Metal container closure with missile control features and tooling set up therefor

Abstract

A beverage can end (10) has a circumferential curl (14) positioned about a longitudinal axis (50). A circumferential wall (15) extends downwardly and radially inwardly from the circumferential curl (14). A countersink (16) extends radially inwardly from the circumferential wall (15). A center panel (12) extends radially inwardly from the countersink (16) and is centered about the longitudinal axis (50). A tab (28) is attached to a public side (32) of the center panel (12) by a rivet (38). A tear panel (20) is defined by a frangible score (22) and a non-frangible hinge segment (25) and extends between ends of the frangible score (22). The frangible score (22) has a check slot (70) defined by a thickened residual which is bounded at opposing ends by portions of the frangible score (22) having a residual thickness less than the thickened residual of the check slot (70).

Description

Attorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT PATENT1METAL CONTAINER CLOSURE WITH MISSILE CONTROL FEATURES AND TOOLING SET UP THEREFORDESCRIPTIONCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] N / AFEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] N / ATECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to closures, including can ends / lid for metal containers; more particularly, the invention relates to modifications of a frangible score on such closures.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Common end closures or can ends for beer and beverage containers have a center panel that has a frangible panel (sometimes called a “tear panel,” “opening panel,” or “pour panel”) defined by a frangible score formed on the outer surface, the “public side,” of the can end. Popular “ecology” can ends are designed to provide a way of opening the can end by fracturing the scored metal of the panel, while not allowing separation of any parts of the can end. For example, the most common such beverage container end has a tear panel that is retained to the can end by a non-scored hinge region joining the tear panel to the reminder of the can end, with a rivet to attach a leverage tab provided for opening the tear panel. This type of can end, typically called a “stay-on-tab” (“SOT”) end has a tear panel that is defined by an incomplete curvilinear-shaped frangible score, with the non-scored segment serving as the retaining fragment of metal at the hinge-line of the displacement of the tear panel.

[0005] The container is typically a drawn and ironed metal can, usually constructed from a thin plate of aluminum. Can ends for such containers are also typically constructed from a cut-edge of thin plate of aluminum or steel, formed into a blank end, and manufactured into a finished end by a process often referred to as end conversion. These can ends are formed in the process of first forming a cut-edge of thin metal, forming a blank end from the cut-edge, and converting the blank into an end closure which may be seamed onto a container body. Although not presently a popular alternative, such containers and / or can ends may be constructed of plastic material, with similar construction of non-detachable parts provided for openability.Attorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT2

[0006] These types of “stay-on-tab” ecology can ends have been used for many years, with a retained tab and a tear panel of various different shapes and sizes. Throughout the use of such can ends, manufacturers have sought to save the expense of the metal by downgauging the metal of the ends and the tabs. However, because can ends are used for containers with pressurized contents and are sometimes subject to pasteurization, there are conditions causing great stresses to the components of the end during pasteurization, transit and during opening by a user. These conditions limit the available gauge reduction of the end metal, and make it difficult to alter design characteristics of the can end, such as by reducing metal gauge or the thickness of the metal residual in the frangible score defining the tear panel.

[0007] These containers are typically filled with carbonated beverages that create a substantial pressure within the container. Upon opening the container, this pressure must be quickly and safely vented. For this reason, can ends are constructed for venting or releasing the internal pressure of the container during the initial opening of the container.

[0008] When the tab is lifted, an upward force is placed on a rivet that attaches the tab to the can end, and a downward force is placed on the tear panel. This causes an initial opening of the tear panel beneath the nose of the tab in an area referred to as the vent region of the can end. Further lifting of the tab causes the tear panel to separate progressively along the score.

[0009] Upon fracturing of the vent region, rapid disassociation of the tear panel from the can end panel, or more simply, “missiling” of the tear panel may occur. For this reason, some manufacturers place anti-missile features on the public side of the can end. One such feature consists of an anti-missile coin inside the score line. This feature causes localized compression. The anti-missile feature and score help prevent the rapid disassociation of the tear panel from the end panel when the can end is opened under the pressure provided by the carbonated beverage in the container.

[0010] As alluded to above, a user initiates opening of a can end by lifting a lift end of the tab. This lifts the rivet which causes the frangible score to fracture in the vent region. As a nose portion of the tab presses against the tear panel, the fracture of the frangible score propagates around the tear panel, preferably in progression from a first end of the frangible score toward a second end of the frangible score.

[0011] The frangible score includes a length defined by a thickened portion of the residual. This length is often referred to as a check slot. Residual is the material left beneath a score or coin and, in this case, is measured from the product side 34 upwardly toward the public side 32. The length of thickened residual causes the propagation of the fracture of theAttorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT3 frangible score to slow naturally as the fracture reaches the check slot. This allows the container to vent safely before the fracture of the remaining portion of the frangible score is fractured.

[0012] Historically, beverage container components have been produced from different aluminum alloys. Due to design differences and different forces acting on each of the component parts, tabs, can ends, and can bodies have often been produced from two or more different aluminum alloys. Generally, can bodies are produced from a 3XXX aluminum alloy. Can ends and tabs are produced from a 5XXX aluminum alloy.

[0013] Recycled aluminum materials are often used in the manufacture of the aluminum alloys used to produce beverage containers. These recycled materials are introduced as molten scrap during the aluminum sheet making process. The composition of the melted scrap is dependent upon the alloys in the recycle stream, and to a lesser extent, the coatings and residual materials on the recycled materials.

[0014] More recently, manufacturers have sought to develop a singular aluminum alloy from which, at least, can ends and containers can be manufactured. This effort is primarily aimed at production and exploitation of a unialloy. The unialloy can be manufactured such that a single metal alloy can be used to produce a beverage container, more specifically the can ends, can bodies, and can end tabs for a beverage container. The aluminum alloy is processed differently depending on the end use, for example a can end, a tab, or a can body.

[0015] Another aim of these efforts is to allow use of a recycled aluminum stream that is greater than currently used, wherein beverage container components are produced from 50% recycled aluminum material, preferably at least 65% recycled aluminum material, more preferably at least 70% recycled aluminum material, still more preferably 80% recycled aluminum material, still more preferably at least 90% recycled aluminum material, and most preferably a true 100% recycled aluminum material. This true 100% recycled aluminum material is often referred to as “circularity” in the aluminum container manufacturing art.

[0016] As the aluminum alloy material used to produce beverage can ends continues to evolve to include more recycled content, the ultimate tensile strength and, therefore, the resultant shear strength, trends lower. In other words, during opening, it is easier to tear through the frangible score with new aluminum alloys that include more recycled content. This loss of tear resistance could result in pressurized beverage containers bursting open the frangible score opening in storage or transit.

[0017] The present invention is provided to solve the problems discussed above and other problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by prior beverage can ends ofAttorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT4 this type. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.SUMMARY

[0018] A first aspect of the disclosure is directed to a beverage can end comprising: a circumferential curl positioned about a longitudinal axis; a circumferential wall extending downwardly and radially inwardly from the circumferential curl; a countersink extending radially inwardly from the circumferential wall; and a center panel extending radially inwardly from the countersink and centered about the longitudinal axis, the center panel comprising: a tab attached to a public side of the center panel by a rivet; a tear panel defined by a frangible score and a non-frangible hinge segment extending between ends of the frangible score; and a residual located between the frangible score and a product side of the center panel, the frangible score comprising: a check slot having a thickened residual and bounded at opposing ends by portions of the frangible score having a residual thickness less than the thickened residual of the check slot, wherein the thickened residual of the check slot has a thickness between 0.0049 inches and 0.0081 inches, and a first residual thickness bounding the check slot has a thickness between 0.0030 inches and 0.0044 inches.

[0019] The first aspect of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following features, alone or in any reasonable combination. The check slot may comprise a first step having a residual thickness between 0.0049 inches and 0.0071 inches and a second step having a residual thickness between 0.0056 inches and 0.0081 inches. The first step may have a residual thickness between 0.0049 inches and 0.0065 inches. The first step may have a residual thickness between 0.0052 inches and 0.0068 inches. The first step may have a residual thickness between 0.0055 inches and 0.0071 inches. The second step may have a residual thickness between 0.0056 inches to 0.0072 inches. The second step may have a residual thickness between 0.0059 inches to 0.0075 inches. The second step may have a residual thickness between 0.0062 inches to 0.0078 inches. The second step may have a residual thickness between 0.0065 inches to 0.0081 inches. The beverage can end mayAttorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT5 further comprise an anti-missile coin defined by an area of compressed material of the center panel, wherein the anti-missile coin is positioned adjacent the check slot of the frangible score, wherein the anti-missile coin has a rectangular shape and a corner of the anti-missile coin lies closer to the check slot than remaining portions of the anti-missile coin, and wherein a length of the anti-missile coin has an angle from a center line corresponding to a diameter of the can end passing through a center of the rivet and through a 12 o’clock position and a 6 o’clock position of the frangible score, the angle between 35° and 85°. The angle may be between 45° and 75°. The angle may be 45° ±10°. The angle may be 75° ±10°. The frangible score may have an opening opposite the residual, the opening having a width less than 0.0080 inches at a location between first and second parallel planes on which opposing sides of the anti-missile coin lie. The width may be between 0.0054 inches and 0.0080 inches. The corner of the anti-missile coin may be located between ends of a length of the first step of the check slot. The corner of the anti-missile coin may be located within 0.008 inches of the check slot. A width of the anti-missile coin may be greater than 0.016 inches. The width of the anti-missile coin nay be between 0.018 inches and 0.024. The beverage can end may further comprise a deboss panel recessed within the center panel, wherein the center line bisects the deboss panel.

