Metal can with a metal can body and a metal lid connected by a peel-off tab.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of metal cans.

[0002] It relates in particular to metal cans comprising a metal can body and a metal lid adapted to close an access opening of said can body, assembled by a peelable tab. State of the art

[0003] Metal cans are commonly used for packaging food. Such cans can also be used for packaging other industrial products, such as paints.

[0004] Some metal cans include: a metal can body comprising a side wall, a first end of which is connected to a bottom and a second end of which delimits an access opening, which second end comprises a roll which ends in a free edge, a metal cover adapted to close said access opening, which metal cover comprises a peripheral skirt which comprises an interlocking strip adapted to cooperate by interlocking with said second end of the side wall, and a peelable tab which is sealed, by a heat-sealing material, on the circumference of the peripheral skirt of the metal cover and the second end of the side wall of the can body.

[0005] Metal parts typically have a protective coating (e.g. varnish) to make them inert to chemical reactions, particularly with the contents.

[0006] The free edge of the metal parts (can body and lid) is often very sharp, with a significant risk of cutting for the user handling the can.

[0007] To protect these free edges, they are traditionally shaped into a loop called a "roll". This roll is generally made by rolling the material around itself.

[0008] This free edge generates a second problem: due to the manufacturing process, the metal of this same free edge is bare (not coated / coated, for example without varnish).

[0009] Depending on the structure of the can, this free edge is then likely to interact chemically with the contents of the can, leading to possible corrosion and / or sulphurization phenomena likely to contaminate these contents and make the visual appearance unacceptable due to this contamination with a dark deposit on the can and / or on the product.

[0010] Document EP 0 669 177 A1 discloses a metal can according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0011] In view of the above, there is a need for a solution suitable for protecting the free edge of the roll so as to avoid chemical reaction phenomena likely to occur at the level of this free edge of the roll. Presentation of the invention

[0012] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawback of the state of the art, the present invention proposes a novel can structure comprising a metal can body and a metal lid, assembled by a peelable tab.

[0013] More particularly, the invention provides a metal can comprising: a metal box body comprising a side wall, a first end of which is connected to a bottom and a second end of which delimits an access opening, which second end comprises a roll which ends in a free edge, a metal cover adapted to close said access opening, which metal cover comprises a peripheral skirt which comprises an interlocking strip adapted to cooperate by interlocking with said second end of the side wall, and a peelable tab which is sealed, by a heat-sealing material, on the circumference of the peripheral skirt of the metal cover and the second end of the side wall.

[0014] And, according to the invention, the roll of said second end of the side wall is oriented outwards, opposite the access opening.

[0015] And said peelable tab comprises a strip which partially covers said roll, in a sealed manner, to ensure the sealing of said metal can.

[0016] And the peelable tab is sealed by means of two annular sealing zones, namely: an upper sealing zone which is interposed between, on the one hand, an upper strip of said peelable tab and, on the other hand, a sealing strip of the peripheral skirt of said metal cover, and a lower sealing zone which is interposed between, on the one hand, a lower strip of said peelable tab and, on the other hand, said second end of the side wall of the box body.

[0017] The present invention proposes a new metal can structure in which the free edge of the metal parts is protected from chemical interactions with the contents of the can (thus avoiding problems of corrosion and / or sulfuration).

[0018] In particular, the roll of the can body is isolated from the contents of the can thanks to the peelable tab.

[0019] In addition to holding the lid on the can body, this peelable tab prevents interactions between the free edge of the can body and the contents of the can.

[0020] This solution is therefore particularly effective in avoiding chemical reactions between the free edge of the can body and the environment (in particular the contents of the can).

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, at the second end of the side wall of the box body, the lower sealing zone covers the roll and / or a sealing strip, advantageously of constant circular or oblong section, connected to said roll.

[0022] More preferably, at the second end of the side wall of the box body, the lower sealing area comprises a configuration chosen from: (i) two sealing sub-areas: a first sealing sub-area, partially covering the roll, and a second sealing sub-area covering the sealing strip, or (ii) a sealing area partially covering the roll, only, or (iii) a sealing area covering the sealing strip, only.

