US2021245921A1PendingUtilityA1
Beverage can and lid thereof
Est. expiryMar 14, 2038(~11.6 yrs left)· nominal 20-yr term from priority
B65D 17/28B65D 2517/0011B65D 2517/0056B65D 17/401
48
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Claims
Abstract
A lid for a beverage can in which the lid is designed to facilitate its use, such as, for example, by being openable intuitively, with a single hand, and through spring-loading. Also, the beverage can, including the lid, may be manufactured more efficiently.
Claims
exact text as granted — not AI-modified1 . A lid for a beverage can, the lid comprising:
an inner side; and an outer side comprising a button manually pressable upon to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can;
wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening in response to only the button being manually pressed upon.
2 . A lid for a beverage can, the lid comprising:
an inner side; and an outer side comprising a button manually pressable upon to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can, the outer side being free of any other button manually pressable upon to open the beverage can elsewhere than at the pouring opening.
3 . A lid for a beverage can, the lid comprising:
an inner side; and an outer side comprising a button manually pressable upon to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can;
wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening without any other button being manually pressed upon.
4 . A lid for a beverage can, the lid comprising:
an inner side; and an outer side comprising a button manually pressable upon to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can;
wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening without manually applying force on the lid other than manually pressing upon the button.
5 . The lid of any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the inner side comprises a spring configured to enlarge the pouring opening after the button is manually pressed upon.
6 . The lid of claim 5 , wherein the spring is configured to retract a flap into an interior of the beverage can to enlarge the pouring opening after the button is manually pressed upon.
7 . The lid of any one of claims 5 and 6 , wherein the lid is at least partly made of aluminum and the spring includes part of the aluminum.
8 . The lid of claim 7 , wherein the spring comprises 7075-T6 aluminum alloy.
9 . The lid of claim 7 , wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, the base includes part of the aluminum, and an aluminum alloy of the spring is different from an aluminum alloy of the base.
10 . The lid of claim 9 , wherein the aluminum alloy of the spring is aluminum alloy 7075-T6 and the aluminum alloy of the base is aluminum alloy 5182.
11 . The lid of claim 5 , wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, and a metallic material of the spring is different from a metallic material of the base.
12 . The lid of claim 11 , wherein the metallic material of the spring is stronger than the metallic material of the base.
13 . The lid of claim 12 , wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 1.
14 . The lid of claim 12 , wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 2.
15 . The lid of claim 12 , wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 3.
16 . The lid of any one of claims 1 to 15 , comprising a frangible portion configured to break to create the pouring opening.
17 . The lid of claim 16 , wherein the frangible portion comprises a line of weakness defining a contour of the pouring opening.
18 . The lid of claim 16 , wherein the frangible portion is a scored portion.
19 . The lid of any one of claims 6 to 18 , wherein the inner side comprises an inner surface and the spring projects from the inner surface into the interior of the beverage can.
20 . The lid of any one of claims 6 to 19 , wherein the spring is curved in the interior of the beverage can.
21 . The lid of claim 20 , wherein the spring is generally U-shaped.
22 . The lid of any one of claims 6 to 21 , wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, and an end of the spring is configured to move in the interior of the beverage can with the flap.
23 . The lid of any one of claims 1 to 22 , wherein the button is configured to enter inside the beverage can when manually pressed upon.
24 . The lid of any one of claims 5 to 23 , wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 35 N.
25 . The lid of any one of claims 5 to 23 , wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 60 N.
26 . The lid of any one of claims 5 to 23 , wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 70 N.
27 . The lid of any one of claims 6 to 26 , wherein the lid comprises a base and a fastener fastening the spring to the base.
28 . The lid of claim 27 , wherein the fastener is integrally formed with the base.
29 . The lid of any one of claims 27 and 28 , wherein the fastener is a rivet.
30 . The lid of any one of claims 27 to 29 , wherein the fastener is a first fastener and the lid comprises a second fastener fastening the spring to the base.
