Can and biasing member therefor

Abstract

The present invention provides a biasing member and a can using the biasing member as a base for containing a product including at least one solid component and at least one liquid component in the can. The can containing the product includes, at least in a ready-to-sell state, a lid that hermetically seals the can and that can be at least partially opened to allow at least partial removal of the product from the can, a base opposite the lid formed by the biasing member, and a sidewall extending therebetween. The biasing member is configured such that, at least during use of the can when the lid is at least partially opened, a user can bias the biasing member inward by applying a biasing force to the biasing member, thereby allowing the user to change the state of the biasing member between a first state in which the can has a first storage volume and a second deformed state in which the can has a second storage volume smaller than the first storage volume.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a can for containing a product including at least one solid component and at least one liquid component with a biasing member and / or lid configured to facilitate removal of at least a portion of the liquid component prior to removal of the solid component. [Background technology]

[0002] Cans for two-phase ingredients have long been used in industries such as the food industry. When the phases are solid and liquid, such as preserved meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, or other solids, it is usually desirable to drain the preserving liquid before using the solid edible ingredient. The preserving liquid can be oil, water, brine, sugar water, or other substances.

[0003] Opening such cans is typically and conventionally accomplished by using an external tool, such as a can opening device, to cut the lid or the sidewall of the can, or by using a feature on the lid itself, such as a ring pull or peel-back thin foil cover, to cut open the lid along a pre-formed score line. In either of these cases, the lid is used to drain the can as a means of filtration to prevent solids from escaping while liquids are being drained. However, this is a messy procedure, often resulting in oil, brine, etc., potentially staining the fingers of the person squeezing the can and splashing in multiple directions.

[0004] Various devices have been proposed for the exterior of cans to reduce splashing to users. US 2003 / 0230202 A1 teaches a flexible lid that can be fitted onto an open can after the lid has been separated from the can's sidewall but not removed. The flexible lid has holes, and when the flexible lid is squeezed in a direction that pushes the separated metal lid toward the bottom of the can, the drained liquid is specifically directed through the holes, preventing it from flowing onto the user's fingers if they are positioned away from the holes. A similar type of flexible lid is disclosed in JP 3169582, which has a spout for directing the flow of liquid draining from an open can with the lid removed. US 3,995,544 discloses a drainage device that can be used to squeeze liquid from an open can with the lid removed.

[0005] US 5,706,721 discloses a strainer that can be placed in a can either after opening or before it is first sealed. The strainer has holes in the center so that when the strainer is pressed against the contents of the can, the liquid flows out through the holes.

[0006] WO2015 / 171876 discloses a plastic container including a sidewall and a flexible base portion. When a pressure difference is applied to the sealed plastic container, the flexible base portion deflects. The deflection of the flexible base portion changes the internal volume of the container, thereby reducing the pressure difference. The container is a retortable container, and the inner and outer plastic layers, as well as a core layer between the inner and outer plastic layers, can be injection molded.

[0007] US 6,333,060 discloses a container for packaging solid food stored in a liquid environment. One end of the container has a perforated drain lid for draining the liquid from the container. The drain lid may have a lip to prevent splashing on the user when draining the contents of the container. The container is sealed to prevent contamination of the contents of the container. The container may be made of a flexible material so that the user can squeeze the container to easily drain the liquid from the container. Once the liquid has been drained from the container, the drain lid is removed to allow the solid food to be extracted from the container.

[0008] US2006 / 0006133 discloses a plastic container having a base adapted for vacuum pressure absorption. The base includes a central portion defined at least in part by a raised bottom and an inversion ring that generally circumscribes the raised bottom. The raised bottom and inversion ring are movable to accommodate vacuum-related forces generated within the container. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a can for containing a product including at least one solid component and at least one liquid component, the can comprising the following features in at least a ready-to-sell state of the can with the product: a lid that hermetically seals the can and that can be at least partially opened to allow at least partial removal of the product from the can; a base opposite the lid and a sidewall extending therebetween; and a biasing member configured to bias the base inwardly when the lid is at least partially opened by a user applying a biasing force to the base that exceeds a predetermined threshold, thereby changing the state of the base between a first state in which the can has a first storage volume and a second deformed state in which the can has a reduced storage volume that is smaller than the first storage volume.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a biasing member for use as a base for a can, the can comprising, in a ready-to-sell condition, a base fixedly connected at one end to a side wall and a lid hermetically sealing the can at the other end of the side wall, the biasing member comprising a continuous solid body having a periphery lying within a reference plane, the body being configured such that, when the periphery is held fixedly in place, a user may bias the body in a predetermined direction by applying a biasing force above a predetermined threshold at a location spaced from the periphery, thereby changing the state of the biasing member from a first state to a second deformed state, both states being parallel to (a) the body and (b) the reference plane and parallel to and in that direction. and (c) a second imaginary surface that is perpendicular to the first imaginary surface and extends between the first imaginary surface and the periphery, the volume being a first volume in the first state of the body and a second reduced volume that is smaller than the first volume in the second deformed state of the body, and the biasing member is configured to be fixedly connected to the side wall of the can with a predetermined biasing direction facing inward of the can so that the biasing member can be biased inward within the can by a user applying a biasing force to the base when the lid is at least partially open.

[0011] The biasing member in both of the above embodiments can be configured so that the deformation from its initial state to its deformed state when a single biasing force is applied is plastic deformation.

[0012] Alternatively, the biasing member in both of the above embodiments may be configured to bias the biasing member to a predetermined threshold force F plastic The biasing member may be configured to elastically deform upon application of a biasing force less than 1 / 2, at which point the biasing member undergoes plastic deformation and returns to its initial, undeformed, or less deformed state when the biasing force is released. In this case, the biasing member should be made of a material with suitable elastic properties and have a configuration that allows it to repeatedly elastically deform from a deformed state back to a state that is the same as or close to its initial state each time.

[0013] Thus, according to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a can for containing a product including at least one solid component and at least one liquid component, the can comprising the following features in a ready-to-sell state of the can with at least the product therein: a lid that hermetically seals the can and that is at least partially openable to allow the product to be at least partially removed from the can; a base opposite the lid and a sidewall extending therebetween; the base comprising a biasing member that can be biased inwardly by a user applying a biasing force above a predetermined threshold to the base when the lid is at least partially opened. the base is configured to repeatedly elastically deform from the first state to the second deformed state upon application of the biasing force when the lid is at least partially open, and to return from the second state to the first state each time the biasing force is released, such that such repeated changes in the state of the base between the first and second states result in a corresponding repeated change in the storage volume of the can.

[0014] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a biasing member for use as a base for a can having a sidewall and a lid for hermetically sealing the can, the biasing member comprising a continuous solid body having a periphery within a reference plane, the body being configured such that, when the periphery is held fixedly in place, a user may bias the body in a predetermined direction by applying a biasing force above a predetermined threshold at a location spaced from the periphery, thereby changing the state of the biasing member from a first state to a second deformed state, both states being defined by a first imaginary plane and a second imaginary plane parallel to and spaced in said direction from the reference plane by a distance greater than the distance between the reference plane and any point on the body in the deformed state; and a second imaginary plane perpendicular to the first imaginary plane and extending between the first imaginary plane and the periphery, the volume being a first volume in the first state of the body and a second reduced volume that is smaller than the first volume in the deformed state of the body, the biasing member being configured to be fixedly connected to the side wall of the can with a predetermined biasing direction directed toward the inside of the can when the lid is at least partially open, such that the biasing member is repeatedly elastically deformable from the first state to the second deformed state upon application of a biasing force and returns from the second state to the first state upon release of the biasing force, and such repeated changes in the state of the base between the two states cause a corresponding change in the storage volume of the can.

[0015] In accordance with any one of the above aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure, the can or biasing member, when forming the base of a can with a lid configured to contain a product including at least one solid component and at least one liquid component, has an outer surface on which may be inscribed instructions to a user, at least prior to use, to apply a biasing force to the base once or repeatedly after opening the lid sufficiently to allow the liquid component to pass through the open area of ​​the lid while preventing the solid component from exiting the can.

[0016] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a can for containing a product including at least one solid component and at least one liquid component, the can comprising the following features in a ready-to-sell state of the can with at least the product: a lid that can be at least partially opened to allow at least partial removal of the product from the can; a base opposite the lid; and a sidewall extending therebetween; the base comprising a biasing member configured to be biased inward by a user applying a biasing force to the biasing member, thereby changing the state of the biasing member from a first state in which the can has an initial storage volume to a second deformed state in which the can has a reduced storage volume that is smaller than the initial storage volume; optionally, the biasing member configured to repeatedly elastically deform by repeatedly changing the storage volume of the can in response to application and release of the biasing force; and the can further having an exterior surface bearing instructions to a user to, optionally repeatedly, apply the biasing force to the base after opening the lid sufficiently to allow the liquid component to pass through, while preventing at least the solid component from exiting the can before opening the lid.

[0017] The instructions may further include instructions to orient the can so that the open portion of the lid faces at least partially downwards.

[0018] In the present description and embodiments, the term "first state" can mean either an initial state or a state close to the initial state, i.e., closer to the initial state than the deformed state.

[0019] The biasing member may be made of metal, and if designed to be resiliently deformable, may be configured to change its orientation between the undeformed state and the deformed state a number of times upon corresponding repeated application and release of the biasing force by a user, which may be more than 10 times, more specifically more than 20 times, even more specifically more than 30 times, and even more specifically at least 50 times.

[0020] The biasing member's ability to elastically change state allows it to function as the membrane of a pump, e.g., a dosing pump, to gradually and controllably expel liquid ingredients from the can when the lid is opened to an extent sufficient to force liquid product ingredients out of the can while preventing solid ingredients from exiting the can when a biasing force is applied to the base, but not to an extent necessary to subsequently draw air from outside the can into the can when the biasing force is released. In this case, the desired opening extent can be reached by the user first opening the lid minimally, attempting to cause the base to act as a membrane, and then increasing that extent, as needed, until the desired membrane-like function of the base is achieved. Alternatively, the lid can be formed with a prefabricated initial access area having such a predefined configuration that, when the lid is opened to expose this area and provide initial access to the interior of the can through it, this access allows air to be drawn into the can following or simultaneously with the liquid ingredients being forced out of the can, thereby displacing the liquid ingredients inside the can when the user applies a biasing force to the base, and prevents the access from becoming clogged with solid product ingredients. An example of the shape of such an initial access area is a non-axisymmetric, e.g., non-circular, shape. The dimensions of the initial access area can be determined by trial and error experiments using a given material with appropriate mechanical properties, depending on the capacity of the can and the properties of the liquid and solid ingredients of the product.