[0023] Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the product in accordance with the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are as follows: the free edge is protected within said roll; the roll comprises an inner portion, located on the side of the access opening, and an outer portion, located opposite said inner portion and connected to the free edge; the peelable tab, where appropriate via the lower sealing zone, is sealed with said outer portion or the peelable tab comprises a first lower sub-band which is in sealed contact with at least part of the outer portion of the roll (preferably, the outer portion of the roll defines a projecting dimension relative to an intermediate segment extending between the lower sealing zone and the upper sealing zone); preferably, the peelable tab comprises a curved band which fits at least part of the outer portion of the roll;more preferably, the inner portion and the outer portion of the roll are curved or parallel to each other, where appropriate, the parallel portions each extend parallel to a longitudinal axis or at an angle to the longitudinal axis whose cross-sectional dimensions decrease in a direction oriented towards the bottom of the can body or whose cross-sectional dimensions increase in a direction oriented towards the bottom of the can body; at the level of the metal can body, the second end of the side wall comprises an end strip, advantageously a constant circular or oblong section, connected to said roll, and said end strip and said roll define identical, or at least approximately identical, external dimensions relative to each other or said outer portion of the roll extends projecting relative to the end strip;preferably the end strip and the roll are connected by a constricted portion, oriented towards the access opening; at the level of the metal lid, the nesting strip has a concave surface which is complementary to at least a part of the roll, where appropriate at least its inner portion; preferably, at the level of the metal lid, the sealing strip is connected to the nesting strip to come in the extension of the roll and to cooperate with the peelable tab by means of the upper sealing zone; at the level of the lid, the sealing strip has a vertical section parallel to the longitudinal axis 3', for example cylindrical or oblong parallelepiped, or with an angle relative to the longitudinal axis 3' whose cross-sectional dimensions increase in a direction oriented towards the bottom of the box body or whose cross-sectional dimensions decrease in a direction oriented towards the bottom of the box body;the metal lid comprises a disc extended by the peripheral skirt which extends on the side of an upper face of said disc; the metal can comprises a seal, possibly formed by an annular sealing zone, which is arranged between adjoining surfaces of said second end of the side wall and said interlocking strip of the metal lid; the peelable tab is associated with an elongated member, which is arranged where appropriate between the two sealing zones, to allow the division of said peelable tab by means of traction applied to said elongated member; the bottom of the metal can body is made in one piece with the side wall, or attached to the side wall; the peelable tab and the roll together define an overlying chamber and / or an underlying chamber, which chambers are filled, over at least part of the circumference, with a filling seal. ;

[0024] The present invention also relates to the method for manufacturing a metal can according to the invention, which manufacturing method comprises: (i) a step of providing the following parts: the metal can body comprising a side wall, a second end of which delimits an access opening, which second end comprises a roll which ends in a free edge and which is oriented outwards, opposite the access opening, the metal lid, adapted to close said access opening, and the peelable tab, (ii) a step of closing said metal can during which: said metal lid is positioned at said access opening of the metal can body, and the metal lid is sealed at the access opening of the metal can body, by heat-sealing said peelable tab on the circumference of the peripheral skirt of the metal lid and the second end of the side wall of the metal can body.

[0025] Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the method according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are the following: the first end of the box body has a base or has a free edge delimiting an access opening; the peelable tab is heat-sealed in a single step or in at least two successive steps; the peelable tab is sealed with at least one support tool comprising a relief matching at least part of the roll.

[0026] Of course, the various features, variants and embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other in various combinations to the extent that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Detailed description of the invention

[0027] In addition, various other characteristics of the invention emerge from the appended description given with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the invention and where: [ Fig. 1 ] is a general view, along a vertical sectional plane, of a metal can according to the invention; [ Fig. 2 ] is an enlarged view of detail II on the figure 1 , showing in more detail the assembly between the metal can body and the metal lid, locked together by the peel tab, with the metal can body terminating in an oblong section roll; [ Fig. 3 ] is a very schematic view which illustrates a possible arrangement of the sealing areas with the lower sealing area covering the roll and an underlying sealing strip; [ Fig. 4] is a very schematic view which illustrates a possible arrangement of the sealing areas with the lower sealing area covering an underlying sealing strip of the roll; [ Fig. 5 ] is a schematic view illustrating a filling of the chambers, defined by the peel tab and the roll, with a filling seal; [ Fig. 6 ] is a very schematic view which illustrates a possible arrangement of the sealing areas with the lower sealing area covering only the roll; [ Fig. 7 ] is an enlarged view of detail II on the figure 1 , showing in more detail a variant of the metal can body and metal lid assembly, locked by the peelable tab, with the metal can body terminating in a circular section roll; [ Fig. 8 ] is a view similar to the figure 7 , wherein the peel tab comprises a curved strip which conforms to at least a portion of the outer portion of the roll; [ Fig. 9 ] is a schematic view showing a box body arranged next to a combination of support tools for sealing the peel tab; [ Fig. 10 ] is a schematic view which shows a support tool comprising a relief matching at least part of the roll; [ Fig. 11 ] is an enlarged view of detail II on the figure 1 , showing in more detail an alternative embodiment of the metal box body and the metal lid, locked together by the peelable tab; [ Fig. 12 ] is an enlarged view of detail II on the figure 1 , also showing in more detail an alternative embodiment of the metal box body and the lid metallic, locked together by the peel tab; [ Fig. 13 ] is an enlarged view of detail II on the figure 1, showing in more detail yet another variant embodiment of the metal box body and the metal lid, locked together by the peelable tab.

[0028] It should be noted that, in these figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same references.

