Tactile features to enable the visually impaired to read information on a beverage container

Abstract

A container holding a contents under pressure has a plurality of tactile features which communicate information to a visually impaired user.

Description

TACTILE FEATURES TO ENABLE THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED TO READ INFORMATION ON A BEVERAGE CONTAINERDESCRIPTIONCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This Application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Application No. 63 / 486,729, which was filed on February 24, 2023, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] N / ATECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to containers which hold a contents; more particularly, the invention relates to such containers having tactile features which communicate information to visually impaired users.BACKGROUND

[0004] In the container making art, manufactures have made several advancements in container decoration. Many of these advancements pertain to communicating with the user. However, to date, these advancements have been almost exclusively directed to visual communication. There is a need to provide a means to communicate information to visually impaired consumers.

[0005] One means of communicating with the visually impaired is using braille. Braille is a form of coding for the visually impaired, in which characters are represented by patterns of raised dots that are felt with the fingertips. People often think of Braille as a language. In reality, there is a braille code for every foreign language you can imagine including French, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, and Hebrew. There are also Braille codes for mathematics, music, and computers.

[0006] The code is made up of braille cells consisting of six positions for raised braille dots. The six positions are arranged in two columns of three positions and three rows of two positions. The positions are numbered by column such that the uppermost left location is position one, the location directly beneath it is position two, and the location beneath position two is position three. Position four is the uppermost right location of the braille cell.Position five is beneath position four, and position six is beneath position five. The locations of braille dots in the braille cell determines the meaning of the braille cell.

[0007] For example, the letter “a” is written with only one braille dot in position one. The letter “d” has braille dots in positions one, four, and five. The letter “y” has braille dots in positions one, three, four, five, and six. When all positions of a braille cell have braille dots, the character is called a “full cell.” When no braille dots are in a braille cell, it is called an “empty cell.”

[0008] Braille code can be used to indicate capitalization, punctuation, numbers, and contractions.

[0009] The present invention is provided to solve the problems discussed above and other problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by prior containers of this type. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.SUMMARY

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a container. The container comprises a plurality of tactile features arranged to communicate information to a visually impaired user.

[0011] The first aspect of the disclosure may include one or more of the following features, alone or in any reasonable combination. The container may further comprise a container body, wherein the plurality of tactile features are located on the container body. The container body may comprise a bottom and a sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom, wherein the plurality of tactile features are located on at least one of the bottom or the sidewall. The bottom may comprise a dome extending into a containment space and an annular base surrounding the dome, the annular base providing a surface which maintains the container in an upright position while resting on a horizontal support surface, wherein the plurality of tactile features is located on the dome. A thickness of the dome may be greater than a thickness of the sidewall. The plurality of tactile features may be located on the sidewall. The sidewall may comprise a substantially cylindrical portion and a shoulder of reducing diameter extending upwardly and radially inwardly from the cylindrical portion, wherein the plurality of tactile features is located on at least one of the cylindrical portion and the shoulder of reducing diameter. The plurality of tactile features may be located on the cylindrical portion. The plurality of tactile features may be located on the shoulder ofreducing diameter. The shoulder of reducing diameter may have a thickness greater than a thickness of the cylindrical portion. The container may further comprise a lid closing an open end of the container, wherein the plurality of tactile features is located on the lid. The lid may be a can end wherein the can end comprises a center panel. The center panel may comprise a tear panel spaced radially inwardly from a peripheral edge of the center panel and recessed within a deboss panel. The tear panel is defined by a frangible score and a non- frangible hinge segment. A rivet attaches the tab to the center panel, wherein the plurality of tactile features is located on one of a portion of the center panel located radially outwardly of the deboss panel and the tab. The plurality of tactile features may be located on the portion of the center panel located radially outwardly of the deboss panel. The tab may comprise a lift end opposite a nose portion overlaying the tear panel in a frangible score breaking position, a tongue area having a rivet aperture through which the rivet passes to attach the tab to the center panel, a void region partially surrounding the tongue area having a first leg extending along a first side of the tongue area and a second leg extending along a second side of the tongue area; and an enclosed grab portion located radially inwardly from the lift end and radially outwardly from the rivet, wherein the plurality of tactile features is located on the enclosed grab portion of the tab. Each of the tactile features may be an embossed bead formed by cold working a metallic material from which the container is formed, wherein the embossed bead extends outwardly relative to an adjacent surface of the container. Each of the tactile features may be a cured fluid on a surface of the container. Each of the tactile features may be located on a decal adhesively adhered to the container. Each of the plurality of tactile features may be expressed in braille. The container may hold a contents under pressure. The container may be a two-piece metal beverage can. The container may be produced from a metallic material and comprise a threaded closure. The container may be an aerosol container. The container may be a one-piece drinking cup produced from a metallic material.

[0012] An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a container holding a contents comprising: a container body comprising: a bottom comprising a dome extending into a containment space and an annular base surrounding the dome, the annular base providing a surface which maintains the container in an upright position while resting on a horizontal support surface; a sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom and integral therewith, the sidewall comprising:a substantially cylindrical portion integral with the bottom; a shoulder of reducing diameter extending upwardly and radially inwardly from the substantially cylindrical portion and integral therewith; and a neck extending upwardly from the shoulder terminating at a seaming flange which defines an open end of the container body to the containment space; and the container further comprising a can end, the can end comprising: a seaming curl defining an outer perimeter of the can end, the seaming curl in mating relationship with the seaming flange of the container body to attach the can end to the container body and close the open end of the container body; a circumferential wall extending downwardly and radially inwardly from the curl; a circumferential reinforcing bead extending radially inwardly from a bottom end of the circumferential wall; a circumferential inner wall extending upwardly from the reinforcing bead; and a center panel having a circumferential peripheral edge joined to the inner wall and extending radially inwardly therefrom to a center longitudinal axis, the center panel comprising: a tear panel spaced radially inwardly from the peripheral edge, the tear panel defined by a frangible score and a non-frangible hinge segment; a rivet; and a tab attached to the center panel by the rivet, the tab comprising: a lift end opposite a nose end overlaying the tear panel in a frangible score breaking position; a tongue area having a rivet aperture through which the rivet passes to attach the tab to the center panel; a void region partially surrounding the tongue area having a first leg extending along a first side of the tongue area and a second leg extending along a second side of the tongue area; and a grab portion located radially inwardly from the lift end and radially outwardly from the rivet, wherein at least one of the container body and the can end includes a plurality of tactile features which communicate information to a visually impaired user.

[0013] An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a braille cell forming tooling for forming braille cells on a can end during forming in a conversion press, the tooling comprising: a lower tool for contacting a product side of the can end, the lower tool comprising: a plurality of braille dot-forming high relief features arranged in a first high relief feature set along a first side wall of a recess configured to accommodate a deboss panel of the can end therein and a second high relief feature set along a second side wall on the opposite side of the recess configured to accommodate the deboss panel of the can end therein, each high relief feature set comprising: one or more high relief features arranged in one or more high relief feature matrices corresponding to braille dot positions in two columns of three braille dot positions and three rows of two braille dot positions, the braille cell forming tooling further comprising an upper tool for contacting a public side of the can end, the upper tool comprising: a plurality of braille dot-forming recesses arranged in a first recess set along a first side wall of a recess configured to accommodate a tab of the can end therein and a second recess set along a second side wall of the recess configured to accommodate the tab of the can end therein, each recess set comprising: one or more braille dot-forming recesses arranged in one or more recess matrices corresponding to braille dot positions in two columns of three braille dot positions and three rows of two braille dot positions.