[0021] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a canister including a base in the form of any of the biasing members described above.

[0022] The base may be configured to operate to utilize its ability to act as a biasing member only when the lid is at least partially open, or the base may be configured to place the can in its most deformed state with minimum storage volume only when the lid is open.

[0023] The reduced volume of the can may be substantially smaller than the initial volume, with a minimum value equal to the minimum solid content of the product. For example, it may be at least 10% smaller than the initial volume, particularly at least 15% smaller than the initial volume, and even more particularly at least 20% smaller than the initial volume. The maximum reduced volume of the can may be at least 25% smaller than the initial volume, and more particularly about 30% smaller than the initial volume of the can.

[0024] Application of a biasing force by a user typically refers to the manual application of such force, but can generally contemplate any simple mechanical device for repeatedly applying a biasing force to a biasing member.

[0025] A ready-to-sell condition for a can with product refers to a finished, hermetically sealed can containing the product that has been stored at ambient or other storage conditions for the shelf life of the product, i.e., any period immediately prior to opening the can to use the product. The phrase "finished can with product" means that the can with product has undergone all manufacturing steps necessary to bring the can with product into a ready-to-sell condition, including any post-sealing treatments such as pasteurization, retort, sterilization, etc., as needed.

[0026] The base does not have the ability to open or be removed from the can in normal use. Rather, the can is configured to be opened only by opening the lid, for example, by separating at least a portion of the lid from the sidewall or by separating a portion of the lid from another portion of the lid, to provide desired access to the interior of the can.

[0027] The lid is openable, and the base constitutes a biasing member, allowing a user to bias the base to reduce the storage volume within the can, such that at least a portion of the product within the can, typically at least a portion of the liquid ingredients, are forced out of the open lid by reducing the storage volume within the can, without smearing fingers or otherwise making a mess when biasing or pushing the biasing member toward the interior of the can. Thus, the liquid ingredients can exit the can at a different portion of the can than where the user's fingers apply the biasing force, resulting in a cleaner, less messy operation. Furthermore, by using the base as a biasing member operable as described above in a can containing liquid and solid product ingredients, the impact on the solid ingredients can be eliminated or at least substantially reduced, and therefore the majority of the liquid ingredients can substantially maintain their initial state while being forced out of the can. This is in contrast to situations where liquid is squeezed out of a can by pushing an at least partially separated lid inward (as is often done by users of conventional cans containing liquid and solid product ingredients) or by squeezing the side wall of the can as proposed, for example, in US 6,333.

[0028] The base, lid, and sidewall of the can are components thereof, all of which may be fabricated separately and then hermetically secured together. In this case, the base may be fabricated separately as a body having a periphery along which the body is configured to be integrally attached to the sidewall. Alternatively, the base and sidewall may be formed as a single piece, such as by a stamping operation.

[0029] A canister or biasing member provided with a biasing member according to any of the above aspects may further have any one or more of the features of any of the aspects and embodiments presented below.

[0030] The ability of the biasing member to be biased between the two states can result from the mechanical properties of the material from which the biasing member is made and / or from the configuration of its body. In the latter case, a biasing member having that configuration can be made of a material that is sufficiently stiff to prevent biasing of the biasing member if a member of the same thickness does not include that configuration.

[0031] Such a rigid material may be sufficiently structurally rigid and sturdy so that a base made therefrom can withstand the conditions to which a can is typically subjected when hermetically sealed, including high or low temperatures, impact from an accidental drop, long-term stresses such as where heavy cans or crates are stacked on top of the can, and higher or lower pressures, without altering its above-mentioned biasing capabilities.

[0032] The material can include or be metal, optionally tin. Metal, and optionally tin, are regularly used in cans or their components, i.e., used to form them. Sheet metal, in particular, not only has a high strength-to-weight ratio, but can also be easily formed into various shapes and joined to create hermetically sealed containers. Metal is also structurally rigid to resist deformation and sufficiently ductile to withstand some deformation without breaking the can's hermetic seal. Furthermore, metal cans are a preferred choice for canned foods due to their inherent ability to withstand post-sealing processing without essentially changing their original configuration / orientation.

[0033] The body of the biasing member can include a central region and an intermediate region extending between the central region and the peripheral edge. The orientation of the intermediate region relative to the central region and the peripheral edge can be different in the initial state and the deformed state of the biasing member. In the initial state, the intermediate region can extend from the peripheral edge toward the exterior of the can, and in the deformed state of the biasing member, the intermediate region can extend toward the interior of the can.

[0034] This arrangement allows the intermediate region to change its direction of extension in order to reduce the storage volume, which effectively constitutes at least a partial inversion of the body of the base.

[0035] In the initial state of the biasing member, the body of the biasing member may have a generally convex shape, and in the deformed state of the biasing member, the body of the biasing member may have a generally planar or concave shape.

[0036] The initial state of the biasing member may be substantially dome-shaped, with the dome-shaped body generally being efficient at withstanding pressures, such as hydrostatic pressure, that may be applied to the can during its manufacture, filling, hermetic sealing, or subsequent processing.

[0037] The shape of the central region can be configured to remain unchanged between the initial state and the deformed state of the biasing member.

[0038] The central region of the body may be stiffer than the intermediate region such that the intermediate region deforms preferentially than the central region under application of a biasing force to the biasing member.

[0039] In this way, the stability and shape of the can can be facilitated to be maintained despite deformation of the intermediate region surrounding the central region.

[0040] The difference in stiffness between the central and intermediate regions of the body can be achieved by a corresponding configuration. In particular, the intermediate region can be formed with a shape / geometry that facilitates its deformation as needed. For example, the intermediate region of the body can be formed with several grooves extending from the central region towards the periphery at a distance from one another, dividing the intermediate region into a corresponding number of sections, which can be in the shape of annular sectors, and which change their orientation relative to one another under the application of a biasing force to the intermediate region.

[0041] In this arrangement, the grooves can be configured to allow the sections disposed on either side of each groove to change their orientation relative to one another upon application of a biasing force, thereby facilitating inversion and / or change of shape of the body when brought from an initial state to its deformed state.

[0042] The central region of the body can be recessed relative to at least an adjacent portion of the intermediate region. Such a stepped configuration can also allow for an easier change of shape of the biasing member from the initial state to the deformed state.

[0043] The can may be configured to undergo the temperature and pressure differential conditions of a post-sealing process, such as any one of pasteurization, retort, sterilization, and the like.

[0044] More specifically, the can may be configured to withstand a pressure differential of 150 KPa between the inside and outside of the can without buckling.

[0045] The cans can be constructed to withstand high temperatures up to 145°C, as well as ambient and refrigerated conditions acceptable for canned foods and the like.

[0046] Different aspects and features of the biasing member and can according to the subject matter of the present disclosure may also be presented in the following embodiments.

[0047] 1. A can for containing a product including at least one solid component and at least one liquid component, the can comprising, in a ready-to-sell state of the can with at least the product, a lid that hermetically seals the can and that can be at least partially opened to allow at least partial removal of the product from the can, a base opposite the lid, and a sidewall extending therebetween; A can, wherein the base is in the form of a body comprising a metal material, and a biasing member configured to be biased inwardly by a user applying a biasing force to the biasing member, at least during use of the can when the lid is at least partially open, thereby enabling the user to change the state of the biasing member between a first state, in which the can has a first storage volume, and a second, deformed state, in which the can has a reduced storage volume that is smaller than the first storage volume.

[0048] 2. A can according to embodiment 1, wherein the base has a peripheral edge along which the body is fixedly connected to the side wall.

[0049] 3. A biasing member for use as a base for a can containing a product comprising at least one solid component and at least one liquid component, wherein the can in a ready-to-sell state with the product has a sidewall and a lid that can be at least partially opened to hermetically seal the can and allow at least partial removal of the product from the can, the biasing member being in the form of a body comprising a metallic material and having a periphery within a reference plane, the body being configured such that when the periphery is held fixedly in place, the user can bias the body in a predetermined direction by applying a biasing force to the body at a location spaced from the periphery, thereby changing the state of the biasing member from a first state to a second deformed state, both states being parallel to (a) the body and (b) a point parallel to the reference plane and spaced from the reference plane in said direction by a distance greater than the distance between the reference plane and any point on the body in the deformed state. and (c) a second imaginary surface perpendicular to the first imaginary surface and extending between the first imaginary surface and the periphery, wherein the volume is a first volume in the first state of the body and a second reduced volume less than the first volume in the second deformed state of the body, and the biasing member is configured to be fixedly connected at its periphery to the sidewall of the can at an end opposite to the end to which the lid is connected, with a predetermined biasing direction directed toward the inside of the can, and the biasing member constitutes a base for a can having a product, the base being configured to be biased inward by a user applying a biasing force to the base, at least during use of the can when the lid is at least partially opened, thereby changing the volume of the can between the first volume in the first state of the biasing member and the second reduced volume less than the first volume in the second deformed state of the biasing member.

[0050] 4. A can according to embodiment 1 or 2, or a biasing member according to embodiment 3, wherein the biasing member is configured so that the can is in a maximum deformation state with a minimum containment volume only when the lid is at least partially open.

[0051] 5. A can according to embodiment 2 or 4, or a biasing member according to embodiment 3 or 4, wherein the body is fabricated separately and configured to be integrally attached to the side wall at its periphery.

[0052] 6. A can according to embodiment 2 or 4, or a biasing member according to embodiment 2 or 4, wherein the biasing member is configured to repeatedly deform between a first state and a second state upon corresponding application and release of a biasing force by a user, to produce corresponding repeated changes in the storage volume of the can.

[0053] 7. A can or biasing member according to embodiment 6, wherein the biasing member is configured to elastically deform between the first state and the second state upon application and release of a biasing force a number of times, the number of times being greater than 20.

[0054] 8. A can according to any one of embodiments 1, 2 and 4-7, or a biasing member according to any one of embodiments 3-7, wherein the biasing member has a configuration that allows a user to bias the biasing member from a first state to a second state, and the metal making up the body is sufficiently rigid to prevent biasing of the biasing member if this member of the same thickness does not have the configuration.

