Abstract:
The invention comprises a soda can lid which forms a seal with one&#39;s upper lip during thereby preventing spillage and eliminating residue. The raised platform area on the lid is connected to the pull-tab area with outwardly sloping walls designed to engage the lips. The platform area is slightly higher than the depth of a circular peripheral groove ranging up to slightly higher than the rim. The lid may also include seal portions extending upwardly from the platform on both sides of the depressed pull-tab area. The invention may be employed on lids either with or without a peripheral groove. Another feature of the invention is a pull-tab with an arch handle and special puncture tip for easier more comfortable use by consumers.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation in part of the following applications: Ser. No. 09/009,381 filed Jan. 20, 1998, now abandoned; Ser. No. 09/070,056 filed Apr. 30, 1998, issued under U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,497 on Aug. 10, 1999; Ser. No. 09/185,458 filed Nov. 13, 1998; Ser. No. 09/312,836, filed May 17, 1999; and, Ser. No. 09/312,837, filed May 17, 1999. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     NOT APPLICABLE 
     REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
     NOT APPLICABLE. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to beverage cans for soft drinks, beer, juices and the like, with pull off tabs on the upper lid thereof In particular, the invention is concerned with a sanitary lid wherein the individual drinking directly from the can does not spill the fluid due to the fact that the lid affects a seal with one&#39;s upper lip. The invention discloses a lid design, which proposes a raised platform area adjacent the pull-tab area with sloping wall surfaces therebetween to affect a seal during drinking. The invention also eliminates residue on the lid and permits easy cleaning of the lid. An improved pull-tab makes opening easier. 
     2. Description of the Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR §§1.97-1.98 
     This invention is designed to provide a flat end sanitary beverage can lid which eliminates problems associated with can lids of the prior art. The prior art is rather voluminous but it is not believed that the specific invention disclosed herein is anticipated by any of the prior art patents. 
     In the prior art, U.S. Pat. No. 4,262,815 to Klein, discloses a conical end can with an opening tab at the cone apex, which is merely designed for nesting purposes. This patent discloses a rather complicated conical can end with a different type pull-tab. Klein is not concerned with applicant&#39;s flat end can. Further, a critical problem with Klein&#39;s conical can is the fact that the weight of stacked-up cases will be borne by the conical neck in warehousing and shipping. This requires a very thick and strong material, such as steel, for the conical neck. Also, the design introduces stress to the crimped seal between the neck and the can body whereas in the present invention the cans are stacked on the crimped rim which eliminates the necessity of extra strong lid material and permits the use of recyclable aluminum lids. In contrast to Klein, less space is required in shipping and storage. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,108,003 and 5,119,955 to Granofsky disclose the use of a complimentary cover for a beverage can in order to permit sanitary drinking from a can. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,895,270 to Main discloses a sanitary cover for a pop-top beverage container comprising an elastic membrane extending over the top and axially along a portion of the sidewall of the container. 
     In another type of container, U.S. Pat. No. 3,946,895 to Pugh discloses a container lid with a tear closure and a straw. Another interesting but different proposal for a sanitary drinking can is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,114,778 to O&#39;Neal, which provides an interiorally attached sanitary drinking spout within. the container. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,078,695 to Potts is also of interest but fails to disclose certain features of applicants&#39; design such as a raised platform having a substantially V-shaped configuration and a groove extending partially about the rim. 
     Also of interest are U.S. Pat. No. 2,547,059, 4,078,695, 4,407,425; 4,047,634; 3,300,081; 4,318,493; and, 5,415,313. 
     Applicants pending applications Ser. No. 09/070,056 and Ser. No. 09/009,381 both deal with designs to clean or avoid the deep groove about the rim edge, which accumulates debris. The solution proposed by applicants in the pending applications involved, inter alia, unique double rim designs. Also of interest is applicant&#39;s issued U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,561. 
     The foregoing prior art patents disclose various can lids and means for providing a sanitary can opening for drinking directly from a container. To improve the can design and prevent spillage applicant proposes in this application, a can which forms a seal with one&#39;s upper lip and a unique pull tab which is easier and more comfortable to use. The unique concepts proposed by applicants herein are nowhere shown or suggested in these particular references. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to beverage cans and in particular to a new and improved flat end sanitary drinking can, which creates a seal with one&#39;s upper, lip during drinking. 
