Abstract:
The present invention relates to a metallic beverage end closure which is adapted to receive a drinking straw through a puncturable membrane in one embodiment, and which utilizes a hinged closure mechanism in another embodiment to provide access to a beverage stored in a container interconnected thereto.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/368,762 which was filed on Mar. 29, 2002, and which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to beverage containers, and more specifically a metallic beverage container end closure with a substantially impermeable membrane which may be penetrated by a drinking straw.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    In recent years, beverage containers which are designed to receive a drinking straw have become increasingly popular. The straw is especially beneficial for small children to prevent spilling, and for the physically handicapped or disabled which have difficulty drinking from a standard glass, cup, or larger opening beverage can end. One such product described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,253,779 to Lee combines a compressible straw disposed within the can body. Upon opening, the straw projects itself through a v-shaped panel for a user&#39;s benefit. Unfortunately, these types of products are undesirable since the flavor of the beverage may become compromised from scalping as the straw is suspended for indefinite periods of time in the beverage. Additionally, it is possible for the straw to become obstructed and thus difficult to retrieve. Further, the opening disclosed in the &#39;779 is too large to make the container substantially spill-proof when the container is knocked over, thus substantially defeating its purpose.  
           [0004]    Other types of closures such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,030,582 to Levy provide a puncturable closure which are substantially self sealing upon removal of a pipette or other laboratory instrument. These devices are not suitable for use with pressurized beverage containers that contain internal pressure nor provide sufficient venting for us with a drinking straw, and are further not designed to be puncturable with the tip of a traditional drinking straw.  
           [0005]    Two of the more common types of beverage containers which are adapted to receive a drinking straw include cardboard juice cartons and metallic cans having a foil pull tab. With respect to the cardboard juice cartons, a foil tab or other impermeable material is positioned over a hole and pierced with a sharpened end of the straw to provide entry into the beverage container. With regard to the metal cans, a foil pull tab is typically used which is removably interconnected to an upper surface of the metal juice can and positioned over an opening in the beverage can end.  
           [0006]    Both of the aforementioned foil opening mechanisms have inherent problems. With regard to the cardboard juice cartons, the nature of the squeezable cardboard makes the beverage container conducive to spilling and prone to damage during shipping and bulk storage. Additionally, when the foil is punctured with the sharpened straw, they often spill as a result of a small child or adult inadvertently squeezing the juice carton. Thus, the goal of preventing spilling is oftentimes exasperated by the collapsible nature of the cardboard storage carton. Additionally, the foil is often difficult to pierce with a plastic drinking straw, especially for the physically disabled or small children. Thus, the goal of making a user friendly, spill-proof drink container is not realized.  
           [0007]    Further, the foil and associated cardboard containers are significantly less durable than a typical metallic beverage can end, and are thus not suitable for high pressure applications, hot-fillable pasteurized liquids, and other applications which require a high degree of durability. Finally, flavor scalping may be an inherent problem as the enclosed beverages are in contact with the foil, which may have a tendency to alter the taste of the beverage contained therein.  
           [0008]    With regard to metallic beverage cans which utilize a liquid impervious foil pull-tab, numerous additional problems exist. For example, small children and the physically disabled cannot remove the pull tab from the upper surface of the beverage can end due to the adhesive materials required to hold the foil on the upper surface of the can end. Thus it may be impossible for these individuals to remove the pull tab, let alone insert the straw into the small hole. Additionally, these types of foil pull tabs require an adhesive bonding agent to interconnect the foil pull tab to the upper surface of the beverage can end which is both expensive and further likely to contaminate the taste of the beverage through scalping. Further, the leading edge of the small opening which is adapted to receive the straw and the associated pull tab is typically very sharp, and presents the risk of injury by the user.  
           [0009]    Finally, with the foil pull tab and the puncture type foil mechanisms used for drinking straws, there is an inherent venting problem since there is no significant size differential between the external diameter of the drinking straw and the opening to receive the straw. Thus, the beverage becomes difficult to withdraw from the beverage can. Thus, there is a significant need for a safe, durable, pressurized metallic beverage can end which may be penetrated with a traditional drinking straw, is user friendly for the physically disabled, elderly and small children, and which is substantially spill proof.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    It is thus one object of the present invention to provide an easy opening beverage can which is adapted to receive a drinking straw and which can be used by small children, the physically disabled, and the elderly to dispense a liquid from a beverage can. It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a can opening mechanism which is familiar to a user and which does not contaminate or alter the taste of the beverage.  