[0055] 9. the body further includes a central region and an intermediate region extending between the central region and the periphery; an orientation of the intermediate region relative to the central region and the periphery differs between the first and second states of the biasing member; Optionally, in the first state, the intermediate region extends from the periphery toward the outside of the can, and in the second deformed state of the biasing member, the intermediate region extends toward the inside of the can.

[0056] 10. A can or biasing member according to embodiment 9, wherein in the initial state of the biasing member, the body of the biasing member has a generally convex shape, and in the deformed state of the biasing member, the body of the biasing member has a generally concave shape.

[0057] 11. A can or biasing member according to embodiment 9 or 10, wherein the shape of the central region is configured to remain unchanged between the first and second states of the biasing member.

[0058] 12. A can or biasing member according to any one of embodiments 8 to 11, wherein the configuration of the body is such that the intermediate region deforms preferentially over the central region under the application of a biasing force to the biasing member by a user.

[0059] 13. A canister comprising a base in the form of a biasing member according to any one of embodiments 3 to 12.

[0060] 14. A can according to any one of embodiments 1, 2, and 4-13, and a biasing member according to any one of embodiments 3-12, wherein the ready-to-sell state of the can is the state that the can with the product has after going through the entire manufacturing process.

[0061] 15. A can or biasing member according to embodiment 14, configured such that during the process, the can with the product therein can withstand a pressure difference of 150 KPa between the inside and outside of the can without buckling.

[0062] 16. A can or biasing member according to embodiments 1, 2, and 4-15, or a biasing member according to any one of embodiments 3-12 and 14 or 15, wherein the ratio between the reduced volume of the can and its initial volume is at least 0.5-0.95.

[0063] 17. A can according to any one of embodiments 1, 2, and 4-16, or a biasing member according to any one of embodiments 3-12 and 14-16, wherein the can is ready for sale with (a) the lid partially open enough to allow liquid ingredients to be pushed out of the lid while preventing solid ingredients from leaving the can, (b) the can oriented so that the open portion of the lid faces at least partially downward, and (c) the can has an exterior surface bearing instructions to a user to repeatedly apply and release a biasing force against the base of the can.

[0064] 18. A can for containing a product comprising at least one solid component and at least one liquid component, wherein the can has the following characteristics at least in a ready-to-sell state of the can with the product: a lid that hermetically seals the can and that is at least partially openable to allow at least partial removal of the product from the can, a base opposite the lid, and a sidewall extending therebetween; the base comprises metal, and comprises a biasing member configured, at least during use of the can when the lid is at least partially open, to be biased inward by a user applying a biasing force to the biasing member, at least during use of the can when the lid is at least partially open, thereby changing a state of the biasing member from a first state in which the can has a first storage volume to a second deformed state in which the can has a reduced storage volume that is smaller than the initial storage volume; A can, wherein the biasing member is configured to repeatedly elastically deform from a first state to a second state upon application of a biasing force, and to return from the second state to the first state each time the biasing force is released, such repeated changes in the state of the base between the first state and the second state causing corresponding repeated changes in the containment volume of the can.

[0065] 19. A biasing member for use as a base for a can having a sidewall and a lid, the biasing member comprising a body comprising metal and having a periphery within a reference plane, the body configured such that when the periphery is held fixedly in place, a user can repeatedly apply and release a biasing force to the body to repeatedly elastically deform the body, thereby changing the state of the biasing member between a first state and a second deformed state, both states being defined by a biasing member that is connected to (a) the body; (b) a first imaginary plane that is parallel to the reference plane and spaced in that direction from the reference plane a distance greater than the distance between the reference plane and any point on the body in the deformed state; and (c) a first imaginary plane that is perpendicular to the first imaginary plane. and a second imaginary surface extending between the first imaginary surface and the periphery, the volume being a reduced volume that is smaller than the first volume in the first state of the body and the first volume in the deformed state of the body, and the biasing member is configured to be fixedly attached to the side wall of the can with a predetermined biasing direction directed toward the interior of the can such that the biasing member is capable of repeatedly deforming inward and resiliently returning between the first state and the second deformed state upon respective application and release of a biasing force, causing a corresponding change in the containment volume of the can, at least during use of the can when the lid is at least partially open.

[0066] In a can according to any one of the above aspects and embodiments, the product may be a food product, for example, tuna, and the can may contain the product.

[0067] The canister and biasing member according to any of the above aspects and embodiments may have a round shape in plan view.

[0068] The biasing member according to any of the above aspects and embodiments may have at least one reinforcing rib adjacent its periphery.

[0069] The biasing member and / or can according to any of the above aspects and embodiments can be fabricated using the same techniques as those conventionally used for the same product. For example, if the food product is tuna, which is currently primarily sold in round metal cans, the biasing member can be fabricated with the same configuration and with a periphery configured to connect to the sidewall of the same can as a conventional tuna can.

[0070] The can according to any of the above aspects and embodiments may further include a central axis passing through and extending between each of the lid and the base, a first opening arrangement configured to, during operation, allow removal of liquid components while preventing removal of solid components, and a second opening arrangement configured to, during operation, allow removal of solid components and spaced from the first opening arrangement by a portion of the lid that, at least in an initial state of the lid, prevents passage of at least solid components through the portion of the lid, the spacing being in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

[0071] This arrangement allows the liquid components to be removed from the can while the solid components are retained, followed by the removal of the solid components from which the liquid components have been expelled. Because the first and second opening arrangements are spaced apart, the second opening arrangement is not contaminated by the liquid components exiting the first opening arrangement.

[0072] In operation of the at least first and second opening arrangements, the first opening arrangement can include at least one first opening formed in the lid, and the second opening arrangement can include at least one second opening formed in the lid and different from the first opening.

[0073] By providing separate openings for each opening arrangement, the openings can be tailored to the appropriate material to be dispensed therethrough, for example, the size and dimensions of the openings can be selected and optimized to fit the shape and size of at least one of the components of the product being canned, e.g., the solid component within the can.

[0074] The first opening can be smaller than the second opening, and optionally the at least one first opening can be a plurality of first openings, and the at least one second opening can be a single opening larger than each of the first openings.

[0075] The first opening(s) can be configured to provide a filtering effect, such that solid ingredients cannot exit the can, while liquid ingredients can easily flow out of the first opening(s). The second opening can be configured to facilitate removal of solid ingredients from the can therethrough. If multiple first openings are provided, liquid ingredients will be able to drain from the can faster and more efficiently, even though solid ingredients cannot exit the can.

[0076] The first opening arrangement may comprise a pull tab operably configured to separate a first portion of the lid from the remainder of the lid, thereby creating the at least one opening or exposing the at least one first opening if pre-fabricated.

[0077] If the at least one first opening is created (rather than pre-fabricated), this may be achieved by tearing the lid, while the exposure of the at least one first pre-fabricated opening may be achieved by peeling away a covering portion or covering layer of the lid.

[0078] The pull tab can be a single pull tab that forms part of the first and second opening arrangements, configured to operate the pull tab to separate at least a first portion of the lid from the remainder of the lid, thereby creating or revealing, in the extent and sequence of separation of the lid, first the at least one first opening and then the at least one second opening.

[0079] This arrangement allows a single pull tab to provide a dual function by sequentially operating the first and second opening arrangements to first eject liquid ingredients from the can, and subsequently remove solid ingredients from the can.

[0080] The pull tab of the first opening arrangement can be a first pull tab configured to be operated to separate the first portion of the lid from the remainder of the lid, and the second opening arrangement can comprise a second pull tab configured to be operated to separate a second portion of the lid other than the first portion of the lid from the remainder of the lid, thereby creating or exposing at least one second opening if pre-fabricated. With this arrangement, if the first pull tab becomes soiled by the discharge of liquid ingredients, the second pull tab remains clean, allowing for clean removal of solid ingredients from the can.

[0081] The lid can include or be made of the same material as the rest of the can, and the pull tab can be in the form of a ring pull, which can simplify handling and joining costs and operations when providing the can.

[0082] The lid may comprise a layer of metal foil and the pull tab(s) may take the form of a pull tag(s). The lid may take the form of a laminate structure having at least a foil layer and optionally also a polymer layer.

[0083] The first portion of the lid can have an area smaller than an area of ​​the second portion of the lid, thereby enabling operation of the first pull tab to separate the first portion of the lid to a first extent, the first extent being smaller than a second extent over which the second portion of the lid can be separated by operation of the second pull tab.

[0084] Such a smaller separation of the first extent can prevent accidental exposure or creation of a second opening, thereby preventing accidental release of solid ingredients from the can. Furthermore, as a result, the second opening can be formed to have a larger area to allow for easier removal of solid ingredients from the can once the liquid ingredients have been discharged from the can.

[0085] The lid may further include a support surface surrounding a single opening occupying a majority of the area of ​​the lid, and a cover layer covering the opening and secured to the support surface, the cover layer being selectively detachable from the support surface to expose a first portion of the opening, thereby providing a first opening arrangement, and selectively detachable from the support surface to expose a second portion of the opening, at least a portion of which is spaced apart from the first portion to provide a second opening arrangement, optionally the first portion being smaller than the second portion.

[0086] This arrangement provides a simplified can that still has two spaced apart opening arrangements.

[0087] The can may also include a directional control component associated with the first opening arrangement for controlling the direction of flow of the liquid component during transfer of the liquid component through the first opening arrangement.

[0088] Such a directional control component can redirect the flow of liquid exiting the can along a specific path, thus avoiding contamination and spreading of liquid components onto the user's hands or any pull tab of the first opening arrangement.

[0089] The directional control component can be removed from the lid, for example, by tearing or peeling it off.

[0090] The can may further include a strainer disposed within the can adjacent the lid, the strainer further including at least one or more small openings configured to drain liquids from the can while retaining solid components within the can, and a single larger opening configured to remove solid components from the can.

[0091] The strainer may be fixedly positioned against the side wall of the can so that it does not move within the can.

