Provided With Vent Patents (Class 220/271)
  • Patent number: 11434046
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed and includes a can, which has an end wall incorporating a vent panel and a pouring panel, both panels being breakable and presenting a contour defined by a rupture line. A first actuation tab is externally affixed to the vent panel and manually and angularly displaceable, in order to be separated from the can jointly with the vent panel. A second actuation tab, which may be actuated after the vent panel is removed, is externally affixed to the pouring panel and provided with an end lower tooth, which is pressed against the rupture line of the pouring panel, when the second actuation tab is displaced so as to break, initially, the confronting spot region of the rupture line and, subsequently, to separate the pouring panel from said end wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Inventor: João Marques Fernandes
  • Patent number: 10981694
    Abstract: A metallic container end closure is provided that generally comprises a dispensing opening and a vent opening. The vent opening improves pourability through the dispensing opening and provides an alternative option for consuming the contents of the container. The end closure may include features to ease opening of the vent opening, such as stiffeners and/or vent form features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: BALL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Howard C. Chasteen, Mark A. Jacober
  • Patent number: 10106306
    Abstract: A vented metal can end is provided. The can end includes a tab and a tab rivet. The can end includes an outer score and a vent score. The vent score is formed in the end wall and located beneath the nose of the tab. The vent score is positioned such that the tab rivet is located between the vent score and the center point of the end wall and the vent score is also located between the outer score and the tab rivet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Silgan Containers LLC
    Inventor: David Dunn
  • Patent number: 9969524
    Abstract: A metallic container end closure is provided that generally comprises a primary pour opening and an extended or secondary score which is opened with a secondary tool to form a secondary pour opening. The fact that a secondary tool is required allows the secondary score to be shallower, and thus more secure than deeper scores that are openable by finger pressure alone. Once the secondary tool is used to fracture the secondary score, a secondary pour opening is produced adjacent to the primary pour opening to form a larger opening. A user may insert materials such as ice or oranges through the enlarged pour opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Ball Corporation
    Inventors: Erik E. Gatewood, Mark A. Jacober
  • Patent number: 9840356
    Abstract: A closure, for rotatably coupling with a container to cover an opening of the container, includes a lid and a lever. The lid includes a primary panel defining a top surface, a skirt configured to couple with the container, and a stop positioned adjacent the top surface of the primary panel. The lid defines an outermost perimeter, and a footprint of the lid is defined within the outermost perimeter. The lever is rotably coupled with the lid to rotate relative to the lid between a use position and a storage position. When the lever is in the storage position, the lever is maintained substantially within the footprint of the lid. When the lever is in the use position, the lever extends outwardly beyond the outermost perimeter of the lid contacting the stop of the lid such that force applied to lever is transferred to the lid via the stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Ariadne Design LLC
    Inventor: Ian James Spruce
  • Patent number: 9650172
    Abstract: In a panel (400), a protrusion (nipple) (420) is formed, which is flattened when a tab is secured to the panel (400) and functions as a rivet. The protrusion (420) is provided at a section of the panel (400) which is surrounded by a first score line (430) and which is located on a top part (433A) side relative to one end (431) or the other end (432) of the first score line (430). A second score line (450) connected to a curved part (433) of the first score line (430) is provided in the panel (400). Consequently, a decrease in the outflow performance of the drink is suppressed and a decrease in operability of the tab is suppressed, even if the tab or the opening is increased in size or the panel is reduced in size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: SHOWA ALUMINUM CAN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinichi Ojima, Kazunori Ikeda, Kenyu Muraoka, Tetsuo Kashiwazaki, Asumi Suwa
  • Patent number: 9233784
    Abstract: A metallic container end closure is provided that generally comprises a dispensing opening and a vent opening. The vent opening improves pourability through the dispensing opening and provides an alternative option for consuming the contents of the container. The end closure may include features to ease opening of the vent opening, such as stiffeners and/or vent form features. Additionally, the end closure may include various safety features, such as a safety fold. In some configurations, the container end closure does not include a pull tab for opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Ball Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Jacober, Howard C. Chasteen
  • Patent number: 9181007