           [0011]    It is a further aspect of the present invention to locate the small opening in the beverage can end in a position which makes the beverage can end substantially spill proof. Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention the small opening is positioned substantially in the middle of the central panel of the beverage can end, thus inhibiting spillage when a drinking straw is inserted therein and the beverage container is tipped over.  
           [0012]    It is another aspect of the present invention to create a durable beverage can end which can be used under pressure (75-100 psi) for storing certain types of carbonated liquids such as beer or soft drinks. Further, a metallic beverage can end is provided which is capable of holding hot-fill liquids such as pasteurized milk at the time the beverage is introduced into the can and which is durable enough to withstand shipping and mishandling during transportation and bulk storage.  
           [0013]    It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a metallic beverage can end which can be manufactured with the use of existing production equipment in a beverage can end manufacturing facility. Thus, significant time and money are saved since the conventional production lines in a beverage plant do not need to be significantly modified to create a small opening beverage can end which a selectively weakened fracturable zone for selective penetration by a straw.  
           [0014]    It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a beverage can end which is adapted for receiving a straw and which does not have a pull tab with any significant sharp edges to substantially decrease the likelihood of any type of finger injury to the user pulling the pull tabs. Thus, in one aspect of the present invention a score line is provided to define the selectively weakened fracturable zone and which may incorporate a raised reinforcing bead which substantially encircles the small opening and shrouds the opening to prevent inadvertent contact with a user&#39;s fingers.  
           [0015]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a beverage can end which is adapted to receive a straw and which may be selectively closed and resealed to prevent spillage and product contamination. Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention a hinged closure mechanism is provided which closes when the straw is removed from the opening in the end closure. In this embodiment, a hinged plug is sized to effectively seal the opening when a straw is removed, and can be repeatedly opened and closed without compromising the hinged closure mechanism.  
           [0016]    It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a puncturable membrane which has a vent area positioned substantially adjacent an inserted drinking straw. This vent area allows a small child or the physically disabled to efficiently withdraw a beverage from the container without creating a vacuum in the container. Thus, in one aspect of the present invention, a metallic beverage can end closure which is adapted for receiving a drinking straw is provided, comprising:  
           [0017]    a substantially circular end wall;  
           [0018]    a central panel interconnected to said substantially circular end wall, and further comprising an aperture extending therethrough having a first diameter;  
           [0019]    a puncturable membrane sealingly engaged to and positioned within said aperture in said central panel, wherein when a downward force is applied to said puncturable membrane with a first end of the drinking straw, said puncturable membrane is opened to receive the drinking straw. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]    [0020]FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a beverage can end with a puncturable membrane positioned substantially in a middle portion therein;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 1A is a top plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 but with the puncturable membrane opened to receive a drinking straw;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the beverage can end of FIG. 1 and showing the puncturable membrane in greater detail;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 3 is a cross sectional front elevation view of FIG. 2 taken at line AA;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 taken at line AA;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the invention shown in FIG. 6, and identifying when a positive or negative pressure is present within the beverage container and the flexure associated with the puncturable membrane;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional, front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 taken at line AA;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a straw penetrating the puncturable membrane;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 10 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional, front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 taken at line AA;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 12 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional, front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, taken at line AA;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 14 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional, front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 at line AA;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 16 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional, front elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 16 taken at line AA shown just prior to penetration by a drinking straw;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 18 is a detailed front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 17;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 18A is a detailed, exploded view of the non-hinged corner portion of the plug shown in FIG. 18; and  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional, front elevation view of the invention shown in FIG. 18 after penetration by the drinking straw. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0041]    Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 represents a metallic beverage can end  2  and a puncturable membrane  12  associated with the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the beverage can end  2  typically comprises a circular end wall  4  which is interconnected on an interior portion to a central panel  6  and which is adapted for interconnection to a neck portion of a beverage container by means of double seaming or other methods commonly known in the art. The puncturable membrane  12  as shown in FIG. 1 is positioned in substantially a central portion of the central panel  6 , but alternatively may be positioned proximate to the circular end wall or in any other portion of the central panel  6  as preferred by the manufacturer or filler. FIG. 1A is a depiction of the beverage can end  2  of FIG. 1, but further showing the puncturable membrane  12  in an open position.  