[0014] This aspect of the disclosure may include one or more of the following, alone or in any reasonable combination. Each high relief feature matrix may be arranged in a straight line and at an angle to a diameter of the lower tool that passes through a top position of the recess configured to accommodate the deboss panel of the can end therein and a bottom position of the recess configured to accommodate the deboss panel of the can end therein, wherein the angle is between 12 and 16 degrees. Each recess matrix may be arranged in a straight line and at an angle to a diameter of the upper tool that passes through a top position of the recess configured to accommodate a tab of the can end therein and a bottom position of the recess configured to accommodate a tab of the can end therein, wherein the angle is between 12 and 16 degrees. Each position in each high relief feature matrix position may be spaced from an adjacent position in the high relief feature matrix a distance between 0.074 ins to 0.099 ins., as measured from centers of each high relief feature matrix position. Each position in each recess matrix position may be spaced from an adjacent position in the recessmatrix a distance between 0.074 ins to 0.099 ins., as measured from centers of each recess matrix position. Each high relief feature matrix is spaced from an adjacent high relief feature matrix from 0.180 ins. to 0.241 ins., as measured from a center of a high relief feature position in a first high relief feature matrix to a center of a high relief position feature in an identical position of an adjacent second high relief feature matrix. Each recess matrix may be spaced from an adjacent recess matrix from 0.180 ins. to 0.241 ins., as measured from a center of a recess position in a first recess matrix to a center of a recess position in an identical position of an adjacent second recess matrix. Each high relief feature matrix may have a height from 0.152 ins to 0.194 ins., as measured from a center of a lowermost high relief feature matrix position in each high relief matrix to a center of an uppermost high relief feature position in a same column of each relief feature matrix. Each recess matrix may have a height from 0.152 ins to 0.194 ins., as measured from a center of a lowermost recess matrix position in each recess matrix to a center of an uppermost recess position in a same column of each recess matrix.

[0015] Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0017] FIG. l is a side view of a container having a plurality of tactile features for communicating with a visually impaired user;

[0018] FIG. 2 is a top view of a container having a plurality of tactile features for communicating with a visually impaired user;

[0019] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a container having a plurality of tactile features for communicating with a visually impaired user;

[0020] FIG. 4 is a side view of a drinking cup having a plurality of tactile features for communicating with a visually impaired user;

[0021] FIG. 5 is a side view of a threaded container having a plurality of tactile features for communicating with a visually impaired user;

[0022] FIG. 6 is a side view of a container for an aerosol having a plurality of tactile features for communicating with a visually impaired user;

[0023] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken through A-A of FIG. 1;

[0024] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment taken through A-A of FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view an alternative embodiment taken through A-A of FIG. 1;

[0026] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view an alternative embodiment taken through A-A of FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view an alternative embodiment taken through A-A of FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a container body and tooling for forming a plurality of tactile features for communication with a visually impaired user;

[0029] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a container body and alternative tooling for forming a plurality of tactile features for communication with a visually impaired;

[0030] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a container body and alternative tooling for forming a plurality of tactile features in the form of tapered emboss structures for communication with a visually impaired;

[0031] FIG. 14A is a general cross-sectional view of a container component with tooling for forming a plurality of tactile features in the form of tapered emboss structures for communication with a visually impaired;

[0032] FIG. 15 is a cross-section of a container body showing locations of relative thicknesses of a metallic material of a cylindrical portion of a sidewall, a dome portion of a bottom, and a shoulder of reducing diameter of the sidewall;

[0033] FIG. 16 is a cross-section of a can end showing locations of relative thicknesses of a metallic material of a center panel of the can end and a tab of the can end. (FIG. 16);

[0034] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of tooling for forming tactile features discussed herein;

[0035] FIG. 18 is top view of a can end having four braille cells located on a center panel on opposing sides of a means for opening the can end;

[0036] FIG. 18A is a cross-section taken through A-A of FIG. 18 showing two braille dots with upper and lower tooling for forming same;

[0037] FIG. 19 is a lower tool for forming for eight braille cells on a public side of a can end;

[0038] FIG. 20 is an upper tool for forming for eight braille cells on a public side of a can end;

[0039] FIG. 21 is a top view of the lower tool shown in FIG. 19;

[0040] FIG. 21 A is a cross-section taken through A- A of the tool shown in FIG. 21;

[0041] FIG. 22 is a top view of the lower tool shown in FIG. 20;

[0042] FIG. 22A is a cross-section taken through A-A of the tool shown in FIG. 22;

[0043] FIG. 23 is top view of a can end having six braille cells located on a center panel on opposing sides of a means for opening the can end;

[0044] FIG. 24 is a lower tool for forming for twelve braille cells on a public side of a can end;

[0045] FIG. 25 is an upper tool for forming for twelve braille cells on a public side of a can end;

[0046] FIG. 26 is a top view of the lower tool shown in FIG. 24;

[0047] FIG. 26A is a cross-section taken through A-A of the tool shown in FIG. 26;

[0048] FIG. 27 is a top view of the lower tool shown in FIG. 25; and

[0049] FIG. 27A is a cross-section taken through A-A of the tool shown in FIG. 27.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

[0051] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-11, the present disclosure is directed to providing an indicium in the form of tactile features 300 such as a decoration, an embossed feature, or a debossed feature on a container, typically for a container 1, perhaps holding a contents under pressure, under vacuum, or still (for example, water and coffee products), or a drinking cup 400 produced from a metallic or other material. The tactile features 300 may be located on a lid, can end 10, a container body 100, a bottom panel, a shoulder of reducing diameter, or a sidewall. The tactile features 300 can be read by the visually impaired customer population, for example, in braille. According to FIG. 10, the tactile features 300 could be formed by cured tactile inks / over varnishes, such as digitally built features (layered or cavitated inks / coatings, via inkjet). According to FIG. 7, the tactile features 300 can be debossed, such as recesses in metallic material. According to FIGS. 8-11, the tactile features 300 can be embossed projections, such as embossed metal (FIGS. 8 and 9) and decals (FIG. 11) adhesively adhered to the container 1.

[0052] It is contemplated that the tactile features can be formed by an inkjet ink that would either be thick enough to form a raised dot, or having a foaming agent to create depth. An ink which creates volume or projection can be used by creating layers or cavitated (turn to foam) which blooms or blossoms to form a bump or braille dot during curing. A benefit of such ink practice is that no metal forming is necessary. Therefore, metal splits or tears are eliminated in thinner substrates such as a container body sidewall or the frangible score that partially defines a tear panel as described below. Additionally, cracking or degradation of the coatings, especially internal coatings on the surface of the containment space is avoided.

