System and method for a resealable can end

Abstract

A resealable beverage can end that allows users to reseal a can after opening, addressing issues like carbonation loss and spillage from traditional non-resealable cans. The can end includes a depressed panel, a mouth panel formed within the depressed panel by a score, a tab attached to the depressed panel by a rivet, and at least one locking bead formed in the depressed panel. The score enables the mouth panel to be broken away from the depressed panel to define a mouth within the depressed panel. The tab may pivot about the rivet to apply force to the mouth panel and open the mouth. The tab may further rotate about the rivet to at least partially cover the mouth. The at least one locking bead may interface with the at least one outer bead to reseal the mouth after the mouth panel has been broken away from the depressed panel.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application which claims priority to and the benefit of Applicant’s U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 756,716 filed Feb. 10, 2025, and entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A RESEALABLE CAN END, which prior application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. It is to be understood, however, that in the event of any inconsistency between this specification and any information incorporated by reference in this specification, this specification shall govern.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to resealable packaging and specifically to resealable can ends.BACKGROUND OF CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] Beverages, such as soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, energy drinks, and / or other beverages, may be served in beverage cans (also known as aluminum cans, drink cans, or simply cans). These beverage cans include a top with a tab, a mouth panel, and a mouth defined by a score aperture around the mouth panel. A user opens the beverage can by rotating the tab such that a portion of the tap presses down on the mouth panel until the score aperture around the mouth panel partially releases the mouth panel to fold under the top of the can, allowing the beverage to be poured through the mouth. The beverage can remains open once the mouth panel has been folded down, exposing the beverage to the elements. If the beverage is carbonated, the beverage may lose carbonation over time. Additionally, the beverage may spill if the beverage can is knocked over.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a beverage can with a resealable lid.BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME ASPECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a can end including a depressed panel, a mouth panel formed within the depressed panel by a score, a tab attached to the depressed panel by a rivet, and at least one locking bead formed in the depressed panel. The score enables the mouth panel to be broken away from the depressed panel to define a mouth within the depressed panel. The tab is configured to pivot about the rivet to apply force to the mouth panel and open the mouth. The tab is further configured to rotate about the rivet to at least partially cover the mouth. The at least one locking bead is configured to interface with the at least one outer bead to reseal the mouth after the mouth panel has been broken away from the depressed panel.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a can end including a depressed panel, a mouth panel formed within the depressed panel by a score, a tab attached to the depressed panel by a rivet, and at least one locking bead formed in the depressed panel. The score enables the mouth panel to be broken away from the depressed panel to define a mouth within the depressed panel. The tab is configured to pivot about the rivet to apply force to the mouth panel and open the mouth. The tab is further configured to rotate about the rivet to at least partially cover the mouth. The at least one outer bead is configured to snap into the at least one locking bead to reseal the mouth after the mouth panel has been broken away from the depressed panel.

[0007] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a can end including a depressed panel, a mouth panel formed within the depressed panel by a score, a tab attached to the depressed panel by a rivet, and at least one locking bead formed in the depressed panel. The score enables the mouth panel to be broken away from the depressed panel to define a mouth within the depressed panel. The tab is configured to pivot about the rivet to apply force to the mouth panel and open the mouth. The tab is further configured to rotate about the rivet to at least partially cover the mouth. The at least one outer bead is configured form a friction fit with the at least one locking bead to reseal the mouth after the mouth panel has been broken away from the depressed panel by covering the at least one locking bead.

[0008] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of resealing a can end. The method includes rotating the tab about the rivet such that the tab is positioned over the mouth. The method also includes forming a friction fit between the at least one locking bead and the at least one outer bead to maintain the tab over the mouth and reseal the can end.

[0009] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a resealable can end. The method includes forming a depressed panel of the resealable can end.

[0010] The method also includes pressing at least one locking bead into the depressed panel of the resealable can end. The method further includes attaching a tab to the depressed panel of the resealable can end. The tab comprises at least one outer bead configured to form a friction fit with the at least one locking bead.

