Beverage CANS with inner inert, inorganic coatings

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for beverage cans with inner inert-and-inorganic coatings. An example beverage can includes a body defining a chamber in which liquid beverage is stored. The body includes a metallic layer forming an outer surface of the body and an inert- and-inorganic layer forming an interior surface of the body that is configured to deter flavor scalping from occurring between liquid beverage and the body. The beverage can includes a lid coupled to an upper end of the body to enclose the liquid beverage in the chamber.

Description

BEVERAGE CANS WITH INNER INERT, INORGANIC COATINGSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 721,910, filed on November 18, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to beverage cans and, more specifically, to beverage cans with inner inert-and-inorganic coatings.BACKGROUND

[0003] Beverage or drink cans have been used for decades to store a variety of different beverages, such as soda, beer, tea, energy drinks, etc. Oftentimes, cans are formed of an aluminum alloy or a tin-plated steel. Occasionally, flavor scalping may occur. With flavor scalping, the can may absorb flavors from the beverage stored in the can, thereby removing those flavors from the beverage and / or affecting the integrity of the can. Beverage scalping may occur when a beverage is stored in a can for an extended period of time.

[0004] Recently, seltzers and ready -to-drink cocktails have become more popular with consumers. In some instances, the flavors of such beverages may potentially be more susceptible to flavor scalping compared to more traditional canned beverages, such as soda, beer, tea, energy drinks, etc.SUMMARY

[0005] The appended claims define this application. The present document discloses aspects of the embodiments and should not be used to limit the claims. Other implementations are contemplated in accordance with the techniques described herein, as will be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description, and these implementations are intended to be within the scope of this application.

[0006] Example embodiments are shown for beverage cans with inner inert-and-inorganic coatings.Docket No. 024264-8013 PATENT

[0007] An example disclosed beverage can includes a body defining a chamber in which liquid beverage is stored. The body includes a metallic layer forming an outer surface of the body and an inert-and-inorganic layer forming an interior surface of the body that is configured to deter flavor scalping from occurring between liquid beverage and the body. The beverage can includes a lid coupled to an upper end of the body to enclose the liquid beverage in the chamber.

[0008] An example disclosed method for forming a beverage can includes drawing a metallic layer of a can body from a blank that is formed of a metallic material, coating an interior surface of the metallic layer with inert-and-inorganic material to form an inert-and-inorganic layer of the can body, filling a chamber defined by the can body with a liquid beverage, and coupling a lid to an upper end of the can body to enclose the liquid beverage in the chamber.

[0009] Another example disclosed method for forming a beverage can includes coating an upper surface of a metallic sheet with inert-and-inorganic material, cutting a blank from the metallic sheet, and drawing a can body from the blank such that the can body includes a metallic layer formed of a metallic material and an inert-and-inorganic layer of the inert-and-inorganic material. The inert-and-inorganic layer extends along an interior of the can body. The method includes filling a chamber defined by the can body with a liquid beverage and coupling a lid to an upper end of the can body to enclose the liquid beverage in the chamber.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] For a better understanding of the invention, reference may be made to embodiments shown in the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale and related elements may be omitted, or in some instances proportions may have been exaggerated, so as to emphasize and clearly illustrate the novel features described herein. In addition, system components can be variously arranged, as known in the art. Further, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a front view of an example beverage can in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a partial cutaway view of the beverage can of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of example layers of a body of the beverage can of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of other example layers of the body of the beverage can of FIG. 1.Docket No. 024264-8013 PATENT

[0015] FIG. 5 is a magnified cross-sectional view of a seam of the beverage can of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting an example method for forming the beverage can of FIG. 1 in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a flowchart depicting another example method for forming the beverage can of FIG. 1 in accordance with the teachings herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] While the invention may be embodied in various forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will hereinafter be described, some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

[0019] Example cans disclosed herein each include an inner layer of inert, inorganic material (e.g., a glass, a ceramic, etc.) to prevent flavor scalping from occurring with consumable material, such as seltzers and / or ready-to-drink cocktails, stored within the cans and / or other containers. Each of the cans include an outer layer of metallic material (e.g., an aluminum alloy, tin-plated steel, etc.) that is coated with the inner layer of inert, inorganic material. In some examples, an intermediate layer formed of a tertiary material (e.g., an epoxy, an acrylic, etc.) is located therebetween to deter fissures from forming between the metallic layer and the inert, inorganic layer when pressure is applied to the can and / or other container. In some examples, a lid of each of the cans is not coated with an inner inert, inorganic layer to prevent inert, inorganic material from breaking and falling into the liquid beverage when the can is opened for consumption of the liquid beverage.