31 . The lid of claim 30 , wherein the first fastener fastens the spring to the flap and the second fastener fastens the spring to an anchoring portion of the base spaced from the flap.
32 . The lid of any one of claims 6 to 31 , wherein the flap remains attached to the spring when the pouring opening is created.
33 . The lid of any one of claims 1 to 32 , wherein the lid is entirely recyclable.
34 . The lid of any one of claims 1 to 32 , wherein the pouring opening is noncircular.
35 . The lid of claim 34 , wherein the pouring opening is oblong.
36 . The lid of claim 34 , wherein the pouring opening is generally kidney-shaped.
37 . The lid of any one of claims 1 to 36 , wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is between 2 cm 2 and 8 cm 2 .
38 . The lid of any one of claims 1 to 36 , wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is between 2 cm 2 and 4 cm 2 .
39 . The lid of any one of claims 1 to 36 , wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is about 2.8 cm 2 .
40 . The lid of any one of claims 1 to 36 , wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.1.
41 . The lid of any one of claims 1 to 36 , wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.15.
42 . The lid of any one of claims 1 to 36 , wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.2.
43 . The lid of any one of claims 1 to 42 , wherein the lid is configured such that another beverage can is stackable on the beverage can without interference from the button.
44 . The lid of any one of claims 1 to 43 , comprising a rim extending at least as high as the button.
45 . The lid of claim 44 , wherein the rim extends higher than the button.
46 . The lid of any one of claims 1 to 45 , wherein: the outer side comprises an outer surface; and the button projects from the outer surface.
47 . The lid of claim 46 , wherein: the inner side comprises an inner surface; and a height of the button is greater than a thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface.
48 . The lid of claim 47 , wherein a ratio of the height of the button over the thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface is at least 10.
49 . The lid of claim 47 , wherein a ratio of the height of the button over the thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface is at least 20.
50 . The lid of any one of claims 1 to 49 , wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is greater than a cross-sectional area of the button normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can.
51 . The lid of claim 50 , wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 2.
52 . The lid of claim 50 , wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 4.
53 . The lid of claim 50 , wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 6.
54 . The lid of any one of claims 1 to 53 , wherein at least part of the lid is formed integrally with a part of a body of the beverage can.
55 . A beverage can comprising the lid of any one of claims 1 to 54 .
56 . A lid for a beverage can, the lid comprising:
an outer side comprising an actuator manually operable to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can; and an inner side comprising a spring configured to enlarge the pouring opening after the actuator is manually operated.
57 . The lid of claim 56 , wherein the spring is configured to retract a flap into an interior of the beverage can to enlarge the pouring opening after the button is manually pressed upon.
58 . The lid of any one of claims 56 and 57 , wherein the lid is at least partly made of aluminum and the spring includes part of the aluminum.
59 . The lid of claim 58 , wherein the spring comprises 7075-T6 aluminum alloy.
60 . The lid of claim 58 , wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, the base includes part of the aluminum, and an aluminum alloy of the spring is different from an aluminum alloy of the base.
61 . The lid of claim 60 , wherein the aluminum alloy of the spring is aluminum alloy 7075-T6 and the aluminum alloy of the base is aluminum alloy 5182.
62 . The lid of claim 56 , wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, and a metallic material of the spring is different from a metallic material of the base.
63 . The lid of claim 62 , wherein the metallic material of the spring is stronger than the metallic material of the base.
64 . The lid of claim 63 , wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 1.
65 . The lid of claim 63 , wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 2.
66 . The lid of claim 63 , wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 3.
67 . The lid of any one of claims 56 to 66 , comprising a frangible portion configured to break to create the pouring opening.
68 . The lid of claim 67 , wherein the frangible portion comprises a line of weakness defining a contour of the pouring opening.
69 . The lid of claim 67 , wherein the frangible portion is a scored portion.
70 . The lid of any one of claims 57 to 69 , wherein the inner side comprises an inner surface and the spring projects from the inner surface into the interior of the beverage can.
71 . The lid of any one of claims 57 to 70 , wherein the spring is curved in the interior of the beverage can.
