Lance through straw opening end

Abstract

The present invention relates to a metallic beverage can end and more specifically to a substantially spillproof end which is adapted for penetration and opening by a drinking straw.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A metallic beverage can end adapted for receiving a drinking straw, comprising: 
 a substantially circular end wall adapted for interconnection to a beverage can body;    a central panel integrally interconnected to said circular end wall and comprising an outer surface and an inner surface;    a selectively weakened fracturable zone positioned within said central panel which is defined by a score line and penetrable by the drinking straw; and    a sealant material selectively applied to at least a portion of said central panel and said selectively weakened fracturable zone, wherein said central panel and said selectively weakened fracturable zone are sealingly engaged until a downward force is applied to said selectively weakened fracturable zone by the drinking straw.    
     
     
         2 . The metallic beverage can end of  claim 1 , wherein said sealant material comprises at least one of a plastic, a polymer, a rubber and an organic resin coating.  
     
     
         3 . The metallic beverage can end of  claim 1 , wherein said sealant material is selectively applied to an inner surface of said central panel and said selectively weakened fracturable zone.  
     
     
         4 . The metallic beverage can end of  claim 2 , wherein said sealant is a PVC plastisol.  
     
     
         5 . The metallic beverage can end of  claim 1 , wherein said selectively weakened fracturable zone has a semi-circular shape.  
     
     
         6 . The metallic beverage can end of  claim 4 , wherein said selectively weakened fracturable zone further comprises a vent area positioned proximate to a hinge point after penetration by the drinking straw.  
     
     
         7 . The metallic beverage can end of  claim 4 , wherein said selectively weakened fracturable zone has a diameter no greater than about 0.375 inches.  
     
     
         8 . The metallic beverage can end of  claim 1 , wherein said selectively weakened fracturable zone is positioned substantially within a mid-section of said central panel.  
     
     
         9 . The metallic beverage can end of  claim 1 , wherein said central panel is comprised of a metallic material having a thickness no greater than about 0.016 inches.  
     
     
         10 . The metallic beverage can end of  claim 1 , further comprising a reinforcing bead which substantially surrounds said selectively weakened fracturable zone.  
     
     
         11 . The metallic beverage can end of  claim 1 , further comprising a countersink positioned between said substantially circular end wall and said central panel.  
     
     
         12 . The beverage can end of  claim 11 , further comprising a chuck wall positioned between said countersink and said circular end wall.  
     
     
         13 . The beverage can end of  claim 1 , wherein at least a leading edge of said selectively weakened fracturable zone is positioned below a portion of said central panel, wherein said selectively weakened fracturable zone is resistant to traveling upwardly based on an interval pressure in said beverage can body.  
     
     
         14 . A metallic beverage can end adapted for receiving a drinking straw, comprising: 
 a circular end wall adapted for interconnection to a metallic can body and which is capable of withstanding an internal pressure of at least about 90 psi;    a chuck wall interconnected to said circular end wall and extending downwardly therefrom;    a central panel interconnected to said chuck wall;    a score line positioned in said central panel which defines a hinged gate for receiving the drinking straw; and    a sealant material applied to at least a portion of said central panel and said hinged gate, wherein when a force of at least about 0.5 pounds is applied to said hinged gate, the drinking straw penetrates through said central panel.    
     
     
         15 . The metallic beverage can end of  claim 14 , wherein said score line is non-sealing prior to the application of said sealant material.  
     
     
         16 . The metallic beverage can end of  claim 14 , wherein an aperture cleated in said central panel upon penetration of the straw has curled edges, wherein there are substantially no sharpened edges positioned substantially adjacent to said aperture.  
     
     
         17 . The metallic beverage can end of  claim 14 , wherein a leading edge of said hinged gate is positioned below said central panel proximate to said score line.  
     
     
         18 . The metallic beverage can end of  claim 14 , wherein said sealant material is at least one of a plastic, a rubber, an organic material and is positioned on an interior surface of said central panel and said hinged gate.  
     
     
         19 . The metallic beverage can end of  claim 14 , wherein said hinged gate has an external shape greater than an opening defined by said score line, wherein said hinged gate is prevented from passing through said opening or said drinking straw if it becomes disengaged from said central panel.  
     
     
         20 . A method for opening a metallic beverage can end with a drinking straw, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a metallic beverage can end adapted for interconnection to a beverage can body, comprising: 
 a) a substantially circular end wall;  
 b) a central panel integrally interconnected to said substantially circular end wall and comprising an outer surface and an inner surface;  
 d) a hinged gate positioned within said central panel which is defined by a score line;  
 e) a sealant material applied to at least a portion of said central panel and said hinged gate to provide a sealing engagement; and  
 applying a force to an upper surface of said hinged gate, wherein the drinking straw penetrates said central panel for communication with a liquid contained in the beverage can body.  
   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein said sealant material comprises at least one of a plastisol, a plastic, a rubber and an organic resin coating.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein said applying a force step requires at least about 0.5 lbs.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein subsequent to said applying a force step a vent area is defined proximate to a hinge area of said hinged gate, wherein the liquid contained in the beverage can body may be more readily withdrawn.  
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein said hinged gate has a cross-sectional area no greater than about 0.375 inches.  
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein said metallic beverage can end is capable of withstanding an internal pressure upon interconnection with the beverage can body of at least about 90 psi.  
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein said metallic beverage can end is comprised of an aluminum material having a thickness no greater than about 0.016 inches.  
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein said applying a force step comprises pushing a first end of the drinking straw against an upper surface of said hinged gate.  
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising a countersink operably positioned between said substantially circular end wall and said central panel.  
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein a leading edge of said hinged gate is positioned at least partially below said central panel.  
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein an aperture defined by said score line in said central panel has a curled edge.