[0020] A second aspect of the present disclosure is directed a beverage can end comprising: a circumferential curl positioned about a longitudinal axis; a circumferential wall extending downwardly and radially inwardly from the circumferential curl; a countersink extending radially inwardly from the circumferential wall; and a center panel extending radially inwardly from the countersink and centered about the longitudinal axis, the center panel comprising: a tab attached to a public side of the center panel by a rivet; a tear panel defined by a frangible score and a non-frangible hinge segment extending between an end of the frangible score; a residual located between the frangible score and a product side of the center panel; and an anti-missile coin located adjacent the frangible score between a first end of the frangible score and a second end of the frangible score, the anti-missile coin defined by an area of compressed material of the center panel,Attorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT6 wherein the anti-missile coin has a width greater than 0.016 inches and a length of the anti-missile coin has an angle from a center line corresponding to a diameter of the can end passing through a center of the rivet and through a 12 o’clock position and a 6 o’clock position of the frangible score, the angle between 35° and 85°.

[0021] The second aspect of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following features, alone or in any reasonable combination. The anti-missile coin may have a rectangular shape and a corner of the anti-missile coin lies closer to the frangible score than remaining portions of the anti-missile coin. The frangible score hay have an opening opposite the residual, a width of the opening less than 0.0080 inches at a location between first and second parallel planes on which opposing sides of the anti-missile coin lie. The width of the opening may be between 0.0054 inches and 0.0080 inches. The corner of the anti-missile coin may be located within 0.008 inches of the check slot. The width of the antimissile coin may be between 0.018 inches and 0.024. The beverage can end may further comprise a check slot having a thickened residual and bounded at opposing ends by portions of the frangible score having a residual thickness less than the thickened residual of the check slot, wherein the thickened residual of the check slot has a thickness between 0.0049 inches and 0.0081 inches, and a first residual thickness bounding the check slot has a thickness between 0.0030 inches and 0.0044 inches. The check slot may comprise a first step having a residual thickness between 0.0049 inches and 0.0071 inches and a second step having a residual thickness between 0.0056 inches and 0.0081 inches. The corner of the anti-missile coin may be positioned adjacent the check slot of the frangible score, and the comer of the anti-missile coin lies closer to the check slot than remaining portions of the anti-missile coin. The corner of the anti-missile coin may be located between ends of a length of the first step of the check slot. The angle may be between 45° and 75°. The angle may be 45° ±10°. The angle may be 75° ±10°. The beverage can end may further comprise a deboss panel recessed within the center panel, wherein the center line bisects the deboss panel.

[0022] A third aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a beverage can end comprising: a circumferential curl positioned about a longitudinal axis; a circumferential wall extending downwardly and radially inwardly from the circumferential curl; a countersink extending radially inwardly from the circumferential wall; and a center panel extending radially inwardly from the countersink and centered about the longitudinal axis, the center panel comprising:Attorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT7 a tab attached to a public side of the center panel by a rivet; a tear panel defined by a frangible score and a non-frangible hinge segment extending between ends of the frangible score; and a residual located between the frangible score and a product side of the center panel, the frangible score comprising: a check slot having a thickened residual and bounded at opposing ends by portions of the frangible score having a residual thickness less than the thickened residual of the check slot, wherein a width of an opening of the check slot located on the public side of the center panel and opposite the thickened residual is less than 0.0080 inches.

[0023] The third aspect of the disclosure may include one or more of the following features, alone or in any reasonable combination. The beverage can end may further comprise a anti-missile coin defined by an area of compressed material of the center panel, wherein the anti-missile coin is positioned adjacent the check slot of the frangible score, wherein the anti-missile coin has a rectangular shape and a corner of the anti-missile coin lies closer to the check slot than remaining portions of the anti-missile coin, and wherein a length of the anti-missile coin has an angle from a center line corresponding to a diameter of the can end passing through a center of the rivet and through a 12 o’clock position and a 6 o’clock position of the frangible score, the angle between 35° and 85°. The width of the opening may be located between first and second parallel planes on which opposing sides of the antimissile coin lie. The width of the opening may be between 0.0054 inches and 0.0080 inches.

[0024] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a beverage can end comprising: a circumferential curl positioned about a longitudinal axis; a circumferential wall extending downwardly and radially inwardly from the circumferential curl; a countersink extending radially inwardly from the circumferential wall; and a center panel extending radially inwardly from the countersink and centered about the longitudinal axis, the center panel comprising: a tab attached to a public side of the center panel by a rivet; a tear panel defined by a frangible score and a non-frangible hinge segment extending between ends of the frangible score; and a residual located between the frangible score and a product side of the center panel, the frangible score comprising:Attorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT8 a check slot having a thickened residual and bounded at opposing ends by portions of the frangible score having a residual thickness less than the thickened residual of the check slot, wherein a difference between a thickness of the thickened residual of the check slot and a first residual thickness of the frangible score bounding the check slot is between 0.0005 inches and 0.0051 inches.

[0025] The fourth aspect of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following features, alone or in any reasonable combination. The check slot may comprise a first step and a second step wherein a difference between a residual thickness of the first step and the first residual thickness of the frangible score bounding the check slot is between 0.0005 inches and 0.0041 inches and a difference between a residual thickness of the second step and the first residual thickness of the frangible score bounding the check slot is between 0.0012 inches and 0.0051 inches. The first step may have a residual thickness between0.0049 inches and 0.0071 inches. The first step may have a residual thickness between0.0049 inches and 0.0065 inches. The first step may have a residual thickness between0.0052 inches and 0.0068 inches. The first step may have a residual thickness between0.0055 inches and 0.0071 inches. The second step may have a residual thickness between0.0056 inches to 0.0081 inches. The second step may have a residual thickness between0.0056 inches to 0.0072 inches. The second step may have a residual thickness between0.0059 inches to 0.0075 inches. The second step may have a residual thickness between0.0062 inches to 0.0078 inches. The second step may have a residual thickness between0.0065 inches to 0.0081 inches. The beverage can end may further comprise a anti-missile coin defined by an area of compressed material of the center panel, wherein the anti-missile coin is positioned adjacent the check slot of the frangible score, wherein the anti-missile coin has a rectangular shape and a corner of the anti-missile coin lies closer to the check slot than remaining portions of the anti-missile coin, and wherein a length of the anti-missile coin has an angle from a center line corresponding to a diameter of the can end passing through a center of the rivet and through a 12 o’clock position and a 6 o’clock position of the frangible score, the angle between 35° and 85°. The angle may be between 45° and 75°. The angle may be 45° ±10°. The angle may be 75° ±10°. The frangible score may have an opening opposite the residual, the opening having a width less than 0.0080 inches at a location between first and second parallel planes on which opposing sides of the anti-missile coin lie. The width may be between 0.0054 inches and 0.0080 inches. The corner of the anti-missile coin may be located between ends of a length of the first step of the check slot. The corner ofAttorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT9 the anti-missile coin may be located within 0.008 inches of the check slot. A width of the anti-missile coin may be greater than 0.016 inches. The width of the anti-missile coin may be between 0.018 inches and 0.024. The beverage can end may further comprise a deboss panel recessed within the center panel, wherein the center line bisects the deboss panel.

[0026] The beverage can end according to any of the aspects of the disclosure may comprise an aluminum alloy comprising at least 50% of a recycled aluminum material. The aluminum alloy may comprise at least 65% recycled aluminum material. The aluminum alloy may comprise at least 70% recycled aluminum material. The aluminum alloy may comprise at least 80% recycled aluminum material. The aluminum alloy may comprise at least 90% recycled aluminum material. The aluminum alloy may comprise 100% recycled aluminum material.

