook 124 beside the button 30 and ends between the button 30 and the distal fastener 84, such that the line of weakness 36 is open and the frangible portion 34 comprises a hinge 102.

As shown in FIG. 17, in some embodiments, the button 30 is centered and between the fasteners 82, 84 such that it intersects an imaginary straight line interconnecting the fasteners 82, 84. The line of weakness 36 traces a hook 124 beside the button 30 and ends between the button 30 and the distal fastener 84, such that the line of weakness 36 is open and the frangible portion 34 comprises a hinge 102.

As shown in FIG. 18, in some embodiments, the button 30 is beside the fasteners 82, 84 (i.e., not between fasteners 82, 84 such that it does not intersect an imaginary straight line interconnecting the fasteners 82, 84) and adjacent to the proximal fastener 82. The button 30 and the proximal fastener 82 are also adjacent to the rim 92. The line of weakness 36 encloses the button 30 and the proximal fastener 82 and has two extremities adjacent to the distal fastener 84, creating a hinge 102 substantially perpendicular to the imaginary straight line between fasteners 82, 84.

As shown in FIG. 19, in some embodiments, the button 30 is offset (e.g., decentered) and between the fasteners 82, 84 such that it intersects an imaginary straight line interconnecting the fasteners 82, 84. The line of weakness 36 traces a hook 124 beside the button 30 and ends between the button 30 and the distal fastener 84, such that the line of weakness 36 is open and the frangible portion 34 comprises a hinge 102. The hinge 102 is substantially perpendicular to the imaginary straight line between fasteners 82, 84.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 20 to 23, the frangible portion 34 may comprise score lines 1321-132s defining flap sections 1341-134f facilitating opening of the beverage can 10. The thickness TL of the lid 12 at the score lines 1321-132s is reduced. Thus, the score lines 1321-132s allow the frangible portion 34 to bend under stress. During opening, this increases stress concentration around the failure and the line of weakness 36, and accordingly the spring force exerted by the spring 40 may be reduced to pull on the flap 44.

For instance, in some embodiments, a ratio of the reduced thickness TSR of the base 50 of the lid 12 at the score lines 1321-132s over the non-reduced thickness TSG of the base 50 outside of the score lines 1321-132s and the line of weakness 36 may be no more than 0.2, in some cases no more than 0.1, in some cases no more than 0.05, and in some cases even less. For instance, in some embodiments, the thickness of TL of the lid 12 at the score lines 1321-132s may be no more than 0.2, in some cases no more than 0.1, in some cases no more than 0.05, and in some cases even less.

The score lines 1321-132s may have any suitable shape. For example, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 23, in some embodiments, the score lines 1321-132s may be straight and generally disposed radially relative to the button 30. As another example, as shown in FIG. 22, in other embodiments, the score lines 1321-132s may be curved and generally define a spiral pattern.

The spring 40 may be implemented in any other suitable way (e.g., have any other suitable shape, include any other suitable component, and/or be made of any other suitable material) in other embodiments.

For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 24, the spring 40 may not be in-line with the fasteners 82, 84, i.e., the spring may be twisted during manufacturing to ease manufacturing, ease assembly of the spring 40 to the lid 20, reduce cost, and/or increase efficiency of the opening mechanism 18.

As another example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 25, the curved portion 76 of the spring 40 may extend from the proximal extremity 72 in the forward direction while projecting from the inner surface 52 into the interior 46 of the beverage can 10, before extending in the rearward direction and projecting from the interior 46 of the beverage can 10 towards the inner surface 52. The linear portion 78 of the spring 40 connects the curved portion 76 to the distal extremity 74 of the spring 40.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 26, the curved portion 76 of the spring 40 comprises a bend and extends from the distal extremity 74 in the forward direction by projecting less from the inner surface 52 into the interior 46 of the beverage can 10.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 27, the spring 40 may comprises a plurality of curved portions 761, 762 with the linear portion 78 therebetween. In this example, the curved portion 761 extends from the distal extremity 74 in the forward direction while projecting from the inner surface 52 into the interior 46 of the beverage can 10, the linear portion 78 connects the curved portion 761 to the curved portion 762 which projects from the interior 46 of the beverage can 10 towards the inner surface 52 and connects to the proximal extremity 72.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 28, the spring 40 may comprise a plurality of curved portions 761-76c that alternate convexly and concavely. In this example, the spring 40 extends from the distal extremity 74 in the forward direction and the curved portions 761-76c project towards and away the inner surface 52 to finally connect to the proximal extremity 72. This may allow the spring 40 to have a greater length, and thus allow a deflection of the spring 40 to be greater, and/or the spring force exerted on the flap 44 to be greater.

The button 30 may have any other suitable shape in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 45, the button 30 may be generally triangular, such as a Reuleaux triangle.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 46 and 47, the button 30 may be connected to the spring 40 by the rivet 82 that intersects the button 30 and the spring 40, and the line of weakness 36 may be shaped to follow a majority of a perimeter of the button 30. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 46, the line of weakness 36 may be shaped such that the button 30 can be manually pressed upon closer to an edge of the beverage can 10. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 47, the line of weakness 36 may be shaped such that the button 30 can be manually pressed upon closer to a center of the beverage can 10.

With additional reference to FIGS. 29 to 32, in some embodiments, the beverage can 10 may comprise a spring-force compensator 210 configured to compensate for the spring force exerted by the spring 40, which in some cases may create a tendency of the spring 40 to pull downwards and inwardly deflect (e.g., bow) the base 50 of the lid 12 and maintain a cylindrical shape of the beverage can 10. The spring-force compensator 210, which may sometimes be referred to as a “spring retainer”, generally works against the spring 40 and applies on the base 50 of the lid 12 and/or the spring 40 an opposite force nullifying the force applied by the spring 40 on the lid 12 when the spring 40 is installed under the base 50 of the lid 12. When the button 30 is manually pressed upon, the spring-force compensator 210 is disabled in a hair-trigger way, further facilitating the opening of the beverage can 10.

In this embodiment, the spring-force compensator 210 is disposed inside the beverage can 10. More specifically, in this embodiment, the spring-force compensator 210 is implemented as a container (e.g., a cartridge) that contains the spring 40. More particularly, in this embodiment, the spring-force compensator 210 may include a sheet 212 of material 64 which is folded around the spring 40 and attached to the inner surface 52. In this example, the material 64 is an aluminum alloy.