[0011] There are other novel aspects and features of this disclosure. They will become apparent as this specification proceeds. Accordingly, this brief summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. The summary and the background are not intended to identify key concepts or essential aspects of the disclosed subject matter, nor should they be used to constrict or limit the scope of the claims. For example, the scope of the claims should not be limited based on whether the recited subject matter includes any or all aspects noted in the summary and / or addresses any of the issues noted in the background.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the embodiments may be realized by reference to the following drawings. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a can end in an open configuration and a resealed configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic cutaway view of the can end illustrated in FIG. 1 in a first press of the three press process in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic cutaway view of the can end illustrated in FIG. 1 in a second press of the three press process in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic cutaway view of the can end illustrated in FIG. 1 in a third press of the three press process in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a plan, schematic view of a lower die illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a plan, schematic view of the upper die illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a can end in a closed configuration and a resealed configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic cutaway view of a first press of a three press process in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates a plan, schematic view of the lower die of the first press illustrated in FIG. 8 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates a plan, schematic view of the upper die of the first press illustrated in FIG. 8 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates a flow diagram of a method of resealing a can end in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates a flow diagram of a method of manufacturing a resealable can end in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0025] While the embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The systems and methods disclosed herein relate to, among other things, resealable can ends, methods for resealing can ends, and methods for manufacturing resealable can ends. Specifically, the can ends described herein include beads that maintain the tab over the open mouth of the can end to at least partially reseal the can end after the can end has been opened. More specifically, the can ends include a depressed panel, a mouth panel formed within the depressed panel by a score, a tab attached to the depressed panel by a rivet, and a locking bead formed in the depressed panel. The tab also includes an outer bead configured to interface with the locking bead to reseal the can end. Specifically, a user opens the can end by lifting the tab and breaking the mouth panel away from the depressed panel. Once open, the user drinks the beverage from the mouth. The user then reseals the can end by rotating the tab about the rivet such that the tab covers the mouth. The user then presses the tab downward over the mouth such that the outer bead either covers or snaps into the locking bead. The outer bead and locking bead form a friction fit that maintains the tab over the mouth and at least partially seals the mouth. The user then unseals the can end by lifting the tab such that the outer bead is pulled away from the locking beads, allowing the outer bead and the tab to move away from the depressed panel and unsealing the can end. Thus, the interface between the locking bead and the outer bead of the tab enables the tab to be positioned over the mouth of the can end to at least partially reseal the can end after opening.

[0027] In some embodiments, in a snap-in design, an outer bead snaps into the locking beads, using asymmetric locking beads with a lip that bends inward. A three-press manufacturing process may be used to create an asymmetric profile. In some embodiments, in a cover design, an outer bead covers over the locking beads, using symmetric locking beads.

[0028] In some embodiments, the can ends are beverage can ends. In some embodiments, the can ends can be any kind of can end.

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a can end 100 in an open configuration 102 and a resealed configuration 104. The can end 100 includes a tab 106, a mouth panel 108, and a mouth 110 defined by a score aperture 112 around the mouth panel 108, a rivet 114, a depressed panel 116, and at least one locking bead 118. The tab 106 is attached to the depressed panel 116 by the rivet 114 and is configured to rotate in a complete circle (360º of rotation) about the rivet 114. The mouth panel 108 is defined within the depressed panel 116 by the score aperture 112 and the score aperture 112 includes a pre-cut line or score that is made on the depressed panel 116, defining the area where the can end 100 will open when the tab 106 is lifted. The score aperture 112 is designed to weaken the depressed panel 116, allowing the mouth panel 108 to easily tear open when the tab 106 is pulled. The mouth panel 108 is configured to remain attached to the depressed panel 116 until the tab 106 applies force to the mouth panel 108 and breaks the mouth panel 108 away from the depressed panel 116 to define the mouth 110.