[0029] The metal tin can 1 according to the invention, illustrated in particular in the Figures 1 and 2 , understand : a metal can body 2 (also called “can body 2”) comprising a side wall 21 connected to a bottom 22 and comprising an access opening 23, a metal cover 3 (also called “cover 3”) adapted to cooperate by fitting with the side wall 21 of said metal can body 2 to close said access opening 23, and a peelable tab 4 which is sealed, by a heat-sealing material, on the circumference of the metal cover 3 and the side wall 21 of the can body 2.

[0030] According to the invention, in addition to holding the lid 3 on the can body 2, the metal can 1 is shaped so that the peelable tab 4 prevents interactions between the free edge of the can body 2 and the contents of the can 1. Metal box body

[0031] The metal box body 2 therefore comprises a side wall 21, defining a longitudinal axis 2', delimited by two ends: a first end 211 is connected to the bottom 22, and a second end 212 delimits the access opening 23 (opposite the bottom 22).

[0032] The side wall 21 may for example have a general cylindrical or parallelepiped / oblong shape.

[0033] The side wall 21 and the base 22 may be in one piece. Alternatively, the base 22 is attached to the side wall 21, for example by crimping.

[0034] The second end 212 of the side wall 21 (opposite the bottom 22) has a roll 25 which ends in a free edge 251.

[0035] The free edge 251 can be made of a metal which is not covered; this free edge 251 is then likely to interact chemically with the contents of the can 1, with possible phenomena of corrosion and / or sulfurization.

[0036] By "rolled" we mean in particular a rolling of the material on itself.

[0037] This roll 25 advantageously has, seen from above, a general shape identical to the side wall 21, for example a general circular or oblong shape.

[0038] According to the invention, the roll 25 of this second end 212 of the side wall 21 is oriented (also called “rolled”) towards the outside (of the can 1), opposite the access opening 23 (and the longitudinal axis 2').

[0039] Roll 25 can thus be divided into at least two portions: an inner portion 255, located on the side of the access opening 23, and an outer portion 256, located opposite the inner portion 255 and connected to the free edge 251.

[0040] The inner portion 255 and the outer portion 256 of the roll 25 may be parallel to each other, advantageously rectilinear / straight and connected by a curved portion, thus defining an oblong-shaped section ( figure 2 notably).

[0041] The inner 255 / outer 256 portions, parallel, can extend: parallel to the longitudinal axis 2' ( figures 2 to 6 ), or with an angle (non-zero) relative to the longitudinal axis 2' ( figure 11 ).

[0042] On the figure 11 , the dimensions of the horizontal section decrease in a direction oriented towards the bottom 22 of the box body 2.

[0043] Alternatively, not shown, the dimensions of the horizontal section increase in a direction oriented towards the bottom 22 of the box body 2 (inverse inclination to the figure 11 ).

[0044] Alternatively, the inner portion 255 and the outer portion 256 of the roll 25 may be curved ( figures 7 And 8 ).

[0045] The roll 25 then has a generally circular or cylindrical section.

[0046] Preferably, the free edge 251 is protected within the roll 25.

[0047] This protection aims to prevent the user from coming into contact with this free edge 251, so as to eliminate the resulting risk of cuts.

[0048] For this, this free edge 251 is advantageously curved between the inner portion 255 and the outer portion 256 of the roll 25.

[0049] The second end 212 may also comprise an end strip 26, advantageously of constant circular or oblong horizontal section (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2'), connected to the roll 25. This end strip 26 is thus underlying the roll 25.

[0050] This end strip 26 advantageously has a general shape identical to the side wall 21, for example a general cylindrical or parallelepiped / oblong shape.

[0051] This end strip 26 advantageously forms a sealing strip 26, which can be sealed with the peelable tab 4.

[0052] Indeed, the second end 212 of the side wall 21 (via the roll 25 and / or the end strip 26) is advantageously intended to be sealed with a lower strip 41 of the peelable tab 4.

[0053] This end strip 26 and said roll 25 (in particular its outer portion 256) advantageously define external dimensions which are identical, or at least approximately identical, with respect to each other.

[0054] For this purpose, the end strip 26 and the roll 25 are advantageously connected by a constricted portion 27, oriented towards the access opening 23.

[0055] This constricted portion 27 thus approaches the longitudinal axis 2', relative to the end strip 26.

[0056] In other words, the outer portion 256 of the roll 25 advantageously extends in the extension of the end strip 26; the inner portion 255 of the roll 25 is constricted relative to this end strip 26.

[0057] Alternatively, as shown in the figures 12 And 13, the external size of the roll 25 (in particular of its external portion 256) is greater than the external size of the end strip 26.

[0058] In other words, the outer portion 256 of the roll 25 advantageously projects relative to the end strip 26; the inner portion 255 of the roll 25 may be constricted relative to this end strip 26. Metal cover

[0059] The metal cover 3 is adapted to close the access opening 23.