72 . The lid of claim 71 , wherein the spring is generally U-shaped.
73 . The lid of any one of claims 57 to 72 , wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, and an end of the spring is configured to move in the interior of the beverage can with the flap.
74 . The lid of any one of claims 56 to 73 , wherein the actuator comprises a button manually pressable upon to initiate creation of the pouring opening.
75 . The lid of claim 74 , wherein the button is configured to enter inside the beverage can when manually pressed upon.
76 . The lid of any one of claims 56 to 73 , wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 35 N.
77 . The lid of any one of claims 56 to 73 , wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 60 N.
78 . The lid of any one of claims 56 to 73 , wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 70 N.
79 . The lid of any one of claims 57 to 78 , wherein the lid comprises a base and a fastener fastening the spring to the base.
80 . The lid of claim 79 , wherein the fastener is integrally formed with the base.
81 . The lid of any one of claims 79 and 80 , wherein the fastener is a rivet.
82 . The lid of any one of claims 79 to 81 , wherein the fastener is a first fastener and the lid comprises a second fastener fastening the spring to the base.
83 . The lid of claim 82 , wherein the first fastener fastens the spring to the flap and the second fastener fastens the spring to an anchoring portion of the base spaced from the flap.
84 . The lid of any one of claims 57 to 83 , wherein the flap remains attached to the spring when the pouring opening is created.
85 . The lid of any one of claims 56 to 84 , wherein the lid is entirely recyclable.
86 . The lid of any one of claims 56 to 85 , wherein the pouring opening is noncircular.
87 . The lid of claim 86 , wherein the pouring opening is oblong.
88 . The lid of claim 86 , wherein the pouring opening is generally kidney-shaped.
89 . The lid of any one of claims 56 to 88 , wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is between 2 cm 2 and 8 cm 2 .
90 . The lid of any one of claims 56 to 88 , wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is between 2 cm 2 and 4 cm 2 .
91 . The lid of any one of claims 56 to 88 , wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is about 2.8 cm 2 .
92 . The lid of any one of claims 56 to 88 , wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.1.
93 . The lid of any one of claims 56 to 88 , wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.15.
94 . The lid of any one of claims 56 to 88 , wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.2.
95 . The lid of any one of claims 56 to 94 , wherein the lid is configured such that another beverage can is stackable on the beverage can without interference from the button.
96 . The lid of any one of claims 56 to 95 , comprising a rim extending at least as high as the button.
97 . The lid of claim 96 , wherein the rim extends higher than the button.
98 . The lid of claim 74 , wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening in response to only the button being manually pressed upon.
99 . The lid of claim 74 , wherein the outer side is free of any other button manually pressable upon to open the beverage can elsewhere than at the pouring opening.
100 . The lid of claim 74 , wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening without any other button being manually pressed upon.
101 . The lid of claim 74 , wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening without manually applying force on the lid other than manually pressing upon the button.
102 . The lid of any one of claims 56 to 101 , wherein: the outer side comprises an outer surface; and the button projects from the outer surface.
103 . The lid of claim 102 , wherein: the inner side comprises an inner surface; and a height of the button is greater than a thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface.
104 . The lid of claim 103 , wherein a ratio of the height of the button over the thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface is at least 10.
105 . The lid of claim 103 , wherein a ratio of the height of the button over the thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface is at least 20.
106 . The lid of any one of claims 56 to 105 , wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is greater than a cross-sectional area of the button normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can.
107 . The lid of claim 106 , wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 2.
108 . The lid of claim 106 , wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 4.
109 . The lid of claim 106 , wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 6.
110 . The lid of any one of claims 56 to 109 , wherein at least part of the lid is formed integrally with a part of a body of the beverage can.
111 . A beverage can comprising the lid of any one of claims 56 to 110 .
112 . A lid for a beverage can, the lid comprising:
an inner side; and an outer side comprising a button manually pressable upon to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can;
wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.1.
113 . The lid of claim 112 , wherein the inner side comprises a spring configured to enlarge the pouring opening after the button is manually pressed upon.