[0027] Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0029] FIG. l is a cross-sectional view of a can end of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 2 is top view of a can end of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 3 is a magnified partial top view of a can end of the present disclosure with the tab removed for clarity;

[0032] FIG. 4 is a magnified partial top view of a can end of the present disclosure with the tab removed for clarity;

[0033] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a can end of the present disclosure taken through 5-5 of FIG. 3;

[0034] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a can end of the present disclosure taken through 6-6 of FIG. 3;

[0035] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a can end of the present disclosure taken through 7-7 of FIG. 3;

[0036] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a can end of the present disclosure taken through 8-8 of FIG. 3;

[0037] FIG. 9 is a micrograph of a public side of a can end of the present disclosure illustrating a relationship between a check slot and an anti-missile coin for a can end that performed satisfactorily;Attorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT10

[0038] FIG. 10 is a micrograph of a public side of a can end of the present disclosure illustrating a relationship between a check slot and an anti-missile coin for a can end that performed satisfactorily;

[0039] FIG. 11 is a plot showing depths of an anti-missile coin and of a frangible score taken along a length of the anti-missile coin and across the frangible score for the can end depicted in FIGS 9 and 10;

[0040] FIG. 12 is a micrograph of a public side of a can end of the present disclosure illustrating a relationship between a check slot and an anti-missile coin for a can end that performed unsatisfactorily;

[0041] FIG. 13 is a micrograph of a public side of a can end of the present disclosure illustrating a relationship between a check slot and an anti-missile coin for a can end that performed unsatisfactorily;

[0042] FIG. 14 is a plot showing depths of an anti-missile coin and of a frangible score taken along a length of the anti-missile coin and across the frangible score for the can end depicted in FIGS. 12 and 13;

[0043] FIG. 15 is an insert tool for forming an anti-missile coin;

[0044] FIG. 16 is a top view of a tooling set up for producing a can end of the present disclosure shown in relation to formed frangible and anti-fracture scores;

[0045] FIG. 16A is a magnified view of area A of FIG. 16;

[0046] FIG. 17 is a top view of a tooling set up for producing a can end of the present disclosure shown in relation to formed frangible and anti-fracture scores;

[0047] FIG. 17A is a magnified view of area A of FIG. 17;

[0048] FIG. 18 is a magnified partial top view of a can end of the present disclosure with the tab removed for clarity and showing a location of an anti-missile coin in relation to a check slot and respective lengths of first and second steps of the check slot;

[0049] FIG. 19 is a top view of a can end having undergone an unsatisfactory failed opening process;

[0050] FIG. 20 is a magnified partial top view of a can end of the present disclosure with the tab removed for clarity and showing a location of an anti-missile coin in relation to a check slot, a rivet coin about a rivet, and respective lengths of first and second steps of the check slot;

[0051] FIG. 21 is a magnified partial top view of a can end of the present disclosure with the tab removed for clarity and showing a location of an anti-missile coin in relation to aAttorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT11 check slot, a rivet coin about a rivet, and respective lengths of first and second steps of the check slot;

[0052] FIG. 22 is a magnified partial top view of a can end of the present disclosure with the tab removed for clarity and showing a location of an anti-missile coin in relation to a check slot, a rivet coin about a rivet, and respective lengths of first and second steps of the check slot;

[0053] FIG. 23 is a micrograph of a public side of a prior art can end illustrating a relationship between a check slot and an anti-missile coin;

[0054] FIG. 24 is a micrograph of a public side of a prior art can end illustrating a relationship between a check slot and an anti-missile coin;

[0055] FIG. 25 is a plot showing depths of an anti-missile coin and of a frangible score taken along a length of the anti-missile coin and across the frangible score for the prior art can end depicted in FIGS. 23 and 24;

[0056] FIG. 26 is a micrograph of a public side of a can end of the present disclosure illustrating a relationship between a check slot and an anti-missile coin for a can end that performed satisfactorily;

[0057] FIG. 27 is a micrograph of a public side of a can end of the present disclosure illustrating a relationship between a check slot and an anti-missile coin for a can end that performed satisfactorily;

[0058] FIG. 28 is a plot showing depths of an anti-missile coin and of a frangible score taken along a length of the anti-missile coin and across the frangible score for the can end depicted in FIGS. 26 and 27;

[0059] FIG. 29 is a histogram showing a pass / fail analysis of an openability of can ends opened under 90 PSIG (0.62 MPa) of internal pressure; and

[0060] FIG. 30 is a histogram showing a pass / fail analysis of an openability of can ends opened under 80 PSIG (0.55 MPa) of internal pressure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.Attorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT12

[0062] The present disclosure is directed a combination of a check slot having a dual step profile and an anti-missile coin of disclosed dimensions and orientations. These profiles alone or, more preferably, in tandem can arrest an opening energy provided by the internal pressure of a beverage sealed within a container and provide a complete opening of a tear panel when a user actuates the opening of the can end to produce a pour opening in the conventional manner.

[0063] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-8, a can end 10 of the present disclosure is a stay- on-tab metal closure. The can end 10 comprises a center panel 12 separated from a circumferential seaming curl 14 by a circumferential wall 15 extending downwardly from the seaming curl 14 to a strengthening segment 16 which is joined to the center panel 12.

[0064] The can end 10 can be later joined to a container body by the seaming curl 14 which is joined to a mating curl of the container body. The seaming curl 14 of the can end 10 is integral with the center panel 12 by the circumferential wall 15 and the strengthening segment 16, typically either a generally U-shaped countersink or a fold, which is joined to a peripheral edge of the center panel 12, which defines an outer perimeter of the center panel 12, often through an additional strengthening feature such as a circumferential step or other circumferential wall.

[0065] The circumferential seaming curl 14 defines an outer perimeter of the beverage can end 10. It is generally centered about a longitudinal or vertical axis 50, preferably located at a center of a rivet 38.

[0066] The circumferential wall 15 extends downwardly from a radially inner portion of the seaming curl 14.

[0067] The circumferential strengthening segment 16 is joined to a lower segment of the circumferential wall 15 and extends circumferentially about the center panel 12.

[0068] The center panel 12 includes a means for opening the can end 10. The means for opening includes a tear panel 20 defined by a curvilinear frangible score 22 and a non- frangible hinge segment 25 which extends between terminal ends of the frangible score 22. Accordingly, the hinge segment is defined by a generally straight line between a first end 22a and a second end 22b of the frangible score 22.

[0069] The tear panel 20 of the center panel 12 may be opened, that is the frangible score 22 may be severed, and the tear panel 20 displaced at an angular orientation relative to the remaining portion of the center panel 12, while the tear panel 20 remains hingedly connected to the center panel 12 through the hinge segment 25. In this opening operation, the tear panel 20 is displaced downwardly at an angular deflection, as it is opened by being displaced awayAttorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT13 from the plane of the panel 12. This deflection of the tear panel 20 creates a pour opening through which a fluid in the container can be poured.

[0070] The frangible score 22 is preferably a substantially V-shaped groove formed into a public side 32 of the center panel 12. A residual is formed between the V-shaped groove and a product side 34 of the can end 10. (See FIG. 6). Here, the term “substantially” encompasses a frangible score having converging walls terminating at a flattened wall at a bottom of the frangible score 22 adjacent a frangible score residual 66. (Compare FIGS. 6 and 11).

[0071] The frangible score 21 and tab 28 can be recessed within a deboss panel 62 in the center panel 12. The deboss panel 62 is a recessed surface in the center panel 12 which decreases a height of a portion of the center panel 12 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 50 such that a concave surface is formed on the public side 32 of the can end 10.

[0072] The tab 28 is retained to the public side 32 of the center panel 12 by the rivet 38. The rivet 38 is formed in the conventional manner, which produces a generally circular rivet coin 39 about the rivet 38.

[0073] An anti-fracture score 24 is located on the tear panel 20. The anti-fracture score 24 runs substantially parallel to the frangible score 22 between the first and second ends of the frangible sore 22.

[0074] As best shown in FIG. 6, the frangible score 22 is preferably a generally V-shaped groove formed into the public side 32 of the center panel 12. Similarly, the anti-fracture score 24, is preferably a generally V-shaped groove formed into the public side 34 of the center panel 12 on the tear panel 20. As is explained in more detail below, the frangible score 22 is preferably deeper than the anti-fracture score groove 24. Accordingly, score residual 66, being the amount of frangible material remaining below the frangible score 22, is less than the adjacent anti-fracture score residual 68. This difference between score residual 66 and adjacent anti-fracture score residual 68 is the score residual differential. Thus, the frangible score 22 residual thickness TFS is less than the anti-fracture score 24 residual thickness.

[0075] A particular frangible score 22 shape is shown in the drawings; however it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular frangible score 22 shape illustrated. The concepts described herein can be applied to large and small opening can ends 10 and other features may me present, such as vent openings, pressure equalization ports and other features.Attorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT14

[0076] The frangible score 22 and the anti-fracture score 24 are formed using conventional-type of scoring operation during the can end forming process, using tools including an upper (public side) die with a score knife and a lower (product side) die with an anvil surface.

[0077] The score residual differential is adapted to provide a tear panel 20 with a frangible score 22 more readily frangible than the anti-fracture score 24. This is a significant factor for providing efficient opening of the can end 10 as understood in the art. Having a double score of a frangible score 22 and an anti-fracture score 24 wherein there is a score residual differential is common in the industry.

[0078] A user initiates opening of the can end 10 by lifting the lift end 40 of the tab 28. This lifts the rivet 38 which causes the frangible score 22 to fracture in a vent region 60 which is located adjacent the rivet 38. As the nose portion 42 presses against the tear panel 20, the fracture of the frangible score 22 propagates around the tear panel 20, preferably in progression from a point near the first end 22a of the score frangible 22 toward the second end 22b of the frangible score 22.

[0079] The frangible score 22 includes a length defined by a thickened portion of the residual. This length is often referred to as a check slot 70. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the check slot 70 includes an area of thickened residual. Thus, the check slot 70 has a thickened residual and is bounded at opposing ends by portions of the frangible score 22 having a residual thickness less than the thickened residual of the check slot 70. The thickened residual of the check slot 70 may have a thickness between 0.0049 inches and 0.0081 inches (0.124 mm and 0.206 mm). A residual thickness 66 of the frangible score 22 bounding the check slot 70 may have a thickness between 0.0030 inches and 0.0044 inches (0.076 mm to 0.112 mm).