[0060] This metal cover 3 comprises a peripheral skirt 31, defining a longitudinal axis 3', which comprises: an interlocking strip 311, adapted to cooperate by interlocking with the second end 212 of the side wall 21 and, preferably, a sealing strip 312 intended to be sealed with an upper strip 42 of the peelable tab 4.

[0061] The nesting strip 311 advantageously has a general shape identical to the roll 25 of the box body 2, for example a general circular or oblong shape.

[0062] Preferably, the nesting strip 311 comprises a concave surface 311a (external), here male, which is complementary to at least a part of the roll 25 of the box body 2, where appropriate at least its internal portion 255, here female.

[0063] The sealing strip 312 of this metal cover 3 advantageously has a general shape identical to the side wall 21 of the box body 2, for example a general cylindrical or parallelepiped / oblong shape.

[0064] This sealing strip 312 (overlying) is preferably connected to the nesting strip 311 (underlying) and extends in the extension of the roll 25 of the box body 2 (see the dimensions of the end strip 26 of the box body 2).

[0065] The nesting strip 311 then forms a constriction relative to the sealing strip 312.

[0066] This sealing strip 312 of the metal cover 3 then cooperates advantageously with the peelable tab 4 by means of an upper sealing zone 52 described below.

[0067] Generally, the sealing strip 312 has a vertical section: parallel to the longitudinal axis 3' ( figure 2 in particular), for example cylindrical or oblong parallelepiped, with a constant circular or oblong horizontal section (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 3'), or with an angle (non-zero) relative to the longitudinal axis 3' ( figure 11 notably).

[0068] On the figure 11 , the dimensions of the horizontal section increase in a direction oriented towards the bottom 22 of the box body 2 - from top to bottom ( figure 11); alternatively, the dimensions of the horizontal section decrease in a direction oriented towards the bottom 22 of the box body 2 - from top to bottom (not shown).

[0069] Still generally, the metal cover 3 comprises a disc 34 (lower) extended by the peripheral skirt 31.

[0070] This disc 34 has two opposite sides: a lower face 341, intended to be oriented towards the inside of the metal can 1, and an upper face 342, intended to be oriented towards the outside of the metal can 1.

[0071] The peripheral skirt 31 then advantageously extends on the side of the upper face 342 of the disc 34, to together form a metal cover 3 in the shape of a cup.

[0072] The disc 34 and the interlocking strip 311 are here connected by an annular molding 35 which is oriented towards the lower face 341 (projecting from the lower face 341).

[0073] This metal cover 3 is advantageously produced by operations of forming a metal side.

[0074] Again generally, the peripheral skirt 31 ends with a roll 37 (upper) opposite the disc 34.

[0075] Here again, by "rolled" we mean in particular a rolling of the material on itself.

[0076] This roll 37 advantageously has, seen from above, a general shape identical to the peripheral skirt 31, for example a general circular or oblong shape.

[0077] The roll 37 is here oriented (also called “rolled”) towards the outside (of the can 1), opposite the disc 34 (and the longitudinal axis 2').

[0078] Alternatively, not shown, the roll 37 is oriented (also called “rolled”) towards the inside (of the can 1), opposite the disc 34 (and the longitudinal axis 2'). Such an embodiment would make it possible to reduce the radial size of the metal cover 3. Peelable tab

[0079] The peelable tab 4 ensures (or at least “participates in”) the assembly, advantageously hermetic (to fluids, including gases and liquids), between the metal cover 3 and the side wall 21 of the box body 2.

[0080] This peelable tab 4 is therefore sealed by a heat-sealing material T (illustrated schematically in particular on the figure 3 ), on the circumference of the peripheral skirt 31 of the metal cover 3 and of the second end 212 of the side wall 21 of the box body 2.

[0081] The 4-peel tab can be chosen from the classic 4-peel tabs per se.

[0082] Traditionally, the peel-off tab 4 consists of several layers: an outer base layer, also called a “barrier layer”, made of a strong and flexible material, for example aluminum, and an inner sealing layer, adapted in particular to ensure sealing with the metal parts 2, 3 (box body 2 and cover 3).

[0083] The base layer advantageously has a mechanical structural function (holding the two metal parts 2, 3 during sterilization against pressure, avoiding untimely perforation, etc.).

[0084] This base layer has, for example, an aluminum thickness ranging from 20 to 100 µm.

[0085] The sealing layer can be composed of different sub-layers (not shown), namely: an adhesive underlayer, consisting for example of polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride and having a thickness of 2 to 15 micrometers, a peeling underlayer, consisting for example of a mixture of polyethylene and polypropylene, having a thickness of 15 to 80 micrometers.

[0086] To facilitate its peeling, this peelable tab 4 may also include a gripping or pulling tab (not shown), intended to facilitate the separation of the peelable tab 4 from the metal parts 2, 3 by the consumer.