[0030] The at least one locking bead 118 includes a bead or raised portion formed in the depressed panel 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one locking bead 118 includes two locking beads 118 formed on opposite sides of the mouth 110. In alternative embodiments, the depressed panel 116 may include any number of locking beads 118 that enable the can end 100 to operate as described herein. For example, the depressed panel 116 may include a single locking bead 118 that extends around the entire mouth 110 except where the tab 106 extends over the mouth 110. Additionally, in another embodiment, the depressed panel 116 may also include a single locking bead 118 that is shorter and extends around a front of the mouth 110 opposite where the tab 106 extends over the mouth 110. In yet another embodiment, the depressed panel 116 may include more than two locking beads 118 (three, four, or more locking beads 118) that are shorter and extend at regular intervals around the mouth 110.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking beads 118 are symmetrical about the mouth 110 and each define a thickness 120, a first radius 122, a second radius 124, and a third radius 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness 120 is about 0.07 inches, the first radius 122 is about 0.4649 inches, the second radius 124 is about 0.4299 inches, and the third radius 126 is about 0.3949 inches. The first radius 122, the second radius 124, and the third radius 126 are each defined about a point 128 within the mouth 110. The locking beads 118 each also include a first end 130 positioned proximate the tab 106 and a second end 132 opposite the first end 130. The first end 130 is oriented at an angle α relative to a center line 134 of the can end 100 and the second end 132 is oriented at an angle β relative to the center line 134 of the can end 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle α is approximately 33º and the angle β is approximately 12º. In alternative embodiments, the angles α and β may be any angle that enables the can end 100 to operate as described herein.

[0032] Additionally, the mouth 110 has a substantially oval shape that includes a major axis length 136 and a minor axis length 138. In the illustrated embodiment, the major axis length 136 is about 0.01 inches to about 1 inch and the minor axis length 138 is about 0.01 inches to about 1 inch. In alternative embodiments, the major axis length 136 and the minor axis length 138 may be any length that enables the can end 100 to operate as described herein.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the tab 106 is sized and shaped to correspond to the shape of the mouth 110 and the locking beads 118 to cover the mouth 110 as described herein. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the tab 106 includes a rivet tab 140, a mouth cover 142, an outer bead 144, and a lifting tab 146. The rivet tab 140 extends from the mouth cover 142 and is configured to receive the rivet 114 to attach the tab 106 to the depressed panel 116. Additionally, the rivet tab 140 also applies a force to the mouth panel 108 and breaks the mouth panel 108 away from the depressed panel 116 to define the mouth 110. The force is applied by lifting the lifting tab 146 and pivoting the rivet tab 140 downward into the mouth panel 108 until the mouth panel 108 breaks away from the depressed panel 116 at the score aperture 112.

[0034] The mouth cover 142 is sized and shaped to correspond to the shape of the mouth 110. Specifically, the mouth cover 142 has a substantially oval shape that includes a major axis length 148 and a minor axis length 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the major axis length 148 is about 0.01 inches to about 1 inch and the minor axis length 150 is about 0.01 inches to about 1 inch. In alternative embodiments, the major axis length 148 and the minor axis length 150 may be any length that enables the can end 100 to operate as described herein.

[0035] The outer bead 144 and the lifting tab 146 both extend from the mouth cover 142 and the rivet tab 140. The lifting tab 146 enables a user to lift and pivot the tab 106 about the rivet 114 to open the can end 100. The lifting tab 146 also enables the user to lift and rotate the tab 106 about the rivet 114 such that the mouth cover 142 covers the mouth 110 at least partially resealing the can end 100.

[0036] The outer bead 144 is sized and shaped to interface with the locking beads 118 to secure the tab 106 over the mouth 110 in the resealed configuration 104. Specifically, the locking beads 118 and the outer bead 144 form a friction fit that secures the tab 106 to the depressed panel 116 to at least partially reseal the can end 100. The outer bead 144 is sized and shaped to correspond with the locking beads 118. More specifically, the outer bead 144 has a shape that is substantially similar to the shape of the locking beads 118 where the outer bead 144 interfaces with the locking beads 118.

[0037] As discussed above, the locking beads 118 are configured to form a friction fit with the outer bead 144. To ensure the friction fit is formed between the locking beads 118 and the outer bead 144, the locking beads 118 are formed asymmetrically in a three press process that forms the asymmetric locking beads 118. FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic cutaway view of the can end 100 in a first press 202 of the three press process. FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic cutaway view of the can end 100 in a second press 204 of the three press process. FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic cutaway view of the can end 100 in a third press 206 of the three press process. FIGS. 2-4 illustrate the progressive press process that forms the asymmetric locking beads 118.