[0020] Turning to the figures, FIGS. 1-2 illustrate an example can 10 in accordance with the teachings herein. In the illustrated example, the can 10 is a beverage can (also referred to as a “drink can”). In other examples, the can may be another type of cans (e.g., a soda can, a soup can, a coffee can, etc.) and / or other type of container for consumable material(s). The can 10 of the illustrated example includes a body 100 and a lid 200.

[0021] The body 100 (also referred to as a “can body” or a “container body”) defines a chamber 30 in which a liquid beverage and / or other consumable material is stored. In the illustrated example, the body 100 is a single integrally formed unit. The body 100 includes one or more side walls 110. The side wall(s) 110 include an upper portion and a lower portion. The bodyDocket No. 024264-8013 PATENT100 also includes an upper flange 120 that extends from the upper portion of the side wall(s) 110. As disclosed below in further detail, the upper flange 120 is configured to form a seam 20 with the lid 200. The body 100 also includes a rim 130 and a dome 140. The dome 140 defines a floor of the chamber 30. The rim 130 extends between and connects the dome 140 and the lower portion of the side wall(s) 110.

[0022] In the illustrated example, the side wall(s) 110 are vertical wall(s) that extend along a majority of the height of the can 10. Further, the side wall(s) 110 include an upper shoulder that extends from an upper end of the vertical wall and a lower shoulder that extends from a lower end of the vertical wall. The upper flange 120 extends upward from the upper shoulder, and the rim 130 is located below the lower shoulder.

[0023] The lid 200 (also referred to as a “can lid” or a “container lid”) is coupled to an upper end of the body 100 to enclose the liquid beverage in the chamber 30 of the can 10. In the illustrated example, the lid 200 includes a base 210, an opening cover 220, and a tab 230.

[0024] The base 210 (also referred to as a “lid base”) includes an outer edge 240 that is configured to form the seam 20 with the upper flange 120 of the body 100 to securely and sealingly couple the lid 200 to the body 100. The base 210 also defines an opening through which the liquid beverage and / or other consumable material may flow when opened.

[0025] The opening cover 220 is hingedly coupled to the base 210 and is configured to rotate from a closed configuration to an open configuration. FIG. 2 depicts the opening cover 220 in the closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the opening cover 220 is coupled to the base 210 such that it sealingly covers the opening to prevent the liquid beverage and / or other consumable material from leaving the chamber 30 of the can 10. In the open configuration, the opening cover 220 is rotated along an edge of the opening and in an inward direction toward the chamber 30 to enable the liquid beverage and / or other consumable material to flow through the opening and out of the chamber 30. In the illustrated example, the tab 230 is coupled to the opening cover 220 and is configured to push the opening cover 220 to the open configuration to expose the opening to the chamber 30.

[0026] FIG. 3 depicts an example cross-section of the body 100 of the can 10 in accordance with the teachings herein. In FIG. 3, the body 100 includes a metallic layer 170 and an inert-and-inorganic layer 180 (also referred to as an “inert, inorganic layer”). In some examples, the metallic layer 170 and the inert-and-inorganic layer 180 extend the entirety of the body 100 ofDocket No. 024264-8013 PATENTthe can 10 from the dome 140 to the upper flange 120. That is, the inert-and-inorganic layer 180 coats an interior of the metallic layer 170 along an entirety of the body 100 of the can 10.