[0080] The area with the thickened residual causes the propagation of the fracture of the frangible score 22 to slow naturally as the fracture reaches the check slot 70. This allows the container to vent safely before the fracture of the frangible score 22 continues. A transition where the frangible score 22 transitions to the check slot 70 can be any shape such as a step, angled or a combination of radii (for example, an ogee).

[0081] The check slot 70 includes a dual step residual differential. (See FIG. 5). The dual step residual differential includes two levels of residual thickness. Thus, the check slot 70, rather than having a constant residual thickness, includes a first step 73 and a second step 75, where the residual thickness in the second step 75 is greater than the residual thickness in the first step 73. The first step 73 may have a residual thickness between 0.0049 inches andAttorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT150.0071 inches (0.119 mm to 0.155 mm) and a second step having a residual thickness between 0.0056 inches and 0.0081 inches (0.142 mm to 0.206).

[0082] The can end 10 also includes an anti-missile coin 77. The anti-missile coin 77 is a small rectangularly shaped coin placed adjacent the frangible score 22. The anti-missile coin 77 has a leading end placed adjacent the frangible score 22 and a trailing end directed outwardly and at an angle from the frangible score 22. A length of the anti-missile coin 77 has an angle cp from a center line 80 corresponding to a diameter of the can end 10 passing through a center of the rivet 38 and through a 12 o’clock position and a 6 o’clock position of the frangible score 22. The angle cp may be between 35° and 85°. An intermediate section of the anti-missile coin 77 intersects the anti-fracture score 24 and preferably closes an opening 85 of the anti-fracture score 24. A corner of the anti-missile coin 77 may lie closer to the check slot 70 of the frangible score 22 than remaining portions of the anti-missile coin 77. The comer of the anti-missile coin 77 may be located between ends of a length of the first step 73 of the check slot 70. (See, e.g. FIGS. 16A, 17A, and 18).

[0083] Coining is the work hardening of metal between tools. The material (metal) of the center panel 12 is typically compressed between a pair of tools, generally an upper and lower tool.

[0084] The anti-missile coin 77 has a width Wvc greater than 0.016 inches (0.0406 mm), preferably 0.018 inches to 0.024 inches (0.456 mm to 0.610 mm), and most preferably 0.020 inches (0.51 mm). (See FIGS. 3, 8, 16, 16A, and 18).

[0085] One purpose of the anti-missile coin 77 is to prevent the tear panel 20 from missiling during the opening of the container. Missiling is a jutting upward of the tear panel 20 upon venting. Missiling is caused when the frangible score 22 fracture propagates beyond the vent region 60, before the container pressure is fully relieved. The loose tear panel 20 is then forced upward due to the internal pressure of the container.

[0086] Again, the can end 10 is opened by the lifting of the rivet 38 and subsequently by the force of the tab 28 pushing down on the tear panel 20. Initially, the frangible score 22 should only be severed in the vent region 60. This allows a small portion of the tear panel 20 metal to be pushed below the central panel 12 to open and vent the pressure within the container.

[0087] When the tab 28 on a can end 10 filled with a carbonated beverage is actuated, particularly under high temperature conditions, such as a hot day, an initial tear in the frangible score 22 will be overcome by an internal pressure of a container and propagate in a uncontrolled manner resulting in a tear panel 20 that “opens up”, i.e. deflects upwardlyAttorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT16 towards the user rather than deflecting downwardly into a containment space of the container, which can lead to improper opening, such as malformed and / or incomplete pour opening 21. (See FIG. 31). This is commonly tested in what is referred to as a vent test or antimissile test where a can end 10 is opened under pressure. If the anti-missile coin 77 is functioning correctly, it will arrest the frangible score 22 tearing up to a 1 o’clock position as an initial internal pressure within the container is released. In this way, the internal pressure is released in a controlled manner, and the user actuates the tab 28 to propagate the frangible score 22, thereby opening moving the tear panel 20 into the container containment space.

[0088] As explained above, the aluminum alloy material used to produce can ends 10 continues to evolve to include more recycled content. This results in lower ultimate tensile strength and, therefore, lower resultant shear strength. Consequently, during opening it is easier to tear through the frangible score 22. This loss of tear resistance results in increased beverage container opening failures because the prior art anti-missile coins 77 are no longer effective at controlling the opening of the tear panel 20.

[0089] The anti-missile coin 77 functions by displacing metal near the juncture of the check slot 70 and the vent region 60. The displaced metal in the area causes an elastic, compressive state. As such, when the frangible score 22 is severed in the vent region 60, the metal of the tear panel 20 springs out to underlap the metal of the central panel 12 in that region. This underlapping portion of the tear panel 20 is believed to keep the remainder of the tear panel 20 in place so as to avoid premature fracture of the remainder of the frangible score 22 and thereby prevent the tear panel 20 from missiling.

[0090] The anti-missile coin 77 also interacts with the check slot 70 to slow the propagation of the fracture along the frangible score 22 during venting of the container.

[0091] To control or arrest the opening of the tear panel 20, the check slot 70 is added to the frangible score 22, and the anti-missile coin 77 is placed near the check slot 70 to narrow or close a width of an opening 84 of the frangible score 22 opposite the residual 66. The width of the opening 84 at a location between first and second parallel planes on which opposing sides of the anti-missile coin 77 lie (see, e.g., FIG. 9) is less than 0.0080 inches (0.203 mm), preferably between 0.0054 inches and 0.0080 inches (0.137 mm to 0.203 mm).

[0092] Again, the check slot 70 is a break in a depth of the frangible score 22 such that the residual 66 becomes thicker thereby creating an energy barrier for the opening / fracturing of the frangible score 22 to overcome. The depth of the check slot 70 is balanced between arresting the energy provided by the internal pressure of the container and the energy available in a lever of the tab 28.Attorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT17

[0093] The anti-missile coin 77 placed near the frangible score 22 contributes to arrest the fracture opening when there is an internal pressure present. By physically closing the cross section of the frangible score 22, i.e., narrowing the width of the opening 84 of the frangible score 22, additional energy is required to fracture the frangible score 22, and the opening of the can end 10 can be controlled by creating a deeper or more coined portion of the center panel 12. However, if the anti-missile coin 77 is too deep, it can create performance issues for the can end 10, including a failed opening or breaks in a coating applied to the can end 10.

[0094] It should be understood that the disclosure set forth above in relation to check slot 70 and anti-missile coin 77 configurations can be applied to can ends 10 having alternative frangible score 22 shapes not shown in the drawings and are not limited to the particular frangible score 22 shape shown.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the anti-missile coin 77 is rectangularly shaped, and a comer of the rectangularly shaped anti-missile coin 77 is placed within 0.008 inches (0.203 mm) of the frangible score 22, preferably between the first step 73 and the second step 75 of the check slot 70, and more preferably within a length of the first step 73. (See FIGS.3, 4, 16A, 17A, and 18).

[0096] In the following embodiments, it will be understood that the present disclosure includes the recited orientations of the anti-missile coins 77 combined with the recited dimensions and locations of the check slots 70 and anti-missile coins 77 as well as the recited residual thicknesses. In other words, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments recited below. These recited embodiments are directed to the recited elements listed according to the various embodiments, and the present disclosure more broadly includes combinations of the elements. Additionally, while the cross-sections of the can end 10 depicted in FIGS. 5-8 are illustrated as having been taken from FIG. 3, these crosssections apply to the can ends 10 of each embodiment and are shown on FIG. 3 alone for simplicity and efficiency’s sake.

[0097] According to one embodiment, a thickness TFS of the residual 66 of the frangible score is 0.0030 inches to 0.0044 inches (0.076 mm to 0.112 mm), a thickness Tcsi of the first step 73 of the check slot 70 is 0.0049 inches to 0.0071 inches (0.124 mm to 0.180 mm), and a thickness Tcs2 of the second step 75 of the check slot 70 is 0.0056 inches to 0.0081 inches (0.142 mm to 0.206 mm). (See FIG. 5).

[0098] According to one embodiment, a thickness TFS of the residual 66 of the frangible score is 0.0030 inches to 0.0044 inches (0.076 mm to 0.112 mm), a thickness Tcsi of the firstAttorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT18 step 73 of the check slot 70 is 0.0052 inches to 0.0068 inches (0.132 mm to 0.173 mm), and a thickness Tcs2 of the second step 75 of the check slot 70 is 0.0059 inches to 0.0075 inches (0.150 mm to 0.191 mm). (See FIG. 5).

[0099] According to one embodiment, a thickness TFS of the residual 66 of the frangible score is 0.0030 inches to 0.0044 inches (0.076 mm to 0.112 mm), a thickness Tcsi of the first step 73 of the check slot 70 is 0.0055 inches to 0.0071 inches (0.140 mm to 0.180 mm), and a thickness Tcs2 of the second step 75 of the check slot 70 is 0.0062 inches to 0.0078 inches (0.157 mm to 0.198 mm). (See FIG. 5).