    Abstract: A can end for a beverage container has a center panel with a stay-on tab opening system. A tear panel is defined by a first frangible score and a non-frangible hinge segment. A tab is attached to the center panel by a rivet. The tab has a void region partially surrounding a rivet island. A first circle has a first center point located at a center of the rivet and a first radius equal to a distance from the center of the rivet to a radially outermost point of the void region on a first axis running through the nose and lift ends of the tab and a center of the rivet. A second circle has a coincident center and a second radius less than 2.5 times first radius. A second frangible score is spaced completely radially outwardly from the rivet island and between the first and second circles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Rexam Beverage Can Company
    Inventors: Randall Forrest, Michael Gogola, Derek Siegal
  • Patent number: 9162795
    Abstract: A container lid includes a conventional main or pour opening and a vent opening spaced from the main opening. A vent score defines the shape of the vent opening, and a vent panel covers the vent opening. The vent panel has a raised convex shape. The lower surface of the tab handle includes a protruding portion, seen as a concave shaped element when viewed from above the container lid. The protruding portion of the tab handle can be aligned with the vent panel so application of a downward force on the tab handle transfers force to the vent panel and breaks the vent score. The shapes of the vent panel and concave element of the tab handle can be adjusted for selective and controlled force transfer to create the vent opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Crown Packaging Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Alan Thiemann, Ray Alan Toms
  • Patent number: 9139343
    Abstract: A can for containing a liquid having a top end with (a) a dispense area defined by a first score line and (b) a pull tab coupled to the top end by a first rivet. The pull tab punctures the dispense area to open a dispense aperture upon lifting an actuating end of the pull tab. The top end has (c) a vent area defined by a second score line and (d) a secondary lever coupled to the top end by a second rivet, and has a puncturing end for puncturing the vent area to open a vent aperture upon lifting an opposite, actuating end of the secondary lever. The secondary lever and pull tab interlock so lifting the actuating end of the pull tab triggers lifting of the actuating end of the secondary lever, opening both dispensing and vent apertures in a single movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A.
    Inventor: Christopher Neiner
  • Patent number: 9051081
    Abstract: A drink can has a drink opening and a vent opening. These openings are positioned opposite from each other with respect to a central portion of a top end of a drink can. The tab is attached to the central portion and can be pulled upward to open the drink opening then pushed back downward to open the vent opening. To aid in opening the vent opening with the tab, the vent opening may have a ridge to provide additional leverage when the tab pushes downward on a score line that defines the vent opening. The tab may be enlarged so that upon breakage of the score line to the vent opening, the tab contacts the top end of the can and does not allow the user's finger to proceed into the vent opening and possibly cut the user's finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Inventors: Arthur Joseph Emanuele, III, Robert Clarke Church
  • Patent number: 9016504
    Abstract: A tab is provided for a can end. The can end includes an end panel and a scoreline defining a tear panel in the end panel for providing an opening in the can end. The tab includes a body having first and second opposing ends, a nose portion located at or about the first end, a lift portion located at or about the second end, and a rivet receiving portion disposed proximate the nose portion. The rivet receiving portion includes a rivet hole. A first rivet extends outwardly from the end panel and fastens the rivet receiving portion of the tab to the can end. A second rivet extends outwardly from the end panel to cooperate with a portion of the body proximate the lift portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLC
    Inventors: James A. McClung, Aaron E. Carstens, Dennis C. Stammen, Gregory H. Butcher
  • Patent number: 9016503
    Abstract: A novel and unique container of a general clamshell configuration is provided. The hinge of the container of the present invention is particularly unique in that it not only provides a hinged connection between the lid and the base of the container for ease of use by the contents manufacturer during filling but is also breakable in different ways to provide a tamper-evident function without creating small parts that must be disposed of separately from the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Easypak LLC
    Inventors: Marco Barbier, Lawrence Murdoch
  • Publication number: 20150053681
    Abstract: A rotating tab is provided. The tab includes a body having a first end and a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end, a nose portion located at or about the first end of the tab, a lift portion located at or about the second end of the tab, and a rivet receiving portion disposed proximate the nose portion. The rivet receiving portion includes a rivet hole. A rivet extends through the rivet hole and is staked to fasten the rivet receiving portion of the tab to a can end. The body of the tab is structured to be rotated about the rivet to align a portion of the tab with a secondary scoreline in the can end. A portion of the tab is structured to be depressed to sever the secondary scoreline to vent the can end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: STOLLE MACHINERY COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: JAMES A. MCCLUNG, AARON E. CARSTENS, JASON A. DAVIDSON, GREGORY H. BUTCHER
