Easy open push button ecology end
[ EASY OPEN PUSH BUTTON ECOLOGY END Mario A. Martella, Los Angeles. Calif.  
 [73] Assignee: Dayton Reliable Tool &amp; Mfg, Co.,  
 Dayton. Ohio [22] Filed: Nov. 8. 1973 [2i] Appl. No: 4l3,842  
 [75] inventor:  
 [52] US. Cl. 220/268; 220/276; 220/906; 220/28l [51] int. Cl B65d 17/00 {58] Field of Search t. 220/27. 48, 54, 90.6; 222/541 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3.334 77S 8/1967 Klein ct al, 220/48 3.630.408 l2/l97l Elscr r r v 220/27 3.765.5(1l lU/l973 Hekal ct al. r 220/901 3.794.206 2/l974 De Linc et al t 220/27 Primary E.raminer-George T. Hall Artur-nay, Agent, or Firm-George F. Smyth Apr. 29, 1975 [57] ABSTRACT An easy open push button end for containers includes a removable panel forming an opening in the container end wall and being defined by a score line. The container is opened, i.e.. the score line ruptured by applying a downward force on the panel to cause rupture of the score line. Where the score line is continuous, the severed panel drops into the container, and where discontinuous the panel may be folded back to the underside of the end wall. The score line is formed on the public side of the end wall, that is, the score faces away from the interior of the container while the unscored metal to the rear of the score faces towards the interior of the container. Cooperating with the end wall and the push button panel is a protective means in the form of a shoulder or a protective lip preventing Contact between the user&#39;s finger while at the same time preventing the panel from being withdrawn through the formed opening. Typical types of score line arrangements are illustrated and described.  
 14 Claims, l2 Drawing Figures PiTENlEmPazsims SHEET P 6 3 &amp; A, 6, Kg W EASY OPEN PUSH BUTTON ECOLOGY END BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to easy opening containers and. more specifically, to an improved easy opening container in which the score line may be ruptured by application of a downward force thereon. and wherein protective means are provided to prevent laceration by the free edge of the score line. the score line being so placed in the end wall of the container that the score faces away from the interior while the metal to the rear of the score faces towards the interior of the container.  
  The ready acceptance of easy opening containers has resulted in extended use of this type of container for a substantial number of products. especially beverages, such as beer. soft drinks and the like. as well as other comestible products. This type of container is characterized by a lever or tab permanently joined to a tear strip. the latter being separable from the end wall of the container to provide a pouring spout. in the form heretofore used. the tear strip is ruptured along a continuous line and the pull tab and tear strip are removed and discarded.  
  The convenience of easy opening containers has created problems because of the unfortunate and indiscriminate disposal of the severed portion of the container top. For example, beach and picnic areas have had an accumulation of litter in the form of tabs and tear strips which have been removed from easy opening containers. These discarded tabs and tear strips are quite difficult to clean up because they are small and thus pass through the tines of a rake. Being made normally of aluminum. they cannot be collected by magnetic means. Nonetheless. this type of container is widely used and it is definitely advantageous to provide a solution to the problem of littering while still providing to the public the convenience of easy opening containers.  
  In addition to the problem of litter, the widespread use of easy open containers has increased the incidence of laceration due to exposure of the free edge formed after the tear strip is ruptured and removed.  
 DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART Several different approaches have been used in the prior art to overcome some of the foregoing problems. By way of example. a non-continuous score line has been used such that the tear strip remains attached to the container, see for example U.S. Pat. No. 3,327.89l. An improvement in the structure described in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. is set forth in U.S. application Ser. No. 103,255. filed Dec. Ill. 1970, and assigned to the same assignee. There. a container end having an inseparable tear strip is described wherein means are included to eliminate sharp edges along the score line. Another improved approach to the problem is described in U.S. application Ser. No. 346.7l2, filed Mar. 30, I973 and assigned to the same assignee.  
  Recently. container ends have been formed with what is described as a push-button end&#34; in that buttons are formed in the end wall. One such structure is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,334,775 in which a panel is forced downwardly into the container for providing a pour opening. in that structure. the score line is so formed that the score faces the interior of the container, i.e.. the non-public&#34; side, so-called. The score is in turn covered by a plastisol sealant which is positioned on the underside i.e.. the interior or non-public side of the container. In the usual course. the container end is fabricated and then the plastisol is applied. Not only is the application ofa plastisol or other coating to a fabricated container end a relatively expensive ope ra tion, but there are other objections.  