In particular, in this embodiment, the sheet 212 comprises a retaining wall 214, a bottom wall 216, a rear wall 218 opposite to the retaining wall 214, and a top wall 220 opposite to the bottom wall 216.

The retaining wall 216 is attached to a latch 240 retaining the spring 40 by a pivot 244 and by a support 242. The retaining wall 216 also comprises a rest area 230 where the proximal extremity 72 of the spring 40 rests. The retaining wall 216 further comprises lines of weakness 2321, 2322 and channels 2341, 2342 defining panels 2361, 2362. When the button 30 is manually pushed upon, a load is applied on the latch 240 and/or on the rest area 230, thereby causing failure of the support 242, allowing the latch 240 to rotate relative to the retaining wall 216 and releasing the spring 40. During this process, the lines of weakness 2321, 2322 may allow the retaining wall 216 to bend and the channels 2341, 2342 may allow the panels 2361, 2362 to rotate, facilitating the failure of the support 242.

The bottom wall 216 and the wall flap 218 ensure structural integrity of the spring compensator 210 and connect the retaining wall 214 to the top wall 220. The top wall 220 secures the spring compensator 210 to the inner surface 52 of the lid 12 by any suitable means, such as, for example, by being fastened to the lid 12.

The spring-force compensator 210 may be implemented in any other suitable way in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 46 to 49, the spring retainer 210 may comprise retaining flaps 2221, 2222 that are configured to engage and hold a portion 250 of the spring 40 until the button 30 is manually pressed upon, thereby causing the spring retainer 210 to release the portion 250 of the spring 40. In this embodiment, the flaps 2221, 2222 comprise projections 2231, 2232 (e.g., ribs) to facilitate holding of the portion 250 of the spring 40. The flaps 2221, 2222 including their projections 2231, 2232 thus constitute another example of implementation of the latch 240. The spring retainer 210 may be formed integrally with a remainder of the spring 40, such as by punching and folding the flaps 2231, 2232, and bending the remainder of the spring 40, The portion 250 of the spring 40 may be lifted to engage and be held by the flaps 2231, 2232 of the spring retainer 210, and the spring 40 may then be attached to the base 50 of the lid 12 using the rivets 82, 84.

With additional reference to FIGS. 33A to 33D, in some embodiments, the beverage can 10 may be provided with a straightener 260 outside of the beverage can 10 to straighten the base 50 of the lid 12 (i.e., make the base 50 more straight than without the straightener 260) and maintain the circular shape of the lid 12 during assembly of the lid 12 to the beverage can 10 by opposing the tendency of the spring 40 to pull downwards and inwardly deflect (e.g., bow) the base 50 of the spring 40. The straightener 260 generally works against the spring 40 and applies on the lid 12 an opposite force nullifying the force applied by the spring 40 on the lid 12 when the spring 40 is installed under the base 50 of the lid 12, to maintain a circular or pre-determined shape of the lid 12 during manufacturing, before the lid 12 is attached to the body 13 of the beverage can 10 with a sealing machine 79. For instance, the sealing machine 79 may comprise a press 81 that can engage and cooperate with the straightener 260 to seal the lid 12 to the body 13 of the beverage can 10. After the lid 12 is attached to the body 13, the straightener 260 is removed from the beverage can 10 and can be recycled or reused. Alternatively or additionally, the straightener 260 can be part of the sealing machine 79.

In this embodiment, the straightener 260 comprises a support disc 261. In this example, the support disc 261 comprises a void 267 (e.g., a recess or a hole) to receive the button 30 of the lid 12. Also, in this example, the support disc 261 has a circular shape and comprises no thread. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the support disc 261 comprises a thread facilitating the installation and removal of the support disc 261 on the lid 12.

The support disc 261 has rigidity and a thickness TD allowing the lid 12 to remain circular when the spring 40 is attached to the remainder of the lid 12. To this end, the support disc 261 comprises a material 262 which can be the same as the material of the spring 40. Alternatively, the material 262 of the support disc 261 may be different and, in some cases, more rigid than the material 60 of the spring 40 (e.g., steel).

Also, the material 262 of the support disc 261 may have magnetic capabilities facilitating the installation and removal of the support disc 261 for the lid 12 during manufacturing and/or before use (e.g., with the press 81 of the sealing machine 79).

When the lid 12 is attached to the body 13 of the beverage can 10, the lid 12 and the body 13 are pressed and folded one over the other, thus creating the rim 92. During this process, the support disc 261 is on the lid 12 and refrains the rim 92 that is being formed to have a non-desired shape.

In other embodiments, the support disc 261 may be hollow and permanent, i.e., the support disc 260 may have an hollow shape comprising a circular aperture and be installed permanently on the beverage can 10 and still be in place while the lid 12 of the beverage can 10 is being opened and the drinkable liquid is being poured.

With additional reference to FIGS. 34 and 35, in some embodiments, the beverage can 10 may comprises a lever 300 configured to allow the user to apply a compressive force on the button 30 more easily. In this embodiment, the lever 300 is a reverse-action lever that comprises a first lever member 312 and a second lever member 314.

The first lever member 312 comprises an outer end 320 adjoining the rim 92 of the lid 12. In some cases, the outer end 320 of the first lever member 312 comprises a pivot 330 where the first lever member 312 is pivotably connected to a support 332. Optionally, the support 324 rests on a depression 316 of the lid 30, to allow the user to more easily grab the outer end 320 of the first lever member 312. The first lever member 312 further comprises an inner end 322. The inner end 322 of the first lever member 312 comprises a pivot 352 where the first lever 312 is pivotably connected to a mount 350. The inner end 322 also comprises a surface 352 contacting the second lever member 314.

The mount 350 is pivotably attached to the first lever member 312 by the pivot 352 and to the second lever member 314 by a pivot 354. The mount 350 is further secured to the lid 12 by any suitable means, for example by being fastened to an outer surface of the lid 12.