[0038] More specifically, FIGS. 2-4 each illustrate a portion of a lower die 208 and an upper die 210 in each of the first, second, and third presses 202-206. FIG. 5 illustrates a plan, schematic view of the lower die 208 that is representative of the lower die 208 in all of the first, second, and third presses 202-206 and FIG. 6 illustrates a plan, schematic view of the upper die 210 that is representative of the upper die 210 in all of the first, second, and third presses 202-206.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the lower die 208 of the first press 202 includes a base 212 and a first form 214 extending from the base 212. The first form 214 includes a rectangular base 216 and a curved or semicircular top 218 attached to the rectangular base 216. The first form 214 has a height 220 from the base 212 and a radius 222 of the curved or semicircular top 218. In the illustrated embodiment, the height 220 is approximately 0.07 inches and the radius 222 is approximately 0.035 inches. The upper die 210 of the first press 202 includes a second form 224 including a flat portion 226 and two curved portions 228 extending from either side of the flat portion 226. The flat portion 226 has a width 230 of approximately 0.06 inches and the two curved portions 228 each have a radius 232 of approximately 0.125 inches. During the pressing process, the upper die 210 and the lower die 208 are approximately 0.012 inches apart to form the profile shown in FIG. 2. When the can end 100 is pressed between the lower die 208 and the upper die 210 of the first press 202, the locking beads 118 form the symmetric profile shown in FIG. 2. The can end 100 is then transported to the second press 204.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, the lower die 208 of the second press 204 includes a base 234 and a third form 236 extending from the base 234. The third form 236 is substantially similar to the first form 214 includes a rectangular base 238 and a curved or semicircular top 240 attached to the rectangular base 238. The third form 236 has a height 242 from the base 234 and a radius 244 of the curved or semicircular top 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the height 242 is approximately 0.07 inches and the radius 244 is approximately 0.035 inches. The upper die 210 of the second press 204 includes a fourth form 246 including a center curved portion 248, a first side curved portion 250, and a second side curved portion 252 extending from either side of the center curved portion 248. The center curved portion 248 has a radius 254 of approximately 0.01-0.5 inches, the first side curved portion 250 has a radius 256 of approximately 0.01 inches, and the second side curved portion 252 has a radius 258 of approximately 0.03 inches. During the pressing process, the upper die 210 and the lower die 208 are approximately 0.012 inches apart to form the profile shown in FIG. 3. The different radiuses 254 and 256 of the first and second side curved portions 250 and 252 form an asymmetric profile of the locking beads 118. Specifically, when the can end 100 is pressed between the lower die 208 and the upper die 210 of the second press 204, the locking beads 118 form the profile shown in FIG. 3. The can end 100 is then transported to the third press 206.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4, the lower die 208 of the third press 206 includes a base 260 and a fifth form 262 extending from the base 260. The fifth form 262 includes a rectangular base 264, a first curved corner 266, and a second curved corner 268. The fifth form 262 has a height 270 from the base 260, a first corner radius 272, and a second corner radius 274. In the illustrated embodiment, the height 270 is approximately 0.01-0.5 inches, the first corner radius 272 is approximately 0.01 inches, and the second corner radius 274 is approximately 0.042 inches. The upper die 210 of the third press 206 includes a sixth form 276 including a vertical portion 278, a horizontal portion 280, a first curved portion 282, and a second curved portion 284. The vertical portion 278 has a height 286 of approximately 0.06 inches, the horizontal portion has a length 288 of approximately 0.01-0.5 inches, the first curved portion 282 has a radius 290 of approximately 0.055 inches, and the second curved portion 284 has a radius 292 of approximately 0.03 inches. During the pressing process, the upper die 210 and the lower die 208 are approximately 0.012 inches apart to form the profile shown in FIG. 3. The asymmetric shape of the fifth form 262 and the sixth form 276 form an asymmetric profile of the locking beads 118. Specifically, when the can end 100 is pressed between the lower die 208 and the upper die 210 of the third press 206, the locking beads 118 form the profile shown in FIG. 4. The can end 100 is then transported for further processing.

[0042] The profile of the locking beads 118 shown in FIG. 4 includes a lip 166 that extends over a portion of the depressed panel 116. The lip 166 is configured to bend inward as the outer bead 144 is pressed between the locking beads 118 and is configured to return to its normal position once the outer bead 144 is seated between the locking beads 118. The lip 166 then extends partially over a portion of the outer bead 144 and forms a friction fit that maintains the tab 106 over the mouth 110 and at least partially seals the mouth 110.