[0092] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a can for containing a product including at least one solid component and at least one liquid component, the can comprising the following features: a lid, a base and a sidewall extending therebetween; a central axis passing through each of the lid and the base and extending therebetween; a first opening arrangement configured to, during operation, allow removal of the liquid component while preventing removal of the solid component; and a second opening arrangement configured to, during operation, allow removal of the solid component and spaced from the first opening arrangement by a portion of the lid that, at least in an initial state of the lid, prevents passage of at least the solid component through the portion of the lid, the spacing being in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

[0093] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a lid for use with a can for containing a product including at least one solid component and at least one liquid component, the can including a base and a side wall, a lid having two sides, one side configured to face the interior of the can when the lid is attached to the side wall of the can, and a central axis extending between the two sides, the lid being configured, during operation thereof, to allow transfer of the liquid component from one side of the lid to the other side of the lid while preventing removal of the solid component along with the liquid component. and a second opening arrangement configured to allow removal of solid ingredients from one side of the lid to the other side of the lid during operation of the opening arrangement, the second opening arrangement being spaced from the first opening arrangement by a portion of the lid that prevents passage of at least the solid ingredients through the portion of the lid in at least an initial state of the lid, the space being in a plane perpendicular to the central axis; and a periphery of the lid along which the lid is configured to be attached to a side wall of the can at an end of the side wall opposite to where the base is connected to the side wall.

[0094] The can lid may be formed separately from the remaining components of the can so that it is integrally attached to the can sidewall during can manufacture.

[0095] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a strainer for a can including at least one first opening and at least one second opening, the first and second openings differing in at least one of size and shape to allow liquid product ingredients to pass through the at least one first opening while preventing such passage of solid ingredients, and subsequently allowing solid product ingredients to be removed from the at least one second opening. The strainer can be an integral part of the can or a part insertable into the can.

[0096] The first and second openings may have any of the opening / opening features of the first and second opening arrangements described above.

[0097] According to any one of the above aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter, the volume ratio of the can or the can having the biasing member constituting its base between the deformed state of the biasing member (i.e., the initial storage volume) and the initial state of the biasing member (i.e., the reduced storage volume) is 0.5 to 0.95. Throughout the specification, the use of the term "solid" when referring to a solid component does not reflect the degree of solidity of the solid component, but rather is a relative term meaning that the solid component is in a more solid state than the liquid component.

[0098] Throughout the specification, the meaning of the term "opening arrangement" depends on whether the openings are pre-fabricated or created by manipulation of the arrangement. In the former case, the term "opening arrangement" refers to an arrangement that includes pre-fabricated openings and is operable to expose those openings to the exterior of the can. In this case, the spacing between a first opening arrangement and a second opening arrangement can be considered to be the spacing between the openings of those two arrangements.

[0099] In the latter case, where the can does not have a pre-fabricated opening, the term "opening arrangement" refers to an element of the can that is operable to create and thereby expose an opening to the exterior of the can, e.g., an opening in the lid. In this case, the spacing between the first opening arrangement and the second opening arrangement can be considered to be the spacing between these respective operable elements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0100] For a better understanding of the subject matter disclosed herein, and to illustrate how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0101] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a top perspective view of a typical can in which the subject matter of the present disclosure may be used. [Figure 1B] 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the can of FIG. 1A taken along the central plane of symmetry AA of the can, including the contents of the can. [Figure 1C]1 is a schematic diagram of a profile of a biasable base of a can according to one embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter in a cross-sectional view of the base taken along a central plane of symmetry, the profile showing the deformed state of the base in solid lines and the initial state of the base in dotted lines. [Figure 1D-1E] 1 shows a top perspective view of another exemplary can in which the subject matter of the present disclosure may be used. [Figure 1F] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a profile of an actuatable base when fabricated as a separate, continuous, solid body according to a further embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter, in a cross-sectional view taken along a central plane of symmetry, the profile showing the deformed state of the base in solid lines and the initial state of the base in dotted lines. [Figure 2A] 10 shows a plan view of an actuatable base in an initial state according to a further embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. [Figure 2B] The profile of the base of FIG. 2A is shown in cross section taken along the central plane of symmetry BB. [Figure 2C] The profile of the base of FIG. 2A is shown in partial cross section taken along plane CC. [Figure 2D] 2B is a top perspective view of the base of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2E] 2B shows a top perspective view of the base of FIG. 2A in a deformed state. [Figure 2F] 2B is a schematic diagram of a profile of the base of FIG. 2A in the cross section referred to in the description of FIG. 2B, the profile showing the deformed state of the base in solid lines and the initial state of the base in dotted lines. [Figure 3A] 10 illustrates, in plan view, an actuatable base in an initial state according to a further embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter; [Figure 3B] The profile of the base of FIG. 3A is shown in cross section taken along the central plane of symmetry DD. [Figure 3C] A partial profile of the base of FIG. 3A is shown in cross section taken along plane EE. [Figure 4A] 10 illustrates a plan view of an actuatable base in an initial state according to a further embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. [Figure 4B] The profile of the base in FIG. 4A is shown in cross section taken along the central plane of symmetry FF. [Figure 4C] 4B shows a side view of the base of FIG. 4A. [Figure 4D] 4B is a schematic diagram of the profile of the base of FIG. 4A, with the profile at the cross section referred to in the description of FIG. 4B, showing the deformed state of the base in solid lines and the initial state of the base in dotted lines. [Figure 5A] 10 shows a top perspective view of a biasable base in an initial state of a further embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. [Figure 5B] 5B shows a plan view of the base of FIG. 5A. [Figure 5C] 5B shows a side view of the base of FIG. 5A. [Figure 6] 1 shows a top perspective view of a can having first and second opening arrangements according to a further embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. [Figure 7] 1 shows a top perspective view of a can lid having first and second opening arrangements according to a further embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. [Figure 8A] 1 shows a plan view of a coating layer of a can lid according to a further embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. [Figure 8B] 1 shows a plan view of the strainer layer of the can lid. [Figure 8C] 8B shows a top perspective view of a lid including the cover layer of FIG. 8A and the strainer layer of FIG. 8B. [Figure 9A] 1 shows a plan view of a coating layer of a can lid according to a further embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. [Figure 9B] 9B shows a plan view of the lid including the cover layer and strainer layer of FIG. 9A. [Figure 10] 1 shows a plan view of a coating layer of a can lid according to a further embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. [Figure 11] 1 shows a plan view of a ring layer of a can lid. [Figure 12A] 1 shows a top perspective view of a can lid having first and second opening arrangements. [Figures 12B-12C] 1 shows a plan view of a can lid having first and second opening arrangements. [Figure 13] 10 shows a schematic top perspective view of a lid having a directional control component according to a further embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. [Figure 14A] 10 is a schematic illustration of a profile of a resilient biasing member in an initial state according to a further embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter in a cross-sectional view of the base member taken along its central plane of symmetry; FIG. [Figure 14B] 14B shows a profile of the resilient biasing member of FIG. 14A in a deformed state.

[0102] In the list above and in the following description, the term "central plane of symmetry" of an element such as a can, its lid, and / or its base means a plane that passes through the center of the element and is oriented vertically when the lid or base is oriented horizontally or when the can is upright. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0103] 1A and 1B show a typical can 10 containing a product including at least one solid ingredient and at least one liquid ingredient. The product can be an edible or other preserved product, i.e., the can can be a food storage can and can contain the product. The can is shown with the product in its ready-to-sell, hermetically sealed state, with the solid and liquid ingredients shown in FIG. 1B and designated 12 and 14, respectively.

[0104] The can 10 in the above-described state includes a lid 20 (not shown) that can be at least partially opened to allow at least partial removal of the product, e.g., only the liquid component 14 or only the solid component 12, or some or all of both, from the can 10. The can 10 further has a base 30 opposite the lid 20 and a sidewall 40 extending between the base 30 and the lid 20.

[0105] The base 30 and sidewall 40 of the can may comprise a unitary body, or the base may be fixedly connected to the sidewall to form a unitary body such that the base forms a receptacle (not shown) configured to hermetically seal and attach a lid to form the can 10.

[0106] Can 10, or at least its base 30, is made of a material and is configured to undergo and withstand, without buckling or other substantial deformation, post-can sealing processes required for processing canned foods, such as any one or more of pasteurization, or retort, or sterilization, as known in the art, which may include differential pressures, i.e., a pressure difference of at least 150 KPa between the inside and outside of the can.

[0107] The cans can also be constructed to withstand high temperatures up to 145°C, as well as ambient and refrigerated conditions acceptable for canned foods and the like.

[0108] The solid product 12 in the can 10 can be any edible product, such as, for example, meat, fish, pet food, fruit, vegetables, etc., and the liquid product 14 in the can 10 can be any preservative, such as, for example, oil, water, brine, syrup, fruit juice, etc. In a more specific example, the can can be a can of tuna.

[0109] All components of the can 10, i.e., the lid 20, base 30, and sidewall 40, or at least some of them, can be made of a metallic material or a material containing a metallic material. For example, a laminate material in the form of a plate containing at least one of aluminum, steel, or tin, optionally with one or more layers of polymer, can be used. Alternatively, one or more of the lid 20, base 30, and sidewall 40 can be made of a polymer or a polymer-containing material. Different parts of the can can be made of different materials. For example, the sidewall can be made of a different material than the base and / or lid, or the lid, sidewall, and base can all be made of different materials. The material from which the can, or any part thereof, can be made can be metallic or non-metallic, including polymers. Examples of metals are aluminum, tin, iron, or tin-coated steel, and examples of non-metallic materials are hard synthetic materials made from organic polymers.

[0110] Although can 10 is shown as a cylindrical container, this is not limiting and other shapes are envisioned, such as a rectangular prism with rounded corners and / or edges as shown in Figures 1D and 1E, an elongated cylinder, or other shapes.

[0111] The lid 20 can be of any conventional design. In particular, it can be opened using a can opener or other cutting device, or it can include a score line and a ring pull for tearing the lid 20 open along the score line. Alternatively, the lid 20 can include a support surface disposed around at least a portion of the periphery of the side wall 40 for attachment by adhesive or other means of a peelable metal foil or polymer film covering layer for hermetically sealing the can.

[0112] Can 10 can be manufactured in several ways. For example, base 30 and / or lid 20 can be integrally formed with sidewall 40 of can 10, for example, in a stamping operation, or can be formed separately and then attached to sidewall 40 of can 10 by known methods and processes, for example, by joining with a seam. Other processes are suitable and known to those skilled in the art.