[0053] As used herein, the term “container” refers broadly to any container configured to retain a contents in a containment space unless otherwise modified. For example, the container may be configured as a one-piece, two-piece or three-piece container produced from any suitable substance such as a metal or metal alloy, plastic, polymer, glass, etc., for use in, without limitation unless specified, the food, hygiene, cosmetic, beverage, etc., industries.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 12, a debossed feature is a recessed physical structure on a surface of the container 1. The container surface has a feel to it, as in, to the touch. Debossing is used to create a structure down (recessed) into the container 1, typically into a containment space of the container. The debossed feature can have a visible appearance as well as a tactile characteristic. The deboss surfaces are generally created by cold work provided by two tools, a first tool 500 contacting an internal surface of the container and a second tool 504 contacting an external surface of the container. (See FIG. 12). The first tool 500 is a female tool having a recess substantially corresponding to the desired shape of the deboss feature. The second tool 504 is a male tool having an outward projection substantially corresponding to the desired shape of the deboss feature. The first and second tools cooperate to push the container surface inwardly into the container 1. (See FIG. 12). Here, the term “substantially” is intended to encompass the tolerances of the tools necessary to produce the desired shape of the metal, taking into account the nature of the materials, such as formability and spring-back.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 8-11 and 13, an embossed feature is the reverse of the debossed feature. Accordingly, the embossed feature at least appears as an outwardly projecting physical feature on a surface of the container. Here too, the container surface has a feel to it, as in to the touch. For purposes of this disclosure, an embossed feature is defined as an area that differs in diameter, length or some other measure from the surrounding areas relative to a reference line, axis, plane, or point.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 17, tooling 500, 504 for forming braille features comprises a female tool 504 having a recess of a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape, A male tool 500 has a projection to mate with the female portion. The cross-sectional shape of the projection is dissimilar to the recess shape and is generally rounded at an end and has a sidewall that flares outwardly, for example having a frustoconical shape.

[0057] Embossed features can be true embossed features (see, e.g., FIG. 13) that are simply the mirror of the process described above to produce debossed features. However, embossed features are often produced using a technique called tapered debossing (see FIGS.9, 14, and 14A). According to FIGS. 9 and 14, one area of a container wall appears to be elevated, but in fact the area surrounding the elevated area is debossed / recessed and tapers smoothly to blend with the surrounding container surface. This makes the embossed feature appear to project outwardly. A radially outermost portion of the embossed portions of the tapered emboss features has a length LE from a reference line, for example a longitudinal axis in FIG. 14, that is less than or equal to a length Lc of from a cylindrical portion of the container sidewall to the same reference line located directly adjacent to a tapered portion of the tapered emboss features. Further, a tapered portion of the tapered emboss features located between the embossed portions and the cylindrical sidewall has a length LT from the same reference line that is less than the lengths LE and Lc.

[0058] FIG. 14A is a general view of a container component to illustrate that this tapered emboss technique can be applied to a can end (center panel and tab) in a similar manner. Here, an outermost portion of the embossed portions of the tapered emboss features has a distance DE from a horizontal reference line REF that is less than or equal to a distance DL to the same reference line REF of a portion of the container component located directly adjacent to a tapered portion of the tapered emboss features. Further, the tapered portion of the tapered emboss features located between the embossed portions and the portion of the container component located directly adjacent to the tapered portion has a distance DT from the same reference line REF that is less than the distances DE and DL.

[0059] Such tapered embossing of food can ends, in particular, is advantageous because raised embossing on these can ends may cause logistical issues when the can ends are stacked. For example, a raised emboss could cause stacking interference which, in turn, causes a stack of the stacked ends to lean or list.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a two-piece beverage container 1 having one or more tactile features arranged to communicateinformation to a visually impaired user. According to FIG. 1, the two-piece container 1 comprises a lid, typically a can end 10, and a container body 100.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 2, the can end 10 has a center panel 12 separated from a seaming curl 14 by a circumferential wall 15 extending downwardly from the seaming curl 14 to a circumferential strengthening segment 16 which is joined to the center panel 12 through a circumferential inner wall 17. The seaming curl 14 is generally in mating relationship with a seaming flange 104 of the container body 100 to attach the can end 10 to the container body and close an open end of the container body 100.

[0062] The seaming curl 14 of the can end 10 is integral with the center panel 12 and extends downwardly and often radially inwardly through, at least, the downwardly and often radially inwardly extending circumferential wall 15, the radially inwardly extending circumferential strengthening segment 16, and the upwardly extending inner circumferential wall 17. The strengthening segment 16, such as a circumferential reinforcing bead, typically either a generally U-shaped countersink or a fold, is joined to the circumferential inner wall 17 to a peripheral edge of the center panel 12, which defines an outer perimeter of the center panel 12, often through an additional strengthening feature such as a circumferential step or other circumferential wall.

[0063] The circumferential seaming curl 14 defines an outer perimeter of the can end 10. It is generally centered about a longitudinal or vertical axis 50, sometimes located at a center of a rivet.

[0064] The circumferential wall 15 extends downwardly from a radially inner portion of the seaming curl 14. The circumferential strengthening segment 16 is joined to a lower segment of the circumferential wall 15 and extends circumferentially about the center panel 12.

[0065] The center panel 12 has a means for opening the end 10. The means for opening the can end 10 may include a displaceable foil closure member or, as shown in FIG. 2, a tear panel 22 defined by a curvilinear frangible score 24 and a non-frangible hinge segment 26 which extends between terminal ends of the frangible score 24. Accordingly, the hinge segment 26 is defined by a generally straight line between a first end and a second end of the frangible score 24.

[0066] The frangible score 24 is preferably a generally V-shaped groove formed into a public side 32 of the center panel 12. A residual is formed between the V-shaped groove and a product side 34 (see FIG. 15) of the can end 10.

[0067] The can end 10 has a tab 28 secured to the center panel 12, adjacent the tear panel 22, by a rivet 38 which passes through an aperture in a tongue area of the tab 28. The rivet 38 is formed in the typical or customary manner well known in the art of can end manufacture.

[0068] A nose end 42 of the tab 28 overlays the tear panel 22 in a frangible score breaking position (see FIG. 2). During opening of the can end 10, the user lifts a lift end 40 of the tab 28 to displace the nose end 42 downward against the tear panel 22. The force of the nose end 42 against the tear panel 22 causes the score 24 to fracture. As the tab 28 displacement is continued, the fracture of the score 24 propagates around the tear panel 22, preferably in progression from the first end of the score 24 toward the second end of the score 24.

[0069] The tab 28 has a void region which partially surrounds the tongue area. The void region has a first leg extending along a first side of the tongue area and a second leg extending along a second side of the tongue area.

[0070] A tab hinge extends between respective terminal ends of the first and second legs of the void region. The tab 28 bends about the tab hinge during the opening process.

[0071] As shown in, for example, FIG. 2, the tab 28 may have an enclosed grab portion 46. The enclosed grab portion 46 of the tab 28 comprises an upper side and an underside.

[0072] The frangible score 24 and tab 28 can be recessed within a deboss panel 62 in the center panel 12. The deboss panel 62 is a recessed surface in the center panel 12 which decreases a height of a portion of the center panel 12 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 50 such that a concave surface is formed on the public side 32 of the can end 10.