[0087] In this case, by “peelable tab 4” is meant in particular an elongated member, advantageously of rectangular outline, delimited in particular by: two longitudinal edges 4a, an inner face 4b, intended to be sealed with the metal cover 3 and the side wall 21 of the box body 2, and an outer face 4c, opposite.

[0088] This peelable tab 4 advantageously extends over the entire circumference, and continuously, of the metal cover 3 / box body 2 pair.

[0089] Generally speaking, this peelable tab 4 advantageously extends in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2', 3' of the metal cover 3 / box body 2 pair.

[0090] According to the invention, the peelable tab 4 comprises at least one strip 41 (or width portion) which partially covers, and in a fluid-tight manner, the roll 25 of this second end 212 of the side wall 21 of the box body 2.

[0091] This strip 41 thus interacts with the roll 25 to prevent any fluid circulation between the peelable tab 4 and the roll 25, ensuring the sealing of the metal can 1, advantageously with respect to both incoming and outgoing flows.

[0092] Such interaction advantageously encompasses: a heat-sealing material bonding the peelable tab 4 and the roll 25, a sealed contact, without heat-sealing material, capable of preventing fluid circulation.

[0093] More specifically, according to the invention, the peelable tab 4 advantageously comprises several superimposed strips (or width portions): an upper strip 42 assembled to the sealing strip 312 of the peripheral skirt 31 of the metal cover 3, and a lower strip 41 assembled to the second end 212 of the side wall 21 of the box body 2.

[0094] The lower strip 41 of the peelable tab 4 then has a width suitable for covering the roll 25 and, preferably, the sealing strip 26.

[0095] Generally speaking, the strips 41, 42 of this peelable tab 4 (rectangular in shape) advantageously extend in planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2', 3' of the metal cover 3 / box body 2 pair, parallel to the longitudinal edges 4a of this peelable tab 4.

[0096] According to a preferred embodiment, the peelable tab 4 is sealed with the metal lid 3 / box body 2 pair by means of two annular sealing zones 5, which are made of the heat-sealing material T, namely: a lower sealing zone 51 which is interposed between, on the one hand, the lower strip 41 of the peelable tab 4 and, on the other hand, the second end 212 of the side wall 21 of the box body 2, and an upper sealing zone 52 which is interposed between, on the one hand, the upper strip 42 of said peelable tab 4 and, on the other hand, the sealing strip 312 of the peripheral skirt 31 of the metal cover 3.

[0097] At the second end 212 of the side wall 21 of the box body 2, the lower sealing zone 51 advantageously covers: the roll 25 and the sealing strip 26 ( figure 3 ), or the sealing strip 26, only ( figure 4 ), or the 25 roll, only ( figure 6 ).

[0098] In this context, the lower sealing zone 51 advantageously comprises a configuration chosen from: (i) two sealing sub-zones 511, 512 for optimal closure ( figure 3 ): a first sealing sub-zone 511, partially covering the roll 25, at a first lower sub-band 411 of the peelable tab 4, and a second sealing sub-zone 512 covering the sealing strip 26 of the metal can body 2, at a second lower sub-band 412 of the peelable tab 4, or (ii) a single sealing zone 512, covering the sealing strip 26, only ( figure 4 ), or (iii) a single sealing area 511, partially covering the roll 25, only ( figure 6 ).

[0099] In case (ii) according to the figure 4 , the first lower sub-band 411 of the peelable tab 4 cooperates with the roll 25 by means of a sealed contact (without sealing by the heat-sealing material T).

[0100] Still in this case (ii), depending on the method of realization of the figures 12 And 13, the outer portion 256 of the roll 25 defines a projection dimension C (advantageously maximum) relative to an intermediate segment S extending between the lower sealing zone 51 and the upper sealing zone 52.

[0101] Preferably, this intermediate segment S extends between the upper outlet (or swivel point) of the lower sealing zone 51 and the lower outlet (or swivel point) of the upper sealing zone 52.

[0102] In other words, the intermediate segment S corresponds to the height dimension of the first lower sub-band 411.

[0103] The projection dimension C is measured perpendicular to the intermediate segment S.

[0104] This dimension is projection C is preferably greater than 0 mm, preferably greater than 0.2 mm, or even ranging from 0.2 mm to 2 mm, possibly from 0.2 mm to 1 mm.

[0105] Again in this embodiment, the first lower sub-band 411 is advantageously protruding (or convex) relative to the second lower sub-band 412 of the peelable tab 4 which forms the single sealing zone 512 and relative to the upper band 42.

[0106] The first lower sub-band 411 is held in tension, deformed outwards, by the roll 25.

[0107] Such an embodiment makes it possible to dispense with the sealing on the roll 25 of the box body 2: the relative position of the roll 25 allows a “self-sealing” by the contact established during the sealing of the metal cover and which is maintained (or even increases) during an increasing pressure delta.