[0027] The metallic layer 170 is formed of a metallic material, such as an aluminum alloy and / or a tin-plated steel. The metallic layer 170 of the illustrated example is an integrally and monolithically formed unit. The inert-and-inorganic layer 180 is formed of an inert-and-inorganic material (also referred to as an “inert, inorganic material”), such as a glass material (e.g., a silicone-based glass material) and / or a ceramic material (e.g., a silicone-dioxide ceramic material). The material of the inert-and-inorganic layer 180 may have a density of about 2.0-6.0 milligrams per square inch.

[0028] In the illustrated example, the inert-and-inorganic layer 180 is coupled to directly to an interior surface of the metallic layer 170 and forms the interior surface 105 of the body 100. That is, the metallic layer 170 forms an outer layer and defines an exterior surface of the body 100, and the inert-and-inorganic layer 180 forms an inner layer of the body 100. The inert-and-inorganic layer 180 forms the interior surface 105 of the body 100, which defines the chamber 30, such that a liquid beverage stored in the chamber 30 may contact the inert-and-inorganic layer 180, but not the metallic layer 170, of the body 100 of the can 10. In turn, the interior coating of the inert-and-inorganic layer 180 is configured to deter flavor scalping from occurring between the liquid beverage and the body 100 of the can 10.

[0029] FIG. 4 depicts another example cross-section of the body 100 of the can 10 in accordance with the teachings herein. In FIG. 4, the body 100 includes the metallic layer 170, the inert-and-inorganic layer 180, and an intermediate layer 190. In some examples, the metallic layer 170, the inert-and-inorganic layer 180, and the intermediate layer 190 extend the entirety of the body 100 of the can 10 from the dome 140 to the upper flange 120. That is, the inert-and-inorganic layer 180 coats an interior of the metallic layer 170 along an entirety of the body 100 of the can 10.

[0030] The metallic layer 170 is formed of a metallic material, such as an aluminum alloy and / or a tin-plated steel. The metallic layer 170 of the illustrated example is an integrally and monolithically formed unit. The inert-and-inorganic layer 180 is formed of an inert-and-inorganic material (also referred to as an “inert, inorganic material”), such as a glass material (e.g., a silicone-based glass material) and / or a ceramic material (e.g., a silicone-dioxide ceramic material). The material of the inert-and-inorganic layer 180 may have a density of about 2.0-6.0 milligrams perDocket No. 024264-8013 PATENTsquare inch. Further, the intermediate layer 190 is formed of an epoxy, an acrylic, and / or any other material that is configured to deter fissures from forming between the metallic layer 170 and the inert-and-inorganic layer 180, for example, when pressure is applied to the can 10.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, the intermediate layer 190 is coupled to an interior surface of the metallic layer 170 and the inert-and-inorganic layer 180 is coupled to an interior surface of the intermediate layer 190 such that the intermediate layer 190 is coupled to and positioned between the metallic layer 170 and the inert-and-inorganic layer 180. That is, the metallic layer 170 forms an outer layer and forms an exterior surface of the body 100, the inert-and-inorganic layer 180 forms an inner layer of the body 100. The intermediate layer 190 is positioned between and contacts the metallic layer 170 and the inert-and-inorganic layer 180 to couple the inert-and-inorganic layer 180 to the metallic layer 170. Further, the inert-and-inorganic layer 180 forms the interior surface 105 of the body 100 that defines the chamber 30 of the can 10 such that a liquid beverage stored in the chamber 30 may contact the inert-and-inorganic layer 180, but not the metallic layer 170 or the intermediate layer 190, of the body 100. In turn, the interior coating of the inert-and-inorganic layer 180 is configured to deter flavor scalping from occurring between the liquid beverage and the body 100 of the can 10.

[0032] As detailed above, the metallic layer 170, the inert-and-inorganic layer 180, and / or the intermediate layer 190 form the side wall(s) 110 and the dome 140 of the can 10 in which a liquid beverage is contained. In other examples, the metallic layer 170, the inert-and-inorganic layer 180, and / or the intermediate layer 190 are assembled together to form side wall(s), a floor, and / or a ceiling of other types of cans (e.g., soda cans, soup cans, coffee cans, etc.) and / or other types of containers for consumable materials.