[0113] The above description of a typical can 10 in a ready-to-sell condition hermetically sealed with an openable lid applies fully to the can in this example, except that the base in this example is made of metal and has a configuration that, when biased toward the interior of the can by a user, deforms at least once to reduce the can's storage volume at least after the can's lid is at least partially opened. Furthermore, in this example, this metal base (hereinafter referred to as the can's "biasing member") is made of a material that is sufficiently stiff to prevent deformation if it has the same thickness but does not have the above configuration. The term "configuration," in the context of the biasing member's ability to be biased inward, refers to its configuration as seen at least from the outside of the can.

[0114] 1C illustrates the above-described function of the biasing member of can 10 constituted by base 30, according to one embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. In FIG. 1C, base 30 is configured to bias can 10 against a predetermined threshold force F Thresh 30. The force F can be applied to one or more locations on the base 30, and the force F can be applied to the base 30 at any predetermined threshold F. Thresh should be reasonably low so that a user can easily deform base 30 using, for example, a finger, without the need for other devices or gadgets. Figure 1C shows can 10 with base 30 in a deformed state, where, looking at the solid line of base 30, can 10 has a storage volume 60 that is smaller than the initial storage volume 50 in the initial state of base 30 of can 10 (shown by the dotted line).

[0115] Under normal, reasonable use expected of the can, the base may be deformable, as described above, i.e., to its final shape or to a deformed state, by application of sufficient external force only when the lid 20 is opened to a sufficient extent to permit access to at least a portion of the contents of the can 10, e.g., liquid component 14. Otherwise, the can 10 would not be structurally capable of withstanding the much greater pasteurization and sterilization conditions required. Conversely, when the can is hermetically sealed closed, such transformation from the initial state to a deformed state is prevented by the physical resistance to compression of the liquids and solids within the can.

[0116] In operation, the user at least partially opens the lid 20 and inverts the can 10 to allow gravity to accelerate the product downward, applying a threshold force F Thresh 1, a force F greater than 500 psi is applied to the base 30 of the can 10. As a result of this bias, the base 30 moves from an initial state in which the can 10 has a first volume 50 to a deformed state in which the can has a second, reduced volume 60.

[0117] As noted above, the base 30 can be fabricated as a separate body and then fixedly attached to the can sidewall, or can be formed as a unitary piece with at least the can sidewall 40. Figure 1F schematically illustrates the above operation of the base 30 when fabricated as a separate, continuous, solid body 32 having a perimeter 34, along which the body 32 is configured to be fixedly connected to a can sidewall, such as the sidewall 40 of the can 10 described above with reference to Figures 1A-1E.

[0118] Body 32 has a central region 36 and an intermediate region 38 extending between central region 36 and peripheral edge 34. Body 32 is configured to be biased in a predetermined biasing direction D when peripheral edge 34 of body 32 is held fixed in place by applying a force F to body 32 at a location of body 32 spaced from peripheral edge 34. In order for body 32 to be biased, the force F applied thereto must be greater than or equal to a threshold force F. Thresh is greater than F, i.e., F>F Thresh The location spaced from the periphery 34 can be the center of the body 32, for example, the central region 36, and / or anywhere between the center and the periphery 34.

[0119] The operation of body 32, which mimics its behavior when used as a can base, is described below with reference to Figure 1F, where body 32 is shown in its initial state, shown in dotted lines, and its deformed state, shown in solid lines. In Figure 1F, the following imaginary planes are used to describe the operation of body 32: - a reference plane P on which the periphery 34 of the body 32 lies R -Reference plane P R is parallel to the reference plane P R and a reference plane P in the biasing direction D to a distance greater than the distance between any point on the body 32 in the deformed state. R A first imaginary plane S spaced from I1 - first imaginary surface S I1 and perpendicular to the first imaginary plane S I1 and a second imaginary plane S extending between the periphery 34 I2

[0120] In the initial state of the body 32, an initial volume 50 is defined by the body 32 and the first imaginary surface S I1 and the second imaginary surface S I2 In the deformed state of the body 32, a reduced volume 60 is accommodated between the body 32 and the first imaginary plane S I1 and the second imaginary surface S I2 The reduced volume 60 is less than the initial volume 50.

[0121] When the body 32 as a biasing member is fixedly attached to or integrally formed with the side wall of the can, such as the side wall 40 of the can 10 in Figures 1A to 1E, the orientation is such that the biasing direction of the base 30, direction D, is toward the inside of the can 10.

[0122] 1F , in the initial state of the body 32, the intermediate region 38 extends from the periphery 34 toward the central region 36 in a direction opposite to the bias direction D. When the body 32 is attached to the side wall of a can, this extension direction is toward the outside of the can, i.e., away from the inside of the can. Conversely, as shown by the dotted lines, in the deformed state of the body 32, the intermediate region 38 extends generally downward from the periphery 34 toward the central region 36, i.e., in the same direction as the bias direction D. When the body 32 is attached to the side wall of a can, this extension direction is toward the interior of the can, i.e., toward the inside of the can.

[0123] In the illustrated example, the body 32 appears to have a generally convex shape in its initial state, but in its deformed state, the body 32 has a generally concave shape. Concave and concave means generally curved in the bias direction D and generally curved in the direction opposite to the bias direction D. In FIG. 1F, these directions are respectively defined by the reference plane P R below and above.

[0124] In this particular example, initially, the body 32 is substantially dome-shaped, meaning that it at least partially resembles the top of a sphere, i.e., the surface generally curves toward a center point by extending from the periphery 34 toward the central region 36 in a direction opposite the biasing direction D, with the slope of the curvature increasing toward the periphery 34 and decreasing toward the central region 36.

[0125] The central region 36 of the body 32 may be stiffer than the intermediate region 38. In this case, the threshold force F Thresh If its periphery is fixed in place under the application of a biasing force F greater than 1 / 2, intermediate region 38 may deform preferentially relative to central region 36. In this case (not shown in FIG. 1F ), central region 36 may maintain its shape in both states of body 32, i.e., may remain undeformed in the deformed state of body 32, while intermediate region 38 changes its shape or configuration, i.e., deforms, when moving from the initial state of body 32 to the deformed state.

[0126] It should be understood that the particular shapes of the initial and deformed states of base 30 in Figures 1C and 1F are merely exemplary, and other possibilities are contemplated. For example, without limitation, base 30 can have an initial convex configuration in the initial state and a less convex, planar, or concave configuration in the deformed state.

[0127] Various configurations of the body 32 may be provided that allow for use as a can base and that have a threshold force F Thresh The body 32 is biased under an applied force F greater than or equal to 100 W. These configurations can include providing at least the intermediate region 36 of the body 32 with a shape that changes at least partially between its initial state and the deformed state. Non-limiting examples of such configurations are shown in Figures 2A-2F, 3A-3C, 4A-4D, and 5A-5C.

[0128] 2A, 2D, and 2E show a body 132 configured for use as a base 130 for a can (not shown) and having a periphery 134 along which the body 132 is secured to the can's sidewall, a central region 136, and an intermediate region 138. The body 132 has a first side, seen in FIGS. 2A and 2D, which is the side that faces outward from the can when the body 132 is attached to the can's sidewall and a second side opposite the first side.

[0129] As seen from its first side, body 132 is formed with a plurality of channels or grooves 137 spaced from one another circumferentially about its intermediate portion. Grooves 137 extend from central region 136 toward peripheral edge 134 and divide intermediate region 138 into sections 139, each having the shape of an annular sector. Six grooves 137 and corresponding six sections 139 are shown, although any other number is contemplated. From a second side of body 132, grooves 137 appear to be protrusions because base body 132 has a small through-thickness, as is typical in sheet metal or other laminates and / or canning materials.

[0130] FIG. 2F shows the body 132 in a schematic representation in its deformed state (shown in solid lines) and in its initial state (shown in dotted lines), and it can be seen by comparing the initial state of FIG. 2D with the deformed state of FIG. 2E, as well as from the profile of FIG. 2F, that the mutual orientation of each of the two adjacent sections 139 disposed on either side of each groove 137 changes between the two states. F In the deformed configuration shown in Figure 1, when the body 132 changes its state to the deformed state, the two sections 139 on either side of each groove 137 move closer to each other, i.e., the angle between them or the angle between the planes tangent thereto changes.

[0131] 3A, 3B, and 3C show an alternative arrangement of body 232 that is similar in almost all respects to body 132 and has a peripheral edge 234, a central region 236, and an intermediate region 238 extending between central region 236 and peripheral edge 234. Body 232 differs from body 132 in that it has only four grooves 237 and that intermediate region 238 is divided into four sections 239. Grooves 237 extend from central region 236 toward peripheral edge 234, but do not extend as far as grooves 137, which extend from central region 136 to peripheral edge 134 of base 130. However, grooves 237 provide the same function as grooves 137 described in detail above with respect to body 132.

[0132] 4A-4C show a body 332 having a peripheral edge 334, a central region 336, and an intermediate region 338 extending between the central region 336 and the peripheral edge 334. The intermediate region 338 is Thresh The central region 336 includes a raised formation having a plurality of concentric successive peaks 339 and troughs or grooves 337 configured to change its radial extension relative to the central axis X of the body 332 when a biasing force F greater than 100 kJ is applied at or adjacent the central region 336. More specifically, the raised formation of peaks 339 and troughs 337 transforms into a series of concentric concave steps.

[0133] As shown in the initial and deformed states of body 332, central region 336 appears to have the same shape or configuration in both states of the body, i.e., remains undeformed, while intermediate region 338 changes its shape or configuration, i.e., deforms, when moving from the initial state to the deformed state. Central region 336 is recessed relative to adjacent portions of intermediate region 338.

[0134] 5A-5C show a body 432 having a peripheral edge 434, a central region 436, and an intermediate region 438 extending between the central region 436 and the peripheral edge 434. The body 432 is similar to the body 332 described above in that its intermediate region 438 includes a raised formation having a plurality of concentric successive peaks 439 and a trough or groove 437 surrounding the central region 436, such that the body 432 in a deformed state transforms into a series of concentric concave steps, i.e., steps recessed in the bias direction D.

[0135] Body 432 differs from body 332 in that it has an elongated shape in which central region 436, which is recessed in bias direction D, is flat and has a rectangular shape with rounded short edges compared to the adjacent portions of intermediate region 438.