114 . The lid of claim 113 , wherein the spring is configured to retract a flap into an interior of the beverage can to enlarge the pouring opening after the button is manually pressed upon.
115 . The lid of claim 112 , wherein the lid is at least partly made of aluminum and the spring includes part of the aluminum.
116 . The lid of claim 115 , wherein the spring comprises 7075-T6 aluminum alloy.
117 . The lid of claim 113 , wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, the base includes part of the aluminum, and an aluminum alloy of the spring is different from an aluminum alloy of the base.
118 . The lid of claim 117 , wherein the aluminum alloy of the spring is aluminum alloy 7075-T6 and the aluminum alloy of the base is aluminum alloy 5182.
119 . The lid of claim 113 , wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, and a metallic material of the spring is different from a metallic material of the base.
120 . The lid of claim 119 , wherein the metallic material of the spring is stronger than the metallic material of the base.
121 . The lid of claim 120 , wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 1.
122 . The lid of claim 120 , wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 2.
123 . The lid of claim 120 , wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 3.
124 . The lid of any one of claims 112 to 123 , comprising a frangible portion configured to break to create the pouring opening.
125 . The lid of claim 124 , wherein the frangible portion comprises a line of weakness defining a contour of the pouring opening.
126 . The lid of claim 124 , wherein the frangible portion is a scored portion.
127 . The lid of any one of claims 113 to 126 , wherein the inner side comprises an inner surface and the spring projects from the inner surface into the interior of the beverage can.
128 . The lid of any one of claims 113 to 127 , wherein the spring is curved in the interior of the beverage can.
129 . The lid of claim 128 , wherein the spring is generally U-shaped.
130 . The lid of any one of claims 113 to 129 , wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, and an end of the spring is configured to move in the interior of the beverage can with the flap.
131 . The lid of any one of claims 112 to 130 , wherein the actuator comprises a button manually pressable upon to initiate creation of the pouring opening.
132 . The lid of claim 131 , wherein the button is configured to enter inside the beverage can when manually pressed upon.
133 . The lid of any one of claims 113 to 132 , wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 35 N.
134 . The lid of any one of claims 113 to 132 , wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 60 N.
135 . The lid of any one of claims 113 to 132 , wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 70 N.
136 . The lid of any one of claims 113 to 135 , wherein the lid comprises a base and a fastener fastening the spring to the base.
137 . The lid of claim 136 , wherein the fastener is integrally formed with the base.
138 . The lid of any one of claims 136 and 137 , wherein the fastener is a rivet.
139 . The lid of any one of claims 136 to 138 , wherein the fastener is a first fastener and the lid comprises a second fastener fastening the spring to the base.
140 . The lid of claim 139 , wherein the first fastener fastens the spring to the flap and the second fastener fastens the spring to an anchoring portion of the base spaced from the flap.
141 . The lid of any one of claims 114 to 140 , wherein the flap remains attached to the spring when the pouring opening is created.
142 . The lid of any one of claims 112 to 141 , wherein the lid is entirely recyclable.
143 . The lid of any one of claims 112 to 142 , wherein the pouring opening is noncircular.
144 . The lid of claim 143 , wherein the pouring opening is oblong.
145 . The lid of claim 143 , wherein the pouring opening is generally kidney-shaped.
146 . The lid of any one of claims 112 to 145 , wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is between 2 cm 2 and 8 cm 2 .
147 . The lid of any one of claims 112 to 145 , wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is between 2 cm 2 and 4 cm 2 .
148 . The lid of any one of claims 112 to 145 , wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is about 2.8 cm 2 .
149 . The lid of any one of claims 112 to 145 , wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.15.
150 . The lid of any one of claims 112 to 145 , wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.2.
151 . The lid of any one of claims 112 to 150 , wherein the lid is configured such that another beverage can is stackable on the beverage can without interference from the button.
152 . The lid of any one of claims 112 to 151 , comprising a rim extending at least as high as the button.
153 . The lid of claim 152 , wherein the rim extends higher than the button.