  • Publication number: 20150034648
    Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed a beverage can's top having a new tab design which would be the tool that could allow for the opening of both the drinking hole and air hole in the can's top. The tab may have different shapes and sizes. The length of the tab may be varied to facilitate the efficiency of the opening. The locations of the air hole and drinking hole are within the range of the can tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Sean G. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20150001220
    Abstract: A can for containing a liquid having a top end is disclosed. The top end has a dispense area defined by a first score line and a pull tab coupled to the top end by a rivet. The pull tab has a puncturing end for breaking the first score line and pushing into the interior of the can without detaching the dispense area to open a dispense aperture. A vent area is defined by a second score line and positioned on the opposite side of the rivet. The first and second score lines are separated by at least one torsion stripe of the can top material for acting as a hinge by torsion upon lifting the actuating end of the pull tab. As the dispense aperture is opened by pushing the dispense area into the interior of the can, a vent aperture is opened by pulling the vent area outwards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Christopher Neiner
  • Publication number: 20140374419
    Abstract: A can for containing a liquid having a top end is disclosed. The top end has (a) a dispense area defined by a first score line and (b) a pull tab coupled to the top end by a first rivet. The pull tab punctures the dispense area to open a dispense aperture upon lifting an actuating end of the pull tab. The top end has (c) a vent area defined by a second score line and (d) a secondary lever coupled to the top end by a second rivet, and has a puncturing end for puncturing the vent area to open a vent aperture upon lifting an opposite, actuating end of the secondary lever. The secondary lever and pull tab interlock so lifting the actuating end of the pull tab triggers lifting of the actuating end of the secondary lever, opening both dispensing and vent apertures in a single movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher Neiner
  • Publication number: 20140367382
    Abstract: A can for containing a liquid having a top end is disclosed. The top end has a dispense area defined on the top end by a first score line and a vent area defined on the top end by a second score line separate from the first score line. The top end has a first rivet located between the vent and dispense areas for coupling to the top end. The top end has a pull tab suitable for puncturing the dispense areas to open a dispense aperture. The top end has a device for opening the vent aperture. The dispense area has a dimension along the diameter of the top end passing by the first rivet greater or equal to the radius of the top end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher Neiner, Frank Hellwig
  • Patent number: 8893913
    Abstract: A rotating tab is provided. The tab includes a body having a first end and a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end, a nose portion located at or about the first end of the tab, a lift portion located at or about the second end of the tab, and a rivet receiving portion disposed proximate the nose portion. The rivet receiving portion includes a rivet hole. A rivet extends through the rivet hole and is staked to fasten the rivet receiving portion of the tab to a can end. The body of the tab is structured to be rotated about the rivet to align a portion of the tab with a secondary scoreline in the can end. A portion of the tab is structured to be depressed to sever the secondary scoreline to vent the can end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLC
    Inventors: James A. McClung, Aaron E. Carstens, Jason A. Davidson, Gregory H. Butcher
  • Publication number: 20140325943
    Abstract: A container lid (10) includes a conventional main or pour opening, a vent opening separate from the main opening, and a mechanically attached tab (50) to create the openings. A vent score (40) defines the shape of the vent opening, and a vent panel (38) covers the vent opening. A mouth score (26) defines the shape of the pour opening, and a mouth panel (28) covers the pour opening. The action of creating the main opening using the tab (50) causes a moustache score (46) to break and create a vent opening in the same action. When the tab is returned to its original orientation the vent opening may be further enlarged by engaging a raised section on the vent panel (42) and the tab (50), by engaging a vent depressing means (44) on the tab (50) to the vent panel (38), or a combination of the two.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Lance Fesler
  • Patent number: 8870012
    Abstract: The present invention is a flip-up pop-tab in which a partially detachable portion of a lid of a can is separated from the can and hinged away from the opening created in the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Gilbert P. Stengel, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140263334