[0136] While the above embodiments refer to a can base comprising a biasing member that can be deformed from an initial state to a deformed state so that the volume contained in the can is reduced from the initial volume to a reduced volume, other possibilities for such volume reduction are contemplated. Thus, the biasing member can be comprised of a sidewall of the can, configured to deform inwardly to reduce the volume contained in the can from the initial volume to a smaller volume, i.e., less than the initial volume. For example, such a sidewall can be made of a deformable material, including, but not limited to, a deformable metal or polymer material. A can with such a deformable sidewall can include a conventional or deformable base, as described in any one of the above examples.

[0137] A can having such a deformable biasing member may be provided with a conventional lid or a lid having two opening arrangements, i.e., one that allows removal of liquid components while preventing removal of solid components, and the other that allows subsequent removal of solid components, wherein when at least the first and second opening arrangements are in operation, the arrangements are spaced apart by a separating portion of the lid that prevents at least the solid components from passing through this portion.

[0138] The opening arrangements can be configured to be operated during lid operation by creating at least one first opening for dispensing liquid ingredients and at least one second opening for dispensing solid ingredients, or by exposing such openings to the user if the openings are pre-existing, i.e., pre-fabricated in the lid and can remain unexposed until lid operation. These two options can also be combined in a single lid, with one opening arrangement designed according to one option and the other designed according to the other option. In either case, at least in the initial state of the lid, the separation between the two arrangements is provided by a separation at least in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the can / lid. The width and length of the or each first opening can be substantially smaller than the at least one second opening, which can be a single opening in the second opening arrangement. Generally, the second opening can occupy at least 30% of the lid's area, optionally at least 50% of the lid's area, while the or each first opening can occupy a much smaller area of ​​the lid. Generally, but without limitation, the smallest dimension across the second opening can be, for example, at least two times, optionally at least three times, optionally at least five times, or optionally at least ten times the smallest dimension of the first opening.

[0139] 6 shows a can designated as 510, which is similar to can 10 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, except for the design of the lid. Thus, with the exception of the description of lid 20, all of the descriptions provided above for can 10 are applicable to can 510, which has a lid 520, a base 530, and a sidewall 540 extending therebetween, and a central axis X passing through each of lid 520 and base 530.

[0140] The lid 520 of the can 510 has the first and second opening arrangements described above, which are represented schematically in FIG. 6 by dotted lines 550 and 560, respectively, with the separation portion designated as 570.

[0141] The lid 520 can be formed as a unitary piece with at least the sidewall 540 and, optionally, the base 530. Alternatively, it can be fabricated separately and attached to the sidewall 540. FIG. 7 illustrates the latter option, in which the lid 620 has two side surfaces 622, 624 that face in different directions along the lid's central axis X. The lid 620 has the first opening arrangement, the second opening arrangement, and a separation therebetween, as described above. In FIG. 7, the first opening arrangement is represented schematically by dotted line 650, the second opening arrangement is represented schematically by dotted line 660, and the separation therebetween is designated as 670. In this example, the first opening arrangement 650 is configured to allow transfer of liquid ingredients from one side 622 of the lid, i.e., the first side, to the other side 624 or second side of the lid while preventing solid ingredients from being transferred along with the liquid ingredients, the second opening arrangement is configured to allow transfer of solid ingredients from the first side 622 of the lid 620 to the second side 624 of the lid 620, and the separation portion 670 is configured to prevent transfer of at least solid ingredients when at least the first and second opening devices 650, 660 are in operation. The lid 620 also has a perimeter 626 along which the lid is configured to attach to the side wall 540 at an end of the side wall 540 opposite the end associated with the base 530.

[0142] 6 and 7, opening arrangements 550 and 560 of lid 520 and 650 and 660 of lid 620 can include several components configured to be manipulated to create first and second openings in the lid, or to expose them if pre-fabricated. Non-limiting examples of such options are provided below.

[0143] 8A, 8B, and 8C show lid 720 that can be used on can 510 in place of lid 520 or 620 and includes two portions: a continuous cover layer 720a and a strainer layer 720b formed with the first and second openings described above. Thus, existing or pre-fabricated openings in the strainer layer are configured to be exposed for removal of liquid and solid components as described above by manipulation of cover layer 720a.

[0144] Cover layer 720a can be made of a sheet of metal foil or polymer film, or a combination of either of these materials with other materials. Strainer layer 720b can be made of the same material as sidewall 540, which is configured to be joined to strainer layer 720b via peripheral edge 726 of strainer layer 720b. For example, strainer layer 720b can be formed of a rigid metal sheet material.

[0145] Strainer layer 720b includes a support surface 728 proximate lid peripheral edge 726. Support surface 728 is configured to adhere or otherwise secure outer edge 721 of cover layer 720a to strainer layer 720b.

[0146] As shown, the lid 720 generally has two sides 722, 724, one of which, designated 722, is the lower or first side of the strainer layer 720b and is configured to face the interior of the can when the lid 720 is attached to the sidewall of the can, and the other, second side, designated 724, is associated with the exterior surface of the cover layer 720a. In this case, the first opening arrangement is defined by the portion of the two layers configured to allow the passage of liquid components from the first side 722 of the lid 720 to its second side 724 while preventing the passage of solid components, while the second opening arrangement is defined by the other portion of the two layers configured to allow the passage of solid components from the first side 722 of the lid 720 to its second side 724. In the first and second arrangements, these portions of the strainer layer are those associated with the first and second openings described above.

[0147] In general, the first and second openings in the strainer layer can have any configuration and can be in any number that enables them to function as described above. In the example of Figures 8A-8C, the openings in strainer layer 720b are in the form of elongated, relatively narrow slits 725 that form part of the first opening arrangement, and a single large opening 727 that is larger than first opening 725 in all its dimensions in a plan view of the lid that forms part of the second opening arrangement. In particular, single large opening 727 is wider than elongated, narrow slit 725, significantly and sufficiently wide to allow solid ingredients to pass easily.

[0148] Generally, without limitation, the smallest dimension across the large opening can be, for example, at least two times the width of the slit, at least three times the width of the slit, at least five times the width of the slit, or at least ten times the width of the slit.

[0149] The slits 725 are intended to allow the passage of liquid ingredients from the first side 722 of the lid 720 to its second side 724 while preventing the passage of solid ingredients, while the single large opening 727 is intended to allow the passage of solid ingredients from the first side 722 of the lid 720 to its second side 724.

[0150] In this example, strainer layer 720b further includes small openings 729, instead of or in addition to slits 725, that can be used to allow the passage of liquid components from first side 722 of lid 720 to its second side 724 while preventing the passage of solid components. At least some of these small openings can be used to allow the passage of gas, such as ambient air, from second side 724 of lid 720 to its first side 722. Slits 725 are spaced from large opening 727 and small openings 729 by a separating portion 770 of lid 720, which prevents solid and liquid components from passing through this portion 770.

[0151] Generally, the covering layer 720a can be formed in any arrangement that allows at least a portion of it to be grasped to pull it away from the strainer layer to expose the slits 725 and / or small openings 729 on the outward-facing second side 724 of the lid, thereby activating the first opening arrangement, and subsequently expose the large openings 727 on the outward-facing second side 724 of the lid, thereby activating the second opening arrangement.

[0152] In this example, cover layer 720 a includes pull tag 723 , which is configured to be secured to strainer layer 720 b such that pull tag 723 is disposed closer to slit 725 than large opening 727 .

[0153] Generally, the first and second openings of the first and second arrangements, whether prefabricated or created by the operation of these arrangements, can be disposed anywhere on the lid when viewed in plan view facing the exterior surface of the lid. However, locating the first opening(s) further from the center of the lid than the location of the second opening(s) and / or spacing them as far apart as possible from each other allows for the transfer of liquid components through the first opening while reducing the likelihood of accidental transfer of liquid and / or solid objects through the second opening. Furthermore, transfer of liquid components through the first opening is less likely to soil any portion of the second opening arrangement and / or the user's fingers.

[0154] In this example, the slits 725 and large openings 727 of the strainer layer 720b are positioned to be at the maximum distance from each other, i.e., spaced the maximum distance from each other in the circumferential direction, and the pull tag 723 of the covering layer 720a is positioned by the slits 725 and is located directly opposite the large openings 727 when the covering layer 720a is fixed to the strainer layer 720b.

[0155] In operation, a user can pull the pull tag 723 to separate a first portion of the lid 720, i.e., a first portion of the cover layer 720a, from the remainder of the lid 720, i.e., from the strainer layer 720b, thereby exposing a pre-existing or pre-fabricated slit 725 and, in some cases, some or all of a pre-existing or pre-fabricated small opening 729. Such separation can involve peeling of the adhesive or tearing of the outer edge 721 of the cover layer 720a. In this case, at least in the initial state of the lid 720, the first portion of the cover layer 720a, together with at least the slit 725 and, optionally, the small opening 729, can be considered a first opening arrangement.

[0156] With the first portion of the covering layer 720a separated, the can having the lid 720 as its lid can be tilted to allow liquid ingredients in the can to pass, such as under gravity, from the first side 722 to the second side 724 of the lid 720. Because the slit 725 has an arc-like, relatively narrow and elongated shape, the liquid ingredients flow out from its central region, and the ends of the slit can allow air to flow in the opposite direction as needed to ensure equal pressure inside and outside the can when the liquid spills and the can's capacity is not reduced. Alternatively or additionally, if small openings 729 are exposed by further separating the covering layer 720a, the liquid ingredients can flow out from at least some / one of them, and / or air can flow in the opposite direction as needed through at least one other opening(s) to ensure equal pressure inside and outside the can when the liquid spills and the can's capacity is not reduced.

[0157] Once the liquid ingredient is removed, the user can continue to pull on the pull tag 723 to separate the second portion of the lid 720, i.e., the second portion of the cover layer 720a, from the remainder of the lid 720, i.e., from the strainer layer 720b, thereby exposing the existing or pre-fabricated large opening 727. Such separation can involve peeling of the adhesive or tearing of the outer edge 721 of the cover layer 720a. In some cases, such separation can completely remove the cover layer 720a from the strainer layer 720b, while in other cases, at least a portion of the cover layer 720a can remain attached to the strainer layer 720b. At least in the initial state of the lid 710, the second portion of the cover layer 720a, along with the large opening 727, can be considered a second opening arrangement spaced apart from the first opening arrangement by at least the separation portion 770. With the large opening 727 exposed, solid ingredients can be removed from the can, ie, transferred or passed from the first side 722 of the lid 720 to the second side 724 of the lid 720 .