154 . The lid of claim 131 , wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening in response to only the button being manually pressed upon.
155 . The lid of claim 131 , wherein the outer side is free of any other button manually pressable upon to open the beverage can elsewhere than at the pouring opening.
156 . The lid of claim 131 , wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening without any other button being manually pressed upon.
157 . The lid of claim 131 , wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening without manually applying force on the lid other than manually pressing upon the button.
158 . The lid of any one of claims 112 to 157 , wherein: the outer side comprises an outer surface; and the button projects from the outer surface.
159 . The lid of claim 158 , wherein: the inner side comprises an inner surface; and a height of the button is greater than a thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface.
160 . The lid of claim 159 , wherein a ratio of the height of the button over the thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface is at least 10.
161 . The lid of claim 159 , wherein a ratio of the height of the button over the thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface is at least 20.
162 . The lid of any one of claims 112 to 161 , wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is greater than a cross-sectional area of the button normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can.
163 . The lid of claim 162 , wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 2.
164 . The lid of claim 162 , wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 4.
165 . The lid of claim 162 , wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 6.
166 . The lid of any one of claims 112 to 165 , wherein at least part of the lid is formed integrally with a part of a body of the beverage can.
167 . A beverage can comprising the lid of any one of claims 112 to 166 .
168 . A lid for a beverage can, the lid comprising:
an outer side comprising a button manually pressable upon to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can; and an inner side comprising a spring configured to enlarge the pouring opening after the button is manually pressed upon.
169 . The lid of claim 168 , wherein the spring is configured to retract a flap into an interior of the beverage can to enlarge the pouring opening after the button is manually pressed upon.
170 . The lid of any one of claims 168 and 169 , wherein the lid is at least partly made of aluminum and the spring includes part of the aluminum.
171 . The lid of claim 170 , wherein the spring comprises 7075-T6 aluminum alloy.
172 . The lid of claim 170 , wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, the base includes part of the aluminum, and an aluminum alloy of the spring is different from an aluminum alloy of the base.
173 . The lid of claim 172 , wherein the aluminum alloy of the spring is aluminum alloy 7075-T6 and the aluminum alloy of the base is aluminum alloy 5182.
174 . The lid of claim 168 , wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, and a metallic material of the spring is different from a metallic material of the base.
175 . The lid of claim 174 , wherein the metallic material of the spring is stronger than the metallic material of the base.
176 . The lid of claim 175 , wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 1.
177 . The lid of claim 175 , wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 2.
178 . The lid of claim 175 , wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 3.
179 . The lid of any one of claims 168 to 178 , comprising a frangible portion configured to break to create the pouring opening.
180 . The lid of claim 179 , wherein the frangible portion comprises a line of weakness defining a contour of the pouring opening.
181 . The lid of claim 179 , wherein the frangible portion is a scored portion.
182 . The lid of any one of claims 169 to 181 , wherein the inner side comprises an inner surface and the spring projects from the inner surface into the interior of the beverage can.
183 . The lid of any one of claims 169 to 182 , wherein the spring is curved in the interior of the beverage can.
184 . The lid of claim 183 , wherein the spring is generally U-shaped.
185 . The lid of any one of claims 169 to 184 , wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, and an end of the spring is configured to move in the interior of the beverage can with the flap.
186 . The lid of claim 185 , wherein the button is configured to enter inside the beverage can when manually pressed upon.
187 . The lid of any one of claims 168 to 184 , wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 35 N.
188 . The lid of any one of claims 168 to 184 , wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 60 N.
189 . The lid of any one of claims 168 to 184 , wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 70 N.
190 . The lid of any one of claims 169 to 189 , wherein the lid comprises a base and a fastener fastening the spring to the base.
191 . The lid of claim 190 , wherein the fastener is integrally formed with the base.
192 . The lid of any one of claims 190 and 191 , wherein the fastener is a rivet.
193 . The lid of any one of claims 190 to 192 , wherein the fastener is a first fastener and the lid comprises a second fastener fastening the spring to the base.