  For example. in opening such a container the panel is forced into the container and the sealant bead must be ruptured. If the bead does not rupture clean&#34; small pieces of the sealant may separate and fall into the container. In other cases. stringers are formed. It is apparent that formulation of the sealant must be such as to avoid ingredients which may adversely effect the flavor of the product within the container. Also, harmful components which may be extracted from the sealant must be avoided.  
  Yet, when the score line is on the non-public side of the end wall, a sealant or other protective coating is used.  
  Another type of push-button end currently being used involves a lanced panel which forms a hinged opening panel. The lanced panel is thereafter coined such that its radial dimension is greater than that of the opening. The lanced panel is then sealed to the end wall by a bead of sealant placed on the non-public side of the end wall. and giving rise to the same objections noted above.  
  The normal procedure for opening a container having a push-button end involves manually forcing the button into the container by use of ones finger. as opposed to the use of an integrally attached tab to pull the button upwardly and away from the end wall. as is the case with the tear strip type of easy open containers. By forcing the button downwardly into the container. either as a separately severed element which drops into the container. or as a hinged panel which is bent toward the underside of the end wall. the problem of loose pieces which could be considered a source of litter is overcome. However. a potential hazard exists because of the free edge of the score line which results and the necessity for the user to urge the panel down into the container thus necessitating positioning of ones finger in close proximity to the free edge of the score.  
  Structures for end walls of containers are also known in which protective beads are formed to protect against laceration. For example see U.S. Pat. No. 3,303,958 which describes an end wall which is removed by pulling away from the container. U.S. Pat. No. 3,696,961 describes an end in which the end wall is bent downwardly to rupture the score line and then the panel is pulled outwardly as a separate piece. Again. the use of a plastisol sealant is described.  
  U.S. Pat. No. 3,362,569 of 1968 describes a variant of a push button type of convenient opening. Somewhat modified in form, the type of score line there described has been used for push button ends and is referred to as a pinched score line.  
 SUMMARY OF THE lNVENTION The present invention relates to an easy open container, and container end. and particularly to a container end structure for use with cans, bottles and the like for dispensing of beverages and other products in which the container end is structured to include the advantages of a panel forming an opening in the end wall which is not separately discarded from the container. while at the same time providing means to substantially reduce the incidence of laceration by virtue ofthe free edge created by the score. The end wall of the container includes a removable panel defined by a score line which may be continuous. resulting in complete removal of the panel, or discontinuous and thereby forming a hinged panel. In either instance, removal or rupture of the score line is accomplished by applying a force to the panel to urge the panel toward the interior of the container.  
  In order to reduce or substantially to eliminate the possibility of laceration by the free edge of the score, a protective shield is cooperatively associated with the end wall and the removable panel. The shield is positioned inwardly of the score line such that the user&#39;s finger cannot contact the edge of the score after rupture of the end wall panel. Such a structure not only provides the advantages of an ecology end because the panel either remains with the end wall or is dropped into the container, but additionally, a safety feature exists which prevents the user&#39;s finger coming into contact with the free edge of the score.  
  Of significance is the fact that the score line is located on the public side of the end wall. Thus, the need for sealants is eliminated and the objections previously noted are overcome while providing a structure which is relatively safe and wherein the panel either remains on or in the container. Moreover, the panel is dimensioned and located with respect to the protective device such that even if the panel is completely removed and falls within the container, it cannot easily be removed from the interior.  
  It will be apparent that other advantages and modes will be readily understood by those skilled in the art after they have read the detailed description and referred to the accompanying drawings which illustrate what are presently considered to be preferred embodiments of the best mode contemplated for utilizing the novel and improved structure set forth in the appended claims.  
 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of an improved container in accordance with the present invention;  
  FIG. 2 is a view partly in section and partly in elevation of the container end illustrated in FIG. 1&#39;,  
  FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view, in section, illustrating the relative position of the protective means and the panel in accordance with the present invention;  
  FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 illustrating the relative location of the parts following rupture of the score line, in accordance with the present invention;  
  FIG. 5 is a view in perspective of a modified form of the container in accordance with the present invention;  
  FIG. 6 is a view, in section, of the container end illustrated in FIG. 5;  
  FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing the relative position of the parts of the container illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6;  
  FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 illustrating the relative location of the parts subsequent to rupture of the score line in accordance with the present invention;  
  FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view of a score line configuration usable in accordance with the present invention;  
  FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary view, in section, of the score line illustrated in FIG. 9;  
  FIG. II is an enlarged sectional view of a pinched&#34; score line usable in accordance with the present invention; and  
  FIG. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary view, in section, of the score line illustrated in FIG. 1].  
 DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to FIGS. I and 2 of the drawings which are merely illustrative of one form of the improved easy opening container of the present invention, a container 10 is shown in the form ofa can body II to which a top 12 is attached. The top 12 is attached in the usual fashion by a chime 13 which secures the can end to the can body. The body may be of any of the conventional three-piece or two-piece types, for example, side soldered seamed, tin free steel, continuous welded seamed cans, or the so-called ironed cans.  
  The can top includes an end wall 15 having a removable panel 20 formed thereon, the removable panel being defined by a score line 21. In a preferred form, the removable panel is off-center with respect to the end wall 15 of the container so as to form a conveniently located pour spout.  
  In the form illustrated, the panel 20 is generally circular in shape, and the score line 2] is continuous, although it is to be understood that the panel may be of a shape other than circular while the score line may be discontinuous to form a hinged panel which is not separable from the end wall. Even though circular, the panel provides an acceptable pouring quality for beverage without the need for a separate vent opening. If desired, however a vent opening may be used with a hinged panel, the structure of the vent opening being as herein described. As illustrated, the panel 20 is positioned somewhat vertically below the end wall 15 and is integrally formed with the end wall through a fold portion generally indicated 25 (FIG. 2).  
  Referring to FIG. 2, the score line 21 is formed such that the score face 26 is on the public side or facing away from the interior of the container. The nonscored portion 27 of metal to the rear of the score line faces the non-public or interior of the container. With such a disposition of the score face 26, the need for sealants, as previously described, is unnecessary. The score line residual, or the solid material in the new scored portion 27 may vary depending on the pressure of the product within the container. It is within the scope of the present invention to employ a score line having a relatively large residual in combination with a portion of a score line with lesser residual in order to provide for initiation of the rupture of the score line. It is also within the scope of the present invention to use an antifracture score line for reasons well known in the art. Illustrative types of score lines are shown and described infra.  
  Referring to FIG. 3 which is a greatly enlarged view, for purposes of explanation, the fold portion 25 includes a radially inwardly extending smooth shoulder 30 formed at the junction of end wall 15 and fold layer 3] which is located between the end wall 15 and the panel 20. As illustrated, the shoulder 30 substantially completely surrounds the score line 21 and is dimensioned radially such that it projects substantially be yond the score line. It is apparent that panel 20 cannot be removed by pulling the panel out through the opening defined by the shoulder 30.  
  The shoulder 30 functions as a protective means following rupture of the score line. Referring to FIG. 4, application of downward force on the panel 20, by ones finger or other object such as a key or the like, is operative to rupture the score line resulting in the information of a sharp free edge 35 of the score. Normally, the nature of the rupture of the score line is progressive in that the initial rupture is at one location and progresses away from the start point. Thus it is usually necessary to depress the panel downwardly and perhaps back towards the non-public side of the end wall in a hinging-like motion to completely remove the panel even when the score line is continuous. It is in this operation where the possibility of laceration exists.  
  The usual practice. due to practical considerations. is to form the panel of a reasonably small surface area so that the greatest force can be exerted to rupture the score line. Accordingly, the clearance between the users finger and the free edge 35 is not excessively great. By forming the score line 21 in a position such that it is located radially outwardly of the shoulder 30, sufficient protection is afforded to prevent laceration. Further, even if the force applied downwardly on the panel is sufficient to distort the fold panel 25 by elongating it axially, the free edge of the score is sufficiently displaced so that the possibility of laceration is reduced.  
  Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, another form of the improved easy opening container of the present invention is illustrated. Container is shown in the form of a can body 41 to which a top 42 is attached. The top 42 is attached in the usual fashion by a chime 43 which secures the can end to the can body. The body may be of any of the conventional types described.  
  The can end includes an end wall 45 having a removable panel formed thereon, the removable panel being defined by a score line 51. As illustrated, the score line is again formed in such fashion that the score 52 faces the public side while the nomscored section 53 to the rear of the score faces the non-public side.  
  In the form illustrated, the panel 50 is generally circular in shape, and the score line 51 is continuous, although it is to be understood that the panel may be of a shape other than circular while the score line may be discontinuous to form a hinged panel which is not separable from the end wall. As illustrated, the panel 50 is positioned somewhat vertically above the end wall 45, and integrally formed with the end wall through a fold portion generally indicated 55.  
  Cooperating with the end wall 45 and the panel 50 is a protective curl member 60, the latter being secured to the end wall 45 and the panel 60 by a peripheral edge 61 which engages the outer surface of the fold portion 55, as shown.  