         [0042]    Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, FIG. 2 is a top plan view of one embodiment of the puncturable membrane  12 , while FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 taken at line AA. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the puncturable membrane  12  is generally comprised of an upper ring  18  and a lower ring  16  which are operably interconnected to the central panel  6  of the beverage can end  2  proximate to a central panel aperture  8 . A central portion of the lower ring  16  may additionally include one or more score lines  14  which are used to allow shearing and penetration of the puncturable membrane  12  with a typical drinking straw  20  (not shown). As shown in FIG. 3, the puncturable membrane  12  in this embodiment of the present invention is concave with respect to the beverage can end closure, although the puncturable membrane  12  may additionally be flat, convex, or any other geometric configuration. Further, the puncturable membrane  12  may be formed in the shape and color of an object such as an orange, apple, etc. to identify the beverage in the container. Preferably, the puncturable membrane  12  is comprised of a resilient plastic, rubber, polymer or other material such as a multi layer laminate which is capable of retaining internal pressures of between about 80 and 105 psi and has good gas barrier properties, yet can be punctured with a tip of a typical drinking straw. The puncturable membrane may also have the capability to function with a vacuum product such as a hot fluid juice beverage. Further, the material is preferably comprised of a material which will not scalp into the beverage to effect the taste or color after extended periods of storage.  
         [0043]    To attach the puncturable membrane  12  to the central panel aperture  8 , in one embodiment of the present invention any adhesive or a sealant material  38  such as a heat seal coating or hot melt adhesive or spin welding to an appropriate coated surface may be used to sufficiently interconnect the puncturable membrane  12  to the central panel  6 . Alternatively, the puncturable membrane  12  may be interconnected to the central panel aperture  8  purely by means of friction, and which does not require any type of adhesive or bonding for interconnection to the central panel  6 .  
         [0044]    Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is provided herein. More specifically, FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the puncturable membrane  12 , while FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 taken along lines AA. As further seen in these drawings, the puncturable membrane  12  has a central portion comprised of an upper cap  22  which extends in a substantially linear direction between the central panel  6 . The upper cap  22  may additionally include one or more score lines  14  which are used for selective penetration into the puncturable membrane  12  with a drinking straw  20 .  
         [0045]    Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, a top plan view and a cross-sectional front elevation view of an alternative embodiment is provided herein. More specifically, the affects of a positive internal pressure and a negative internal pressure which creates a vacuum are shown in FIG. 7 and depicts the flexure of the upper cap  22  as pressure is applied either internally or externally to the beverage can end  2 . This particular feature is important as a tamper proof indicator for the consumer. More specifically, when beverage products or pasteurized goods are stored in the container, a vacuum may be created showing a negative pressure and would provide an indicator to a consumer that the beverage container has not been contaminated. Likewise, a positive pressure maybe used to indicate a positive pressure in the container and could be used to indicate that the beverage container has not been penetrated or inadvertently contaminated.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 8 is a front cross-sectional elevation view of one embodiment of the present invention and which identifies a beverage can body  28  which is double seamed to the circular end wall  4  of a beverage can end  2 , and taken along lines AA in FIG. 9. This drawing further identifies the penetration of a drinking straw  20  as it is inserted through the puncturable membrane  12 . FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional, top perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, and which further identifies the drinking straw  20  penetrating the puncturable membrane  12  and further identifying a vent area  10  which permits easy withdrawal of the beverage in the beverage can body  28 .  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 10 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention while FIG. 11 is a front cross-sectional elevation view of the invention shown in FIG. 10 taken at line AA. This drawing further identifies the positioning of the puncturable membrane  12  in the central panel  6  and the orientation of one or more score lines  14  which are positioned in the puncturable membrane  12  to allow the penetration of a drinking straw  20 . In this embodiment, the puncturable membrane  12  has a substantially convex shape with respect to the central panel  6 , and thus has an upwardly projecting profile. FIG. 11 further depicts that the puncturable membrane  12  may be positioned below the upper cap  22 .  
         [0048]    Referring now to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, FIG. 12 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the present invention, while FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of the puncturable membrane  12  shown therein. In this embodiment of the present invention, the puncturable membrane  12  comprises a lower ring portion  16  which fits below the central panel ( 6 ) (not shown) of the beverage can end  2 , and which has an upper cap portion  22  positioned above the central panel  6  to retain the puncturable membrane  12  in a sealed position on a central panel aperture  8  of the beverage can end closure  2 . As shown in this embodiment, the lower ring  16  has an outer diameter which is less than the outer diameter of the upper cap  22 , although the diameter of the upper cap  22  and the lower ring  16  are greater than the central panel aperture  8 , (not shown).  