     The invention comprises a flat end beverage can lid including a flat pull tab area which extends to the periphery of the lid and a raised platform on both sides of the pull-tab area having a substantially V-shaped configuration. The pull-tab area is connected to the raised platform with outwardly sloping walls. The platform area is slightly higher than the depth of a circular peripheral groove, if one exists, and ranges upwardly to a height slightly higher than the rim. The lid may also include seal portions extending upwardly from the platform on both sides of the lower pull-tab area. The invention provides a seal with one&#39;s upper lip against the walls of the upper platform to avoid spillage when drinking directly from the can. 
     An object of this invention is to provide a new and improved lid for a flat end beverage can wherein the lid platform is raised above the pull-tab area to form a seal during drinking. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved flat end beverage can lid wherein the pull tab area extends to the periphery of the can and includes upwardly extending walls joining the pull tab area with the raised platform area to form a seal to eliminate dripping during, drinking from the can. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved soda can lid which affects a seal during drinking and can be used either with or without a peripheral groove. 
     Yet, another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved beverage can lid to confine the liquid within the pouring spout area and allow the liquid to drain back into the can keeping the lid free of residual liquid. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide an easy access area on a new and improved can lid which is near the pouring spout area for easy cleaning of debris accumulated on the lid. 
     A further object of this invention is to provide a new and improved flat end beverage can lid wherein the platform area is slightly higher than the groove depth and extends on both sides of the pull tab area to the periphery to create a seal during drinking. 
     A still further object of this invention is to provide a new and improved flat end beverage can having an “easy clean” feature wherein the peripheral groove is eliminated over all or part of the lid, a drain back feature wherein the pull tab area slopes towards the opening and a seal created with one&#39;s upper lip and the raised platform to eliminate spillage during drinking. 
     A more specific object of this invention is to provide a new and improved flat end beverage can lid to create a seal with an upper lip during drinking from the can wherein one&#39;s upper lip is placed over the pull tab area and against the raised platform joining the platform to the pull tab area and walk to form a seal. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved flat end beverage cain lid wherein the unique pull-tab includes an arch handle and a special puncture tip for easier and more comfortable use by consumers. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The above and other objects and advantages of the invention may be more clearly shown when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a top view of a beverage can lid illustrating the invention, 
     FIG. 2 is a top view of the invention with raised portions on the lid platform to facilitate a seal; 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  3 — 3  of FIG. 2, 
     FIG. 4 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the invention without a peripheral groove in the vicinity of the pull-tab; 
     FIG. 5 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the invention showing a uniform lid surface with raised portions on opposite sides of the pull-tab; 
     FIG. 6 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the invention with raised portions extending upwardly from the platform; 
     FIG. 7 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the invention with the raised portions at a different level from the platform; 
     FIG. 8 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the invention showing a slope leading outwardly from the pull-tab area to the raised platform; 
     FIG. 8 a  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  8   a — 8   a  of FIG. 8; 
     FIG. 9 is a top view of a prior art lid, 
     FIG. 10 is a top view of FIG. 9 with a plurality of planes taken therethrough, 
     FIGS. 11 a - 11   f  are cross-sectional views taken along the lines in FIG. 10; showing a typical can lid; 
     FIGS. 12 a - 12   f  are cross-sectional view taken along the lines of  11   a - 11   f  in FIG. 10 but showing a new type can lid for comparison with FIG. 11 a - 11   f;    
     FIG. 13 a  and  13   b  disclose a variation on the section view appearing in FIG. 12 d  and  12   f  wherein the platform is sloped and in FIG. 13 a  is dome-shaped. 
     FIG. 14 discloses alternate embodiments of the invention from a cutaway side view of  11   e;    
     FIGS. 15 and 17 disclose alternate embodiments of the invention in a cutaway side view; 
     FIG. 16 discloses another alternate embodiment of the invention from a top view; 
     FIG. 18 is a top view of a conventional pull-tab; 
     FIGS. 19 a  and  19   b  are respectively a top view and a bottom view of a new pull-tab; 
     FIGS. 20 a  and  20   b  are respectively schematic views of the body side and handle side of FIG. 18; 
     FIGS. 21 a  and  21   b  are respectively a body side view and a handle side view of FIGS. 19 a  and  19   b;    
     FIGS. 22 a  and  22   b  are another embodiment of a body side view and a handle side view of FIGS. 19 a  and  19   b ; and, 
     FIGS. 23 a  and  23   b  are embodiments of side view and front view of a special puncture tip of a new pull-tab. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings, the invention comprises a unique sanitary can lid  10  having means to effect a seal with the user&#39;s upper lip during drinking to eliminate spillage. As shown in FIG. 1, the lid  10  includes an outer rim  11 , a raised platform portion  12  and a pull-tab area  13  with aperture  14 . The raised area forms a depressed groove  16  with the rim  11 , which terminates in the pull-tab area  13 . In drinking from the can, the user places his upper lip over the aperture  14  and against the raised portion  12 , which is substantially V-shaped, and narrows to the rear of the “V”. 