  Referring to FIG. 7, the details of the association between the protective curl 60, the fold portion and the panel 50 may be understood. The fold portion 55 which forms the integral connection between the end wall 45 and the panel 50 includes a radially outwardly extending shoulder 65 which is continuous and completely surrounds the panel 50. The radial shoulder 65 cooperates with the end wall 45 to form a groove 66 which is continuous, and positioned vertically between the radial shoulder 65 and the end wall 45. The peripheral edge 61 of the protective curl is deformed to fit within the groove 66 such that the peripheral edge 61 cannot move vertically above the radial shoulder 65,  
 although rotational movement of the curl 60 may occur without adversely affecting the operation of the end.  
  The protective curl 60 includes a radially inwardly disposed lip 70 which is preferably continuous, as illustrated. The lip extends radially inwardly with respect to the score line 51, that is, the score line 51 on panel 60 is positioned between the peripheral edge 61 and the lip 70 of the protective curl 60 with the result that the protective curl overlies the score line 51, as shown.  
  Referring to FIG. 8, wherein like reference numerals have been applied, the end wall 45 is shown with the panel 50 separated by virtue of rupture of the score line 51. As illustrated, rupture of the score line exposes a free edge 72 of the score. Normally, the free edge 72 of the score is sharp and may cause lacerations. However, by the present invention, the free edge 72 of the score is in effect covered by the lip 70 of the protective curl 60 such that the cutting edge 72 is inaccessible in the event that a users finger is inserted through the aperture formed by rupturing of the score line.  
  As is apparent from the foregoing exemplary embodiments of this invention, a protective means is disclosed which may be integrally formed in the end wall or affixed conveniently to the end wall such that a protective guard overlies the panel with the score line located radially outwardly of the guard. Of the forms illustrated, that of FIGS. 5-8 is the preferred even though an additional separate element, protective curl 60, is used. The preference is based on the fact that additional strength is possible because the fold portion 55 is not completely flattened as is the case with fold portion 25. Additionally. the peripheral edge 61 of the curl is received in the groove 66 and adds strength to the fold portion tending to resist axially downwardly exerted forces applied during the rupturing of the score line.  
  Even if the portion of the top between the shoulder and the score line is deformed downwardly during rupturing of the score line, the extent of downward movement is limited by the portion of the fold radially inwardly of the groove 66. Nonetheless, the lip operates to prevent contact with the free edge 72 of the score. Such structural integrity permits the use of lower score residuals, as may be needed with certain types of beverages or due to the processing of certain types of products.  
  An additional factor is the process for forming the end, that is, the score line is visible prior to assembly of curl 50 to the end wall. In the form illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the score line lies between the folds of the fold portion and is covered by that portion of the fold between the end wall 15 and the panel 20.  
  In any event each form of the invention described offers the advantages ofa captive panel i.e., one which remains in or on the container, protection against laceration, and a score line on the public side thus eliminating the use of sealants as in some of the prior devices.  
  Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, where like reference numerals have been used where applicable, a score line generally indicated is shown. In this form, the score line is preferably continuous and placed in compression by an adjacent cooperating coined area 85. By placing the score line in compression, it has sufficient strength to withstand moderate pressures within the container. but is rupturable by finger pressure. As illustrated, the score line is generally V-shaped and includes an apex 86, the open face of the score line being on the public side of the end wall. The coined area 85 is generally cir cular in plan view and spaced radially inwardly and along the full extent of the score line 80.  
  In the form illustrated in FIGS. ll and 12, a score line 90 of the pinched type is shown. In this form, the push out panel 91 is dished i.e.. bulges downwardly with the score line being in compression by virtue of the pressure within the container acting on the nonpublic side 92 of the push out panel. The score line itself is the thinned section 93 of metal which is fractured by pushing preferably at about point 95 indicated by the arrow. As downward pressure is applied along an are. as indicated at 95, the score line 92 fractures and the panel 91 drops into the container.  
  As is apparent. the score line 90 includes a thinned section 93 which is oriented to form the junction between the end wall 96 and the dished push panel 91. the latter including a peripheral flat portion 97 which is spaced vertically relative to the end wall 96, as shown. Thus. this form of score line includes a generally horizontally disposed line of weakness positioned between the plane of the end wall and the plane of the removable panel. The dished out section 99 of the push out panel. when under pressure from the container contents tends to place the score line in compression thus providing unexpected strength with respect to container pressure but being rupturable from the public side when pressure is properly applied as indicated.  
  lt will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various forms of a score line may be used in accordance with this invention provided the panel may be pushed. It will also be apparent that the guard structure acts as a guide tending to compel the user to locate his finger in such a fashion that pressure is applied adjacent to the score line in order to bring fracturing pressure to bear at the appropriate portion of the panel adjacent to the score line.  