[0158] In the above configuration, only a single pull tab 723 is required to expose the first opening 725 with optional sub-opening 729 followed by the second opening 727 in order of extent of tear-off of the lid 720.

[0159] 9A and 9B show a lid 820 that is similar to lid 720 described above, differing only in that its covering layer 820a has two pull tags, i.e., a first pull tag 823a and a second pull tag 823b, instead of a single pull tag 723.

[0160] Generally, when two such pull tags are used, they can have any arrangement that corresponds to the arrangement of the respective first and second openings, so long as they are spaced apart along the outer edge 821 of the cover layer 820a. In this example, the first and second pull tags 823a, 823b are positioned diametrically opposite each other, with the first pull tag 823a closer to the slit 725 than to the large opening 727, and the second pull tag 823b closer to the slit 725 than to the large opening 727.

[0161] The operation of lid 820 is the same as that described above for lid 720, except that a can made with first pull tag 823a is first used to separate a first portion of lid 820 from strainer layer 720b, thereby exposing slit 725 and possibly a portion of small opening 729 to the exterior of the lid on its outer surface 724, and then a can made with second pull tag 823b is used to separate a second portion of lid 820 from strainer layer 720b, thereby exposing large opening 727 to the exterior of the lid on its outer surface 724.

[0162] In this example, there are two pull tags 823a, 823b that are spaced apart from one another, in this case diametrically opposed, so that the second pull tag 823b will not accidentally become soiled by the liquid ingredients even if the first pull tag 823a is accidentally soiled when tilting the can to remove the liquid ingredients. In this way, a user can avoid soiling their hands in the process of draining the liquid ingredients from the can and subsequently removing the solid ingredients.

[0163] Generally, another option is to provide the cover layer with at least one pull tag positioned such that the relevant portion of the cover layer can be completely torn away to expose at least one first existing or pre-fabricated opening, Optionally, the torn portion of the cover layer is less than one-third of the area of ​​the cover layer, excluding the pull tag.

[0164] 10 illustrates one example of an option in which the cover layer 920a is similar to the cover layer 820a described above, except that the cover layer 920a includes a first pull tag 923a that protrudes from the outer edge 921 of the cover layer 920a in a substantially tangential direction, i.e., transverse to the radially outward direction of the cover layer 920a. In this arrangement, an acute angle α is formed between the first pull tag 923a and the adjacent portion of the outer edge 921 of the cover layer 920a, such that pulling on the first pull tag 923a exerts high stress at the apex of the angle α, causing a portion of the cover layer 920a to peel away, for example, approximately along the dashed line 925 shown in FIG. 10. Of course, this is possible if the cover layer is made of an easily tearable material, such as aluminum foil, of an appropriate thickness. The foil may further be configured to provide one or more tears along lines other than the schematic line 925 shown in Figure 10, for example, to provide features to facilitate its peeling, such as grooves, semi-perforated lines, etc. A second pull tag 923b may then be used to expose a second existing or pre-fabricated opening.

[0165] One alternative design for a two-layer lid of the type described above, which includes a strainer layer with different pre-fabricated openings and a covering layer covering them all, could be that the covering layer is not a continuous layer extending along the entire area of ​​the strainer layer, but rather several individual layer sections, each covering a unique opening or group of openings.

[0166] In another alternative design of the two-layer lid, instead of a strainer layer, the lid can have an inner layer in the form of a frame having a single large opening, a peripheral edge where the lid meets or attaches to the side wall of the can, and a support surface extending therebetween to support the cover layer, which can be configured to be selectively separated from the support surface to expose different portions of a single existing or pre-fabricated opening at a second side of the lid, spaced apart from each other by areas of the cover layer extending therebetween.

[0167] A further alternative design of the lid according to the subject matter of the present disclosure may be one in which the lid has a first region with at least one first pre-fabricated opening covered by its respective covering layer, and at least one second region in which at least one second opening can be generated by cutting at least a portion of the second region from the lid.

[0168] Some examples of the above alternative designs are described below.

[0169] 11 shows a frame layer in the form of a ring 1020b with a peripheral edge 1026 for bonding to the side wall of a can, a single large opening 1025 occupying most of the area of ​​the ring layer 1020b, and a support surface 1028 extending therebetween. For the ring layer 1020b, a lid can be formed by gluing or otherwise bonding one of the cover layers 820a and 920a to the support surface 1028 at its respective outer edge 821, 921.

[0170] To operate the lid to allow liquid to escape when the peripheral edge 1026 of the ring layer 1020b is joined to the sidewall of a can containing liquid and solid ingredients, one of the pull tags 823a, 823b, or 923a of the cover layer 820a, 920a is pulled to detach or tear a first portion of the respective lid, i.e., a first portion of the respective cover layer at the respective outer edge 821, 921, from the support surface 1028 of the ring layer 1020b. The cover layer should be attached to the support surface 1028 in a manner that allows only slight detachment of the cover layer 820a or slight removal of a portion of the cover layer 920a from the support surface to expose a portion of the opening 1025 that is small enough to prevent the passage of solid ingredients within the can, but large enough to allow liquid to escape from the can when tilted. The pull tag 823a, 823b, or 923a, together with the slightly detachable or removable portion of the cover layer 820a, 920a, and optionally, together with the slightly exposable portion of each of the openings, can be considered a first opening arrangement.

[0171] To subsequently remove the solid component from the can, the other pull tag not previously pulled to separate the cover layer may be pulled, separating the respective cover layer along at least a majority of its outer edge to expose at least a majority of the existing or pre-fabricated opening 1025. The solid component may then be removed through the exposed opening. The exposed at least a majority of the opening, together with the other pull tag 823a, 823b, or 923b and the separated portion of the respective cover layer, may be considered a second opening configuration.

[0172] 12A, there is shown a lid 1120 including a central portion 1120a and a circumferential portion 1120b having a periphery 1126 along which the lid is configured to be attached, bonded, or otherwise attached to a side wall. The lid 1120 has two sides 1122, 1124, an inner or first side 1122 configured to face the interior of the can, and an outer or second side 1224 configured to face the exterior of the can when the lid is attached to the side wall of the can.

[0173] The lid 1120 has a first opening arrangement including a tab 1123a that can be peeled away from the remainder of the lid at the second side 1224 to expose a pre-existing or pre-fabricated small first opening in the central portion 1120a. The peelable tab 1123a can be formed of, for example, a metal or a polymer and can be glued or otherwise joined to hermetically seal the first opening. Upon actuation of the first opening arrangement by at least partially removing the peelable tab 1123a to expose at least a portion of the first opening, the first opening arrangement allows transfer of a liquid component from the first side of the lid 1122 to the second side of the lid 1124 while preventing removal of solid components along with the liquid component.

[0174] The lid 1120 also has a second opening arrangement that, in the lid's initial state, includes a ring pull 1123b attached to the central portion 1120a and a notch or semi-perforated groove 1127 that surrounds at least a majority of the central portion 1120a between the central portion 1120a and the circumferential portion 1120b. In operation of the second opening arrangement, the ring pull 1123b operates to tear the lid 1120 along at least a majority of the groove 1127, such that at least a majority of the central portion 1120a of the lid 1120 is separated and cut away from the remainder of the lid, i.e., from its circumferential portion, to provide a single large opening that occupies a majority of the area of ​​the lid 1120. Exposure of the single large opening, i.e., the second opening, is configured to permit removal of a solid ingredient from the first side 1122 of the lid 1120 to the second side 1124 of the lid 1120. In the initial state of the lid 1120, the second aperture arrangement is separated from the first aperture arrangement by a portion 1170 of the lid 1120, preventing solid and liquid ingredients from passing through this portion 1170.

[0175] 12B and 12C show an alternative arrangement of a lid 1220. The lid 1220 includes a central portion 1220a and a circumferential portion 1220b. The circumferential portion 1220b includes a peripheral edge 1226 along which the lid is configured to attach, bond, or otherwise be attached to a side wall of a can at an end of the side wall opposite the end where the base is configured to be connected to the side wall. The lid 1220 has two sides, one of which is configured to face the interior of the can when the lid is attached to the side wall of the can.

[0176] Generally, the lid may include two separate notches or semi-perforated grooves surrounding at least a portion of the central portion of the lid, each positioned to open by a separate opening arrangement, such as a ring pull. One groove may be shorter than the other so that when torn or cut, it provides a smaller opening. Alternatively, there may be a single groove that can be opened by tearing or cutting in two spaced locations by two separate opening mechanisms, such as two separate ring pulls.

[0177] In this example, the lid 1220 has a first opening arrangement including a first ring pull 1223a positioned at a first position adjacent a notch or semi-perforated single groove 1225 surrounding a central portion 1220a of the lid 1220. The lid 1220 also has a second opening arrangement including a second ring pull 1223b positioned adjacent to the notch or semi-perforated single groove 1225 at a second position spaced apart from the first position. In the lid's initial state, the second opening arrangement is spaced from the first opening arrangement by a portion 1270 of the central portion 1220a of the lid 1220, preventing solid and liquid ingredients from passing through this portion 1270. The space lies in a plane perpendicular to the central axis X. Each opening arrangement, i.e., ring pull 1223a, 1223b, is associated with its own portion of the groove 1225.

[0178] In operation of the first opening arrangement, the first ring pull 1223a operates to tear the lid 1220, i.e., tear and separate the central portion 1220a of the lid 1220 from the remainder of the lid, i.e., from the circumferential portion 1220b along the portion of the groove 1225 associated with the first ring pull 1223a, to provide a first opening that is small enough to prevent the passage of solid ingredients within the can, but large enough to allow liquid ingredients to flow out of the can when tilted. The provided first opening can be considered to be part of the first opening arrangement, i.e., together with the first ring pull 1223a.

[0179] In operation of the second opening arrangement, the second ring pull 1223b operates to tear the lid 1220, i.e., tear and separate the central portion 1220a of the lid 1220 from the remainder of the lid, i.e., from the circumferential portion 1220b along at least a majority of the groove 1225 associated with the second ring pull 1223b, to provide a second opening large enough to allow passage of solid ingredients from the can, i.e., removal of solid ingredients from the first side of the lid 1220 to the second side of the lid 1220. The provided second opening can be considered to be part of the second opening arrangement, i.e., together with the second ring pull 1223b.