The second lever member 314 comprises an inner end 360. The inner end 360 of the second lever member 314 comprises a surface 372 contacting the surface 352 of the first lever member 312. The second lever 314 further comprises an outer end 362. The outer end 362 comprises an edge 380 which adjoins the button 30 and which is in contact with the outer surface of the lid 12.

When the support 332 of the first lever member 312 is rotated such that it does not support the outer end 320 of the first lever member 312, and subsequently the outer end 320 of the first lever member 312 is pushed upon, the first lever member 312 rotates and the surface 352 of the first lever member 312 pushes the surface 372 of the second lever member 314, thus rotating the second lever member 314 such that the edge 380 of the second lever member 314 is pushed against the outer surface of the lid 12. In particular, the edge 380 of the second lever 314 is pushed against the outer surface of the lid 12 by a force which is larger than the force pushing upon the outer end 320 of the first lever member 312. For example, in some embodiments, the ratio of the force pushing the edge 380 of the second lever member 314 against the outer surface of the lid 12 over the force pushing upon the outer end 320 of the first lever member 312 may be at least 2, in some cases at least 4, in some cases at least 6, in some cases even more.

The lever 300 may be implemented in any other suitable way in other embodiments (e.g., may comprise a single lever member).

With reference to FIGS. 36 to 44, in some embodiments, at least part of the lid 12 may be formed integrally with at least part of the body 13 of the beverage can 10, and/or the beverage can 10 may be manufactured and filled upside down.

In this embodiment, a precursor 75 for the beverage can 10 comprises the lid 12 that is at least partly formed integrally with a part 55 of the beverage can's body 13. More particularly, in this embodiment, a portion 66 of the lid 12, which includes the base 50, the button 30, and the frangible portion 34 to create the flap 44 of the lid 12, is formed integrally with the part 55 of the beverage can's body 13, i.e., this “integrally-formed” portion 66 of the lid 12 comprises the base 50, the button 30, the frangible portion 34, and the flap 44 of the lid 12 and is an integral component of the beverage can's body 13 instead of made separately from and fastened to the beverage can's body 13. This may facilitate stacking, transporting and/or otherwise handling of the beverage can 10 including its lid 12 in some cases. This may also help to maintain the lid 12 in optimal shape under tension of the spring 40.

More particularly, in this embodiment, the body 13 of the beverage can 10 comprises an end portion 57 and an upright peripheral portion 59 that is formed integrally with and projects from the end portion 57, and the integrally-formed portion 66 of the lid 12 is integrally formed with the end portion 57 of the beverage can's body 13, i.e., the integrally-formed portion 66 of the lid 12 is part of the end portion 57 of the beverage can's body 13. The end portion 57 of the beverage can's body 13 may be stronger and stiffer (e.g., thicker) than the upright peripheral portion 59 of the beverage can's body 13, thereby being suitable for implementing the lid 12.

In this example, the end portion 57 of the beverage can's body 13 including the integrally-formed portion 66 of the lid 12 is configured to constitute a top of the beverage can 10 in use, but may be located below a bottom of the beverage can 10 during manufacturing and filling of the beverage can 10, as further discussed below.

For instance, in this embodiment, the beverage can 10, including the end portion 57 of its body 13 that comprises the integrally-formed portion 66 of the lid 12, may be manufactured as follows.

As shown in FIG. 37, a flat aluminum disc 70 or other suitable metallic material is provided to form the beverage can's body 13, including its end portion 57 that comprises the integrally-formed portion 66 of the lid 12. For example, in some embodiments, the flat aluminum disc 70 may be like those currently used in bodies of beverage cans that are mass produced.

A central region 73 of the flat aluminum disc 70 that will form the button 30 and the frangible portion 34 of the lid 12 and support the spring 40 is thinned out. The central region 73 is thus thinner than an adjacent region 45 of the flat aluminum disc 70. This may be done by pressing the central region 73 of the flat aluminum disc 70 to reduce its thickness.

Then, the button 30, the score line defining the line of weakness 36 of the frangible portion 34 for the flap 44, and the integral rivets 82, 84 are formed in the thinned-out central region 73 of the flat aluminum disc 70, as shown in FIGS. 38 to 40. This may be done by punching or otherwise pressing on parts of the thinned-out central region 73 of the flat aluminum disc 70 that correspond to the button 30, the score line defining the line of weakness 36 of the frangible portion 34 for the flap 44, and the integral rivets 82, 84.

The aluminum disc 70, with the button 30, the score line defining the line of weakness 36 of the frangible portion 34 for the flap 44, and the integral rivets 82, 84, is bent around its thinned-out central region 73 by cupping to form a cup-shaped part 56 comprising the end portion 57 of the beverage can's body 13 which includes the lid 12.

In this embodiment, a circular bend 80 is formed to reinforce the lid 12 that is part of the end portion 57 of the beverage can's body 13 and facilitate stacking of the beverage can 10 when filled. In this example, the circular bend 80 creates a circular projection 83 projecting outwardly on the outer side 14 of the lid 12. The circular projection 83 acts as the rim 92 of the lid 12 as discussed above, so that it extends at least as high as, and in this case higher than, the button 30 to facilitate stacking.

The spring 40 is then mounted in tension to the end portion 57 of the beverage can's body 13 which includes the lid 12, as shown in FIG. 41. In this example, this is done by placing the spring 40 and fastening it to the lid 12 via the integral rivets 82, 84.

The upright peripheral portion 59 of the beverage can's body 13 is then formed by drawing so that it is stretched out, as shown in FIGS. 42 and 43. Because of presence of the spring 40, a drawing punch 77 (e.g., cylinder) may comprise a void 88 to receive and accommodate the spring 40 while stretching the upright peripheral portion 59 of the beverage can's body 13.

Various steps in manufacturing the beverage can's body 13, including its end portion 57 that comprises the integrally-formed portion 66 of the lid 12, along with the spring 40 mounted to that integrally-formed portion 66 of the lid 12 may be performed using a forming apparatus that comprises an input to receive the flat aluminum disc 70 or other suitable metallic material and forming machinery, which comprises one or more machines (e.g., including punches, presses, dies, etc.), to make the beverage can 10. In some cases, the forming apparatus may reside in a single location. In other cases, respective parts (e.g., of the forming machinery) of the forming apparatus may reside in different locations.