194 . The lid of claim 193 , wherein the first fastener fastens the spring to the flap and the second fastener fastens the spring to an anchoring portion of the base spaced from the flap.
195 . The lid of any one of claims 169 to 194 , wherein the flap remains attached to the spring when the pouring opening is created.
196 . The lid of any one of claims 168 to 195 , wherein the lid is entirely recyclable.
197 . The lid of any one of claims 168 to 196 , wherein the pouring opening is noncircular.
198 . The lid of claim 197 , wherein the pouring opening is oblong.
199 . The lid of claim 197 , wherein the pouring opening is generally kidney-shaped.
200 . The lid of any one of claims 168 to 199 , wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is between 2 cm 2 and 8 cm 2 .
201 . The lid of any one of claims 168 to 199 , wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is between 2 cm 2 and 4 cm 2 .
202 . The lid of any one of claims 168 to 199 , wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is about 2.8 cm 2 .
203 . The lid of any one of claims 168 to 199 , wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.1.
204 . The lid of any one of claims 168 to 199 , wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.15.
205 . The lid of any one of claims 168 to 199 , wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.2.
206 . The lid of any one of claims 168 to 205 , wherein the lid is configured such that another beverage can is stackable on the beverage can without interference from the button.
207 . The lid of any one of claims 168 to 206 , comprising a rim extending at least as high as the button.
208 . The lid of claim 207 , wherein the rim extends higher than the button.
209 . The lid of any one of claims 168 to 208 , wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening in response to only the button being manually pressed upon.
210 . The lid of any one of claims 168 to 209 , wherein the outer side is free of any other button manually pressable upon to open the beverage can elsewhere than at the pouring opening.
211 . The lid of any one of claims 168 to 210 , wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening without any other button being manually pressed upon.
212 . The lid of any one of claims 168 to 211 , wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening without manually applying force on the lid other than manually pressing upon the button.
213 . The lid of any one of claims 168 to 212 , wherein: the outer side comprises an outer surface; and the button projects from the outer surface.
214 . The lid of claim 213 , wherein: the inner side comprises an inner surface; and a height of the button is greater than a thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface.
215 . The lid of claim 214 , wherein a ratio of the height of the button over the thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface is at least 10.
216 . The lid of claim 214 , wherein a ratio of the height of the button over the thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface is at least 20.
217 . The lid of any one of claims 168 to 216 , wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is greater than a cross-sectional area of the button normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can.
218 . The lid of claim 217 , wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 2.
219 . The lid of claim 217 , wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 4.
220 . The lid of claim 217 , wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 6.
221 . The lid of any one of claims 168 to 220 , wherein at least part of the lid is formed integrally with a part of a body of the beverage can.
222 . A beverage can comprising the lid of any one of claims 168 to 221 .
223 . A beverage can comprising:
a body; and a lid comprising:
an inner side; and
an outer side comprising an actuator manually operable to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can;
wherein at least part of the lid is formed integrally with a part of the body of the beverage can.
224 . The beverage can of claim 223 , wherein: the actuator comprises a button manually pressable upon to initiate creation of the pouring opening; and the button is formed integrally with the part of the body of the beverage can.
225 . The beverage can of claim 224 , wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening in response to only the button being manually pressed upon.
226 . The beverage can of claim 224 , wherein the outer side is free of any other button manually pressable upon to open the beverage can elsewhere than at the pouring opening.
227 . The beverage can of claim 224 , wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening without any other button being manually pressed upon.
228 . The beverage can of claim 224 , wherein the lid is configured to create the pouring opening without manually applying force on the lid other than manually pressing upon the button.
229 . The beverage can of any one of claims 224 to 228 , wherein the inner side comprises a spring configured to enlarge the pouring opening after the button is manually pressed upon.
230 . The beverage can of claim 229 , wherein: the spring is configured to retract a flap into an interior of the beverage can to enlarge the pouring opening after the button is manually pressed upon; and the flap is formed integrally with the part of the body of the beverage can.