[0180] In some arrangements, the lid is configured such that the portion of the lid that is releasable during operation of the first opening arrangement is smaller than the portion of the lid that is releasable during operation of the second opening arrangement.

[0181] In at least some of the above embodiments, the first opening arrangement may optionally allow the passage of air therethrough during operation and when liquid is being dispensed.

[0182] In any of the above arrangements, a directional control component, such as an elongated tongue, may be provided, glued, or otherwise joined to at least a portion of the lid adjacent the first opening arrangement, arranged to provide a flow path for the liquid being dispensed from the can. This elongated tongue can control and direct the flow of the liquid component to avoid accidental contamination of other portions of the lid by the liquid component. After use, the elongated tongue may be detachable from the lid, such as by tearing or peeling, before or after activating the second opening arrangement. FIG. 13 shows an example of a lid 1320 having two ring pulls 1323a, 1323b. Attached to one of the ring pulls 1323a is an elongated tongue 1327.

[0183] In any of the above arrangements, the deformation of the biasing member from the initial state to the deformed state can be plastic. In such cases, application of a biasing force exceeding a predetermined threshold changes the state of the biasing member from the initial state to the deformed state, and the biasing member maintains this state after the biasing force is released, i.e., no longer applied. Alternatively, the deformation of the biasing member from the initial state to the deformed state can be elastic. In such cases, application of a biasing force by a user causes the biasing member to transform into the deformed state, and after the biasing force is released, the biasing member can be biased back to the initial state. Also, the biasing member can be configured to undergo this repeated elastic deformation, each time returning to the initial state or a state closer to the initial state than the deformed state.

[0184] Generally, it can be configured to have suitable elastic properties to behave in the above-described elastic manner under repeated application and release of the biasing force F.

[0185] In this case, the biasing member is configured such that the biasing force F that allows the biasing member to have characteristics suitable for the above-mentioned elastic operation satisfies the following condition: F plastic >F> Thresh where F plastic is a predetermined threshold at which the material undergoes plastic deformation that prevents it from returning to or near its initial position, and F Thresh is the biasing force at which the biasing member still cannot deform to the desired extent, as described above.

[0186] In order to be able to repeatedly undergo the above elastic deformation, the biasing member may have corresponding elastic properties, and in its cross-sectional view, may be convex in the initial state, but less convex, or planar, or concave in the elastically deformed state.

[0187] When configuring the base in a ready-to-sell can hermetically sealed with an openable lid, the biasing member may be configured to act in the above-described elastic manner at least when the lid is at least partially opened.

[0188] In operation of such a resilient biasing member within any of the above example cans, after the lid is partially opened (as described above) and after the user ceases to apply a biasing force to the resilient biasing member, its elastic properties will bias the resilient biasing member back to its initial state due to the increased capacity of the can compared to the volume of the biasing member in its deformed state.

[0189] The biasing member may be in the form of a thin sheet of metal such as steel, aluminum, tin, etc., having a convex shape and dimensions such that it can repeatedly resiliently bend upon application of a biasing force at its central region and return to its original shape each time the force is released.

[0190] If such a metal plate constitutes the base of a can containing a product having liquid and solid components, after the lid has been properly opened in one portion thereof, repeated urging of the plate will cause more and more liquid component to be expelled from the can through the open portion of the lid, replacing the air drawn into the can as the plate returns from its deformed state, making the action of the plate similar to that of the membrane of a dosing pump. Such action can result in the liquid component being gradually and controllably removed from the can.

[0191] If the product is a consumer food product, the metal plate can be configured to bend elastically with a biasing force F that can be constantly applied to the base by an average consumer's finger(s) to easily deform the base as needed. For example, such force can be about 20 N (or 2 Kg force).

[0192] The metal plate can have any desired configuration in plan view that matches the configuration of the can for which the biasing member is used as a base, and can have a fixed shape such as, for example, a circular, oval, square, or rectangular shape.

[0193] The metal sheet may be in the form of tin-coated or chromium-coated steel sheet having a temper ranging from TS275 to TH620 according to European Standard EN10202:2001, or a similar temper according to other corresponding standards, and having a thickness ranging from 0.16 mm to 0.21 mm.

[0194] The metal plate may have a ratio between its thickness and its maximum dimension in plan view in the range of 0.001 to 0.005, more specifically 0.002 to 0.003. Such a plate may have a maximum deformation distance between the locations of its center points in the initial and maximum elastic bending states in the range of 5 to 10 mm, more specifically 6 to 8 mm.

[0195] One particular example of a can having a base in the form of a metal sheet is a round tuna can having a base of a standard thickness of 0.16 mm and a standard diameter of 80 mm. The base of the can can be made of tin-coated steel sheet of one of the types described above, and has a convex shape in an initial state, and can be elastically bent inwardly to a substantially planar (or at least flatter than convex) shape upon application of a biasing force of about 20 N at its center. The convex shape in the initial state can be such that the maximum deformation distance between the two states can be about 7 mm.

[0196] 14A and 14B show an example of a metal that forms a base 1430 of a can 1400 and has a periphery 1434 that connects the base 1430 to the sidewall 1410 of the can 1400, a central region 1436, and an intermediate region 1438 therebetween.

[0197] It should be understood that the particular shapes of base 1430 in its initial and deformed states shown in Figures 14A and 14B are merely exemplary, and other possibilities are contemplated. For example, without limitation, base 1430 can have an initial convex or planar configuration in the initial state and a less convex, or planar, or concave configuration, respectively, in the deformed state.

[0198] 14A schematically illustrates a metal can 1400 for food, such as a can of tuna, with a base 1430 connected to a can sidewall 1410 adjacent its periphery 1434. The metal can 1400 has a lid 1440 that is slightly open in any conventional manner or any of the manners described in the previous examples to provide an open portion 1441. The open portion 1441 is configured to be of a size sufficient for a liquid component of the product (e.g., oil) but insufficient for a solid component of the product (e.g., tuna chunks) to pass therethrough. As can be seen, the can 1400 is held in an upside-down position with its base 1430 facing up and its lid 1440 facing down.

[0199] The base 1430 initially has a convex shape (shown in solid lines in Figure 14A). As can be seen in Figure 14A, in this example, despite being convex, the base does not protrude outward from the periphery of the can, allowing for conventional packaging thereof.

[0200] Can 1400 is shown in Figure 14A with a biasing force F applied to its central region 1436 to bend base 1430 inward from its initial convex shape toward its deformed planar state (shown in dashed lines in Figure 14A). To prevent plastic deformation of the body, the biasing force F applied to base 1430 is plastic During elastic deformation, the containment volume of can 1400 decreases compared to its volume in its initial state, so that the liquid component is forced out of can 1440 through open portion 1441 in lid 1440 in the direction of arrow O.

[0201] Figure 14B shows a schematic representation of can 1400 of Figure 14A, with base 1430 in a deformed state (shown by the solid lines) when biasing force F is released, and the strain and stress caused by the inward bending exert a return force F' on base 1430 in a direction D' opposite to direction D, causing the base to return to its initial state (shown by the dashed lines in Figure 14B). At this point, the can's storage volume increases compared to the volume when the biasing member was in the deformed state, and air is forced into can 1400 through open portion 1441 of lid 1440 in the direction of arrow I.

[0202] By repeatedly biasing base 1430 inward by applying force F and releasing this force, and allowing base 1430 to deform and return to its undeformed state or a state near its undeformed state, more and more liquid ingredient is removed from can 1400, exiting open portion 1441 of lid 1440, and replaced by air that was drawn into can 1400 by the returning motion of base 1430. Once liquid ingredient is no longer being forced out of open portion 1441 of lid 1440, can 1400 can be turned over and lid 1440 can be opened further to remove solid ingredient.

Claims

1. A can containing a product including at least one solid component and at least one liquid component, the can having the product in a ready-to-sell condition comprising: a lid that hermetically seals the can and is at least partially openable to allow at least partial removal of the product from the can; a base opposite the lid; and a sidewall extending between the lid and the base; the base is in the form of a body comprising a metallic material and constitutes a biasing member configured to be biased inwardly by a user applying a biasing force to the biasing member during use of the can when the lid is at least partially open, thereby enabling the user to change a state of the biasing member between a first state in which the can has a first storage volume and a second deformed state in which the can has a second storage volume smaller than the first storage volume; The canister, wherein the biasing member is configured to be repeatedly elastically deformed between the first state and the second deformed state upon corresponding application and release of the biasing force by a user to cause corresponding repeated changes in the storage volume of the canister, thereby acting as a membrane in a pump directed to expel the at least one liquid component from an at least partially opened lid.

2. 2. The can of claim 1, wherein the base has a periphery and the body is fixedly connected to the side wall along the periphery.

3. 3. The can according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the product is a food product.

4. A can according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the product is tuna.

5. 5. The can according to claim 1, wherein the base constituting the biasing member is operable to bring the can to a maximum deformation state having a minimum storage volume only after the lid is at least partially opened.

6. A can according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 5 when at least indirectly dependent on claim 2, wherein the base is integrally attached to the side wall at its periphery.

7. the base portion constituting the biasing member further includes a central region and an intermediate region extending between the central region and a periphery of the base portion; an orientation of the intermediate region relative to the central region and the periphery is different in the first state and the second deformed state of the biasing member; A can as claimed in claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 6 when at least indirectly dependent on claim 2, wherein in a first state of the biasing member, the intermediate region extends from the periphery towards the outside of the can, and in a second deformed state of the biasing member, the intermediate region extends towards the inside of the can.

8. 8. The can of claim 7, wherein in the first state of the biasing member, the body of the biasing member has a generally convex shape, and in the second deformed state of the biasing member, the body of the biasing member has a generally concave shape.

9. A can according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the shape of the central region is configured to remain unchanged between the first state and the second deformed state of the biasing member.

10. 9. The can according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the configuration of the body is such that, under application of the biasing force by the user to the biasing member, the intermediate region deforms preferentially more than the central region.

11. A can according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the ready-to-sell state of the can is when the can is hermetically sealed and contains the product.

12. 12. The can of claim 11, wherein the can with the product therein is configured to withstand a pressure differential of 150 KPa between the inside and outside of the can without buckling.

13. A biasing member according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio between the second accommodating volume and the first accommodating volume of the canister is at least 0.5 to 0.

95.

14. The can according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the can is cylindrical in shape.

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