The beverage can's body 13 including its end portion 57 that comprises the integrally-formed portion 66 of the lid 12, along with the spring 40 mounted to that integrally-formed portion 66 of the lid 12 may than proceed to be filled with the drinkable liquid, as shown in FIG. 44. More particularly, in this example, the beverage can's body 13 may be filled by a filling device introducing the drinkable liquid through an opening 93 at a top of the beverage can's body 13 opposite to the end portion 57 of the beverage can's body 13 that comprises the integrally-formed portion 66 of the lid 12. The opening 93 at the top of the beverage can's body 13 is located at the bottom of the beverage can 10. Thus, the beverage can 10 is filled upside down.

A lid 95 is then mounted to the beverage can's body 13 and closes the opening 93 through which filling was done to complete the beverage can 10. The lid 95 is configured to form the bottom of the beverage can 10 in use. The lid 95 may be seamed to the beverage can's body 13 by a closing device (e.g., comprising a seaming chuck and a seaming roll to create a mechanical interlock between the lid 95 and the beverage can's body 13). A compound may be used in a seam between the lid 95 and the beverage can's body 13 to further seal the lid 95.

The beverage can 10 may then be rotated so that its end portion 57 that comprises the integrally-formed portion 66 of the lid 12 is at its top and the lid 95 is at its bottom.

Certain additional elements that may be needed for operation of some embodiments have not been described or illustrated as they are assumed to be within the purview of those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, certain embodiments may be free of, may lack and/or may function without any element that is not specifically disclosed herein.

Any feature of any embodiment discussed herein may be combined with any feature of any other embodiment discussed herein in some examples of implementation.

In case of any discrepancy, inconsistency, or other difference between terms used herein and terms used in any document incorporated by reference herein, meanings of the terms used herein are to prevail and be used.

Although various embodiments and examples have been presented, this was for purposes of description, but should not be limiting. Various modifications and enhancements will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A lid for a beverage can, the lid comprising: wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening in response to only the button being manually pressed upon.

an inner side; and
an outer side comprising a button manually pressable upon to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can;

2. A lid for a beverage can, the lid comprising:

an inner side; and
an outer side comprising a button manually pressable upon to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can, the outer side being free of any other button manually pressable upon to open the beverage can elsewhere than at the pouring opening.

3. A lid for a beverage can, the lid comprising: wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening without any other button being manually pressed upon.

an inner side; and
an outer side comprising a button manually pressable upon to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can;

4. A lid for a beverage can, the lid comprising: wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening without manually applying force on the lid other than manually pressing upon the button.

an inner side; and
an outer side comprising a button manually pressable upon to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can;

5. The lid of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the inner side comprises a spring configured to enlarge the pouring opening after the button is manually pressed upon.

6. The lid of claim 5, wherein the spring is configured to retract a flap into an interior of the beverage can to enlarge the pouring opening after the button is manually pressed upon.

7. The lid of any one of claims 5 and 6, wherein the lid is at least partly made of aluminum and the spring includes part of the aluminum.

8. The lid of claim 7, wherein the spring comprises 7075-T6 aluminum alloy.

9. The lid of claim 7, wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, the base includes part of the aluminum, and an aluminum alloy of the spring is different from an aluminum alloy of the base.

10. The lid of claim 9, wherein the aluminum alloy of the spring is aluminum alloy 7075-T6 and the aluminum alloy of the base is aluminum alloy 5182.

11. The lid of claim 5, wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, and a metallic material of the spring is different from a metallic material of the base.

12. The lid of claim 11, wherein the metallic material of the spring is stronger than the metallic material of the base.

13. The lid of claim 12, wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 1.

14. The lid of claim 12, wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 2.

15. The lid of claim 12, wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 3.

16. The lid of any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising a frangible portion configured to break to create the pouring opening.

17. The lid of claim 16, wherein the frangible portion comprises a line of weakness defining a contour of the pouring opening.

18. The lid of claim 16, wherein the frangible portion is a scored portion.

19. The lid of any one of claims 6 to 18, wherein the inner side comprises an inner surface and the spring projects from the inner surface into the interior of the beverage can.

20. The lid of any one of claims 6 to 19, wherein the spring is curved in the interior of the beverage can.

21. The lid of claim 20, wherein the spring is generally U-shaped.

22. The lid of any one of claims 6 to 21, wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, and an end of the spring is configured to move in the interior of the beverage can with the flap.

23. The lid of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the button is configured to enter inside the beverage can when manually pressed upon.

24. The lid of any one of claims 5 to 23, wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 35 N.

25. The lid of any one of claims 5 to 23, wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 60 N.

26. The lid of any one of claims 5 to 23, wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 70 N.

27. The lid of any one of claims 6 to 26, wherein the lid comprises a base and a fastener fastening the spring to the base.

28. The lid of claim 27, wherein the fastener is integrally formed with the base.

29. The lid of any one of claims 27 and 28, wherein the fastener is a rivet.

30. The lid of any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the fastener is a first fastener and the lid comprises a second fastener fastening the spring to the base.

31. The lid of claim 30, wherein the first fastener fastens the spring to the flap and the second fastener fastens the spring to an anchoring portion of the base spaced from the flap.

32. The lid of any one of claims 6 to 31, wherein the flap remains attached to the spring when the pouring opening is created.

33. The lid of any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the lid is entirely recyclable.

34. The lid of any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the pouring opening is noncircular.

35. The lid of claim 34, wherein the pouring opening is oblong.

36. The lid of claim 34, wherein the pouring opening is generally kidney-shaped.

37. The lid of any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is between 2 cm2 and 8 cm2.

38. The lid of any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is between 2 cm2 and 4 cm2.

39. The lid of any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is about 2.8 cm2.

40. The lid of any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.1.

41. The lid of any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.15.

42. The lid of any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.2.

43. The lid of any one of claims 1 to 42, wherein the lid is configured such that another beverage can is stackable on the beverage can without interference from the button.

44. The lid of any one of claims 1 to 43, comprising a rim extending at least as high as the button.

45. The lid of claim 44, wherein the rim extends higher than the button.

46. The lid of any one of claims 1 to 45, wherein: the outer side comprises an outer surface; and the button projects from the outer surface.