[0033] FIG. 5 depicts the seam 20 that is formed between the body 100 and the lid 200 to securely and sealingly couple the lid 200 and the body 100 together. In the illustrated example, the outer edge 240 of the lid 200 and the upper flange 120 of the body 100 overlap and fold over each other in an interlocking manner to form the seam 20 that securely and sealingly couple the lid 200 to the body 100.

[0034] In some examples, the base 210 of the lid 200 is formed of a metallic material (e.g., an aluminum alloy, a tin-plated steel, etc.) and is not coated with inert-and-inorganic material. The metallic material of the metallic layer 170 may be the same as or different than the metallic material of the lid 200.Docket No. 024264-8013 PATENT

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5, the base 210 of the lid 200 forms an interior surface 205 (also referred to as an “underside”). The interior surface 205 of the lid 200 may form a ceiling of the chamber 30. The lid 200 does not include a coating of inert-and-inorganic material along the interior surface 205 to prevent inert-and-inorganic material from breaking and falling into the liquid beverage and / or consumable material stored in the chamber 30 when the tab 230 pushes the opening cover 220 to expose the opening.

[0036] Further, the interior surface 205 is arranged to be spaced apart from the liquid beverage and / or consumable material when it is resting in the chamber 30 to deter flavor scalping from occurring between liquid beverage and the interior surface 205 of the lid 200. That is, the chamber 30 may be only partially filled with liquid beverage and / or consumable material so that the liquid beverage and / or consumable material is not continuously in contact with the interior surface 205 of the lid 200.

[0037] Turning to FIG. 6, a flowchart is depicted of an example method 300 for forming the can 10 and / or another container of consumable materials. While the method 300 is described with reference to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 6, many other methods of forming the can 10 and / or other container may alternatively be used. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be rearranged, changed, eliminated, and / or combined to perform the method 300. Further, because the method 300 is disclosed in connection with the components of FIGS. 1-5, some functions of those components will not be described in detail below.

[0038] Initially at block 305, a blank is cut from a sheet of metallic material (e g., an aluminum alloy, a tin-plated steel, etc ). For example, the blank is a circle. The blank, which is formed of the metallic material, may be cut or punched from the sheet via a punching tool. At block 310, the metallic layer 170 of the body 100 is drawn or stretched from the blank, for example, via a drawing tool. In turn, the metallic layer 170 of the body 100 is an integrally and monolithically formed unit. At block 315, edge(s) of the metallic layer 170 of the body 100 are cleaned or trimmed. For example, an upper edge of the metallic layer 170 (e.g., adjacent the upper flange 120) is trimmed to form a clean edge.

[0039] At block 320, an interior surface of the metallic layer 170 is coated with a layer of inert-and-inorganic material to form the inert-and-inorganic layer 180 of the body 100. The interior surface of the metallic layer 170 may be coated with the inert-and-inorganic material, for example, via a 360-degree plasma spray process. Further, in some examples, the entire interiorDocket No. 024264-8013 PATENTsurface of the metallic layer 170 is coated such that the corresponding inert-and-inorganic layer 180 covers the side wall(s) 110 and the dome 140 of the body 100 of the can 10.

[0040] In some examples, the inert-and-inorganic material is applied directly to the interior surface of the metallic layer 170 such that the inert-and-inorganic layer 180 is coupled directly to the metallic layer 170. In other examples, a tertiary material is applied directly to the interior surface of the metallic layer 170 to form the intermediate layer 190 that is coupled directly to the metallic layer 170. In such examples, the inert-and-inorganic material is then applied directly to an interior surface of the intermediate layer 190 such that the inert-and-inorganic layer 180 is coupled directly to the intermediate layer 190. In turn, the inert-and-inorganic layer 180 is coupled to the metallic layer 170 via the intermediate layer 190. The tertiary material of the intermediate layer 190 may include an epoxy, an acrylic, and / or any other material that deters fissures from forming between the metallic layer 170 and the inert-and-inorganic layer 180, for example, when pressure is subsequently applied to the can 10.