[0073] According to at least one embodiment of the disclosure shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of tactile features 300 are arranged on the public side 32 of the center panel 12 to communicate information to a visually impaired user. Each of the tactile features 300 is formed radially outwardly of the deboss panel 62. An advantage of locating the tactile features on the can end 10 is that the can end generally exhibits a thickness TL greater than a thickness Tc of the cylindrical portion of the sidewall of the container body. Can end thicknesses TL are generally on the order of 0.0050 to 0.0120 inches. The cylindrical portion thickness Tc is generally on the order of 0.002 to 0.020 inches for beverage container bodies and 0.18 mm to 0.50 mm for aerosol container bodies.

[0074] According to at least one embodiment of the disclosure, also shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of tactile features 300 are arranged on the tab 28 to communicate information to a visually impaired user. Here, the tactile features 300 are located on the enclosed grab portion46 of the tab 28. An advantage of locating the tactile features on tab 28 is that the tab 28 generally exhibits a thickness TT greater than a thickness Tc of the cylindrical portion of the sidewall of the container body 100, and placing the tactile features on the tab 28 is less likely to impose an impediment or interference to container stacking. (See FIGS. 15 and 16). Tab thickness TT is generally on the order of 0.0070 to 0.0120 inches.

[0075] In general, any qualified can end, lid or screw top that meets quality standards is a candidate for tactile features formed by embossing. Embossing is not limited by can end type or material thickness. Generally, can ends 10 can be embossed with tactile features 300 on any unformed areas of the center panel 12 where no other features are located. Naturally, as can end diameter is reduced, the “space” available to emboss will be reduced. The tactile features 300 must not be located within the deboss panel 62, on the tear panel 22, or within 0.100 inches of the panel radius at the peripheral edge of the center panel 12, which joins the center panel 12 with the circumferential inner wall 17. It is further contemplated that the tactile features must be no taller than 0.020 inches above surrounding portions of the center panel 12 that are unreformed during the embossing process. In other words, distance DE can be no greater than distance DL.

[0076] According to at least one embodiment of the disclosure shown in FIG. 1 and 3, the container 1 comprises a container body 100, typically a drawn and ironed metal can, usually constructed from a thin plate of aluminum or steel. Container body 100 has a bottom 108 comprising a dome 112 extending into a containment space 116 and an annular base 120 surrounding the dome 112. The annular base 120 provides a surface which maintains the container 1 in an upright position while resting on a horizontal support surface. A sidewall 124 is integral with and positioned upwardly from the bottom 108. The sidewall 124 has a substantially cylindrical portion 128 which terminates at a shoulder 132 of reducing diameter. The shoulder 132 extends upwardly and radially inwardly from the cylindrical portion 128 and is integral therewith. Here, the term “substantially” is intended to encompass typical manufacturing tolerances known in the art. Practically speaking, in terms of container bodies for two-piece beverage cans, the term “substantially” encompasses the cylindrical nature of any container body that can be further processed in a manufacturing apparatus that produces the shoulder and flange of the container body.

[0077] The sidewall 124 further includes a neck 136 which extends upwardly from a radially innermost segment of the shoulder 132 terminating at the seaming flange 104 which defines an open end 140 of the container body 100 to the containment space 116.

[0078] According to at least one embodiment, the plurality of tactile features 300 is located on the sidewall 124. At least one embodiment includes the tactile features 300 on the cylindrical portion 128. At least one embodiment includes the tactile features 300 on the shoulder 132, which has a thickness Ts greater than a thickness Tc of the cylindrical portion 128 of the sidewall 124. (See ). Shoulder thickness Ts is generally on the order of 0.002 to 0.020 inches, similar for beverage container bodies and aerosol container bodies.

[0079] According to at least one embodiment, the plurality of tactile features 300 is located on the bottom 108. At least one embodiment includes the tactile features 300 on the dome 112 of the bottom 108, which has a thickness TD greater than a thickness Tc of the cylindrical portion 128 of the sidewall 124. (See FIG. 15). Dome thickness TD is generally on the order of 0.0050 to 0.025 inches for beverage container bodies, 0.4 mm to 0.5 mm for aerosol container bodies, and 0.005 to 0.025 inches for metallic cups.

[0080] Generally, providing the tactile feature 300 on the cylindrical sidewall 124 is a less preferred location on the container 1 because the projections, in the case of true embossing, cause interference with other container bodies 100 during production. This could cause friction between container bodies 100 that leads to manufacturing defects such as holes or graphic design defects because the tactile features 300 would be the primary point of contact between adjacent container bodies 100 during production. Still further, even a tapered emboss on a container body 100 cylindrical sidewall 124 could cause manufacturing defects during pressurization of a filled container 1 because the pressurization would cause distortion of the tactile feature 300 that could lead to splits, tears, shape distortion, etc.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 4, the container may be a one-piece (unibody) drinking cup 600. The drinking cup 600 contemplated by the present disclosure is produced from a metallic material. Similar to the container body described above, the tactile features 300 may be located on a sidewall of the drinking cup or a bottom of the drinking cup 600. The bottoms of such cups 600 have a material thickness that is greater than a thickness of the tapered sidewalls of such cups 600 by about one thickness. The thickness of the sidewall of a metal cup is generally on the order of 0.002 to 0.020 inches.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 5, the container 1 may have a threaded open end 140. Here, the structure of the container body 100 is similar to the container body previously described in reference to FIGS. 1-3. It follows that the tactile features 300 may be positioned on similar locations of the container body 100 having the threaded open end 140. Alternatively, the tactile features 300 can be located on an upper surface or public side of the container body threaded closure 142.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 6, the container 1 can be the type of container used to package aerosols. The containers may have an integral or non-integral bottom portion, but generally have a similar structure shape as the container body 100 described above in reference to FIG. 1. It follows that the tactile features 300 may share similar locations as those described above.

[0084] FIGS. 3, 14, and 15 show a tactile feature 300 located on the dome 112 of a container body 100. It is contemplated that this tactile feature 300 is provided on a sheet of material, such as an aluminum alloy sheet, prior to forming. More preferably, the tactile feature 300 is applied to the sheet material as it is fed into a cupping press, which is generally considered the first step in a container body manufacturing process. Cupping stations are well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0085] In one embodiment, for example, a decal, the tactile features 300 described herein preferably comprise cells 304 comprising, at most, 6 dots 308 arranged in two columns and 3 rows. (See FIGS. 1 and 4-6 for identification of cells 304 and dots 308). The dots 308 are uniform and identical having a height of 0.019 inches (0.48 mm). Each dot 308 has a base diameter of 0.057 inches (1.44 mm). A distance from center to center of adjacent dots 308 (horizontally or vertically, but not diagonally) in the same cell 304 is 0.092 inches (2.340 mm). A distance from center to center of corresponding dots 308 in adjacent cells is 0.245 inches (6.2 mm). A row spacing of cells 304 from center to center of nearest corresponding dots 308 in adjacent rows is 0.400 inches (1.000 cm).