47. The lid of claim 46, wherein: the inner side comprises an inner surface; and a height of the button is greater than a thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface.

48. The lid of claim 47, wherein a ratio of the height of the button over the thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface is at least 10.

49. The lid of claim 47, wherein a ratio of the height of the button over the thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface is at least 20.

50. The lid of any one of claims 1 to 49, wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is greater than a cross-sectional area of the button normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can.

51. The lid of claim 50, wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 2.

52. The lid of claim 50, wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 4.

53. The lid of claim 50, wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 6.

54. The lid of any one of claims 1 to 53, wherein at least part of the lid is formed integrally with a part of a body of the beverage can.

55. A beverage can comprising the lid of any one of claims 1 to 54.

56. A lid for a beverage can, the lid comprising:

an outer side comprising an actuator manually operable to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can; and
an inner side comprising a spring configured to enlarge the pouring opening after the actuator is manually operated.

57. The lid of claim 56, wherein the spring is configured to retract a flap into an interior of the beverage can to enlarge the pouring opening after the button is manually pressed upon.

58. The lid of any one of claims 56 and 57, wherein the lid is at least partly made of aluminum and the spring includes part of the aluminum.

59. The lid of claim 58, wherein the spring comprises 7075-T6 aluminum alloy.

60. The lid of claim 58, wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, the base includes part of the aluminum, and an aluminum alloy of the spring is different from an aluminum alloy of the base.

61. The lid of claim 60, wherein the aluminum alloy of the spring is aluminum alloy 7075-T6 and the aluminum alloy of the base is aluminum alloy 5182.

62. The lid of claim 56, wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, and a metallic material of the spring is different from a metallic material of the base.

63. The lid of claim 62, wherein the metallic material of the spring is stronger than the metallic material of the base.

64. The lid of claim 63, wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 1.

65. The lid of claim 63, wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 2.

66. The lid of claim 63, wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 3.

67. The lid of any one of claims 56 to 66, comprising a frangible portion configured to break to create the pouring opening.

68. The lid of claim 67, wherein the frangible portion comprises a line of weakness defining a contour of the pouring opening.

69. The lid of claim 67, wherein the frangible portion is a scored portion.

70. The lid of any one of claims 57 to 69, wherein the inner side comprises an inner surface and the spring projects from the inner surface into the interior of the beverage can.

71. The lid of any one of claims 57 to 70, wherein the spring is curved in the interior of the beverage can.

72. The lid of claim 71, wherein the spring is generally U-shaped.

73. The lid of any one of claims 57 to 72, wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, and an end of the spring is configured to move in the interior of the beverage can with the flap.

74. The lid of any one of claims 56 to 73, wherein the actuator comprises a button manually pressable upon to initiate creation of the pouring opening.

75. The lid of claim 74, wherein the button is configured to enter inside the beverage can when manually pressed upon.

76. The lid of any one of claims 56 to 73, wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 35 N.

77. The lid of any one of claims 56 to 73, wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 60 N.

78. The lid of any one of claims 56 to 73, wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 70 N.

79. The lid of any one of claims 57 to 78, wherein the lid comprises a base and a fastener fastening the spring to the base.

80. The lid of claim 79, wherein the fastener is integrally formed with the base.

81. The lid of any one of claims 79 and 80, wherein the fastener is a rivet.

82. The lid of any one of claims 79 to 81, wherein the fastener is a first fastener and the lid comprises a second fastener fastening the spring to the base.

83. The lid of claim 82, wherein the first fastener fastens the spring to the flap and the second fastener fastens the spring to an anchoring portion of the base spaced from the flap.

84. The lid of any one of claims 57 to 83, wherein the flap remains attached to the spring when the pouring opening is created.

85. The lid of any one of claims 56 to 84, wherein the lid is entirely recyclable.

86. The lid of any one of claims 56 to 85, wherein the pouring opening is noncircular.

87. The lid of claim 86, wherein the pouring opening is oblong.

88. The lid of claim 86, wherein the pouring opening is generally kidney-shaped.

89. The lid of any one of claims 56 to 88, wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is between 2 cm2 and 8 cm2.

90. The lid of any one of claims 56 to 88, wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is between 2 cm2 and 4 cm2.

91. The lid of any one of claims 56 to 88, wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is about 2.8 cm2.

92. The lid of any one of claims 56 to 88, wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.1.

93. The lid of any one of claims 56 to 88, wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.15.

94. The lid of any one of claims 56 to 88, wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.2.

95. The lid of any one of claims 56 to 94, wherein the lid is configured such that another beverage can is stackable on the beverage can without interference from the button.

96. The lid of any one of claims 56 to 95, comprising a rim extending at least as high as the button.

97. The lid of claim 96, wherein the rim extends higher than the button.

98. The lid of claim 74, wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening in response to only the button being manually pressed upon.

99. The lid of claim 74, wherein the outer side is free of any other button manually pressable upon to open the beverage can elsewhere than at the pouring opening.

100. The lid of claim 74, wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening without any other button being manually pressed upon.

101. The lid of claim 74, wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening without manually applying force on the lid other than manually pressing upon the button.

102. The lid of any one of claims 56 to 101, wherein: the outer side comprises an outer surface; and the button projects from the outer surface.

103. The lid of claim 102, wherein: the inner side comprises an inner surface; and a height of the button is greater than a thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface.

104. The lid of claim 103, wherein a ratio of the height of the button over the thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface is at least 10.

105. The lid of claim 103, wherein a ratio of the height of the button over the thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface is at least 20.

106. The lid of any one of claims 56 to 105, wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is greater than a cross-sectional area of the button normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can.

107. The lid of claim 106, wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 2.

108. The lid of claim 106, wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 4.

109. The lid of claim 106, wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 6.

110. The lid of any one of claims 56 to 109, wherein at least part of the lid is formed integrally with a part of a body of the beverage can.

111. A beverage can comprising the lid of any one of claims 56 to 110.

112. A lid for a beverage can, the lid comprising: wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.1.

an inner side; and
an outer side comprising a button manually pressable upon to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can;

113. The lid of claim 112, wherein the inner side comprises a spring configured to enlarge the pouring opening after the button is manually pressed upon.