[0041] In some examples, the inert-and-inorganic material is a glass material, such as a silicone-based glass material. In other examples, the inert-and-inorganic material is a ceramic material, such as a silicone-dioxide ceramic material. The inert-and-inorganic material that is coated onto the interior surface of the metallic layer 170 and / or the intermediate layer 190 may have a density, for example, of about 2.0-6.0 milligrams per square inch.

[0042] At block 325, the chamber 30 of the can 10 is fdled with liquid beverage. At block 330, the lid 200 of the can 10 is formed. For example, the lid 200 is formed to include the base 210, the opening cover 220, and the tab 230. At block 335, the lid 200 is coupled to the body 100 enclose the liquid beverage in the chamber 30 of the can 10. For example, the lid 200 is sealingly and securely coupled to the body 100 by forming the seam 20 between the upper flange 120 of the body 100 and the outer edge 240 of the base 210 of the lid 200.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of another example method 350 for forming the can 10 and / or another container of consumable materials. While the method 350 is described with reference to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 7, many other methods of forming the can 10 and / or other container may alternatively be used. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be rearranged, changed, eliminated, and / or combined to perform the method 350. Further, because the method 350 is disclosed in connection with the components of FIGS. 1-5, some functions of those components will not be described in detail below.Docket No. 024264-8013 PATENT

[0044] Initially at block 355, an upper surface of a sheet of metallic material (e g., an aluminum alloy) is coated with a layer of inert-and-inorganic material. The upper surface of the metallic sheet (e.g., roll stock) may be coated with the inert-and-inorganic material, for example, via a coater.

[0045] In some examples, the inert-and-inorganic material is applied directly to the upper surface of the metallic sheet such that a layer of inert-and-inorganic material is coupled directly to the metallic sheet. The inert-and-inorganic material may be a glass material, such as a silicone-based glass material. Alternatively, the inert-and-inorganic material may be a ceramic material, such as a silicone-dioxide ceramic material.

[0046] In some examples, the inert-and-inorganic material is applied directly to the upper surface of the metallic sheet such that an inert-and-inorganic layer is coupled directly to the metallic sheet. In other examples, a tertiary material is applied directly to the upper surface of the metallic sheet to form an intermediate layer that is coupled directly to the metallic sheet. In such examples, the inert-and-inorganic material is then applied directly to the intermediate layer such that an inert-and-inorganic layer is coupled directly to the intermediate layer 190. In turn, the inert-and-inorganic layer is coupled to the metallic sheet via the intermediate layer. The tertiary material may include an epoxy, an acrylic, and / or any other material that deters fissures from forming between the metallic material and the inert-and-inorganic material, for example, when pressure is applied a subsequently formed can.

[0047] At block 360, a blank is cut from the coated sheet of metallic material. For example, the blank is a circle. The blank, which is formed of the metallic material, may be cut or punched from the coated sheet via a punching tool.

[0048] At block 365, the blank is drawn, for example, via a drawing tool to form the body 100 of the can 10. In turn, the metallic layer 170 of the body 100 is an integrally and monolithically formed unit. Returning briefly to block 355, the inert-and-inorganic material is coated onto the sheet such that the material of the inert-and-inorganic layer 180 of the body 100 has a density of about 2.0-6.0 milligrams per square inch.

[0049] At block 370, edge(s) of the body 100 of the can 10 are cleaned or trimmed. For example, an upper edge adjacent the upper flange 120 of the body 100 is trimmed to form a clean edge. At block 375, the chamber 30 of the can 10 is filled with liquid beverage. At block 380, the lid 200 of the can 10 is formed. For example, the lid 200 is formed to include the base 210, theDocket No. 024264-8013 PATENTopening cover 220, and the tab 230. At block 385, the lid 200 is coupled to the body 100 enclose the liquid beverage in the chamber 30 of the can 10. For example, the lid 200 is sealingly and securely coupled to the body 100 by forming the seam 20 between the upper flange 120 of the body 100 and the outer edge 240 of the base 210 of the lid 200.

[0050] Exemplary embodiments in accordance with the teachings herein are disclosed below.