[0043] During operation, a user opens the can end 100 by lifting the lifting tab 146 and pivoting the rivet tab 140 downward into the mouth panel 108 until the mouth panel 108 breaks away from the depressed panel 116 at the score aperture 112. Once open, the user drinks the beverage from the mouth 110. The user then reseals the can end 100 by rotating the tab 106 about the rivet 114 such that the mouth cover 142 covers the mouth 110. The user then presses the mouth cover 142 downward over the mouth 110 such that the outer bead 144 is positioned in an inset position relative to the locking beads 118. The outer bead 144 is then snapped into position within the locking beads 118. Specifically, the lip 166 bends inward as the outer bead 144 is pressed between the locking beads 118, allowing the outer bead 144 to be positioned in between the locking beads 118. The lip 166 then returns to its normal position once the outer bead 144 is seated between the locking beads 118. The lip 166 then extends partially over a portion of the outer bead 144 and forms a friction fit that maintains the tab 106 over the mouth 110 and at least partially seals the mouth 110. The user then unseals the can end 100 by lifting the lifting tab 146 such that the lip 166 bends inward as the outer bead 144 is pulled through the lip 166 of the locking beads 118, allowing the outer bead 144 and the mouth cover 142 move away from the depressed panel 116 and unsealing the can end 100.

[0044] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a can end 700 in a closed configuration 702 and a resealed configuration 704. The can end 700 is also a resealable can end with an alternative mechanism of resealing compared to the can end 100. Specifically, the can end 700 includes a tab over bead design where the outer bead of the tab snaps over the locking bead on the depressed panel. The can end 700 includes a tab 706, a mouth panel 708, and a mouth 710 defined by a score aperture 712 around the mouth panel 708, a rivet 714, a depressed panel 716, and at least one locking bead 718. The tab 706 is attached to the depressed panel 716 by the rivet 714 and is configured to rotate in a complete circle (360º of rotation) about the rivet 714. The mouth panel 708 is defined within the depressed panel 716 by the score aperture 712 and the score aperture 712 includes a pre-cut line or score that is made on the depressed panel 716, defining the area where the can end 700 will open when the tab 706 is lifted. The score aperture 712 is designed to weaken the depressed panel 716, allowing the mouth panel 708 to easily tear open when the tab 706 is pulled. The mouth panel 708 is configured to remain attached to the depressed panel 716 until the tab 706 applies force to the mouth panel 708 and breaks the mouth panel 708 away from the depressed panel 716 to define the mouth 710.

[0045] The at least one locking bead 718 includes a bead or raised portion formed in the depressed panel 716. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one locking bead 718 includes a single locking bead 718 formed around the mouth 710. In alternative embodiments, the depressed panel 716 may include any number of locking beads 718 that enable the can end 700 to operate as described herein. For example, the depressed panel 716 may also include a single locking bead 718 that is shorter and extends around a front of the mouth 710 opposite where the tab 706 extends over the mouth 710. Additionally, in another embodiment, the depressed panel 716 may include two or more locking beads 718 that are shorter and extend at regular intervals around the mouth 710.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking bead 718 is symmetrical about the mouth 710 and defines a thickness 720, a first radius 722, a second radius 724, a third radius 726, and a fourth radius 727. In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness 720 is about 0.07 inches, the first radius 722 is about 0.33805 inches, the second radius 724 is about 0.33905 inches, the third radius 726 is about 0.746 inches, and the fourth radius 727 is about 0.807 inches. The first radius 722 and the second radius 724 are each defined about a point 728 within the mouth 710 and the third radius 726 and the fourth radius 727 are each defined about a point 729 proximate the center of the depressed panel 716. The locking bead 718 include a first end 730 and a second end 732 positioned proximate the tab 706. The first end 730 and the second end 732 are oriented at an angle α relative to a center line 734 of the can end 700. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle α is approximately 27º. In alternative embodiments, the angle α may be any angle that enables the can end 700 to operate as described herein.