114. The lid of claim 113, wherein the spring is configured to retract a flap into an interior of the beverage can to enlarge the pouring opening after the button is manually pressed upon.

115. The lid of claim 112, wherein the lid is at least partly made of aluminum and the spring includes part of the aluminum.

116. The lid of claim 115, wherein the spring comprises 7075-T6 aluminum alloy.

117. The lid of claim 113, wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, the base includes part of the aluminum, and an aluminum alloy of the spring is different from an aluminum alloy of the base.

118. The lid of claim 117, wherein the aluminum alloy of the spring is aluminum alloy 7075-T6 and the aluminum alloy of the base is aluminum alloy 5182.

119. The lid of claim 113, wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, and a metallic material of the spring is different from a metallic material of the base.

120. The lid of claim 119, wherein the metallic material of the spring is stronger than the metallic material of the base.

121. The lid of claim 120, wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 1.

122. The lid of claim 120, wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 2.

123. The lid of claim 120, wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 3.

124. The lid of any one of claims 112 to 123, comprising a frangible portion configured to break to create the pouring opening.

125. The lid of claim 124, wherein the frangible portion comprises a line of weakness defining a contour of the pouring opening.

126. The lid of claim 124, wherein the frangible portion is a scored portion.

127. The lid of any one of claims 113 to 126, wherein the inner side comprises an inner surface and the spring projects from the inner surface into the interior of the beverage can.

128. The lid of any one of claims 113 to 127, wherein the spring is curved in the interior of the beverage can.

129. The lid of claim 128, wherein the spring is generally U-shaped.

130. The lid of any one of claims 113 to 129, wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, and an end of the spring is configured to move in the interior of the beverage can with the flap.

131. The lid of any one of claims 112 to 130, wherein the actuator comprises a button manually pressable upon to initiate creation of the pouring opening.

132. The lid of claim 131, wherein the button is configured to enter inside the beverage can when manually pressed upon.

133. The lid of any one of claims 113 to 132, wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 35 N.

134. The lid of any one of claims 113 to 132, wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 60 N.

135. The lid of any one of claims 113 to 132, wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 70 N.

136. The lid of any one of claims 113 to 135, wherein the lid comprises a base and a fastener fastening the spring to the base.

137. The lid of claim 136, wherein the fastener is integrally formed with the base.

138. The lid of any one of claims 136 and 137, wherein the fastener is a rivet.

139. The lid of any one of claims 136 to 138, wherein the fastener is a first fastener and the lid comprises a second fastener fastening the spring to the base.

140. The lid of claim 139, wherein the first fastener fastens the spring to the flap and the second fastener fastens the spring to an anchoring portion of the base spaced from the flap.

141. The lid of any one of claims 114 to 140, wherein the flap remains attached to the spring when the pouring opening is created.

142. The lid of any one of claims 112 to 141, wherein the lid is entirely recyclable.

143. The lid of any one of claims 112 to 142, wherein the pouring opening is noncircular.

144. The lid of claim 143, wherein the pouring opening is oblong.

145. The lid of claim 143, wherein the pouring opening is generally kidney-shaped.

146. The lid of any one of claims 112 to 145, wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is between 2 cm2 and 8 cm2.

147. The lid of any one of claims 112 to 145, wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is between 2 cm2 and 4 cm2.

148. The lid of any one of claims 112 to 145, wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is about 2.8 cm2.

149. The lid of any one of claims 112 to 145, wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.15.

150. The lid of any one of claims 112 to 145, wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.2.

151. The lid of any one of claims 112 to 150, wherein the lid is configured such that another beverage can is stackable on the beverage can without interference from the button.

152. The lid of any one of claims 112 to 151, comprising a rim extending at least as high as the button.

153. The lid of claim 152, wherein the rim extends higher than the button.

154. The lid of claim 131, wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening in response to only the button being manually pressed upon.

155. The lid of claim 131, wherein the outer side is free of any other button manually pressable upon to open the beverage can elsewhere than at the pouring opening.

156. The lid of claim 131, wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening without any other button being manually pressed upon.

157. The lid of claim 131, wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening without manually applying force on the lid other than manually pressing upon the button.

158. The lid of any one of claims 112 to 157, wherein: the outer side comprises an outer surface; and the button projects from the outer surface.

159. The lid of claim 158, wherein: the inner side comprises an inner surface; and a height of the button is greater than a thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface.

160. The lid of claim 159, wherein a ratio of the height of the button over the thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface is at least 10.

161. The lid of claim 159, wherein a ratio of the height of the button over the thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface is at least 20.

162. The lid of any one of claims 112 to 161, wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is greater than a cross-sectional area of the button normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can.

163. The lid of claim 162, wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 2.

164. The lid of claim 162, wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 4.

165. The lid of claim 162, wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 6.

166. The lid of any one of claims 112 to 165, wherein at least part of the lid is formed integrally with a part of a body of the beverage can.

167. A beverage can comprising the lid of any one of claims 112 to 166.

168. A lid for a beverage can, the lid comprising:

an outer side comprising a button manually pressable upon to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can; and
an inner side comprising a spring configured to enlarge the pouring opening after the button is manually pressed upon.

169. The lid of claim 168, wherein the spring is configured to retract a flap into an interior of the beverage can to enlarge the pouring opening after the button is manually pressed upon.

170. The lid of any one of claims 168 and 169, wherein the lid is at least partly made of aluminum and the spring includes part of the aluminum.

171. The lid of claim 170, wherein the spring comprises 7075-T6 aluminum alloy.

172. The lid of claim 170, wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, the base includes part of the aluminum, and an aluminum alloy of the spring is different from an aluminum alloy of the base.

173. The lid of claim 172, wherein the aluminum alloy of the spring is aluminum alloy 7075-T6 and the aluminum alloy of the base is aluminum alloy 5182.

174. The lid of claim 168, wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, and a metallic material of the spring is different from a metallic material of the base.

175. The lid of claim 174, wherein the metallic material of the spring is stronger than the metallic material of the base.

176. The lid of claim 175, wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 1.

177. The lid of claim 175, wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 2.

178. The lid of claim 175, wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 3.

179. The lid of any one of claims 168 to 178, comprising a frangible portion configured to break to create the pouring opening.