231 . The beverage can of any one of claims 229 and 230 , wherein the lid is at least partly made of aluminum and the spring includes part of the aluminum.
232 . The beverage can of claim 231 , wherein the spring comprises 7075-T6 aluminum alloy.
233 . The beverage can of claim 231 , wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, the base includes part of the aluminum, and an aluminum alloy of the spring is different from an aluminum alloy of the base.
234 . The beverage can of claim 233 , wherein the aluminum alloy of the spring is aluminum alloy 7075-T6 and the aluminum alloy of the base is aluminum alloy 5182.
235 . The beverage can of claim 231 , wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, and a metallic material of the spring is different from a metallic material of the base.
236 . The beverage can of claim 235 , wherein the metallic material of the spring is stronger than the metallic material of the base.
237 . The beverage can of claim 236 , wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 1.5.
238 . The beverage can of claim 236 , wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 2.
239 . The beverage can of claim 236 , wherein a ratio of a tensile strength of the metallic material of the spring over a tensile strength of the metallic material of the base is at least 3.
240 . The beverage can of any one of claims 223 to 239 , wherein: the lid comprises a frangible portion configured to break to create the pouring opening; and the frangible portion of the lid is formed integrally with the part of the body of the beverage can.
241 . The beverage can of claim 240 , wherein the frangible portion comprises a line of weakness defining a contour of the pouring opening.
242 . The beverage can of claim 241 , wherein the frangible portion is a scored portion.
243 . The beverage can of any one of claims 230 to 239 , wherein the inner side comprises an inner surface and the spring projects from the inner surface into the interior of the beverage can.
244 . The beverage can of claim 243 , wherein the spring is curved in the interior of the beverage can.
245 . The beverage can of claim 244 , wherein the spring is generally U-shaped.
246 . The beverage can of any one of claims 230 to 245 , wherein the lid comprises a base, the spring is connected to the base, and an end of the spring is configured to move in the interior of the beverage can with the flap.
247 . The beverage can of any one of claims 224 to 246 , wherein the button is configured to enter inside the beverage can when manually pressed upon.
248 . The beverage can of any one of claims 230 to 247 , wherein: the lid comprises a base formed integrally with the part of the body of the beverage can; and the spring is fastened to the base.
249 . The beverage can of any one of claims 230 to 248 , wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 35 N.
250 . The beverage can of any one of claims 230 to 248 , wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 60 N.
251 . The beverage can of any one of claims 230 to 248 , wherein a spring force exerted by the spring is at least 70 N.
252 . The beverage can of any one of claims 230 to 251 , wherein: the lid comprises a base formed integrally with the part of the body of the beverage can; and a fastener fastening the spring to the base and formed integrally with the part of the body of the beverage can.
253 . The beverage can of claim 252 , wherein the fastener is a rivet.
254 . The beverage can of claim 253 , wherein the fastener is a first fastener and the lid comprises a second fastener fastening the spring to the base and formed integrally with the part of the body of the beverage can.
255 . The beverage can of claim 254 , wherein the first fastener fastens the spring to the flap and the second fastener fastens the spring to an anchoring portion of the base spaced from the flap.
256 . The beverage can of any one of claims 230 to 255 , wherein the flap remains attached to the spring when the pouring opening is created.
257 . The beverage can of any one of claims 223 to 256 , wherein the lid is entirely recyclable.
258 . The beverage can of any one of claims 223 to 257 , wherein the pouring opening is noncircular.
259 . The beverage can of claim 258 , wherein the pouring opening is oblong.
260 . The beverage can of claim 259 , wherein the pouring opening is generally kidney-shaped.
261 . The beverage can of any one of claims 223 to 260 , wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is between 2 cm 2 and 8 cm 2 .
262 . The beverage can of any one of claims 223 to 260 , wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is between 2 cm 2 and 4 cm 2 .
263 . The beverage can of any one of claims 223 to 260 , wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is about 2.8 cm 2 .
264 . The beverage can of any one of claims 223 to 260 , wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.1.