[0051] Embodiment 1. A beverage can includes a body defining a chamber in which liquid beverage is stored. The body includes a metallic layer forming an outer surface of the body and an inert-and-inorganic layer forming an interior surface of the body that is configured to deter flavor scalping from occurring between liquid beverage and the body. The beverage can includes a lid coupled to an upper end of the body to enclose the liquid beverage in the chamber.

[0052] Embodiment 2. The beverage can of embodiment 1, wherein the inert-and-inorganic layer is formed of glass material.

[0053] Embodiment 3. The beverage can of embodiment 2, wherein the glass material is a silicone-based glass material.

[0054] Embodiment 4. The beverage can of embodiment 1, wherein the inert-and-inorganic layer is formed of ceramic material.

[0055] Embodiment 5. The beverage can of embodiment 4, wherein the ceramic material is a silicone-dioxide ceramic.

[0056] Embodiment 6. The beverage can of any of embodiments 1-5, wherein the metallic layer is formed of an aluminum alloy or a tin-plated steel.

[0057] Embodiment 7. The beverage can of any of embodiments 1-6, wherein the inert-and-inorganic layer is coupled directly to the metallic layer.

[0058] Embodiment 8. The beverage can of any of embodiments 1-6, wherein the body further includes an intermediate layer. The intermediate layer is positioned between and contacts the metallic layer and the inert-and-inorganic layer to couple the inert-and-inorganic layer to the metallic layer.

[0059] Embodiment 9. The beverage can of embodiment 8, wherein the intermediate layer is formed of at least one of an epoxy material or an acrylic material to deter fissures from forming between the metallic layer and the inert-and-inorganic layer of the body.Docket No. 024264-8013 PATENT

[0060] Embodiment 10. The beverage can of any of embodiments 1-9, wherein the lid is formed of a metallic material and is not coated with inert-and-inorganic material.

[0061] Embodiment 11. The beverage can of any of embodiments 1-9, wherein the lid includes a base, an opening cover coupled to the base, and a tab coupled to the opening cover. The tab is configured to push the opening cover to expose an opening to the chamber. The lid is not coated with inert-and-inorganic material to prevent inert-and-inorganic material from breaking and falling into the liquid beverage when the tab pushes the opening cover to expose the opening.

[0062] Embodiment 12. The beverage can of any of embodiments 1-11, wherein the lid forms an interior surface that is arranged to be spaced apart from the liquid beverage resting in the chamber to deter flavor scalping from occurring between liquid beverage and the lid.

[0063] Embodiment 13. The beverage can of any of embodiments 1-12, wherein the metallic layer of the body is an integrally and monolithically formed unit.

[0064] Embodiment 14. The beverage can of any of embodiments 1-13, wherein the inert-and-inorganic layer coats an interior of the metallic layer along an entirety of the body.

[0065] Embodiment 15. The beverage can of any of embodiments 1-13, wherein the body includes one or more side walls including an upper portion and a lower portion, a dome, a rim extending between and connecting the lower portion of the one or more side walls and the dome, and an upper flange extending from the upper portion of the one or more side walls and configured to form a seam with the lid.

[0066] Embodiment 16. A method for forming a beverage can includes drawing a metallic layer of a can body from a blank that is formed of a metallic material, coating an interior surface of the metallic layer with inert-and-inorganic material to form an inert-and-inorganic layer of the can body, filling a chamber defined by the can body with a liquid beverage, and coupling a lid to an upper end of the can body to enclose the liquid beverage in the chamber.

[0067] Embodiment 17. The method of embodiment 16, further including cutting the blank from a sheet of the metallic material.

[0068] Embodiment 18. The method of embodiment 16 or 17, further including trimming the upper end of the metallic layer upon drawing the metallic layer of the can body from the blank.

[0069] Embodiment 19. The method of any of embodiments 16-18, wherein coating the interior surface of the metallic layer of the can body with the inert-and-inorganic materialDocket No. 024264-8013 PATENTincludes spraying the inert-and-inorganic material onto the interior surface of the metallic layer with a 360 degree spray.