180. The lid of claim 179, wherein the frangible portion comprises a line of weakness defining a contour of the pouring opening.

181. The lid of claim 179, wherein the frangible portion is a scored portion.

182. The lid of any one of claims 169 to 181, wherein the inner side comprises an inner surface and the spring projects from the inner surface into the interior of the beverage can.

183. The lid of any one of claims 169 to 182, wherein the spring is curved in the interior of the beverage can.

184. The lid of claim 183, wherein the spring is generally U-shaped.

185. The lid of any one of claims 169 to 184, wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, and an end of the spring is configured to move in the interior of the beverage can with the flap.

186. The lid of claim 185, wherein the button is configured to enter inside the beverage can when manually pressed upon.

187. The lid of any one of claims 168 to 184, wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 35 N.

188. The lid of any one of claims 168 to 184, wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 60 N.

189. The lid of any one of claims 168 to 184, wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 70 N.

190. The lid of any one of claims 169 to 189, wherein the lid comprises a base and a fastener fastening the spring to the base.

191. The lid of claim 190, wherein the fastener is integrally formed with the base.

192. The lid of any one of claims 190 and 191, wherein the fastener is a rivet.

193. The lid of any one of claims 190 to 192, wherein the fastener is a first fastener and the lid comprises a second fastener fastening the spring to the base.

194. The lid of claim 193, wherein the first fastener fastens the spring to the flap and the second fastener fastens the spring to an anchoring portion of the base spaced from the flap.

195. The lid of any one of claims 169 to 194, wherein the flap remains attached to the spring when the pouring opening is created.

196. The lid of any one of claims 168 to 195, wherein the lid is entirely recyclable.

197. The lid of any one of claims 168 to 196, wherein the pouring opening is noncircular.

198. The lid of claim 197, wherein the pouring opening is oblong.

199. The lid of claim 197, wherein the pouring opening is generally kidney-shaped.

200. The lid of any one of claims 168 to 199, wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is between 2 cm2 and 8 cm2.

201. The lid of any one of claims 168 to 199, wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is between 2 cm2 and 4 cm2.

202. The lid of any one of claims 168 to 199, wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is about 2.8 cm2.

203. The lid of any one of claims 168 to 199, wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.1.

204. The lid of any one of claims 168 to 199, wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.15.

205. The lid of any one of claims 168 to 199, wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.2.

206. The lid of any one of claims 168 to 205, wherein the lid is configured such that another beverage can is stackable on the beverage can without interference from the button.

207. The lid of any one of claims 168 to 206, comprising a rim extending at least as high as the button.

208. The lid of claim 207, wherein the rim extends higher than the button.

209. The lid of any one of claims 168 to 208, wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening in response to only the button being manually pressed upon.

210. The lid of any one of claims 168 to 209, wherein the outer side is free of any other button manually pressable upon to open the beverage can elsewhere than at the pouring opening.

211. The lid of any one of claims 168 to 210, wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening without any other button being manually pressed upon.

212. The lid of any one of claims 168 to 211, wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening without manually applying force on the lid other than manually pressing upon the button.

213. The lid of any one of claims 168 to 212, wherein: the outer side comprises an outer surface; and the button projects from the outer surface.

214. The lid of claim 213, wherein: the inner side comprises an inner surface; and a height of the button is greater than a thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface.

215. The lid of claim 214, wherein a ratio of the height of the button over the thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface is at least 10.

216. The lid of claim 214, wherein a ratio of the height of the button over the thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface is at least 20.

217. The lid of any one of claims 168 to 216, wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is greater than a cross-sectional area of the button normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can.

218. The lid of claim 217, wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 2.

219. The lid of claim 217, wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 4.

220. The lid of claim 217, wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 6.

221. The lid of any one of claims 168 to 220, wherein at least part of the lid is formed integrally with a part of a body of the beverage can.

222. A beverage can comprising the lid of any one of claims 168 to 221.

223. A beverage can comprising: wherein at least part of the lid is formed integrally with a part of the body of the beverage can.

a body; and
a lid comprising: an inner side; and an outer side comprising an actuator manually operable to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can;

224. The beverage can of claim 223, wherein: the actuator comprises a button manually pressable upon to initiate creation of the pouring opening; and the button is formed integrally with the part of the body of the beverage can.

225. The beverage can of claim 224, wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening in response to only the button being manually pressed upon.

226. The beverage can of claim 224, wherein the outer side is free of any other button manually pressable upon to open the beverage can elsewhere than at the pouring opening.

227. The beverage can of claim 224, wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening without any other button being manually pressed upon.

228. The beverage can of claim 224, wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening without manually applying force on the lid other than manually pressing upon the button.

229. The beverage can of any one of claims 224 to 228, wherein the inner side comprises a spring configured to enlarge the pouring opening after the button is manually pressed upon.

230. The beverage can of claim 229, wherein: the spring is configured to retract a flap into an interior of the beverage can to enlarge the pouring opening after the button is manually pressed upon; and the flap is formed integrally with the part of the body of the beverage can.

231. The beverage can of any one of claims 229 and 230, wherein the lid is at least partly made of aluminum and the spring includes part of the aluminum.

232. The beverage can of claim 231, wherein the spring comprises 7075-T6 aluminum alloy.

233. The beverage can of claim 231, wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, the base includes part of the aluminum, and an aluminum alloy of the spring is different from an aluminum alloy of the base.

234. The beverage can of claim 233, wherein the aluminum alloy of the spring is aluminum alloy 7075-T6 and the aluminum alloy of the base is aluminum alloy 5182.

235. The beverage can of claim 231, wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, and a metallic material of the spring is different from a metallic material of the base.

236. The beverage can of claim 235, wherein the metallic material of the spring is stronger than the metallic material of the base.

237. The beverage can of claim 236, wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 1.5.

238. The beverage can of claim 236, wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 2.

239. The beverage can of claim 236, wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 3.

240. The beverage can of any one of claims 223 to 239, wherein: the lid comprises a frangible portion configured to break to create the pouring opening; and the frangible portion of the lid is formed integrally with the part of the body of the beverage can.

241. The beverage can of claim 240, wherein the frangible portion comprises a line of weakness defining a contour of the pouring opening.