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container end closure that generally comprises a pour opening and a secondary vent opening which improves venting during emptying of contents from the container. In particular, the present invention relates to an end closure for a container having scores defining a secondary vent opening which may optionally be opened. The secondary vent opening has a significantly larger area then vents of prior art designs and thereby improves pour rate and smoothness of pour. After the pour opening is opened using a pull tab interconnected to the end closure, a consumer may selectively open the secondary vent opening by pulling back on the tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Ball Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony J. Scott
  • Publication number: 20140263333
    Abstract: A beverage can end has a vent that includes a button. The vent is actuated by downward force of a pull tab that is transmitted to the vent score through the button.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: CROWN PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Brendan Keane, Brian Fields, Vivek Doshi
  • Publication number: 20140158685
    Abstract: A container lid includes a conventional main or pour opening and a vent opening spaced from the main opening. A vent score defines the shape of the vent opening, and a vent panel covers the vent opening. The vent panel has a raised convex shape. The lower surface of the tab handle includes a protruding portion, seen as a concave shaped element when viewed from above the container lid. The protruding portion of the tab handle can be aligned with the vent panel so application of a downward force on the tab handle transfers force to the vent panel and breaks the vent score. The shapes of the vent panel and concave element of the tab handle can be adjusted for selective and controlled force transfer to create the vent opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Crown Packaging Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Alan Thiemann, Ray Alan Toms
  • Patent number: 8727168
    Abstract: A single use packing and dispensing technique includes a filter element as part of the packaging to permit a user to drain the packing fluid while retaining the primary package contents such as pickles, olives, canned vegetables, fruit, canned meats, poultry and fish. A strainer may be incorporated into any suitable aspect of the packaging along with a removable sealing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Eddy Bitton
  • Patent number: 8678221
    Abstract: A container lid includes a conventional main or pour opening and a vent opening spaced from the main opening. A vent score defines the shape of the vent opening, and a vent panel covers the vent opening. The vent panel has a raised convex shape. The lower surface of the tab handle includes a protruding portion, seen as a concave shaped element when viewed from above the container lid. The protruding portion of the tab handle can be aligned with the vent panel so application of a downward force on the tab handle transfers force to the vent panel and breaks the vent score. The shapes of the vent panel and concave element of the tab handle can be adjusted for selective and controlled force transfer to create the vent opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Crown Packaging Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Alan Thiemann, Ray Alan Toms
  • Patent number: 8662351
    Abstract: A secondary container assembly includes a skirt configured to securely and removably engage the rim of a beverage can. The secondary container includes a secondary compartment holding a secondary liquid. A primary flow channel extends through the secondary container to provide a fluid flow path from the open beverage can to an outlet of the secondary container. A plurality of mixing apertures provide fluid communication ports between the secondary compartment and the primary flow channel, allowing the secondary liquid to mix with beverage from the can in the primary flow channel. A vent tube prevents a vacuum from forming that would otherwise impede flow of the secondary liquid into the primary flow channel. A removable seal covers the outlet and mixing ports. A threaded lid holds the seal in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Fadi Kalaouze
  • Publication number: 20140054290
    Abstract: A rotating tab is provided. The tab includes a body having a first end and a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end, a nose portion located at or about the first end of the tab, a lift portion located at or about the second end of the tab, and a rivet receiving portion disposed proximate the nose portion. The rivet receiving portion includes a rivet hole. A rivet extends through the rivet hole and is staked to fasten the rivet receiving portion of the tab to a can end. The body of the tab is structured to be rotated about the rivet to align a portion of the tab with a secondary scoreline in the can end. A portion of the tab is structured to be depressed to sever the secondary scoreline to vent the can end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: STOLLE MACHINERY COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: JAMES A. MCCLUNG, Aaron E. Carstens, Jason A. Davidson, Gregory H. Butcher
  • Patent number: 8646643