[0108] This approach allows: a simpler sealing operation, only on the sealing strip of the metal cover 3 and the box body 25 whose geometries are better controlled, a reduction in the residual heat-sealing product visible after opening.

[0109] Alternatively, the lower sealing zone 51 further comprises a first sub-sealing zone 511, partially covering the “protruding” roll 25, at the level of the first lower sub-band 411 of the peelable tab 4.

[0110] Generally speaking, these sealing zones 5 advantageously extend over the entire circumference, and continuously, of the metal cover 3 / box body 2 pair.

[0111] Again in general, these sealing zones 51, 52 advantageously extend in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2', 3' of the metal cover 3 / box body 2 pair.

[0112] Still generally, the peelable tab 4, if necessary via the lower sealing zone 51, is sealed with the outer portion 256 of the roll 25.

[0113] In other words, the peelable tab 4 advantageously faces (preferably heat-sealed onto) a face of the roll 25 extending from an inner face 21a of the side wall 21 which is oriented towards the outside due to the winding of the roll 25.

[0114] Generally, the peelable tab 4 may have a rectilinear section or one composed of several straight segments.

[0115] In particular, the first lower sub-band 411 of the peelable tab 4, partially covering the roll 25, can be rectilinear ( figures 3 And 7 notably).

[0116] Alternatively, the lower band 41, and in particular its first lower sub-band 411, matches at least part of the outer portion 256 of the roll 25 ( figure 8 notably).

[0117] In the case of a circular roll 25, this lower strip 411 then has a curved shape, with a vertical section in an arc of a circle, forming a curved strip 411.

[0118] This embodiment aims to optimize the contact surface between the first lower sub-band 411 of the peelable tab 4 and the outer portion 256 of the roll 25.

[0119] Generally speaking, the heat-sealing material T is also called “heat-sealing material”.

[0120] The term "heat-sealing material" also means a material capable of being activated to provide a sealing (or bonding) function when subjected to heating (for example local heating by conduction or induction).

[0121] This heat-sealing material is, for example, chosen from polypropylene or polyethylene (for example in the form of a heat-sealing varnish which is advantageously made up of a polymer matrix and a polypropylene dispersion).

[0122] In practice, opening the can 1 will advantageously consist of exerting traction on the peelable tab 4 at the level of a free portion forming a gripping / pulling member (not shown).

[0123] During this traction, the peelable tab 4 gradually detaches from the circumference of the can 1 by spreading the degradation of the sealing zones 5.

[0124] Once the peelable tab 4 is “peeled”, the metal cover 3 is released and can be separated from the metal can body 2.

[0125] According to a particular embodiment, illustrated schematically on the figure 2, the peelable tab 4 can be associated with (or even integrate) an elongated member 45 to allow the division / tearing of this peelable tab 4 by means of traction applied to said elongated member 45.

[0126] Such an elongated member 45 consists for example of a wire incorporated in the thickness of the peelable tab 4.

[0127] Where appropriate, this elongated member 45 is advantageously arranged between the two sealing zones 5 (the lower sealing zone 51 and the upper sealing zone 52) to divide the peelable tab 4 into a lower strip 41 and an upper strip 42. Joint(s)

[0128] As schematically illustrated on the figure 2, the metal can 1 may also comprise a seal 6, possibly formed by an annular sealing zone, which is provided between the adjoining surfaces, on the one hand, of the second end 212 of the side wall 21 of the can body 2 and, on the other hand, of the fitting strip 311 of the metal cover 3.

[0129] This seal 6 thus aims to participate in the fluidic sealing (including gas and liquid) of the metal can 1, in addition to the peelable tab 4.

[0130] Again generally, as described below in relation to the Figure 5 , the peelable tab 4 and the roll 25 can together define at least one chamber 7: an overlying chamber 71, above the roll 25 (between the roll 25 and the metal cover 3), and / or an underlying chamber 72, below the roll 25 (facing the shrinking portion 27 of the metal can body 2).

[0131] Advantageously, the chambers 7 are filled, over at least part of the circumference, with a filling seal 8.

[0132] In particular, these 8 filling joints provide various advantages: these filling seals 8 provide an additional sealing / heat-sealing surface for the peelable tab 4, the filling seal 8 in the overlying chamber 71 participates in the sealing of the metal can 1, the filling seal 8 in the underlying chamber 72 participates in the sealing of the roll 25 and in the protection of the free edge 251. Examples of embodiments, non-limiting

[0133] Several non-limiting embodiments may result from the invention.