[0086] In another embodiment, for example, formed metal, plastic, or polymer containers, the tactile features 300 described herein preferably comprise cells 304 comprising, at most, 6 dots 308 arranged in two columns and 3 rows. The dots 308 are uniform and identical having a height of 0.025 inches (0.6 mm) to 0.037 inches (0.9 mm). Each dot 308 has a base diameter of 0.059 inches (1.5 mm) to 0.063 inches (1.6 mm). A distance from center to center of adjacent dots (horizontally or vertically, but not diagonally) in the same cell is 0.090 inches (2.3 mm) to 0.100 inches (2.5 mm). A distance from center to center of corresponding dots in adjacent cells is 0.241 inches (6.1 mm) to 0.300 inches (7.6 mm). A row spacing of cells from center to center of nearest corresponding dots 308, or dot positions 310, in adjacent rows is 0.395 inches (10.0 mm) to 0.400 inches (10.2 mm).

[0087] It should be noted that FIGS. 1-6 depicting the tactile features 300 as braille cells 304 show dots 308 as solid, heavy lines and placeholders where dots 308 could be located as shadow or lighter lines.

[0088] Referring generally to FIGS. 18-27, further embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated. More specifically, a can end 10 having a plurality of braille cells 304 on the public side 32 of the center panel 12 is illustrated along with lower tools 500 and upper tools 504 for forming braille dots 308 in predetermined braille dot positions 310. FIGS. 18-27 generally show braille dots 308 in every braille dot position 310 of each braille cell 304; however, one of ordinary skill in the art would readily understand that braille dot 308 may or may not be located in a braille cell 304 comprising two columns of three braille dot positions 310 and three rows of two braille dot positions 310.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 18, the can end 10 has a deboss panel 62. The means for opening the can end 10 resides in the recessed deboss panel 62. According to FIG. 18, eight braille cells 304 are located on the public side 32 of the center panel 12 radially outwardly in relation to the longitudinal axis 50 from the deboss panel 62. One set of four braille cells 304 is located along one curvilinear side wall 62a of the deboss panel 62, and another set of four braille cells 304 is located along an opposite curvilinear side wall 62b of the deboss panel 62. As will be explained in more detail below, the braille cells 304 are arranged in a straight line and form an angle with an axis parallel to an axis lying on a diameter of the can end that passes through the rivet 38, the lift end 40 of the tab 28, and the nose end 42 of the tab 28 and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 50. As illustrated the two sets of braille cells 304 are substantially identical in size, shape, and orientation, cell spacing and brille dot spacing, such that description of one set of the braille cells 304 will also apply to the second set of braille cells 304.

[0090] Now referring to FIG. 18 A, a partial cross-sectional view of the can end of FIG. 18 is illustrated with a lower tool 500 engaged with the produce side 34 of the central panel 12 and an upper tool 504 engaging the public side 32 of the center panel 12. The lower tool 500 has a high relief feature 508 and the upper tool 504 has a recessed portion 512 matingly aligned with each high relief feature 508 such that a portion of the center panel 12 is forced into the recessed portion 512 during forming of the braille dots 308.

[0091] The surfaces of the lower and upper tools 500,504 to produce a desired shape of the braille dots 308 such that a product side 34 radius of curvature Ri of each braille dot 308 at a base of the braille dot 308 where the center panel 12 transitions to the braille dot 308 is about 0.004 ins ± 0.002 ins., more preferably 0.006 ins.

[0092] A public side 32 radius of curvature R2 of each braille dot 308 at a base of the braille dot 308 where the center panel 12 transitions to the braille dot 308 is also about 0.004 ins. ± 0.002 ins., more preferably 0.006 ins.

[0093] A product side 34 radius of curvature R3 of each braille dot 308 at a central portion of the braille dot 308 is about 0.027 ins ± 0.008 ins., more preferably about 0.031 ins. ±0.005 ins., and most preferably 0.031 ins.

[0094] A public side 32 radius of curvature R4 of each braille dot 308 at a central portion of the braille dot 308 is about 0.020 ins ± 0.005 ins., more preferably about 0.024 ins. ±0.005 ins., and most preferably 0.028 ins.

[0095] A height HD of each braille dot 308 above the public side 32 of the center panel 12 is about 0.008 ins. ±0.007 ins., more preferably about 0.010 ins. ±0.005 ins., and most preferably 0.010 ins.

[0096] A thickness TCP of the center panel 12 meets the standards of commercially available beverage can ends 10. It is further contemplated that center panel thickness TCP may range from 0.0080 ins. to 0.0142 ins., where a thickness TCP of larger diameter can ends tend towards 0.0142 ins. It is further contemplated that the present technology can be applied to can ends of any size, particularly so-called 202 can ends.

[0097] Referring more specifically to FIGS. 19-22 and 24-27, lower and upper tools 500,504 for forming braille cells 304 are illustrated. FIGS. 19-22 show lower and upper tools 500,504 for forming eight braille cells 304. FIGS. 24-27 show lower and upper tools 500,504 for forming twelve braille cells 304. These braille cells 304 are configured as described above. The tools of FIGS 19-22 form a first set of four braille cells 304 extending along a side wall 62a of the deboss panel 62, and a second set of four braille cells 304 extending along an opposite side wall 62b of the deboss panel 62. The tools of FIGS. 24-27 form a first set of six braille cells 304 extending along a side wall 62a of the deboss panel 62, and a second set of six braille cells 304 extending along an opposite side wall 62b of the deboss panel 62.

[0098] The lower and upper tools 500,504 are generally components within a conversion press in a typical can end 10 forming operation. Accordingly, the lower tool 500 has a recess 516 for accommodating the deboss panel 62 therein, and the upper tool 504 has a recess 520 for accommodating the tab 28 therein.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 21, a lower tool 500 is illustrated. The lower tool 500 is structured to produce the braille cell 304 alignment described above. Namely, the high relief features 508 are arranged in a straight line and form an angle cp with an axis 524 that is parallel to a diameter of the lower tool 500 that passes through a top of the recess 516 and a bottom of the recess 516. The angle cp is between 12° and 16°, and more preferably substantially 14°. Here, “substantially” encompasses ±0.5°.

[0100] As illustrated, the lower tool 500 has two sets of high relief feature 508 matrices on opposing sides of the recess 516. The two sets of high relief features 508 matrices are substantially identical in size, shape, and orientation, such that description of one set of high relief features 508 will also apply to the second set of high relief features 508 matrices. It is contemplated that the high relief features described in relation to FIG. 21 will produce the braille dots 308 substantially similar to those described above in relation to FIG. 18. Here, the phrase “substantially similar” encompasses the range of tolerances disclosed in connection with the upper and lower tools 500,504.

[0101] Each high relief feature 508 is spaced from an adjacent high relief feature 508 in the matrix of high relief features that will produce a braille cell 308 as described above by a distance SD of about 0.089 ins to 0.099 ins. ±0.005 ins., more preferably 0.094 ins. ±0.005 ins., as measured from centers of the adjacent high relief features 508.

[0102] Each matrix of high relief features 508 that will produce a braille cell 308 as described above is spaced a distance Sc, as measured from a center of a high relief feature 508 in one matrix of high relief features 508 to a center of the high relief feature 508 in the identical position of an adjacent matrix of high relief features 508, about 0.231 ins to 0.241 ins. ±0.005 ins., more preferably 0.236 ins. ±0.005 ins.