    Abstract: A can end for a beverage container has a center panel about which a circumferential strengthening member extends. The center panel has a rivet attaching a tab to a public side of the center panel. The tab has a cleat formed at a nose end. The cleat intersects a diametrical line of the can end drawn through a lift end of the tab, the nose end, and the rivet. The cleat extends downwardly towards the public side of a tear panel such that a distance from a lowermost portion of the cleat to the tear panel is less than a distance of an uppermost portion of the cleat to the tear panel. The cleat has a compressed portion of the curled portion forming a substantially V-shaped crevice on an upper surface of the tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Rexam Beverage Can Company
    Inventors: Randall G. Forrest, Jonathan P. Meyer, Derek J. Siegal
  • Patent number: 8640905
    Abstract: A container includes a container body defining a container cavity, the container includes a container top configured to create at least two container openings via at least partial depression of at least two container portions into the cavity defined by the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel Robert Gibson, Joseph Frank Snecinski, III, Todd Aaron Epstein
  • Publication number: 20130333335
    Abstract: An improved drink can is disclosed wherein the drink can has a drink opening and a vent opening which are positioned opposite from each other with respect to a central portion of a top end of a drink can. The tab is attached to the central portion and can be pulled upward to open the drink opening then pushed back downward to open the vent opening. To aid in opening the vent opening with the tab, the vent opening may have a ridge to provide additional leverage when the tab pushes downward on a score line that defines the vent opening. The tab may be enlarged so that upon breakage of the score line to the vent opening, the tab contacts the top end of the can and does not allow the user's finger to proceed into the vent opening and possibly cut the user's finger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Arthur Joseph Emanuele, III, Robert Clarke Church
  • Patent number: 8573432
    Abstract: An improved drink can with a drink opening and a vent opening are positioned opposite from ouch other with respect to a central portion of a top end of a drink can. The tab is attached to the central portion and can be pulled upward to open the drink opening then pushed back downward to open the vent opening. To aid in opening the vent opening with the tab, the vent opening may have a ridge to provide additional leverage when the tab pushes downward on a score line that defines the vent opening. The tab may be enlarged so that upon breakage of the score line to the vent opening, the tab contacts the top end of the can and does not allow the user's finger to proceed into the vent opening and possibly cut the user's finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventors: Arthur Joseph Emanuele, III, Robert Clarke Church
  • Publication number: 20130264344
    Abstract: An improved beverage container of the type having a lid, a pour panel defined in the lid by a pour score and a vent panel defined in the lid by a vent score. A tab pivotally is mounted to the lid, wherein lifting the tab about a pivot in a lifting direction fractures the pour score and opens the pour panel. A secondary tab is carried by the tab, and is released into contact with the vent panel by lifting the tab to fracture the pour score, wherein pressing the tab in a direction generally opposite the lifting direction causes the secondary tab to fracture the vent score and open the vent panel. At least one anti-rotation member is disposed between the tab and the lid to prevent the tab from rotating about the rivet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: Anheuser-Busch InBev, SA
    Inventors: Christopher G. Neiner, Ancil Louis Lackey, Robert Joseph Will, Richard Lynn Wise, Jason Davidson
  • Publication number: 20130196042
    Abstract: A single use packing and dispensing technique includes a filter element as part of the packaging to permit a user to drain the packing fluid while retaining the primary package contents such as pickles, olives, canned vegetables, fruit, canned meats, poultry and fish. A strainer may be incorporated into any suitable aspect of the packaging along with a removable sealing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: Eddy Bitton
  • Publication number: 20130161328
    Abstract: An improved drink can is disclosed wherein the drink can has a drink opening and a vent opening which are positioned opposite from each other with respect to a central portion of a top end of a drink can. The tab is attached to the central portion and can be pulled upward to open the drink opening then pushed back downward to open the vent opening. To aid in opening the vent opening with the tab, the vent opening may have a ridge to provide additional leverage when the tab pushes downward on a score line that defines the vent opening. The tab may be enlarged so that upon breakage of the score line to the vent opening, the tab contacts the top end of the can and does not allow the user's finger to proceed into the vent opening and possibly cut the user's finger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Arthur Joseph Emanuele, III, Robert Clarke Church
  • Publication number: 20130126529
    Abstract: A beverage can end for seaming onto a can body may include a peripheral wall, a center panel, a tab attached to the center panel by a rivet (56), a tear panel (41b), a main reference line (RM), a transverse reference line (RT), and a score (31b). The score may include arcuate main score (31b) that defines a main portion of the tear panel (41b) and a score extension (32b) that defines a vent portion. The score may be configured such that actuation of the tab from its horizontal rest position to an intermediate position ruptures the main score portion (31b) to pivot the tear panel main portion (40b) about the hinge and further actuation of the tab by twisting from the intermediate position ruptures the score extension (32b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Crown Packaging Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Emily Nesling, Ezekiel Johnson, Brendan Keane, Jan Dvorak