[0134] Some examples of implementation are illustrated through the figures, namely: there figure 3illustrates a box body 2 comprising a roll 25 with an oblong section and a peelable tab 4 attached to the box body 2 by two sealing sub-sub-zones 511, 512 (a first sealing sub-zone 511 partially covering the roll 25 and a second sealing sub-zone 512 covering the sealing strip 26 of the metal box body 2); the figure 4 illustrates a box body 2 comprising a roll 25 with oblong section and a peelable tab 4 attached to the box body 2 by a single sealing zone 512, covering the sealing strip 26, only; the Figure 5 illustrates a box body 2 comprising a roll 25 with oblong section and a peelable tab 4 attached with the lower sealing zone 51 covering the roll 25 and / or the sealing strip 26, and whose chambers 7 are filled by the filling seal 8; the figure 6illustrates a box body 2 comprising a roll 25 with an oblong section and a peelable tab 4 attached to the box body 2 by a single sealing zone 511, partially covering the roll 25, only (the peelable tab 4 only covers the roll 25, without going down to the sealing strip 26); the figure 7 illustrates a box body 2 comprising a roll 25 with a circular section and a peelable tab 4 attached so that the lower sealing zone 51 covers the roll 25 and / or the sealing strip 26 and that the first lower sub-strip 411 is tangent to the roll 25 of the box body 2; figure 8 illustrates a box body 2 comprising a roll 25 with a circular section and a peelable tab 4 attached so that the lower sealing zone 51 covers the roll 25 and / or the sealing strip 26 and that the first lower sub-strip 411 matches the roll 25 of the box body 2; figure 11illustrates a box body 2 comprising an oblong roll 25 (sectional dimensions decreasing towards the bottom of the box body 2) and a cover 3 comprising an oblong sealing strip 312 (sectional dimensions increasing towards the disc 34 of this metal cover 3); the figure 12 illustrates a variant of the figure 4 , in which the outer portion 256 of the roll 25 is curved and extends projecting relative to the end strip 26; the figure 13 illustrates a variant of the figure 11 , in which the outer portion 256 of the roll 25 is planar and projects relative to the end strip 26.

[0135] Such embodiments are in no way limiting. Other combinations are possible within the scope of the invention (section of the roll 25, arrangement of the lower sealing zone 51, etc.). Process for manufacturing metal cans

[0136] The present invention also relates to the method for manufacturing the metal can according to the invention.

[0137] This manufacturing process, described in relation to the figures 9 and 10 , understand : (i) a step of providing the following parts: the metal box body 2 comprising a side wall 21 of which a second end 212 delimits an access opening 23, which second end 212 comprises a roll 25 which ends in a free edge 251 and which is oriented towards the outside, opposite the access opening 23, the metal cover 3, adapted to close said access opening 23, and the peelable tab 4 (not shown in the figure 10), advantageously carrying the heat-sealing material T, (ii) a step of closing the metal can 1 during which: said metal cover 3 is positioned at said access opening 23 of the metal can body 2, and the metal cover 3 is sealed at the access opening 23 of the metal can body 2, by heat-sealing the peelable tab 4 on the circumference of the peripheral skirt 31 of the metal cover 3 and the second end 212 of the side wall 21.

[0138] During the supply step, the first end 211 of the box body 2 may comprise a bottom 22.

[0139] The filling of this box body 2 is carried out before the closing step by the metal cover 3.

[0140] Alternatively, during the supply step, the first end 211 of the box body 2 may comprise a free edge delimiting a second access opening.

[0141] In this case, the filling of the can body 2 is advantageously carried out after the closing step by the metal cover 3. The bottom 22 is then attached, for example by crimping, to the first end 211 of the can body 2 to finish the metal can 1.

[0142] Before the closing step, at least one of the chambers 7 is advantageously filled with the filling seal 8.

[0143] Generally speaking, during the closing step, the peelable tab 4 is heat-sealed / heat-bonded in a single step or in at least two successive steps (advantageously with at least one heat-sealing / heat-bonding step per sealing zone 5).

[0144] Heat sealing is advantageously activated by combined actions of heat and pressure.

[0145] The heating is advantageously carried out from the outer face 4c of the peelable tab 4, to generate the sealing zones 5 by means of a thermal conduction or induction phenomenon.

[0146] For example, as illustrated in the figure 9 , the heat sealing of the peelable tab 4 can be obtained by means of a series of support tools 9 which are each dedicated to a sealing zone 5.

[0147] In this case, three support tools 9 are provided: a first support tool 91 intended for heat sealing the upper sealing zone 52, a second support tool 92 intended for heat sealing the second sub-sealing zone 512 of the lower sealing zone 51 (covering the sealing strip 26 of the metal can body 2), and a third support tool 93, intended for heat sealing the first sub-sealing zone 511 of the lower sealing zone 51 (partially covering the roll 25).

[0148] Preferably, these support tools 9 are implemented successively so as to heat-bond the successive sealing zones 5 from top to bottom, or vice versa, to avoid stresses on the peelable tab 4.

[0149] Alternatively, these support tools 9 are implemented successively so as to heat-bond: firstly, the upper sealing zone 52 (first support tool 91) and the second sub-sealing zone 512 of the lower sealing zone 51 (second support tool 92), secondly, the first sub-sealing zone 511 of the lower sealing zone 51 (third support tool 93).