[0103] Each matrix of high relief features 508 that will produce a braille cell 308 as described above has a height He, as measured from a center of a lowermost high relief feature 508 in the matrix to a center of an uppermost high relief feature 508 in the same column of the matrix, of 0.184 ins. to 0.194 ins. ±0.005 ins., more preferably 0.189 ins. ±0.005 ins.

[0104] Each high relief feature 508 has a height HHR of 0.011 ins. to 0.021 ins. ±0.005 ins, more preferably 0.016 ins ±0.005 ins.

[0105] A center portion of each high relief feature 508 has a radius of curvature RHR of 0.011 ins. to 0.021 ins. ±0.005 ins, more preferably 0.016 ins ±0.005 ins.

[0106] Now referring to FIG. 22, an upper tool 504 is illustrated. The upper tool 504 is structured to produce the braille cell 304 alignment described above. Namely, the recesses 512 are arranged in a straight line and form an angle cp with an axis 528 that is parallel to a diameter of the upper tool 504 that passes through a top of the recess 520 and a bottom of the recess 520. The angle cp is between 12° and 16°, and more preferably substantially 14°.Here, “substantially” encompasses ±0.5°.

[0107] As illustrated, the upper tool 504 has two sets of recesses 512 matrices on opposing sides of the recess 520. The two sets of recesses 512 matrices are substantially identical in size, shape, and orientation, such that description of one set of recesses 512 willalso apply to the second set of recesses 512 matrices. It is contemplated that the recesses 512 described in relation to FIG. 22 will produce the braille dots 308 substantially similar to those described above in relation to FIG. 18. Here, the phrase “substantially similar” encompasses the ranges of tolerances disclosed in connection with the upper and lower tools 500,504.

[0108] Each recess 512 is spaced from an adjacent recess 512 in the matrix of recesses 512 that will produce a braille cell 308 as described above by a distance SR of about 0.089 ins to 0.099 ins. ±0.005 ins., more preferably 0.094 ins. ±0.005 ins., as measured from centers of the adjacent recesses 512.

[0109] Each matrix of recesses 512 that will produce a braille cell 308 as described above is spaced a distance SRC, as measured from a center of a recess 512 in one matrix of recesses 512 to a center of the recess 512 in the identical position of an adjacent matrix of recesses 512, about 0.231 ins. to 0.241 ins. ±0.005 ins., more preferably 0.236 ins. ±0.005 ins.

[0110] Each matrix of recesses 512 that will produce a braille cell 308 as described above has a height HRC, as measured from a center of a lowermost recess 512 in the matrix to a center of an uppermost recess 512 in the same column of the matrix, of 0.184 ins. to 0.194 ins. ±0.005 ins., more preferably 0.189 ins. ±0.005 ins.[OHl] Each recess 512 has a height HR of 0.035 ins. to 0.045 ins. ±0.005 ins., more preferably 0.040 ins ±0.005 ins.

[0112] Each recess 512 has a diameter DR of 0.042 ins. to 0.052 ins. ±0.005 ins., more preferably 0.047 ins ±0.005 ins.

[0113] A radius of curvature RR of a perimeter of the recess opening is 0.001 ins. to 0.011 ins. ±0.005 ins, more preferably 0.006 ins ±0.005 ins.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 23, the can end 10 has a deboss panel 62. The means for opening the can end 10 resides in the recessed deboss panel 62. According to FIG. 23, twelve braille cells 304 are located on the public side 34 of the center panel 12 radially outwardly in relation to the longitudinal axis 50 from the deboss panel 62. One set of four braille cells 304 is located along one curvilinear side wall 62a of the deboss panel 62, and another set of four braille cells 304 is located along an opposite curvilinear side wall 62b of the deboss panel 62. As will be explained in more detail below, the braille cells 304 are arranged in a straight line and form an angle with an axis 600 that passes through the rivet 38, the lift end 40 of the tab 28, and the nose end 42 of the tab 28 and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 50. As illustrated the two sets of braille cells 304 are substantially identical in size, shape, and orientation, cell spacing and brille dot spacing, such that description of one set of the braille cells 304 will also apply to the second set of braille cells 304.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 24, a lower tool 500 is illustrated. The lower tool 500 is structured to produce the braille cell 304 alignment described above. Namely, the high relief features 508 are arranged in a straight line and form an angle cp with an axis 524 that is parallel to a diameter of the lower tool 500 that passes through a top of the recess 516 and a bottom of the recess 516. The angle cp is between 12° and 16°, and more preferably substantially 14°. Here, “substantially” encompasses ±0.5°.

[0116] As illustrated, the lower tool 500 has two sets of high relief features 508 matrices on opposing sides of the recess 516. The two sets of high relief features 508 matrices are substantially identical in size, shape, and orientation, such that description of one set of high relief features 508 matrices will also apply to the second set of high relief features 508 matrices. It is contemplated that the high relief features 508 described in relation to FIG. 25 will produce the braille dots 308 substantially similar to those described above in relation to FIG. 23. Here, the phrase “substantially similar” encompasses the ranges of tolerances disclosed in connection with the upper and lower tools 500,504.

[0117] Each high relief feature 508 position is spaced from an adjacent relief feature 508 in the matrix of high relief features that will produce a braille cell 308 as described above by a distance So of about 0.074 ins to 0.084 ins. ±0.005 ins., more preferably 0.079 ins. ±0.005 ins., as measured from centers of the adjacent high relief features 508.

[0118] Each matrix of high relief features 508 that will produce a braille cell 308 as described above is spaced a distance Sc, as measured from a center of a high relief feature 508 in one matrix of high relief features 508 to a center of the high relief feature 508 in the identical position of an adjacent matrix of high relief features 508, about 0.180 ins to 0.190 ins. ±0.005 ins., more preferably 0.185 ins. ±0.005 ins.

[0119] Each matrix of high relief features 508 that will produce a braille cell 308 as described above has a height He, as measured from a center of a lowermost high relief feature 508 in the matrix to a center of an uppermost high relief feature 508 in the same column of the matrix, of 0.152 ins. to 0.162 ins. ±0.005 ins., more preferably 0.57 ins. ±0.005 ins.

[0120] Each high relief feature 508 has a height HHR of 0.011 ins. to 0.021 ins. ±0.005 ins, more preferably 0.016 ins ±0.005 ins.

[0121] A center portion of each high relief feature 508 has a radius of curvature RHR of 0.011 ins. to 0.021 ins. ±0.005 ins, more preferably 0.016 ins ±0.005 ins.

[0122] Now referring to FIG. 27, the upper tool 504 is illustrated. The upper tool 504 is structured to produce the braille cell 304 alignment described above. Namely, the recesses 512 are arranged in a straight line and form an angle cp with an axis 528 that is parallel to adiameter of the upper tool 504 that passes through a top of the recess 520 and a bottom of the recess 520. The angle cp is between 12° and 16°, and more preferably substantially 14°.Here, “substantially” encompasses ±0.5°.