[0070] Embodiment 20. The method of any of embodiments 16-19, wherein the inert-and-inorganic material is a glass material.

[0071] Embodiment 21. The method of embodiment 20, wherein the glass material is a silicone-based glass material.

[0072] Embodiment 22. The method of any of embodiments 16-19, wherein the inert-and-inorganic material is a ceramic material.

[0073] Embodiment 23. The method of embodiment 22, wherein the ceramic material is a silicone-dioxide ceramic.

[0074] Embodiment 24. The method of any of embodiments 16-23, wherein coating the interior surface of the metallic layer with the inert-and-inorganic material to form the inert-and-inorganic layer includes applying the inert-and-inorganic material directly onto the interior surface of the metallic layer.

[0075] Embodiment 25. The method of any of embodiments 16-23, wherein coating the interior surface of the metallic layer with the inert-and-inorganic material to form the inert-and-inorganic layer includes applying a tertiary material onto the interior surface of the metallic layer to form an intermediate layer of the can body and applying the inert-and-inorganic material onto the intermediate layer of the can body.

[0076] Embodiment 26. The method of embodiment 25, wherein the tertiary material includes at least one of an epoxy material or an acrylic material.

[0077] Embodiment 27. The method of any of embodiments 16-25, further including forming the lid without a layer of the inert-and-inorganic material.

[0078] Embodiment 28. The method of any of embodiments 16-26, wherein coupling the lid to the upper end of the can body includes forming a seam between the lid and the upper end of the can body.

[0079] Embodiment 29. A method for forming a beverage can includes coating an upper surface of a metallic sheet with inert-and-inorganic material, cutting a blank from the metallic sheet, and drawing a can body from the blank such that the can body includes a metallic layer formed of a metallic material and an inert-and-inorganic layer of the inert-and-inorganic material. The inert-and-inorganic layer extends along an interior of the can body. The methodDocket No. 024264-8013 PATENTincludes filling a chamber defined by the can body with a liquid beverage and coupling a lid to an upper end of the can body to enclose the liquid beverage in the chamber.

[0080] Embodiment 30. The method of embodiment 29, further including trimming the upper end of the can body upon drawing the can body from the blank.

[0081] Embodiment 31. The method of embodiment 29 or 30, wherein the inert-and-inorganic material is a glass material.

[0082] Embodiment 32. The method of embodiment 31, wherein the glass material is a silicone-based glass material.

[0083] Embodiment 33. The method of embodiment 29 or 30, wherein the inert-and-inorganic material is a ceramic material.

[0084] Embodiment 34. The method of embodiment 33, wherein the ceramic material is a silicone-dioxide ceramic.

[0085] Embodiment 35. The method of any of embodiments 29-34, wherein coating the metallic sheet with the inert-and-inorganic material includes applying the inert-and-inorganic material directly onto the upper surface of the metallic sheet.

[0086] Embodiment 36. The method of any of embodiments 29-34, wherein coating the metallic sheet with the inert-and-inorganic material includes applying a tertiary material onto the upper surface of the metallic sheet and applying the inert-and-inorganic material onto a layer of the tertiary material.

[0087] Embodiment 37. The method of embodiment 36, wherein the tertiary material includes at least one of an epoxy material or an acrylic material.

[0088] Embodiment 38. The method of any of embodiments 29-37, further including forming the lid without a layer of the inert-and-inorganic material.

[0089] Embodiment 39. The method of any of embodiments 29-38, wherein coupling the lid to the upper end of the can body includes forming a seam between the lid and the upper end of the can body.

[0090] The above-described embodiments, and particularly any “preferred” embodiments, are possible examples of implementations and merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without substantially departing from the spirit andDocket No. 024264-8013 PATENTprinciples of the techniques described herein. All modifications are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

Claims

Docket No. 024264-8013 PATENT CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A beverage can, comprising:a body defining a chamber in which liquid beverage is stored, wherein the body includes:a metallic layer forming an outer surface of the body; andan inert-and-inorganic layer forming an interior surface of the body that is configured to deter flavor scalping from occurring between liquid beverage and the body; anda lid coupled to an upper end of the body to enclose the liquid beverage in the chamber.