[0100] According to one embodiment, a thickness TFS of the residual 66 of the frangible score is 0.0030 inches to 0.0044 inches (0.076 mm to 0.112 mm), a thickness Tcsi of the first step 73 of the check slot 70 is 0.0055 inches to 0.0071 inches (0.140 mm to 0.180 mm), and a thickness Tcs2 of the second step 75 of the check slot 70 is 0.0065 inches to 0.0081 inches (0.165 mm to 0.206 mm). (See FIG. 5).

[0101] According to one embodiment, a rectangular anti-missile coin 77 exhibits an angle cp of 45° ±10° from center line 80 corresponding to a diameter of the can end 10 passing through a center of the rivet 38 and bisecting the deboss panel 62 and / or passing through a 12 o’clock position and a 6 o’clock position of the frangible score. Stated another way, a length Lvc of the rectangular anti-missile coin 77 exhibits the angle cp. (See FIGS. 3, 16, and 16A).

[0102] According to one embodiment, a rectangular anti-missile coin 77 exhibits an angle (p of 75° ±10° from center line 80 corresponding to a diameter of the can end 10 passing through a center of the rivet 38 and bisecting the deboss panel 62 and / or passing through a 12 o’clock position and a 6 o’clock position of the frangible score. Stated another way, a length Lvc of the rectangular anti-missile coin 77 exhibits the angle cp. (See FIGS. 4, 17, and 17A).

[0103] According to one embodiment, the anti-missile coin 77 exhibits an angle cp of 45° ±10° from center line 80 corresponding to a diameter of the can end 10 passing through a center of the rivet 38 and bisecting the deboss panel 62 and / or passing through a 12 o’clock position and a 6 o’clock position of the frangible score. Stated another way, a length Lvc of the rectangular anti-missile coin 77 exhibits the angle cp. The anti-missile coin 77 has a width Wvc greater than 0.016 inches (0.0406 mm), preferably 0.018 inches to 0.024 inches (0.456 mm to 0.610 mm), and most preferably 0.020 inches (0.51 mm). (See FIGS. 3, 8, 16, 16A, and 18).

[0104] According to one embodiment, a rectangular anti-missile coin 77 exhibits an angle (p of 75° ±10° from center line 80 corresponding to a diameter of the can end 10 passing through a center of the rivet 38 and bisecting the deboss panel 62 and / or passing through a 12Attorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT19 o’clock position and a 6 o’clock position of the frangible score. Stated another way, a length Lvc of the rectangular anti-missile coin 77 exhibits the angle cp. The anti-missile coin 77 has a width Wvc of 0.018 inches to 0.024 inches (0.456 mm to 0.610 mm) , and most preferably 0.020 inches (0.51 mm). (See FIGS. 4, 8, 17, and 17A).

[0105] According to one embodiment, a depth Dvc of the anti-missile coin 77 is greater than 0.0009 inches (0.023 mm) as measured from a public side 32 surface of the center panel 12 of the can end 10 adjacent the anti-missile coin 77 to a bottom of the anti-missile coin 77, more preferably, between 0.0009 inches (0.023 mm) to 0.005 inches (0.127 mm), still more preferably 0.001 inches (0.025 mm) to 0.004 inches (0.010 mm), still more preferably between 0.002 inches (0.051 mm) to 0.003 inches (0.076 mm), and most preferably 0.0023 inches (0.058 mm). (See, e.g., FIGS. 8, 9, and 28).

[0106] According to one embodiment, a rectangular anti-missile coin 77 exhibits an angle (p between 35° and 85° from center line 80 corresponding to a diameter of the can end 10 passing through a center of the rivet 38 and bisecting the deboss panel 62 and / or passing through a 12 o’clock position and a 6 o’clock position of the frangible score. Stated another way, a length of the rectangular anti-missile coin 77 exhibits the angle cp. According to this embodiment a width of an opening 84 of the frangible score 22 in the check slot 70 at a location between first and second parallel planes on which opposing sides of the anti-missile coin lie is less than 0.0080 inches (0.203 mm), preferably less than 0.007 inches (0.178 mm), more preferably less than 0.006 inches (0.152 mm), still more preferably between 0.0010 inches (0.025 mm) and 0.006 inches (0.152 mm), still more preferably between 0.0015 inches (0.038 mm) to 0.005 inches (0.127 mm), still more preferably between 0.002 inches (0.051 mm) and 0.005 inches (0.127 mm), still more preferably between 0.002 inches (0.051 mm) and 0.003 inches (0.076 mm), and most preferably 0.0023 inches (0.058 mm). It should be understood that the opening 84, by definition, cannot be zero inches. That is the width of the opening must be greater than 0 inches. The anti-missile coin 77 has a width Wvc of 0.018 inches to 0.024 inches (0.456 mm to 0.610 mm). (See, e.g., FIGS. 3, 4, and 8-11).

[0107] The opening 85 of the anti-fracture score 24 is shown in FIG. 6.

[0108] According to one embodiment, a difference between a thickness Tcsi,Tcs2 of the thickened residual of the check slot 70 and a first residual thickness TFS of the frangible score 22 bounding the check slot 70 is between 0.0005 inches (0.013) mm and 0.0051 inches (0.130 mm).

[0109] According to one embodiment the check slot 70 comprises a first step 73 and a second step 75 wherein a difference between a residual thickness Tcsi of the first step 73 andAttorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT20 the first residual thickness TFS of the frangible score 22 bounding the check slot 70 is between 0.0005 inches (0.013 mm) and 0.0041 inches (0.104 mm) and a difference between a residual thickness of the second step Tcs2 and the first residual thickness TFS bounding the check slot 70 is between 0.0012 inches (0.0305 mm) and 0.0051 inches (0.130 mm).

[0110] According to an embodiment, the can end embodiments of the present disclosure are produced from an aluminum alloy comprising a high content of recycled aluminum. Here, the term “high” encompasses an aluminum alloy comprising at least 50% recycled aluminum. Preferably, the aluminum alloy comprises at least 65% recycled aluminum material, more preferably at least 70% recycled aluminum material, still more preferably 80% recycled aluminum material, still more preferably at least 90% recycled aluminum material, and most preferably a true 100% recycled aluminum material.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the anti-missile coin 77 is rectangularly shaped, and a comer of the rectangularly shaped anti-missile coin 77 is placed within 0.008 inches (0.203 mm) of the frangible score 22. (See FIGS. 20-22).

[0112] Referring to the can ends 10 illustrated in FIGS. 20-22, three embodiments of the anti-missile coin 77 of the present disclosure are illustrated. These figures illustrate different locations and orientations of the anti-missile coins 77 in relation to the rivet coin 39 and check slot 70. These embodiments share some of the dimensions and structural locations of elements described in relation to the embodiments of FIGS. 3-8 and 18. Tests have shown that these embodiments do not perform equally in terms of opening.