265 . The beverage can of any one of claims 223 to 260 , wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.15.
266 . The beverage can of any one of claims 223 to 260 , wherein a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can over a cross-sectional area of the lid normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can is at least 0.2.
267 . The beverage can of any one of claims 224 to 266 , wherein the lid is configured such that another beverage can is stackable on the beverage can without interference from the button.
268 . The beverage can of any one of claims 224 to 267 , wherein the lid comprises a rim extending at least as high as the button.
269 . The beverage can of claim 268 , wherein the rim extends higher than the button.
270 . The beverage can of any one of claims 224 to 269 , wherein: the outer side comprises an outer surface; and the button projects from the outer surface.
271 . The beverage can of claim 270 , wherein: the inner side comprises an inner surface;
and a height of the button is greater than a thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface.
272 . The beverage can of claim 271 , wherein a ratio of the height of the button over the thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface is at least 10.
273 . The beverage can of claim 271 , wherein a ratio of the height of the button over the thickness of the lid from the outer surface to the inner surface is at least 20.
274 . The beverage can of any one of claims 224 to 272 , wherein a cross-sectional area of the pouring opening normal to a longitudinal direction of the beverage can is greater than a cross-sectional area of the button normal to the longitudinal direction of the beverage can.
275 . The beverage can of claim 274 , wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 2.
276 . The beverage can of claim 274 , wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 4.
277 . The beverage can of claim 274 , wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening over the cross-sectional area of the button is at least 6.
278 . The beverage can of any one of claims 223 to 277 , wherein: the body of the beverage can comprises an end portion and an upright peripheral portion that is integrally formed with and projects from the end portion of the body of the beverage can; and the part of the body of the beverage can is the end portion of the body of the beverage can.
279 . The beverage can of claim 278 , wherein the end portion of the body of the beverage can is thicker than the upright peripheral portion of the body of the beverage can.
280 . The beverage can of any one of claims 278 and 279 , wherein the end portion of the body of the beverage can is configured to constitute a top of the beverage can in use, but is configured to be located at a bottom of the beverage can during filling of the beverage can.
281 . The beverage can of any one of claims 278 to 280 , wherein a central region of the end portion of the body of the beverage can that includes at least part of the lid is thinner than an adjacent region of the end portion of the body of the beverage can.
282 . The beverage can of claim 281 , wherein the central region of the end portion of the body of the beverage can includes the actuator.
283 . A precursor for a beverage can, the precursor comprising:
a part of a body of the beverage can; and a lid comprising:
an inner side; and
an outer side comprising an actuator manually operable to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can;
wherein at least part of the lid is formed integrally with the part of the body of the beverage can.
284 . A method of making a beverage can, the method comprising:
providing metallic material; and forming at least part of a lid of the beverage can and at least part of a body of the beverage can integrally with one another from the metallic material, the lid comprising an actuator manually operable to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can.
285 . An apparatus for making a beverage can, the apparatus comprising:
an input to receive metallic material; and forming machinery configured to form at least part of a lid of the beverage can and at least part of a body of the beverage can integrally with one another from the metallic material, the lid comprising an actuator manually operable to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can.
286 . A method of producing a beverage can, the beverage can comprising: a top comprising an actuator manually operable to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can; and a bottom opposite to the top of the beverage can, the method comprising:
filling a body of the beverage can with the drinkable liquid while the top of the beverage can is located below the bottom of the beverage can via an opening at the bottom of the beverage can; and closing the opening at the bottom of the beverage can.
287 . An apparatus for producing a beverage can, the beverage can comprising: a top comprising an actuator manually operable to initiate creation of a pouring opening to pour drinkable liquid from the beverage can; and a bottom opposite to the top of the beverage can, the apparatus comprising:
a filling device configured to fill a body of the beverage can with the drinkable liquid while the top of the beverage can is located below the bottom of the beverage can via an opening at the bottom of the beverage can; and a closing device configured to close the opening at the bottom of the beverage can.Join the waitlist — get patent alerts
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