[0123] As illustrated, an upper tool 504 has two sets of recesses 512 matrices on opposing sides of the recess 520. The two sets of recesses 512 matrices are substantially identical in size, shape, and orientation, such that description of one set of recesses 512 matrices will also apply to the second set of recesses 512 matrices. It is contemplated that the recesses 512 described in relation to FIG. 27 will produce the braille dots 308 substantially similar to those described above in relation to FIG. 23. Here, the phrase “substantially similar” encompasses the ranges of tolerances disclosed in connection with the upper and lower tools 500,504.

[0124] Each recess 512 is spaced from an adjacent recess 512 in the matrix of recesses 512 that will produce a braille cell 308 as described above by a distance SR of about 0.074 ins to 0.084 ins. ±0.005 ins., more preferably 0.079 ins. ±0.005 ins., as measured from centers of the adjacent recesses 512.

[0125] Each matrix of recesses 512 that will produce a braille cell 308 as described above is spaced a distance SRC, as measured from a center of a recess 512 in one matrix of recesses 512 to a center of the recess 512 in the identical position of an adjacent matrix of recesses 512, about 0.180 ins. to 0.190 ins. ±0.005 ins., more preferably 0.185 ins. ±0.005 ins.

[0126] Each matrix of recesses 512 that will produce a braille cell 308 as described above has a height HRC, as measured from a center of a lowermost recess 512 in the matrix to a center of an uppermost recess 512 in the same column of the matrix, of 0.152 ins. to 0.162 ins. ±0.005 ins., more preferably 0.157 ins. ±0.005 ins.

[0127] Each recess 512 has a depth HR of 0.035 ins. to 0.045 ins. ±0.005 ins., more preferably 0.040 ins ±0.005 ins.

[0128] Each recess 512 has a diameter DR of 0.042 ins. to 0.052 ins. ±0.005 ins., more preferably 0.047 ins ±0.005 ins.

[0129] A radius of curvature RR of a perimeter of the recess opening is 0.001 ins. to 0.011 ins. ±0.005 ins, more preferably 0.006 ins ±0.005 ins.

[0130] Again, the description of FIGS. 18-26 discusses position and spacing of high relief features 508 and recesses 512 to produce braille dots 308. It must be understood that it is highly unlikely and would defeat the communication purpose of the present disclosure to place a braille dot 308 in every braille dot position 310 of the braille cell 304 matrix (when every braille cell position is occupied by a braille dot, it is used as a contraction and means“for”). Thus, it must be stressed that where high relief feature 508 and recess 512 spacings SD,SR, high relief feature 508 matrix spacing Sc and recess 512 matrix spacing SRC, and high relief feature 508 matrix height He and recess matrix depth / height HRC are discussed, the spacings and heights / depths are directly transferrable to centers of braille dot positions.

[0131] In FIGS. 21-22 and 26-27, the centers of the braille dots and the braille dot positions are indicated by intersecting axes or cross-hairs at each location of the six braille dots in a braille cell or the six high relief feature and recess positions in a corresponding matrix. It follows that the centers of the high relief features 508 and the recesses 512 correspond to centers of locations or positions on the lower and upper tools 500,504 that would not have a high relief feature 508 or a recess 512 if a braille dot 308 was not desired in that particular location of the braille cell 304. In other words, for ease of description and better understanding of the subject matter, high relief features 508 and recesses 512 are shown in every position of high relief and recess matrices with the understanding that it is unlikely that the information to be communicated would have a braille dot 308 in every braille dot position 310 of the braille cell 304, and the spacings will remain the same whether a braille dot 308 is produced in a particular braille dot position 310 or not. Thus, each high relief feature 508 and each recess 512 shown corresponds to a position in a high relief feature matrix and recess matrix, respectively, regardless of whether a high relief feature 508 or a recess 512 actually exists in a given position. Therefore, the high relief feature 508 positions and the recess 512 positions are arranged in a matrix that matches the braille cell 304 configuration.

[0132] While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A container comprising: a plurality of tactile features arranged to communicate information to a visually impaired user.

2. The container of Claim 1 further comprising a container body, wherein the plurality of tactile features are located on the container body.

3. The container of Claim 2 wherein the container body comprises: a bottom; and a sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom, wherein the plurality of tactile features are located on at least one of the bottom or the sidewall.

4. The container of Claim 3 wherein the bottom comprises a dome extending into a containment space and an annular base surrounding the dome, the annular base providing a surface which maintains the container in an upright position while resting on a horizontal support surface, wherein the plurality of tactile features is located on the dome.

5. The container body of Claim 4 wherein a thickness of the dome is greater than a thickness of the sidewall.

6. The container body of Claim 3 wherein the plurality of tactile features is located on the sidewall.

7. The container of Claim 6 wherein the sidewall comprises a substantially cylindrical portion and a shoulder of reducing diameter extending upwardly and radially inwardly from the cylindrical portion, wherein the plurality of tactile features is located on at least one of the cylindrical portion and the shoulder of reducing diameter.

8. The container of Claim 7 wherein the plurality of tactile features is located on the cylindrical portion.

9. The container of Claim 7 wherein the plurality of tactile features is located on the shoulder of reducing diameter.

10. The container of Claim 9 wherein the shoulder of reducing diameter has a thickness greater than a thickness of the cylindrical portion.

11. The container of Claim 1 further comprising a lid closing an open end of the container, wherein the plurality of tactile features is located on the lid.

12. The container of Claim 11 wherein the lid is a can end, the can end comprising: a center panel comprising: a tear panel spaced radially inwardly from a peripheral edge of the center panel and recessed within a deboss panel, the tear panel defined by a frangible score and a non-frangible hinge segment; a rivet; and a tab attached to the center panel by the rivet, wherein the plurality of tactile features is located on one of a portion of the center panel located radially outwardly of the deboss panel and the tab.

13. The container of Claim 12 wherein the plurality of tactile features is located the portion of the center panel located radially outwardly of the deboss panel.

14. The container of Claim 12 wherein the tab comprises a lift end opposite a nose portion overlaying the tear panel in a frangible score breaking position, a tongue area having a rivet aperture through which the rivet passes to attach the tab to the center panel, a void region partially surrounding the tongue area having a first leg extending along a first side of the tongue area and a second leg extending along a second side of the tongue area; and an enclosed grab portion located radially inwardly from the lift end and radially outwardly from the rivet, wherein the plurality of tactile features is located on the enclosed grab portion of the tab.

15. The container of any one preceding claim wherein each of the tactile features is an embossed bead formed by cold working a metallic material from which the container is formed, wherein the embossed bead extends outwardly relative to an adjacent surface of the container.

16. The container of any one of Claims 1 to 14 wherein each of the tactile features is a cured fluid on a surface of the container.

17. The container of any one of Claim 1 to 14 wherein each of the tactile features is located on a decal adhesively adhered to the container.

18. The container of any one of Claims 1 to 17 wherein each of the plurality of tactile features is expressed in braille.

19. The container of any one of Claims 1 to 18 wherein the container holds a contents under pressure.

20. The container of any one of Claims 1 to 19 wherein the container is a two-piece metal beverage can.

21. The container of any one of Claims 1 to 11 wherein the container is produced from a metallic material and comprises a threaded closure.

22. The container of any one of Claims 1 to 11 wherein the container is an aerosol container.

23. The container of any one of Claims 1 to 6 wherein the container is a one-piece drinking cup produced from a metallic material.