2. The beverage can of claim 1, wherein the inert-and-inorganic layer is formed of a glass material or a ceramic material.

3. The beverage can of claim 1, wherein the metallic layer is formed of an aluminum alloy or a tin-plated steel.

4. The beverage can of claim 1, wherein the inert-and-inorganic layer is coupled directly to the metallic layer.

5. The beverage can of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises an intermediate layer, and wherein the intermediate layer is positioned between and contacts the metallic layer and the inert-and-inorganic layer to couple the inert-and-inorganic layer to the metallic layer.

6. The beverage can of claim 5, wherein the intermediate layer is formed of at least one of an epoxy material or an acrylic material to deter fissures from forming between the metallic layer and the inert-and-inorganic layer of the body.Docket No. 024264-8013 PATENT7. The beverage can of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a base, an opening cover coupled to the base, and a tab coupled to the opening cover, wherein the tab is configured to push the opening cover to expose an opening to the chamber, and wherein the lid is not coated with inert material to prevent inert-and-inorganic material from breaking and falling into the liquid beverage when the tab pushes the opening cover to expose the opening.

8. The beverage can of claim 7, wherein the lid forms an interior surface that is arranged to be spaced apart from the liquid beverage resting in the chamber to deter flavor scalping from occurring between liquid beverage and the lid.

9. The beverage can of claim 1, wherein the inert-and-inorganic layer coats an interior of the metallic layer along an entirety of the body.

10. The beverage can of claim 1, wherein the body includes:one or more side walls including an upper portion and a lower portion;a dome;a rim extending between and connecting the lower portion of the one or more side walls and the dome; andan upper flange extending from the upper portion of the one or more side walls and configured to form a seam with the lid.

11. A method for forming a beverage can, the method comprising:drawing a metallic layer of a can body from a blank that is formed of a metallic material; coating an interior surface of the metallic layer with inert-and-inorganic material to form an inert-and-inorganic layer of the can body;Docket No. 024264-8013 PATENT filling a chamber defined by the can body with a liquid beverage; andcoupling a lid to an upper end of the can body to enclose the liquid beverage in the chamber.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising cutting the blank from a sheet of the metallic material.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein coating the interior surface of the metallic layer of the can body with the inert-and-inorganic material includes spraying the inert-and-inorganic material onto the interior surface of the metallic layer with a 360 degree spray.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the inert-and-inorganic material is a glass material or a ceramic material.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein coating the interior surface of the metallic layer with the inert-and-inorganic material to form the inert-and-inorganic layer includes applying the inert-and-inorganic material directly onto the interior surface of the metallic layer.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein coating the interior surface of the metallic layer with the inert-and-inorganic material to form the inert-and-inorganic layer includes:applying a tertiary material onto the interior surface of the metallic layer to form an intermediate layer of the can body, wherein the tertiary material includes at least one of an epoxy material or an acrylic material; andapplying the inert-and-inorganic material onto the intermediate layer of the can body.

17. A method for forming a beverage can, the method comprising:coating an upper surface of a metallic sheet with inert-and-inorganic material;Docket No. 024264-8013 PATENT cutting a blank from the metallic sheet;drawing a can body from the blank such that the can body includes a metallic layer formed of a metallic material and an inert-and-inorganic layer of the inert-and-inorganic material, wherein the inert-and-inorganic layer extends along an interior of the can body;filling a chamber defined by the can body with a liquid beverage; andcoupling a lid to an upper end of the can body to enclose the liquid beverage in the chamber.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the inert-and-inorganic material is a glass material or a ceramic material.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein coating the metallic sheet with the inert-and-inorganic material includes applying the inert-and-inorganic material directly onto the upper surface of the metallic sheet.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein coating the metallic sheet with the inert-and-inorganic material includes:applying a tertiary material onto the upper surface of the metallic sheet, wherein the tertiary material includes at least one of an epoxy material or an acrylic material; andapplying the inert-and-inorganic material onto a layer of the tertiary material.

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