     In FIGS. 2 and 3, the raised platform portion  12  is substantially U-shaped. In FIG. 6, the platform is also U-shaped but, as in FIG. 7, the groove  16  extends completely around the periphery of the lid  10 . This is in contrast to the “easy-clean” design of FIG. 1 where the groove  16  ends at the pull-tab area  13  and debris may be readily wiped off the pull-tab area  13 . The raised platform portion  12  and with projections  17   a - 17   b  may be slightly higher than the groove depth up to slightly higher than the rim  11 . Normally, it will not extend above the rim  11 . The height difference between the platform  12  and the pull-tab area  13  is slightly below the distance of the raised portion  12  to the groove  16 . FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment wherein the pull-tab area  13  extends completely across the lid  10 . 
     The key to the seal is the fact that the platform  12  forms a seal with the upper lip. The size and shape of the platform  12  can vary to achieve a tight seal. In FIG. 5, the pull-tab area  13  extends completely across the lid  10  with the exception of two projections  17   a  and  17   b  which extend upward on opposite sides of the aperture  14 . 
     The size and shape of the projections  17   a  and  17   b  can vary to achieve a tight seal as shown in FIGS. 1-7. In FIG. 6, the projections  17   a  and  17   b  are at a different level from the raised platform  13 . In FIG. 7, the raised platform  13  and pull tab area  12  are combined together with groove  16  while in FIG. 6 the platform  13  and area  12  are not combined together and connected with groove  16 . 
     FIGS. 9,  10  and  11   a - 11   f  depict a can lid  30  of the prior art with a peripheral groove  31 , a raised platform  32  and a pull-tab recess  33  with the aperture  34 . FIGS. 11 a - 11   f  show various cross-sectional views taken along the lines indicted in FIG. 10, which is the lid  30  of FIG.  9 . 
     In FIGS. 11 a - 11   f , groove  31  is the lowest point on the lid  30 , platform  32  is essentially a flat surface and recess  33  is slightly below platform  32  to protect and define the opening hole area. Recess  33  does not, however, protect the pull-tab completely. 
     FIGS. 12 a-f  depicts a new and improved lid  40  with cross sectional views corresponding to the views  11   a   11   f  of FIG. 10 a-f . The groove  41  is the same as in FIG. 10 a-f  but is not necessarily the lowest point. Platform  42  has an overall slope from the front side (opening hole side) moving upward toward the backside (pull tab side) as shown in FIGS. 11 d  and  11   f . The slope can be a straight or curved line. The object is to raise the height of platform  42  in the area of FIG. 11 c  and  12   c  high enough to reduce the leaking problem when drinking. 
     The slope in FIGS. 11 d  and  11   f  can also start from the backside and go upward towards the front side. The aforementioned slopes can also be a dome shape with the platform area  32  in FIG. 11 c  high enough to reduce leakage. 
     In FIGS. 12 d  and  12   f , the pull-tab recess area  43  is substantially lower than the highest point of platform  42 . The recess  43  must be low enough to protect the pull-tab from being lifted off accidentally. For example, the platform  32  in FIG. 11 a-f  showing an existing lid  30  cannot be too high otherwise the pull-tab will be exposed above the rim and may be opened unexpectedly. 
     Based on the foregoing “substantially lower” definition platform  42  can be located at a height close to the rim height with a shape similar to FIG.  13 . The recess  43  is low enough to protect the pull-tab. Notably, none of the existing lid designs shows a version of the pull-tab, which is protected in the recess area  43 . In the current designs, the recess area  33  is only for the protection and definition of the opening hole. 
     Recess  43  can be any of the following designs shown in FIGS. 14 a - 14   d . For example FIG. 14 a  depicts a recess  43  and FIG. 14 b  shows a recess in the center platform  42  connecting with the groove  41  on the front side. In FIG. 14 c , a recess in the center platform  42  connects with the groove  41  on both front and backsides. FIG. 14 d , illustrates a recess in the center platform  42  at a level equal to or lower than the groove  41  and connecting with groove  41  on front and back sides. In FIG. 14 e , a recess is located in the center platform  42 , at a level equal to or lower than the groove  41  and connecting with the groove  41  on the front side only. 