[0047] Additionally, the mouth 710 has a substantially oval shape that includes a major axis length 736 and a minor axis length 738. In the illustrated embodiment, the major axis length 736 is about 0.01 inches to about 1 inch and the minor axis length 738 is about 0.01 inches to about 1 inch. In alternative embodiments, the major axis length 736 and the minor axis length 738 may be any length that enables the can end 700 to operate as described herein.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 7, the tab 706 is sized and shaped to correspond to the shape of the mouth 710 and the locking bead 718 to cover the mouth 710 as described herein. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the tab 706 includes a rivet tab 740, a mouth cover 742, and an outer bead 744. The rivet tab 740 extends from the mouth cover 742 and is configured to receive the rivet 714 to attach the tab 706 to the depressed panel 716. Additionally, the rivet tab 740 also applies a force to the mouth panel 708 and breaks the mouth panel 708 away from the depressed panel 716 to define the mouth 710. The force is applied by lifting the tab 706 and pivoting the rivet tab 740 downward into the mouth panel 708 until the mouth panel 708 breaks away from the depressed panel 716 at the score aperture 712.

[0049] The mouth cover 742 is sized and shaped to correspond to the shape of the mouth 710. Specifically, the mouth cover 742 has a substantially oval shape that includes a major axis length 748 and a minor axis length 750. In the illustrated embodiment, the major axis length 748 is about 0.01 inches to about 1 inch and the minor axis length 750 is about 0.01 inches to about 1 inch. In alternative embodiments, the major axis length 748 and the minor axis length 750 may be any length that enables the can end 700 to operate as described herein. The outer bead 744 extends from the mouth cover 742 and the rivet tab 740. The tab 706 enables the user to lift and rotate the tab 706 about the rivet 714 such that the mouth cover 742 covers the mouth 710 at least partially resealing the can end 700.

[0050] The outer bead 744 is sized and shaped to interface with the locking bead 718 to secure the tab 706 over the mouth 710 in the resealed configuration 704. Specifically, the outer bead 744 fits over the top of the locking bead 718 such that the locking bead 718 is nested underneath, inside of, and / or covered by the outer bead 744. The locking bead 718 and the outer bead 744 the form a friction fit that secures the tab 706 to the depressed panel 716 to at least partially reseal the can end 700. The outer bead 744 is sized and shaped to correspond with the locking bead 718. More specifically, the outer bead 744 has a shape that is substantially similar to the shape of the locking bead 718 where the outer bead 744 is nested underneath and / or inside of the locking bead 718.

[0051] As discussed above, the outer bead 744 is configured to form a friction fit with the locking bead 718 by covering the locking bead 718. To ensure the friction fit is formed between the locking bead 718 and the outer bead 744, the locking bead 718 is formed in a three press process that forms the locking bead 718 and the locking bead 718 has a symmetric shape. FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic cutaway view of a first press 802 in the first press of the three press process. FIG. 9 illustrates a plan, schematic view of the lower die 808 of the first press 802 and FIG. 10 illustrates a plan, schematic view of the upper die 810 of the first press 802.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 8, the lower die 808 of the first press 802 includes a base 812 and a first form 814 extending from the base 812. The first form 814 includes a rectangular base 816 and a curved or semicircular top 818 attached to the rectangular base 816. The first form 814 has a height 820 from the base 812 and a radius 822 of the curved or semicircular top 818. In the illustrated embodiment, the height 820 is approximately 0.045 inches and the radius 822 is approximately 0.03 inches. The upper die 810 of the first press 802 includes a second form 824 including a flat portion 826 and two curved portions 828 extending from either side of the flat portion 826. The flat portion 826 has a width 830 of approximately 0.06 inches and the two curved portions 828 each have a radius 832 of approximately 0.125 inches. During the pressing process, the upper die 810 and the lower die 808 are approximately 0.012 inches apart to form the profile shown in FIG. 8. When the can end 700 is pressed between the lower die 808 and the upper die 810 of the first press 802, the locking bead 718 form the symmetric profile shown in FIG. 2. The can end 700 is then transported to the second press and the third press.

[0053] During operation, a user opens the can end 700 by lifting the tab 706 and pivoting the rivet tab 740 downward into the mouth panel 708 until the mouth panel 708 breaks away from the depressed panel 716 at the score aperture 712. Once open, the user drinks the beverage from the mouth 710. The user then reseals the can end 700 by rotating the tab 706 about the rivet 714 such that the mouth cover 742 covers the mouth 710. The user then presses the mouth cover 742 downward over the mouth 710 such that the outer bead 744 is positioned over the locking bead 718. The tab 706 is maintained in position over the mouth 710 by the outer bead 744 that is covering the locking bead 718. That is, the outer bead 744 covering the locking bead 718 forms a friction fit that maintains the tab 706 over the mouth 710. The user then unseals the can end 700 by lifting the tab 706 such that the outer bead 744 uncovers the locking bead 718, allowing the outer bead 744 and the mouth cover 742 move away from the depressed panel 716 and unsealing the can end 700.