24. A container holding a contents comprising: a container body comprising: a bottom comprising a dome extending into a containment space and an annular base surrounding the dome, the annular base providing a surface which maintains the container in an upright position while resting on a horizontal support surface; a sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom and integral therewith, the sidewall comprising: a substantially cylindrical portion integral with the bottom; a shoulder of reducing diameter extending upwardly and radially inwardly from the substantially cylindrical portion and integral therewith; and a neck extending upwardly from the shoulder terminating at seaming flange which defines an open end of the container body to the containment space; and the container further comprising a can end, the can end comprising:a seaming curl defining an outer perimeter of the can end, the seaming curl in mating relationship with the seaming flange of the container body to attach the can end to the container body and close the open end of the container body; a circumferential wall extending downwardly and radially inwardly from the curl; a circumferential reinforcing bead extending radially inwardly from a bottom end of the circumferential wall; a circumferential inner wall extending upwardly from the reinforcing bead; and a center panel having a circumferential peripheral edge joined to the inner wall and extending radially inwardly therefrom to a center longitudinal axis, the center panel comprising: a tear panel spaced radially inwardly from the peripheral edge, the tear panel defined by a frangible score and a non-frangible hinge segment; a rivet; and a tab attached to the center panel by the rivet, the tab comprising: a lift end opposite a nose portion overlaying the tear panel in a frangible score breaking position; a tongue area having a rivet aperture through which the rivet passes to attach the tab to the center panel; a void region partially surrounding the tongue area having a first leg extending along a first side of the tongue area and a second leg extending along a second side of the tongue area; and a grab portion located radially inwardly from the lift end and radially outwardly from the rivet, wherein at least one of the container body and the can end includes a plurality of tactile features which communicate information to a visually impaired user.

25. A can end, the can end comprising: a center panel comprising: a tear panel spaced radially inwardly from a peripheral edge of the center panel and recessed within a deboss panel, the tear panel defined by a frangible score and a non-frangible hinge segment; a rivet;a tab attached to the center panel by the rivet, and a plurality of braille cells arranged to communicate information to a visually impaired user.

26. The can end of Claim 25 wherein the plurality of braille cells is located along a side wall of the deboss panel.

27. The can end of Claim 26 wherein the plurality of braille cells is arranged in a straight line at an angle in relation to an axis that is parallel to a diameter of the can end that passes through a nose end of the tab, a lift end of the tab, and the rivet, wherein the angle of the plurality of braille cells is between 12° and 16°.

28. The can end of Claim 27 wherein the side wall of the deboss panel is straight.

29. The can end of Claim 27 wherein the side wall of the deboss panel is curvilinear.

30. The can end of any one of Claims 24 to 29 wherein the plurality of braille cells comprises a first set of braille cells arranged along a first side wall of the deboss panel, and a second set of braille cells arranged along an opposite side wall of the deboss panel.

31. The can end of any one of Claims 24 to 30 wherein each braille cell comprises six braille dots arranged in two columns of three dots and a three rows of two dots, each dot having a dot height of 0.001 ins. and 0.015 ins. above a public side of the center panel.

32. The can end of Claim 31 wherein, each dot has a dot height of 0.05 ins. and 0.015 ins. above the public side of the center panel.

33. The can end of any one of Claims 25 to 32 wherein each position in each braille cell is spaced from an adjacent position in the braille cell a distance between 0.074 ins to 0.099 ins., as measured from centers of each braille cell position.

34. The can end of any one of Claims 25 to 33 wherein each braille cell is spaced from an adjacent braille cell from 0.180 ins. to 0.241 ins., as measured from a center of a braille cell position in a first braille cell to a center of a braille cell position in an identical position of an adjacent second braille cell.

35. The can end of any one of Claims 25 to 34 wherein braille cell has a height from 0.152 ins to 0.194 ins., as measured from a center of a lowermost braille cell position in eachbraille cell to a center of an uppermost braille cell position in a same column of each braille cell.

36. A braille cell forming tooling for forming braille cells on a can end during forming in a conversion press, the tooling comprising: a lower tool for contacting a product side of the can end, the lower tooling comprising: a plurality of braille dot-forming high relief features arranged in a first set along a first side wall of a recess configured to accommodate a deboss panel of the can end therein and a second set along a second side wall on the opposite side of the recess configured to accommodate the deboss panel of the can end therein, each high relief feature set comprising: one or more high relief features arranged in one or more high relief feature matrices corresponding to braille dot positions in two columns of three braille dot positions and three rows of two braille dot positions, the braille cell forming tooling further comprising an upper tool for contacting a public side of the can end, the upper tooling comprising: a plurality of braille dot-forming recesses arranged in a first set along a first side wall of a recess configured to accommodate a tab of the can end therein and a second set along a second side wall of the recess configured to accommodate the tab of the can end therein, each recess set comprising: one or more braille dot-forming recesses arranged in one or more recess matrices corresponding to braille dot positions in two columns of three braille dot positions and three rows of two braille dot positions.

37. The braille cell forming tooling of Claim 36 wherein each high relief feature matrix is arranged in a straight line and at an angle to a diameter of the lower tool that passes through a top position of the recess configured to accommodate the deboss panel of the can end therein and a bottom position of the recess configured to accommodate the deboss panel of the can end therein, wherein the angle is between 12 and 16 degrees.

38. The braille cell forming tooling of Claim 37 wherein each recess matrix is arranged in a straight line and at an angle to a diameter of the upper tool that passes through a top position of the recess configured to accommodate a tab of the can end therein and a bottomposition of the recess configured to accommodate a tab of the can end therein, wherein the angle is between 12 and 16 degrees.

39. The braille cell forming tooling of Claim 38 wherein each position in each high relief feature matrix position is spaced from an adjacent position in the high relief feature matrix a distance between 0.074 ins to 0.099 ins., as measured from centers of each high relief feature matrix position.

40. The braille cell forming tooling of Claim 39 wherein each position in each recess matrix position is spaced from an adjacent position in the recess matrix a distance between 0.074 ins to 0.099 ins., as measured from centers of each recess matrix position.

41. The braille cell forming tooling of Claim 40 wherein each high relief feature matrix is spaced from an adjacent high relief feature matrix from 0.180 ins. to 0.241 ins., as measured from a center of a high relief feature position in a first relief feature matrix to a center of a high relief position feature in an identical position of an adjacent second high relief feature matrix.

42. The braille cell forming tooling of Claim 41 wherein each recess matrix is spaced from an adjacent recess matrix from 0.180 ins. to 0.241 ins., as measured from a center of a recess position in a first recess matrix to a center of a recess position in an identical position of an adjacent second recess matrix.

43. The braille cell forming tooling of Claim 42 wherein each high relief feature matrix has a height from 0.152 ins to 0.194 ins., as measured from a center of a lowermost high relief feature matrix position in each high relief matrix to a center of an uppermost high relief feature position in a same column of each high relief feature matrix.

44. The braille cell forming tooling of Claim 43 wherein each recess matrix has a height from 0.152 ins to 0.194 ins., as measured from a center of a lowermost recess matrix position in each recess matrix to a center of an uppermost recess position in a same column of each recess matrix.

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