  • Publication number: 20130118133
    Abstract: A metallic container end closure is provided that generally comprises a dispensing opening and a vent opening. The vent opening improves pourability through the dispensing opening and provides an alternative option for consuming the contents of the container. The end closure may include features to ease opening of the vent opening, such as stiffeners and/or vent form features. Additionally, the end closure may include various safety features, such as a safety fold. In some configurations, the container end closure does not include a pull tab for opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: BALL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ball Corporation
  • Patent number: 8397935
    Abstract: A drink can having both drinking and venting openings is provided. The two openings are positioned a distance from one another with respect to a central portion of a top end of a drink can. A single tab is attached to the central portion of the top end, and can be pulled upward to open the drink opening, then pushed downward to open the vent opening. To aid in opening the vent opening with the single tab, the venting portion is provided with a protrusion comprising opposed sloping sides to focus the force when the tab is pushed downward on a score line that defines the vent opening. Advantageously, the tab may be larger than the vent opening so that, upon breakage of the vent opening score line, the tab contacts the top end of the can, thereby preventing the user's finger from proceeding into sharp portions of the vent opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventors: Arthur Joseph Emanuele, III, Robert Clarke Church
  • Patent number: 8393490
    Abstract: A single use packing and dispensing technique includes a filter element as part of the packaging to permit a user to drain the packing fluid while retaining the primary package contents such as pickles, olives, canned vegetables, fruit, canned meats, poultry and fish. A strainer may be incorporated into any suitable aspect of the packaging along with a removable sealing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Eddy Bitton
  • Patent number: 8245866
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved container including a container body defining a container cavity, the improved container including a container top configured to create at least two container openings via at least at least partial depression of at least two container portions into the cavity defined by the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventors: Daniel Robert Gibson, Joseph Frank Snecinski, III, Todd Aaron Epstein
  • Publication number: 20120199586
    Abstract: An Improved Beverage Can Lid comprises a pressure relief orifice, and a beverage orifice. The tab can be turned around about 180° in order to open the pressure relief orifice. The Improved Beverage Can Lid is affixed to the top of the beverage can body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Gregory Randall Shamalta
  • Patent number: 8177092
    Abstract: An easy open end for a pressurized food container, having an end panel and a conventional aperture score, surrounding the periphery of an aperture through which the contents of the container may be dispensed. A tab is provided to facilitate easy opening of the aperture. The easy open end also includes a vent score, which is arranged to rupture before the main aperture score, to vent the internal pressure in the container, before the container is opened. The end panel and/or tab also defines a shield to prevent the egress of product from the vent opening, when the vent score is severed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Crown Packaging Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Hilaire Mills
  • Patent number: 8109405
    Abstract: A can end is provided, which includes a severable panel, a peripheral scoreline defining the periphery of the severable panel, an opening mechanism such as a pull tab, a rivet coupling the pull tab to the severable panel, and a rivet base scoreline in the public side of the severable panel within about 0.025 inch or less of the stem of the rivet. The rivet base scoreline includes an arcuate head portion, first and second arm portions extending from the arcuate head portion, and first and second ends. The base of the rivet has a radius of curvature forming an intersection between the stem of the rivet and the public side of the severable panel. The arcuate head portion of the rivet base scoreline is contiguous with the radius of curvature. The pull tab includes a nose portion having a number of apertures aligned with corresponding portions of the rivet base scoreline disposed thereunder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory H. Butcher, Greg S. Williams
  • Publication number: 20110266281