[0054] FIG. 11 illustrates a flow diagram of a method 1100 of resealing a can end. The method 1100 includes rotating 1102 the tab about the rivet such that the tab is positioned over the mouth. The method 1100 also includes forming 1104 a friction fit between the at least one locking bead and the at least one outer bead to maintain the tab over the mouth and reseal the can end.

[0055] FIG. 12 illustrates a flow diagram of a method 1200 of manufacturing a resealable can end. The method 1200 includes forming 1202 a depressed panel of the resealable can end. The method 1200 also includes pressing 1204 at least one locking bead into the depressed panel of the resealable can end. The method 1200 further includes attaching 1206 a tab to the depressed panel of the resealable can end. The tab comprises at least one outer bead configured to form a friction fit with the at least one locking bead.

[0056] The systems and methods disclosed herein relate to, among other things, resealable can ends. Specifically, the can ends described herein include beads that maintain the tab over the open mouth of the can end to at least partially reseal the can end after the can end has been opened. More specifically, the can ends include a depressed panel, a mouth panel formed within the depressed panel by a score, a tab attached to the depressed panel by a rivet, and a locking bead formed in the depressed panel. The tab also includes an outer bead configured to interface with the locking bead to reseal the can end. Specifically, a user opens the can end by lifting the tab and breaking the mouth panel away from the depressed panel. Once open, the user drinks the beverage from the mouth. The user then reseals the can end by rotating the tab about the rivet such that the tab covers the mouth. The user then presses the tab downward over the mouth such that the outer bead either covers or snaps into the locking bead. The outer bead and locking bead form a friction fit that maintains the tab over the mouth and at least partially seals the mouth. The user then unseals the can end by lifting the tab such that the outer bead is pulled away from the locking beads, allowing the outer bead and the tab to move away from the depressed panel and unsealing the can end. Thus, the interface between the locking bead and the outer bead of the tab enables the tab to be positioned over the mouth of the can end to at least partially reseal the can end after opening.

[0057] The description set forth herein, in connection with the appended drawings, describes example configurations and does not represent all the examples that may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The term “exemplary” used herein means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and not “preferred” or “advantageous over other examples.” The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. These techniques, however, may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0058] In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If just the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0059] The description herein is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.Terminology and Interpretative Conventions

[0060] Any methods described in the claims or specification should not be interpreted to require the steps to be performed in a specific order unless stated otherwise. Also, the methods should be interpreted to provide support to perform the recited steps in any order unless stated otherwise.

[0061] Spatial or directional terms, such as “left,”“right,”“front,”“back,” and the like, relate to the subject matter as it is shown in the drawings. However, it is to be understood that the described subject matter may assume various alternative orientations and, accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting.

[0062] Articles such as “the,”“a,” and “an” can connote the singular or plural. Also, the word “or” when used without a preceding “either” (or other similar language indicating that “or” is unequivocally meant to be exclusive – e.g., only one of x or y, etc.) shall be interpreted to be inclusive (e.g., “x or y” means one or both x or y).

[0063] The term “and / or” shall also be interpreted to be inclusive (e.g., “x and / or y” means one or both x or y). In situations where “and / or” or “or” are used as a conjunction for a group of three or more items, the group should be interpreted to include one item alone, all the items together, or any combination or number of the items.

[0064] The terms have, having, include, and including should be interpreted to be synonymous with the terms comprise and comprising. The use of these terms should also be understood as disclosing and providing support for narrower alternative embodiments where these terms are replaced by “consisting” or “consisting essentially of.”

[0065] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, and the like, used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood to be modified in all instances by the term “approximately.” At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term “approximately” should be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0066] All disclosed ranges are to be understood to encompass and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or any and all individual values subsumed by each range. For example, a stated range of 1 to 10 should be considered to include and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or individual values that are between and / or inclusive of the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, and so forth) or any values from 1 to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, and so forth).