[0113] Referring to specifically to FIG. 20, this embodiment is related to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. According to this embodiment, the anti-missile coin 77 is partially located with a surface area of the rivet coin 39. The corner of the rectangularly shaped anti-missile coin 77 that approaches the check slot 70 is located within the surface area of the rivet coin 39 and adjacent the length of the first step 73 of the check slot 70. Here, the anti-missile coin 77 exhibits an angle cp of 35° ±10° from center line 80 corresponding to a diameter of the can end 10 passing through a center of the rivet 38 and bisecting the deboss panel 62 and / or passing through a 12 o’clock position and a 6 o’clock position of the frangible score 22. Stated another way, a length Lvc of the rectangular anti-missile coin 77 exhibits the angle cp. The anti-missile coin 77 has a width Wvc greater than 0.016 inches (0.0406 mm), preferably 0.018 inches to 0.024 inches (0.456 mm to 0.610 mm), and most preferably 0.020 inches (0.51 mm). A depth Dvc of the anti-missile coin 77 is greater than 0.0009 inches (0.023 mm) as measured from an adjacent public side 32 surface of the center panel 12 of the can end 10, more preferably, between 0.0009 inches (0.023 mm) to 0.005 inches (0.127 mm), still moreAttorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT21 preferably 0.001 inches (0.025 mm) to 0.004 inches (0.010 mm), still more preferably between 0.002 inches (0.051 mm) to 0.003 inches (0.076 mm), and most preferably 0.0023 inches (0.058 mm). A width of the opening 84 of the frangible score 22 in the check slot 70 at a location between first and second parallel planes on which opposing sides of the antimissile coin 77 lie is less than 0.0080 inches (0.203 mm), preferably less than 0.007 inches (0.178 mm), more preferably less than 0.006 inches (0.152 mm), still more preferably between 0.001 inches (0.025 mm) and 0.006 inches (0.152 mm), still more preferably between 0.0015 inches (0.038 mm) to 0.005 inches (0.127 mm), still more preferably between 0.002 inches (0.051 mm) and 0.005 inches (0.127 mm), still more preferably between 0.002 inches (0.051 mm) and 0.003 inches (0.076 mm), and most preferably 0.0023 inches (0.058 mm). The distance from a closest point on the anti-missile coin 77 to the check slot is less than 0.028 inches, preferably within 0.003 inches to 0.028 inches (0.076 mm to 0.71 mm), more preferably within 0.003 inches to 0.008 inches (0.076 mm to 0.203 mm), and most preferably 0.008 inches (0.203 mm) and / or is located within the surface area of the rivet coin 39.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 21, a more preferable embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Here, the anti-missile coin 77 is located entirely outside the surface area of the rivet coin 39. The comer of the rectangularly shaped anti-missile coin 77 that approaches the check slot 70 is located outside the surface area of the rivet coin 39 and between a terminal end of the length of the first step 73 of the check slot 70 and a starting end of the second step 75 pf the check slot 70. Here, the anti-missile coin 77 exhibits an angle cp of 45° ±10° from center line 80 corresponding to a diameter of the can end 10 passing through a center of the rivet 38 and bisecting the deboss panel 62 and / or passing through a 12 o’clock position and a 6 o’clock position of the frangible score 22. Stated another way, a length Lvc of the rectangular anti-missile coin 77 exhibits the angle cp. The anti-missile coin 77 has a width Wvc greater than 0.016 inches (0.0406 mm), preferably 0.018 inches to 0.024 inches (0.456 mm to 0.610 mm). A depth Dvc of the anti-missile coin 77 is greater than 0.0009 inches (0.023 mm) as measured from an adjacent public side 32 surface of the center panel 12 of the can end 10, more preferably, between 0.0009 inches (0.023 mm) to 0.005 inches (0.127 mm), still more preferably 0.001 inches (0.025 mm) to 0.004 inches (0.010 mm), still more preferably between 0.002 inches (0.051 mm) to 0.003 inches (0.076 mm), and most preferably 0.0023 inches (0.058 mm). A width of the opening 84 of the frangible score 22 in the check slot 70 at a location between first and second parallel planes on which opposing sides of the anti-missile coin 77 lie is less than 0.0080 inches (0.203 mm), preferably lessAttorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT22 than 0.007 inches (0.178 mm), more preferably less than 0.006 inches (0.152 mm), still more preferably between 0.001 inches (0.025 mm) and 0.006 inches (0.152 mm), still more preferably between 0.0015 inches (0.038 mm) to 0.005 inches (0.127 mm), still more preferably between 0.002 inches (0.051 mm) and 0.005 inches (0.127 mm), still more preferably between 0.002 inches (0.051 mm) and 0.003 inches (0.076 mm), and most preferably 0.0023 inches (0.058 mm). The distance from a closest point on the anti-missile coin 77 to the check slot is The distance from a closest point on the anti-missile coin 77 to the check slot is less than 0.028 inches, preferably within 0.003 inches to 0.028 inches (0.076 mm to 0.71 mm), more preferably within 0.003 inches to 0.008 inches (0.076 mm to 0.203 mm), and most preferably 0.008 inches (0.203 mm).

[0115] Referring to FIG. 22, in an embodiment that performed similarly to the embodiment of FIG. 21, the anti-missile coin 77 is located partially within the surface area of the rivet coin 39. The corner of the rectangularly shaped anti-missile coin 77 that approaches the check slot 70 is located outside the surface area of the rivet coin 39 and between a terminal end of the length of the first step 73 of the check slot 70 and a starting end of the second step 75 pf the check slot 70. Here, the anti-missile coin 77 exhibits an angle cp of 75° ±10° from center line 80 corresponding to a diameter of the can end 10 passing through a center of the rivet 38 and bisecting the deboss panel 62 and / or passing through a 12 o’clock position and a 6 o’clock position of the frangible score 22. Stated another way, a length Lvc of the rectangular anti-missile coin 77 exhibits the angle cp. The anti-missile coin 77 has a width Wvc greater than 0.016 inches (0.0406 mm), preferably 0.018 inches to 0.024 inches (0.456 mm to 0.610 mm). A depth Dvc of the anti-missile coin 77 is greater than 0.0009 inches (0.023 mm) as measured from an adjacent public side 32 surface of the center panel 12 of the can end 10, more preferably, between 0.0009 inches (0.023 mm) to 0.005 inches (0.127 mm), still more preferably 0.001 inches (0.025 mm) to 0.004 inches (0.010 mm), still more preferably between 0.002 inches (0.051 mm) to 0.003 inches (0.076 mm), and most preferably 0.0023 inches (0.058 mm). A width of the opening 84 of the frangible score 22 in the check slot 70 at a location between first and second parallel planes on which opposing sides of the anti-missile coin 77 lie is less than 0.0080 inches (0.203 mm), preferably less than 0.007 inches (0.178 mm), more preferably less than 0.006 inches (0.152 mm), still more preferably between 0.001 inches (0.025 mm) and 0.006 inches (0.152 mm), still more preferably between 0.0015 inches (0.038 mm) to 0.005 inches (0.127 mm), still more preferably between 0.002 inches (0.051 mm) and 0.005 inches (0.127 mm), still more preferably between 0.002 inches (0.051 mm) and 0.003 inches (0.076 mm), and mostAttorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT23 preferably 0.0023 inches (0.058 mm). The distance from a closest point on the anti-missile coin 77 to the check slot is less than 0.028 inches, preferably within 0.003 inches to 0.028 inches (0.076 mm to 0.71 mm), more preferably within 0.003 inches to 0.008 inches (0.076 mm to 0.203 mm), and most preferably 0.008 inches (0.203 mm) and / or is located within the surface area of the rivet coin 39.

[0116] Embodiments of can ends 10 were produced according to the following disclosure from an aluminum-based material comprising a high content of recycled aluminum. Tables 1 and 2 summarize can ends 10 that performed satisfactorily.TABLE 1TABLE 2

[0117] Can ends 10 were produced according to the following disclosure from high recycled aluminum-based aluminum alloy. Table 3 summarizes can ends 10 that performed unsatisfactorily.TABLE 3

[0118] Referring to FIGS. 15-17, tooling and set ups for forming the embodiments described herein are shown.

[0119] FIG. 15 shows an isometric front perspective view of an insert tool 200 used to make an anti-missile feature. In one embodiment, the insert tool 200 has a cylinder-shaped body 204 with a first end 208 and a second end 212. The insert tool 200 includes aAttorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT24 rectangular punch that coins an area of the can end 10 near the frangible score 22 that prevents the tear panel 20 from opening upward toward the consumer during the opening sequence.

[0120] The first end 208 comprises a flange 216 such that the insert tool 200 may be secured during the manufacturing process of forming anti-missile coin 77. The flange 216 in this embodiment is shaped like a flat cylinder. The second end 212 of the insert tool 200 comprises shaped feature or punch 220. The shaped feature 220 is configured to form the anti-missile coin 77, and the shaped feature 220 may be configured to generate any antimissile coin 77 described elsewhere herein.

[0121] Tooling set ups are illustrated in FIGS. 16-17A to arrive at the embodiments disclosed above. More specifically, referring to FIG. 16A, the shaped feature 220 is angled at an angle cp between 35° and 55°, preferably 45° ±10°, and most preferable 45° from a central axis. The shaped feature 220 is located completely outside of an area defined by a circle 224 having a diameter of 0.3585 ins (9.106 mm) and centered about the rivet 38 on the center panel 12 of the can end 10. This spacing ensures that no part of the anti-missile coin 77 falls within this area a corresponding surface area of the rivet coin 39. A corner of the shaped feature 220 is placed less than 0.028 inches from of a resulting location of the frangible score 22, preferably within 0.003 inches to 0.028 inches (0.076 mm to 0.71 mm), more preferably within 0.003 inches to 0.008 inches (0.076 mm to 0.203 mm), and most preferably within 0.008 inches (0.203 mm) of a resulting location of the frangible score 22.

[0122] The circle 224 that is centered about the rivet 38 corresponds to the surface area of the rivet coin 39, which is typically produced during formation of the rivet 38 to make the rivet 38 more complete. This coining results in a reduced cross-sectional material thickness. The reduced cross sectional thickness can be between 5% and 20% thinner than that of the surrounding material of the center panel 12.

[0123] As the anti-missile coin 77 is formed / coined into the can end 10, by coining outside of a surface area of a circle having a 0.3585 inches diameter (9.106 mm), there is more material displaced which results in a frangible score 22 that is pinched closed by the anti-missile coin 77 such that the opening 84 of the frangible score 22 has a width as described above. The anti-missile coin 77 is typically measured by the residual thickness of the material in the anti-missile coin 77. If the can end 10 is coined too much (a small residual), tears, metal exposure and incomplete frangible score 22 opening can result. If the can end 10 is coined too little, the vented opening of the product inside is not controlled, and the tear panel 20 bursts upwardly.Attorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT25

[0124] Comparing the can ends 10 shown in FIGS. 23-25 to those shown in FIGS. 26-28, the can ends 10 have similarly angled anti-missile coins 77 and the distance between the points on the anti-missile coins 77 closest to the check slots 70 is 0.008 inches (0.203 mm). However, the anti-missile coin 77 of FIGS. 23-25 is located within the rivet coin 39 such that the distance between the point on the anti-missile coin 77 closest to the check slot 70 is located within the surface area of the rivet coin 39. The anti-missile coin 77 of FIGS. 26-28 is located outside the surface area of the rivet coin 39 such that the distance between the point on the anti-missile coin 77 closest to the check slot 70 is located outside the surface area of the rivet coin 39. These drawings show that for the same anti-missile coin 77 residual (about 0.0079 inches (0.20 mm)), a material around the can end 10 is indented to a greater depth, thereby displacing more material into the path of the frangible score 22, resulting in a narrower frangible score 22 width, i.e. a smaller width of the frangible score 22 opening 84 at that location,

[0125] The effect of the anti-missile coins 77 of FIGS. 21 and 26-28 is shown by pass and fail vent test histograms shown in FIG. 29 and 30. Two charts are shown. Each chart has a different internal pressure under which can ends 10 were opened. According to FIG. 29, can ends 10 were opened under 90 PSIG (0.62 MPa) of internal pressure, and according to FIG. 30, can ends 10 end were opened under 80 PSIG (0.55 MPa) of internal pressure. “Plcm2” indicates the can ends 10 having anti-missile coins 77 located according to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 21 and 26-28, and “Plcm 1” indicates anti-missile coins 77 located according to a current practice in the art and applied the can ends produced from the alloy disclosed herein. The charts show that the Pclm2 can ends 10 out-performed the can end 10 produce according to the current practice in the art, applied to can ends produce from the alloy disclosed herein.