[0150] Each support tool 9 has a peripheral surface adapted to fit a complementary portion of the box body 2 / cover 3 pair.

[0151] Preferably as shown in the figure 10 , at least one support tool 93, here the third support tool 93, comprises a relief 931 (for example a groove) matching at least part of the roll 25.

[0152] Such a groove advantageously corresponds, in negative, to the external contour of the roll 25.

[0153] As discussed previously, the lower strip 41 of the peelable tab 4, and in particular its first lower sub-strip 411, matches at least part of the outer portion 256 of the roll 25 ( figure 8 notably).

[0154] This embodiment aims to optimize the contact surface between the first lower sub-band 411 of the peelable tab 4 and the outer portion 256 of the roll 25.

[0155] Of course, various other modifications may be made to the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A metal can comprising: - a metal can body (2) comprising a side wall (21), a first end (211) of which is connected to a bottom (22) and a second end (212) of which delimits an access opening (23), said second end (212) including a roll (25) that ends by a free edge (251), - a metal lid (3) suitable to close said access opening (23), said metal can (3) including a peripheral skirt (31) that includes an interlocking strip (311) adapted to cooperate by interlocking with said second end (212) of the side wall (21), and - a peel-off tab (4) which is sealed, by a heat-seal material, to the circumference of the peripheral skirt (31) of the metal lid (3) and of the second end (212) of the side wall (21) of the metal can body (2), characterized in that the roll (25) of said second end (212) of the side wall (21) is oriented outward, away from the access opening (23), and in that said peel-off tab (4) includes a strip (41, 411) that partially covers said roll (25), in a sealed manner, to ensure to ensure the sealing of said metal can (1), said peel-off tab (4) is sealed by means of two annular sealing areas, i.e.: - an upper sealing area (52) that is interposed between, on the one hand, an upper strip (42) of said peel-off tab (4) and, on the other hand, a sealing strip (312) of the peripheral skirt (31) of said metal lid (3), and - a lower sealing area (51) that is interposed between, on the one hand, a lower strip (41) of said peel-off tab (4) and, on the other hand, said second end (212) of the side wall (21) of the can body (2).

2. The metal can according to claim 1, characterized in that, at the second end (212) of the side wall (21) of the can body, the lower sealing area (51) extends over: - the roll (25) and / or - a sealing strip (26) connected to said roll (25).

3. The metal can according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the free edge (251) is protected within said roll (25).

4. The metal can according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the roll (25) comprises: - an inner portion (255), located on the side of the access opening (23), and - an outer portion (256), located opposite said inner portion (255) and connected to the free edge (251), and in that: - the peel-off tab (4), as the case may be via the lower sealing area (51), is sealed to said outer portion (256), or - the peel-off tab (4) includes a first lower sub-strip (411) that is in sealing contact with at least part of the outer portion (256) of the roll (25).

5. The metal can according to claim 4, characterized in that the peel-off tab (4) includes a curved strip (411) that conforms to at least part of the outer portion (256) of the roll (25).

6. The metal can according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, at the metal can body (2), the second end (212) of the side wall (21) includes an end strip (26), advantageously a constant circular or oblong cross-section, connected to said roll (25), and in that: - said end strip (26) and said roll (25) define outer volumes identical to each other, or - said outer portion (256) of the roll (25) protrudes beyond the end strip (26).

7. The metal can according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, at the metal lid (3), the interlocking strip (311) includes a concave surface (311a) that is complementary to at least part of the roll (25), as the case may be of the inner portion (255) thereof.

8. The metal can according to claim 7, characterized in that, at the metal lid (3), the sealing strip (312) is connected to the interlocking strip (311) to extend as a continuation of the roll (25) and to cooperate with the peel-off tab (4) via the upper sealing area (52).

9. The metal can according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the metal lid (3) includes a disc (34) which is extended by the peripheral skirt (31) that extends on the side of an upper face (342) of said disc (34).

10. The metal can according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the peel-off tab (4) and the roll (25) together define an overlying chamber (71) and / or an underlying chamber (72), said chambers (71, 72) are filled, over at least one part of the circumference, with a filling seal (8).

11. A method for manufacturing a metal can according to any one of claims 1 to 10, said manufacturing method comprising: (i) a step of providing the following parts: - the metal can body (2) comprising a side wall (21), a second end (212) of which delimits an access opening (23), said second end (212) including a roll (25) which terminates in a free edge (251) and that is oriented outward, away from the access opening (23), - the metal lid (3), suitable to close said access opening (23), and - the peel-off tab (4), (ii) a step of closing said metal can (1) during which: - said metal can (3) is positioned at said access opening (23) of the metal can body (2), and - the metal lid (3) is sealed at the access opening (23) of the metal can body (2), by heat-sealing of said peel-off tab (4) to the circumference of the peripheral skirt (31) of the metal lid (3) and of the second end (212) of the side wall (21) of the metal can body (2).