[0067] All disclosed numerical values are to be understood as being variable from 0-100% in either direction and thus provide support for claims that recite such values or any and all ranges or subranges that can be formed by such values. For example, a stated numerical value of 8 should be understood to vary from 0 to 16 (100% in either direction) and provide support for claims that recite the range itself (e.g., 0 to 16), any subrange within the range (e.g., 2 to 12.5) or any individual value within that range (e.g., 15.2).

[0068] The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries in widely used general dictionaries and / or relevant technical dictionaries, commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with the understanding that the broadest meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g., two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to provide the broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.) subject only to the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used in a manner that is more expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additional expansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to have a different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase “as used in this document shall mean” or similar language (e.g., “this term means,”“this term is defined as,”“for the purposes of this disclosure this term shall mean,” etc.). References to specific examples, use of “i.e.,” use of the word “invention,” etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwise restrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situations where exception (b) applies, nothing contained in this document should be considered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope.

[0069] The subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with and should not be interpreted to be coextensive with any embodiment, feature, or combination of features described or illustrated in this document. This is true even if only a single embodiment of the feature or combination of features is illustrated and described in this document.

Claims

1. A can end comprising:a depressed panel;a mouth panel formed within the depressed panel by a score, wherein the score enables the mouth panel to be broken away from the depressed panel to define a mouth within the depressed panel;a tab attached to the depressed panel by a rivet, the tap comprises at least one outer bead, wherein the tab is configured to pivot about the rivet to apply force to the mouth panel and open the mouth, wherein the tab is further configured to rotate about the rivet to at least partially cover the mouth; andat least one locking bead formed in the depressed panel.

2. The can end of claim 1, wherein the at least one locking bead is configured to interface with the at least one outer bead to reseal the mouth after the mouth panel has been broken away from the depressed panel.

3. The can end of claim 2, wherein the tab further comprise a mouth cover configured to cover the mouth when the at least one locking bead interfaces with the at least one outer bead.

4. The can end of claim 3, wherein the tab is configured to rotate 180 degrees about the rivet to position the mouth cover over the mouth.

5. The can end of claim 2, wherein the at least one outer bead is formed on an edge of the mouth cover.

6. The can end of claim 3, wherein the interface between the at least one locking bead and the at least one outer bead maintains the mouth panel over the mouth and reseals the can end.

7. The can end of claim 1, wherein the at least one outer bead is configured to snap into the at least one locking bead to reseal the mouth after the mouth panel has been broken away from the depressed panel.

8. The can end of claim 7, wherein the at least one locking bead comprises two locking beads positioned on either side of the mouth.

9. The can end of claim 7, wherein the at least one outer bead is inset from the at least one locking bead when the at least one outer bead is snapped into the at least one locking bead.

10. The can end of claim 7, wherein the at least one locking bead comprises a lip that extends over a portion of the depressed panel.

11. The can end of claim 10, wherein the lip is configured to bend inward when the at least one outer bead is snapped into the at least one locking bead.

12. The can end of claim 10, wherein at least one locking bead has an asymmetric shape.

13. The can end of claim 1, wherein the at least one outer bead is configured form a friction fit with the at least one locking bead to reseal the mouth after the mouth panel has been broken away from the depressed panel by covering the at least one locking bead.

14. The can end of claim 13, wherein the at least one locking bead comprises a single locking bead extending around the mouth.

15. The can end of claim 13, wherein the at least one outer bead covers at least one locking bead to form the friction fit with the at least one locking bead.

16. The can end of claim 13, wherein the at least one locking bead has a symmetric shape.

17. The can end of claim 13, wherein the at least one outer bead extends around the tab.

18. A method of resealing a can end, the can end comprises a depressed panel, a mouth formed within the depressed panel by a score, a tab attached to the depressed panel by a rivet, and at least one locking bead formed in the depressed panel, the tap comprises at least one outer bead, the method comprising:rotating the tab about the rivet such that the tab is positioned over the mouth; andforming a friction fit between the at least one locking bead and the at least one outer bead to maintain the tab over the mouth and reseal the can end.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein forming a friction fit between the at least one locking bead and the at least one outer bead to maintain the tab over the mouth and reseal the can end.

20. A method of manufacturing a resealable can end, the method comprising:forming a depressed panel of the resealable can end;pressing at least one locking bead into the depressed panel of the resealable can end; andattaching a tab to the depressed panel of the resealable can end, the tab comprises at least one outer bead.

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