242. The beverage can of claim 241, wherein the frangible portion is a scored portion.

243. The beverage can of any one of claims 230 to 239, wherein the inner side comprises an inner surface and the spring projects from the inner surface into the interior of the beverage can.

244. The beverage can of claim 243, wherein the spring is curved in the interior of the beverage can.

245. The beverage can of claim 244, wherein the spring is generally U-shaped.

246. The beverage can of any one of claims 230 to 245, wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, and an end of the spring is configured to move in the interior of the beverage can with the flap.

247. The beverage can of any one of claims 224 to 246, wherein the button is configured to enter inside the beverage can when manually pressed upon.

248. The beverage can of any one of claims 230 to 247, wherein: the lid comprises a base formed integrally with the part of the body of the beverage can; and the spring is fastened to the base.

249. The beverage can of any one of claims 230 to 248, wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 35 N.

250. The beverage can of any one of claims 230 to 248, wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 60 N.

251. The beverage can of any one of claims 230 to 248, wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 70 N.

252. The beverage can of any one of claims 230 to 251, wherein: the lid comprises a base formed integrally with the part of the body of the beverage can; and a fastener fastening the spring to the base and formed integrally with the part of the body of the beverage can.

253. The beverage can of claim 252, wherein the fastener is a rivet.

254. The beverage can of claim 253, wherein the fastener is a first fastener and the lid comprises a second fastener fastening the spring to the base and formed integrally with the part of the body of the beverage can.

255. The beverage can of claim 254, wherein the first fastener fastens the spring to the flap and the second fastener fastens the spring to an anchoring portion of the base spaced from the flap.

256. The beverage can of any one of claims 230 to 255, wherein the flap remains attached to the spring when the pouring opening is created.

257. The beverage can of any one of claims 223 to 256, wherein the lid is entirely recyclable.

258. The beverage can of any one of claims 223 to 257, wherein the pouring opening is noncircular.

259. The beverage can of claim 258, wherein the pouring opening is oblong.

260. The beverage can of claim 259, wherein the pouring opening is generally kidney-shaped.

261. The beverage can of any one of claims 223 to 260, wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is between 2 cm2 and 8 cm2.

262. The beverage can of any one of claims 223 to 260, wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is between 2 cm2 and 4 cm2.

263. The beverage can of any one of claims 223 to 260, wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is about 2.8 cm2.

264. The beverage can of any one of claims 223 to 260, wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.1.

265. The beverage can of any one of claims 223 to 260, wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.15.

266. The beverage can of any one of claims 223 to 260, wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.2.

267. The beverage can of any one of claims 224 to 266, wherein the lid is configured such that another beverage can is stackable on the beverage can without interference from the button.

268. The beverage can of any one of claims 224 to 267, wherein the lid comprises a rim extending at least as high as the button.

269. The beverage can of claim 268, wherein the rim extends higher than the button.

270. The beverage can of any one of claims 224 to 269, wherein: the outer side comprises an outer surface; and the button projects from the outer surface.

271. The beverage can of claim 270, wherein: the inner side comprises an inner surface;

and a height of the button is greater than a thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface.

272. The beverage can of claim 271, wherein a ratio of the height of the button over the thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface is at least 10.

273. The beverage can of claim 271, wherein a ratio of the height of the button over the thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface is at least 20.

274. The beverage can of any one of claims 224 to 272, wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is greater than a cross-sectional area of the button normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can.

275. The beverage can of claim 274, wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 2.

276. The beverage can of claim 274, wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 4.

277. The beverage can of claim 274, wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 6.

278. The beverage can of any one of claims 223 to 277, wherein: the body of the beverage can comprises an end portion and an upright peripheral portion that is integrally formed with and projects from the end portion of the body of the beverage can; and the part of the body of the beverage can is the end portion of the body of the beverage can.

279. The beverage can of claim 278, wherein the end portion of the body of the beverage can is thicker than the upright peripheral portion of the body of the beverage can.

280. The beverage can of any one of claims 278 and 279, wherein the end portion of the body of the beverage can is configured to constitute a top of the beverage can in use, but is configured to be located at a bottom of the beverage can during filling of the beverage can.

281. The beverage can of any one of claims 278 to 280, wherein a central region of the end portion of the body of the beverage can that includes at least part of the lid is thinner than an adjacent region of the end portion of the body of the beverage can.

282. The beverage can of claim 281, wherein the central region of the end portion of the body of the beverage can includes the actuator.

283. A precursor for a beverage can, the precursor comprising: wherein at least part of the lid is formed integrally with the part of the body of the beverage can.

a part of a body of the beverage can; and
a lid comprising: an inner side; and an outer side comprising an actuator manually operable to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can;

284. A method of making a beverage can, the method comprising:

providing metallic material; and
forming at least part of a lid of the beverage can and at least part of a body of the beverage can integrally with one another from the metallic material, the lid comprising an actuator manually operable to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can.

285. An apparatus for making a beverage can, the apparatus comprising:

an input to receive metallic material; and
forming machinery configured to form at least part of a lid of the beverage can and at least part of a body of the beverage can integrally with one another from the metallic material, the lid comprising an actuator manually operable to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can.

286. A method of producing a beverage can, the beverage can comprising: a top comprising an actuator manually operable to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can; and a bottom opposite to the top of the beverage can, the method comprising:

filling a body of the beverage can with the drinkable liquid while the top of the beverage can is located below the bottom of the beverage can via an opening at the bottom of the beverage can; and
closing the opening at the bottom of the beverage can.

287. An apparatus for producing a beverage can, the beverage can comprising: a top comprising an actuator manually operable to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can; and a bottom opposite to the top of the beverage can, the apparatus comprising:

a filling device configured to fill a body of the beverage can with the drinkable liquid while the top of the beverage can is located below the bottom of the beverage can via an opening at the bottom of the beverage can; and
a closing device configured to close the opening at the bottom of the beverage can.
Patent History
Publication number: 20210245921
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 5, 2018
Publication Date: Aug 12, 2021
Inventors: Jacques CHAURETTE (Montreal), Gregory SMITH (Montreal), Alan CLACK (Montreal)
Application Number: 16/623,176
Classifications
International Classification: B65D 17/28 (20060101);