    Abstract: A container lid includes a conventional main or pour opening and a vent opening spaced from the main opening. A vent score defines the shape of the vent opening, and a vent panel covers the vent opening. The vent panel has a raised convex shape. The lower surface of the tab handle includes a protruding portion, seen as a concave shaped element when viewed from above the container lid. The protruding portion of the tab handle can be aligned with the vent panel so application of a downward force on the tab handle transfers force to the vent panel and breaks the vent score. The shapes of the vent panel and concave element of the tab handle can be adjusted for selective and controlled force transfer to create the vent opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Daniel Alan THIEMANN, Ray Alan TOMS
  • Patent number: 7975884
    Abstract: The present invention provides a can lid having an air passage that focalizes air flow to the pour spout opening during pouring in a manner that provides a laminar flow without substantial surging. More particularly, the present invention provides a container including a can lid, a severable pour spout in the can lid, and at least one air passage integrated into the can lid extending from the severable pour spout by a dimension to provide a focused air flow to an interior of the container to a spout opening when severed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Richard R. Mathabel, Howard C. Chasteen, Mark A. Jacober, Alejandro J. Santamaria, Andrew F. Clarke
  • Patent number: 7942285
    Abstract: An easy open can lid comprises an outer multilayered portion folded into three layers and enclosing the panel portion from outside of the score line, and an inner multilayered portion folded into three layers and enclosing the panel portion from inside of the score line. A leading edge of an outer protection portion as a folding portion between the first and second outer layers is flush with or situated outside of the score line, and a leading edge of an inner protection portion as a folding portion between the second and third inner layers is flush with or situated inside of the score line. An opening width of an inner interspace between the first and second inner layers is wider than that of an outer interspace between the second and third outer layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Daiwa Can Company
    Inventors: Wataru Hasegawa, Yoshihiko Matsukawa
  • Patent number: 7922025
    Abstract: An improved convenience closure that is adapted for sealing an end of a can includes an end panel having a peripheral score, a rivet formation, a mustache score and a flex line score defined therein. The mustache score may include a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on the end panel relative to the rivet formation. The central portion is preferably curved, with a concave side of the curvature facing the rivet formation. The mustache score also may include first and second preferably symmetrical end portions, each of which is continuous with the central portion. Most of the total length of each of the end portions may be curved away from a nearest portion of the peripheral score, with a convex side of curvature facing the nearest portion of the peripheral score. Tooling for making the convenience closure and a method of making such a convenience disclosure are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Crown Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Paul R. Heinicke
  • Publication number: 20110056946
    Abstract: An improved drink can is disclosed wherein the drink can has a drink opening and a vent opening which are positioned opposite from each other with respect to a central portion of a top end of a drink can. The tab is attached to the central portion and can be pulled upward to open the drink opening then pushed back downward to open the vent opening. To aid in opening the vent opening with the tab, the vent opening may have a ridge to provide additional leverage when the tab pushes downward on a score line that defines the vent opening. The tab may be enlarged so that upon breakage of the score line to the vent opening, the tab contacts the top end of the can and does not allow the user's finger to proceed into the vent opening and possibly cut the user's finger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Arthur Joseph Emanuele, III, Robert Clarke Church
  • Patent number: 7900796
    Abstract: A container that includes a hollow body having at least a first exterior wall and a recess defined in the first exterior wall A tab is formed integrally with the exterior wall and located in the recess. The tab does not extend substantially beyond the recess. Removal of the tab forms an opening in the first exterior wall of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Eric B. Ungrady, Larry Taylor
  • Patent number: 7891519
    Abstract: An easy open can lid having: a panel portion, which is formed of an approximate disc shape, and in which a flange portion for fixing a can trunk is formed integrally on an outer circumference; a score line, which is formed near the periphery of the panel portion along the outer circumference of the panel portion; an opening piece, which is defined by the score line; and an opening tab, which is fixed near the periphery of the opening piece. This easy open can lid of the invention is characterized in that the score line is formed of an arcuate along periphery of the panel portion and both ends thereof are separated, and comprises a connecting portion connecting the opening piece with the panel portion, which is formed between the both ends of the score line, and a strength incrementing portion, in which a rupture strength thereof increases gradually toward the end portion of the score line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Daiwa Can Company
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Matsukawa, Wataru Hasegawa, Masahiro Shiotani, Jun Kaimori