[0126] While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT26CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A beverage can end (10) comprising: a circumferential curl (14) positioned about a longitudinal axis (50); a circumferential wall (15) extending downwardly and radially inwardly from the circumferential curl (14); a countersink (16) extending radially inwardly from the circumferential wall (15); and a center panel (12) extending radially inwardly from the countersink (16) and centered about the longitudinal axis (50), the center panel (12) comprising: a tab (28) attached to a public side (32) of the center panel (12) by a rivet (38); a tear panel (20) defined by a frangible score (22) and a non-frangible hinge segment (25) extending between ends of the frangible score (22); and a residual (66) located between the frangible score (22) and a product side of the center panel (12), the frangible score (22) comprising: a check slot (70) having a thickened residual and bounded at opposing ends by portions of the frangible score (22) having a residual thickness less than the thickened residual of the check slot (70), wherein the thickened residual of the check slot (70) has a thickness between 0.0049 inches and 0.0081 inches, and a first residual thickness bounding the check slot (70) has a thickness between 0.0030 inches and 0.0044 inches.

2. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 1, wherein the check slot (70) comprises a first step (73) having a residual thickness between 0.0049 inches and 0.0071 inches and a second step (75) having a residual thickness between 0.0056 inches and 0.0081 inches.

3. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 2 wherein the first step (73) has a residual thickness between 0.0049 inches and 0.0065 inches.

4. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 2 wherein the first step (73) has a residual thickness between 0.0052 inches and 0.0068 inches.

5. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 2 wherein the first step (73) has a residual thickness between 0.0055 inches and 0.0071 inches.Attorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT276. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 2 wherein the second step (75) has a residual thickness between 0.0056 inches to 0.0072 inches.

7. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 2 wherein the second step (75) has a residual thickness between 0.0059 inches to 0.0075 inches.

8. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 2 wherein the second step (75) has a residual thickness between 0.0062 inches to 0.0078 inches.

9. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 2 wherein the second step (75) has a residual thickness between 0.0065 inches to 0.0081 inches.

10. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 9 further comprising an anti-missile coin (77) defined by an area of compressed material of the center panel (12), wherein the anti-missile coin (77) is positioned adjacent the check slot (70) of the frangible score (22), wherein the anti-missile coin (77) has a rectangular shape and a corner of the antimissile coin (77) lies closer to the check slot (70) than remaining portions of the anti-missile coin (77), and wherein a length of the anti-missile coin (77) has an angle (cp) from a center line corresponding to a diameter of the can end (10) passing through a center of the rivet (38) and through a 12 o’clock position and a 6 o’clock position of the frangible score (22), the angle (cp) between 35° and 85°.

11. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 10, wherein the angle (cp) is between 45° and 75°.

12. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 10, wherein the angle (cp) is 45° ±10°.

13. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 10, wherein the angle (cp) is 75° ±10°.

14. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 10, wherein the frangible score (22) has an opening opposite the residual (66), the opening having a width less than 0.0080 inches at a location between first and second parallel planes on which opposing sides of the antimissile coin (77) lie.Attorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT2815. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 14, wherein the width is between 0.0054 inches and 0.0080 inches.

16. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 14, wherein the comer of the antimissile coin (77) is located between ends of a length of the first step (73) of the check slot (70).

17. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 16, wherein the comer of the antimissile coin (77) is located is within 0.028 inches of the check slot (70).

18. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 16, wherein the comer of the antimissile coin (77) is located is within 0.003 inches to 0.028 inches of the check slot (70).

19. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 18, wherein a width of the anti-missile coin (77) is greater than 0.016 inches.

20. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 19, wherein the width of the antimissile coin (77) is between 0.018 inches and 0.024.

21. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 20 further comprising a deboss panel (62) recessed within the center panel (12), wherein the center line bisects the deboss panel (62).

22. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 16, wherein the comer of the antimissile coin (77) is located within 0.003 inches to 0.008 inches of the check slot (70).

23. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 16, wherein the comer of the antimissile coin (77) is located 0.008 inches of the check slot (70).

24. A beverage can end (10) comprising: a circumferential curl (14) positioned about a longitudinal axis (50); a circumferential wall (15) extending downwardly and radially inwardly from the circumferential curl (14); a countersink (16) extending radially inwardly from the circumferential wall (15); and a center panel (12) extending radially inwardly from the countersink (16) and centered about the longitudinal axis (50), the center panel (12) comprising: a tab (28) attached to a public side (32) of the center panel (12) by a rivet (38);Attorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT29 a tear panel (20) defined by a frangible score (22) and a non-frangible hinge segment (25) extending between an end of the frangible score (22); a residual (66) located between the frangible score (22) and a product side of the center panel (12); and an anti-missile coin (77) located adjacent the frangible score (22) between a first end of the frangible score (22) and a second end of the frangible score (22), the anti-missile coin (77) defined by an area of compressed material of the center panel (12), wherein the anti-missile coin (77) has a width greater than 0.016 inches and a length of the anti-missile coin (77) has an angle (cp) from a center line corresponding to a diameter of the can end (10) passing through a center of the rivet (38) and through a 12 o’clock position and a 6 o’clock position of the frangible score (22), the angle (cp) between 35° and 85°.

25. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 24 wherein the anti-missile coin (77) has a rectangular shape and a corner of the anti-missile coin (77) lies closer to the frangible score (22) than remaining portions of the anti-missile coin (77).

26. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 25, wherein the frangible score (22) has an opening opposite the residual (66), a width of the opening less than 0.0080 inches at a location between first and second parallel planes on which opposing sides of the anti-missile coin (77) lie.

27. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 26, wherein the width of the opening is between 0.0054 inches and 0.0080 inches.

28. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 27, wherein the comer of the antimissile coin (77) is located within 0.008 inches of the check slot (70).

29. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 25, wherein the width of the antimissile coin (77) is between 0.018 inches and 0.024.

30. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 25 further comprising a check slot (70) having a thickened residual and bounded at opposing ends by portions of the frangible score (22) having a residual thickness less than the thickened residual of the check slot (70),Attorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT30 wherein the thickened residual of the check slot (70) has a thickness between 0.0049 inches and 0.0081 inches, and a first residual thickness bounding the check slot (70) has a thickness between 0.0030 inches and 0.0044 inches.

31. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 30, wherein the check slot (70) comprises a first step (73) having a residual thickness between 0.0049 inches and 0.0071 inches and a second step (75) having a residual thickness between 0.0056 inches and 0.0081 inches.

32. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 31, wherein the comer of the antimissile coin (77) is positioned adjacent the check slot (70) of the frangible score (22), and the corner of the anti-missile coin (77) lies closer to the check slot (70) than remaining portions of the anti-missile coin (77).

33. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 32, wherein the comer of the antimissile coin (77) is located between ends of a length of the first step (73) of the check slot (70).

34. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 25, wherein the angle (cp) is between 45° and 75°.

35. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 25, wherein the angle (cp) is 45° ±10°.

36. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 25, wherein the angle (cp) is 75° ±10°.

37. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 24 further comprising a deboss panel(62) recessed within the center panel (12), wherein the center line bisects the deboss panel (62).

38. A beverage can end (10) comprising: a circumferential curl (14) positioned about a longitudinal axis (50); a circumferential wall (15) extending downwardly and radially inwardly from the circumferential curl (14); a countersink (16) extending radially inwardly from the circumferential wall (15); and a center panel (12) extending radially inwardly from the countersink (16) and centered about the longitudinal axis (50), the center panel (12) comprising: a tab (28) attached to a public side (32) of the center panel (12) by a rivet (38);Attorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT31 a tear panel (20) defined by a frangible score (22) and a non-frangible hinge segment (25) extending between ends of the frangible score (22); and a residual (66) located between the frangible score (22) and a product side of the center panel (12), the frangible score (22) comprising: a check slot (70) having a thickened residual and bounded at opposing ends by portions of the frangible score (22) having a residual thickness less than the thickened residual of the check slot (70), wherein a width of an opening of the check slot (70) located on the public side (32) of the center panel (12) and opposite the thickened residual is less than 0.0080 inches.

39. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 38 further comprising an anti-missile coin (77) defined by an area of compressed material of the center panel (12), wherein the anti-missile coin (77) is positioned adjacent the check slot (70) of the frangible score (22), wherein the anti-missile coin (77) has a rectangular shape and a corner of the antimissile coin (77) lies closer to the check slot (70) than remaining portions of the anti-missile coin (77), and wherein a length of the anti-missile coin (77) has an angle (cp) from a center line corresponding to a diameter of the can end (10) passing through a center of the rivet (38) and through a 12 o’clock position and a 6 o’clock position of the frangible score (22), the angle (cp) between 35° and 85°.

40. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 39, wherein the width of the opening is located between first and second parallel planes on which opposing sides of the anti-missile coin (77) lie.

41. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 40, wherein the width of the opening is between 0.0054 inches and 0.0080 inches.

42. A beverage can end (10) comprising: a circumferential curl (14) positioned about a longitudinal axis (50); a circumferential wall (15) extending downwardly and radially inwardly from the circumferential curl (14); a countersink (16) extending radially inwardly from the circumferential wall (15); andAttorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT32 a center panel (12) extending radially inwardly from the countersink (16) and centered about the longitudinal axis (50), the center panel (12) comprising: a tab (28) attached to a public side (32) of the center panel (12) by a rivet (38); a tear panel (20) defined by a frangible score (22) and a non-frangible hinge segment (25) extending between ends of the frangible score (22); and a residual (66) located between the frangible score (22) and a product side of the center panel (12), the frangible score (22) comprising: a check slot (70) having a thickened residual and bounded at opposing ends by portions of the frangible score (22) having a residual thickness less than the thickened residual of the check slot (70), wherein a difference between a thickness of the thickened residual of the check slot (70) and a first residual thickness of the frangible score (22) bounding the check slot (70) is between 0.0005 inches and 0.0051 inches.

43. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 42, wherein the check slot (70) comprises a first step (73) and a second step (75) wherein a difference between a residual thickness of the first step (73) and the first residual thickness of the frangible score (22) bounding the check slot (70) is between 0.0005 inches and 0.0041 inches and a difference between a residual thickness of the second step (75) and the first residual thickness bounding of the frangible score (22) the check slot (70) is between 0.0012 inches and 0.0051 inches.

44. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 43 wherein the first step (73) has a residual thickness between 0.0049 inches and 0.0071 inches.

45. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 43 wherein the first step (73) has a residual thickness between 0.0049 inches and 0.0065 inches.

46. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 43, wherein the first step (73) has a residual thickness between 0.0052 inches and 0.0068 inches.

47. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 43, wherein the first step (73) has a residual thickness between 0.0055 inches and 0.0071 inches.

48. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 43, wherein the second step (75) has a residual thickness between 0.0056 inches to 0.0081 inches.Attorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT3349. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 43, wherein the second step (75) has a residual thickness between 0.0056 inches to 0.0072 inches.

50. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 43, wherein the second step (75) has a residual thickness between 0.0059 inches to 0.0075 inches.

51. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 43, wherein the second step (75) has a residual thickness between 0.0062 inches to 0.0078 inches.

52. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 43, wherein the second step (75) has a residual thickness between 0.0065 inches to 0.0081 inches.

53. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 42 further comprising an anti-missile coin (77) defined by an area of compressed material of the center panel (12), wherein the anti-missile coin (77) is positioned adjacent the check slot (70) of the frangible score (22), wherein the anti-missile coin (77) has a rectangular shape and a corner of the antimissile coin (77) lies closer to the check slot (70) than remaining portions of the anti-missile coin (77), and wherein a length of the anti-missile coin (77) has an angle (cp) from a center line corresponding to a diameter of the can end (10) passing through a center of the rivet (38) and through a 12 o’clock position and a 6 o’clock position of the frangible score (22), the angle (cp) between 35° and 85°.

54. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 53, wherein the angle (cp) is between 45° and 75°.

55. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 53, wherein the angle (cp) is 45° ±10°.

56. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 53, wherein the angle (cp) is 75° ±10°.

57. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 53, wherein the frangible score (22) has an opening opposite the residual (66), the opening having a width less than 0.0080 inches at a location between first and second parallel planes on which opposing sides of the antimissile coin (77) lie.Attorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT3458. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 57, wherein the width is between 0.0054 inches and 0.0080 inches.

59. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 57, wherein the comer of the antimissile coin (77) is located between ends of a length of the first step (73) of the check slot (70).

60. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 59, wherein the comer of the antimissile coin (77) is located within 0.008 inches of the check slot (70).

61. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 60, wherein a width of the anti-missile coin (77) is greater than 0.016 inches.

62. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 61, wherein the width of the antimissile coin (77) is between 0.018 inches and 0.024.

63. The beverage can end (10) according to Claim 61 further comprising a deboss panel (62) recessed within the center panel (12), wherein the center line bisects the deboss panel (62).

64. A beverage can end (10) comprising: a circumferential curl (14) positioned about a longitudinal axis (50); a circumferential wall (15) extending downwardly and radially inwardly from the circumferential curl (14); a countersink (16) extending radially inwardly from the circumferential wall (15); and a center panel (12) extending radially inwardly from the countersink (16) and centered about the longitudinal axis (50), the center panel (12) comprising: a tab (28) attached to a public side (32) of the center panel (12) by a rivet (38); a tear panel (20) defined by a frangible score (22) and a non-frangible hinge segment (25) extending between ends of the frangible score (22); and a residual (66) located between the frangible score (22) and a product side of the center panel (12), the frangible score (22) comprising: a check slot (70) having a thickened residual and bounded at opposing ends by portions of the frangible score (22) having a residual thickness less than the thickened residual of the check slot (70), the center panel (12) further comprising:Attorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT35 an anti-missile coin (77) defined by an area of compressed material of the center panel (12), wherein the anti-missile coin (77) is positioned adjacent the check slot (70) of the frangible score (22), wherein a depth of the anti-missile coin (77) is greater than 0.0009 inches as measured from a public side (32) surface of the center panel (12) adjacent the anti-missile coin (77) to a bottom of the anti-missile coin (77).

65. The beverage can end (10) of Claim 64, wherein the depth of the anti-missile coin (77) is between 0.0009 inches and 0.005 inches.

66. The beverage can end (10) of Claim 65, wherein the depth of the anti-missile coin (77) is between 0.001 inches to 0.004 inches.

67. The beverage can end (10) of Claim 66, wherein the depth of the anti-missile coin (77) is between 0.002 inches and 0.003 inches.

68. The beverage can end (10) of Claim 67, wherein the depth of the anti-missile coin (77) is 0.0023 inches.

69. The beverage can end (10) of any of Claims 64 to 68, wherein the center panel (12) further comprises a circular rivet coin (39) centered about the rivet (38) and wherein a point on the anti-missile coin (77) that is nearest the frangible score (22) is located outside a surface area of the rivet coin (39).

70. The beverage can end (10) of Claim 69, wherein n entirety of the anti-missile coin (77) is located outside the surface area of the rivet coin (39).

71. The beverage can end (10) of any of Claims 64 to 70, wherein the frangible score (22) has an opening, wherein a width of the opening of the frangible score (22) in the check slot (70) at a location between first and second parallel planes on which opposing sides of the anti-missile coin (77) lie is less than 0.0080 inches.

72. The beverage can end (10) of Claim 71, wherein the opening has a width less than0.006 inches.Attorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT3673. The beverage can end (10) of Claim 72, wherein the opening has a width between 0.001 inches and 0.006 inches.

74. The beverage can end (10) of Claim 73, wherein the opening has a width between 0.0015 inches to 0.005 inches.

75. The beverage can end (10) of Claim 74, wherein the opening has a width between 0.002 inches and 0.005 inches.

76. The beverage can end (10) of Claim 75, wherein the opening has a width between 0.002 inches and 0.003 inches..

77. The beverage can end (10) of any of Claims 64 to 76, wherein the anti-missile coin (77) is rectangular and has a width greater than 0.016 inches.

78. The beverage can end (10) of Claim 76, wherein the width of the anti-missile coin (77) is between 0.018 inches and 0.024 inches.

79. The beverage can end (10) of Claim 78, wherein the width of the anti-missile coin (77) is 0.020 inches.

80. The beverage can end (10) of any of Claims 64 to 79, wherein the anti-missile coin (77) has a length having an angle (cp) from a center line corresponding to a diameter of the can end (10) passing through a center of the rivet (38) and through a 12 o’clock position and a 6 o’clock position of the frangible score (22), wherein the angle (cp) is between 35° and 85°.

81. The beverage can end (10) of Claim 80, wherein the angle (cp) is 45° ±10°.

82. The beverage can end (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the can end (10) further comprises an aluminum alloy comprising at least 50% of a recycled aluminum material.

83. The beverage can end (10) of Claim 82, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises at least 65% recycled aluminum material.

84. The beverage can end (10) of Claim 83, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises at least 70% recycled aluminum material.Attorney Docket No. 6365.157003PCT3785. The beverage can end (10) of Claim 84, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises at least 80% recycled aluminum material.

86. The beverage can end (10) of Claim 85, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises at least 90% recycled aluminum material.

87. The beverage can end (10) of Claim 86, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises 100% recycled aluminum material.

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