  While the score lines have been illustrated with reference to a guard structure of the type illustrated in FIG. 1, it is apparent that the same or equivalent score lines may be used with a guard of the type illustrated in FIG. 5.  
  It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, from the foregoing illustration and description of various forms of the invention. that modifications may be made in the form. construction and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.  
 l claim:  
  1. A container having an easy opening push-button panel end comprising:  
 means forming a container.  
 end wall means secured to said container and forming a closure therefor,  
 panel means in said end wall capable of forming an opening therein,  
 said panel means being defined by a score line formed in said end wall whereby application of force downward on said panel means effects rupture of at least a portion of said score line to form an opening in said end wall by urging said panel means into said container. the rupture of said score line creating a free edge capable of causing laceration.  
 said score line being so disposed on said end wall that the score faces away from the interior of said container while the unscored metal to the rear of said score faces towards the interior of said container,  
 protective means cooperating with said end wall and said panel means and including protective guard means overlying said panel and said score line to prevent contact between said free edge and the user while preventing said panel from being withdrawn through the formed aperture in said end wall,  
 said end wall including a folded portion radially outwardly of said guard means, and  
 said score line being located on the portion of said panel between the folded portion and said guard means.  
 2. A container as set forth in claim I wherein said protective means includes protective guard means associated with said end wall,  
 said guard means including means forming a lip which extends radially inwardly of said score line to prevent contact between a users skin and the said free edge formed upon rupture of said score line.  
  3. A container as set forth in claim 2 wherein said end wall includes fold means extending vertically away from said container.  
 said fold means supporting said panel vertically away from said end wall. and  
 said guard means being affixed to said fold means.  
  4. A container as set forth in claim 1 wherein said end wall includes means to maintain said panel in spaced relation to said end wall,  
 said protective means being cooperatively associated with said last named means and including a portion thereof which overlies said score line.  
  5. A container as set forth in claim 1 further including:  
 means integral with said end wall to support said panel vertically above said end wall. and  
 said protective means being carried by said integral means and including a peripheral portion which extends radially inwardly of said score line.  
  6. A container as set forth in claim 5 wherein said integral means includes means forming a groove generally surrounding said score line and spaced radially outwardly thereof. and  
 said protective means being mounted on said integral means and including a portion thereof received in said groove.  
  7. A container as set forth in claim 1 further including means integral with said end wall and supporting said panel,  
 said integral means including means to receive said protective means in vertically fixed relation.  
  8. An easy opening push-button panel end for containers and the like comprising:  
 means forming an end wall and adapted to be secured to a container to form a closure therefor,  
 panel means in said end wall and capable of forming an opening therein.  
 said panel means being defined by a score line formed in said end wall whereby application of a force downward on said panel means effects rupture of at least a portion of said score line to form an opening in said end wall by urging said panel into said container,  
 said panel means being spaced vertically with respect to said end wall,  
 means cooperating with said panel and said end wall and including a peripheral portion which extends radially inwardly of said score line to form a protective guard upon severance of said score line.  
 said end wall including a shoulder which is radially outwardly of said guard. and  
 said score line being located in the portion of said panel which is radially outwardly of said guard and radially inwardly of said shoulder.  
 9. A container having an easy opening push-button panel end comprising:  
 means forming a container,  
 end wall means secured to said container and forming a closure therefor,  
 panel means in said end wall capable of forming an opening therein,  
 said panel means being defined by a weakening line formed in said end wall whereby application of force downward on said panel means effects rupture of at least a portion of said weakening line to form an opening in said end wall by urging said panel means into said container.  
 said panel means being attached to said end wall by fold means integral with said end wall,  
 guard means attached to said end wall and including a peripheral portion overlying said weakening line thereby preventing said panel from being withdrawn through said guard means and out of said container,  
 said end wall including a shoulder which is radially outwardly of the peripheral portion of said guard means, and  
 said weakening line being located in the portion of said panel which is radially outwardly of said peripheral portion and radially inwardly of said shoulder.  
 10. A container as set forth in claim 9 wherein said panel is vertically above said end wall,  
  said fold means including means defining a groove, and  
 said guard means including a portion received in said groove and a portion overlying said weakening means.  
  11. An easy opening push-button panel end as set forth in claim 1 wherein said score line is in compression.  
  12. An easy opening push-button panel end as set forth in claim I including means defining a coined area cooperating with said score line to maintain the latter in compression.  
  13. An easy opening push-button panel end as set forth in claim 8 wherein said panel is dished downwardly toward the non-public side of said end.  
  14. An easy opening push-button panel end as set forth in claim 13 wherein said score line is in compres- SlOn.