         [0049]    Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, a top plan view and a front elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention is provided herein. More specifically, FIG. 15 identifies that the puncturable membrane of the present invention has a lower ring  16  with an exterior diameter which is greater than the external diameter of the upper cap  22 . Additional detail is provided with regard to the dimensions of the puncturable membrane  12  and the score profile  14 , as well as the radius of curvature of the puncturable membrane  12  and the lower ring portion  16  below the cap which engages the central panel  6 .  
         [0050]    Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17, another embodiment of the present invention is provided which depicts a puncturable membrane  12  having an upper cap  22  with an exterior diameter larger than the exterior diameter of the lower ring  16 . More specifically, FIG. 16 is a top plan view while FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 taken along line AA. FIG. 17 further identifies the positioning of a drinking straw  20  prior to penetrating the puncturable membrane  12  along the score lines  14 . Further, the lower ring  16  has an external diameter just slightly larger than the central panel aperture  8 , while the upper cap  22  has an external diameter which is larger than the external diameter of the lower ring  16 . The application of an adhesive or other material to interconnect the central panel  6  to a lower surface of the upper cap  22  is also shown, as well as an internal sidewall  24  which effectively interconnects the lower ring  16  to the upper cap  22 .  
         [0051]    Referring now to FIGS.  18 - 19 , and alternative embodiment of the present invention is provided herein. More specifically, FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional, front elevation view of a beverage end closure  2  with a puncturable membrane  12  and a sealing plug  34  sealingly interconnected to the central panel  6 .  
         [0052]    More specifically, the upper cap  22  is interconnected to a central panel  6  with a sealing material  38  such as an adhesive, spin welding, thermal welding, ultrasonic welding or other means commonly known in the art. As shown, the upper cap  22  extends beyond the diameter of the central panel aperture  8  to provide a sufficient seal and prevent leaking.  
         [0053]    A sealing plug  34  is provided on a lower portion of the upper cap  22 , and is hingedly connected at the hinge area  30 . On an opposing side to the hinge area  30 , a tapered lip  32  is provided which engages a back taper  36  of the lower ring  16 , which sealingly engages the lower ring  16  portion to the sealing plug  34 .  
         [0054]    During, use, when a drinking straw  20  is pushed downwardly onto the sealing cap  42 , a puncturable membrane  12  begins to tear along one or more score lines  14 . Once the score lines are torn, the downward force from the drinking straw begins acting on an upper portion of the sealing plug  34 , which allows rotation at the hinge area  30 . Initially, a minimum amount of finger pressure is believed to be required to disengage the tapered lip  32  of the sealing plug  34  from the back taper  36  of the sealing cap lower ring  16 . Additional detail of the fit showing the tapered lip  32  and back taper  36  may be seen in FIG. 18A.  
         [0055]    Once the tapered lip  32  is disengaged from the sealing cap back taper  36 , the sealing plug  34  is free to rotate about the hinge area  30  to allow complete penetration of the drinking straw  20  as shown in FIG. 19. When the drinking straw  20  is withdrawn from the beverage can body  28 , the sealing plug  34  preferably rotates back to the original position shown in FIG.  18 , and thus substantially prevents spillage when a beverage product is still present in the beverage can body  28 .  
         [0056]    For clarity purposes, the following list of components identified in the drawings is provided herein:  
                                             #   Component                                2   Beverage can end closure       4   Circular end wall       6   Central panel       8   Central panel aperture       10   Vent area       12   Puncturable membrane       14   Score line       16   Lower ring       18   Upper ring       20   Drinking straw       22   Upper cap       24   Internal side wall       26   Lower cap       28   Beverage can body       30   Hinge area       32   Tapered lip       34   Sealing plug       36   Back taper       38   Sealing material       40   Transitional area       42   Sealing cap                  
 
         [0057]    The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commenced here with the above teachings and the skill or knowledge of the relevant art are within the scope in the present invention. The embodiments described herein above are further intended to explain best modes known for practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such, or other, embodiments or various modifications required by the particular applications or uses of present invention. It is intended that the dependent claims be construed to include all possible embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.