     The lid  40  in FIG. 12 d-f  shows a gentle slope, which permits the lid  40  to be slanted up easier and facilitates the feeding of lids  40  on the production line. 
     In a further embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 15, a bump  51  is located on the lid  50  to lift up pull-tab  52  for ease of opening. This is possible since the pull-tab recess  53  is substantially lower than the raised platform  54 . The groove  55  and rim  56  are also depicted in FIG. 15 and 17. In  7  the prior art, the pull-tab recess  53  is generally too shallow with regard to the platform  54  to permit such a design. In this embodiment as well as the others described herein, the pull-tab  42  may be plastic. 
     A design  60 , which is drip-proof, leaves no residue during drinking and is easy to clean is shown in FIG.  16 . Recess  61  is connected to the rim  62  and is slightly lower, equal to or higher than groove  68 . Platform  63  is joined to the rim  62  by wall  64 , which is slightly lower, equal to or higher than platform  63  but higher than recess  61  and groove  68 . Wall  64  acts as a blocker to prevent liquid from flowing into groove  68 . 
     Further, radius  65  drops down from rim  62  to opening spout  66 . Similar radius  67  and  69  also drop from wall  64  and platform  63  to spout  66 . This arrangement forms a funnel effect which drains back all of the liquid after drinking or pouring. This is important since it reduces the chance of product going over the wall  64  into the groove  68  and it maintains the area near the spout  66  free of liquid. The design creates a neat lid  60  instead of a messy looking top  30 . A neat top  60  helps to reduce the dripping problem. The radii  65 ,  67  and  69  present a smooth surface, which can be wiped clean by finger or other means. 
     In a still further embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the tab  71  on lid  70  is bend upward a,  72  to keep the tab end  73  lower than platform  74 . The tab  71  is easier to open with end  73  providing a lever. Groove  75  and rim  76  also are shown in FIG. 11-17. 
     Current metal pull-tabs  80  as shown in FIG. 18 have the following problems. Firstly, the fold over edges of aluminum pull-tab  80  have sharp corners  81  which can hurt fingers. Secondly, the pull-tab recess  13  on the lid  10  is very shallow (to the center platform  12 ). The pull-tab  80  is designed with a flat shape to keep its profile low for production purposes. This shape, however, makes the pull-tab difficult to open. 
     The new pull-tab  90  shown in FIG. 19 drops the pull-tab area  13  lower so that there is more room to design a new and more comfortable pull-tab  90 . FIGS. 20 a  and  20   b  depict respectively the body side view of the prior art pull-tab  80  and a side view of the handle  82 . FIGS. 21 a  and  21   b  depict respectively a body side view of the new tab  90  and the arch handle  92  in a side view. FIGS. 22 a  and  22   b  depict respectively a n arch body side view of the new tab  90  and the arch handle  92  in a side view. 
     To eliminate the sharp comers  81  and raw edges of metal pull tabs  80 , a plastic pull-tab  90  is illustrated in FIG. 19 a  and  19   b , which is a top view of FIG. 19 a . This new plastic pull-tab  90  includes an arch handle  92  for ease of opening with the arch design extending all the way to the front. The arch shape is stronger than a flat shape and requires thinner material resulting in a cost savings. The pull-tab  90  includes reinforcing ribs  93  on the underside to increase strength and reduce material needed. The pull-tab  90  also includes a strip  94  for riveting onto the lid. Strip  94  is connected with the front end  95  with a flexible hinge  96 . The reinforcements  97  increase the front strength. 
     As a further advantage, plastic pull-tabs  90  can be molded in various colors to customize the look of the beverage can. The top panel  98  is a display panel for various designs such as a logo. 
     In another embodiment of reinforcements  97 , FIGS. 23 a  depicts a body side view of the new design puncture tip  98  and FIG. 23B depicts a front side view of puncture tip  98 . The lower point  99  is located directly over the initial break point of the scored line around the apertures. By reducing the distance from  99  to the rivet, we can reduce the force required to lift the handle. The slopes  100  and  101  guide the contact point of tip  98  with the aperture cover to follow the break edge all the way to complete open. 
     While the invention has been explained by a detailed description of certain specific embodiments, it is understood that various modifications and substitutions can be made in any of them within the scope of the appended claims, which are intended also to include equivalents of such embodiments.