Lance through straw opening end

#The present invention relates to beverage containers, and more specifically a metallic beverage can end which may be penetrated by a conventional drinking straw.

#In recent years, beverage containers which are designed to receive a drinking straw have become increasingly popular. The straw is especially beneficial for small children to prevent spilling, and for the physically handicapped or disabled which have difficulty drinking from a standard cup, or larger opening beverage can end. One such product described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,253,779 to Lee combines a compressible straw disposed within the can body. Upon opening, the straw projects itself through a v-shaped panel for a user's benefit. Unfortunately, these types of products are undesirable since the flavor of the beverage may become compromised from scalping as the straw is suspended for indefinite periods of time in the beverage. Additionally, it is possible for the straw to become obstructed and thus difficult to retrieve. Further, the opening disclosed in the '779 is too large to make the container substantially spill-proof when the container is knocked over, thus substantially defeating its purpose.

#Another type of beverage can opening is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,126,244 to Elser, which describes a push tab with an easy opening wall section. However, this type of container still requires substantial finger pressure to open and is not feasible for penetration by a straw or use by small children or the physically disabled.

#FIG. 1 is a top plan view of one embodiment of the present invention in identifying a score line position in a central panel which is adapted for penetration by a drinking straw;

#FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and further identifying a sealant material positioned proximate to the score line;

#FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and further depicting a drinking straw prior to penetration of the beverage can end;

#Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-13 depict numerous embodiments of the present invention which is generally used in conjunction with a metallic beverage can end 2. The beverage can end 2 is generally comprised of a circular end wall 4 which is interconnected to a central panel 8 and is adapted for interconnection to a beverage can by means of double seaming or other methods commonly known in the art.

#The central panel 8 of the present invention generally includes a central panel upper surface 10 and a central panel lower surface 12, and further includes a selectively weakened fracturable zone which is otherwise referred to herein as a hinged gate 14. The hinged gate 14 is generally defined by a score line 16 and a hinge point 20 to allow downward rotation of the hinged gate 14. In some embodiments a vent area 22 is provided which permits sufficient venting to allow the withdrawal of a beverage from the beverage can body through a typical drinking straw without creating a vacuum. The hinged gate 14 further comprises a hinged gate leading edge 28 as described below, while the central panel 8 may include a folded edge 30 positioned along the aperture created in the central panel to eliminate a sharpened edge and possible injury to a user.

#Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a top and a bottom plan view are respectively provided of one embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, the circular end wall 4 is shown interconnected to a central panel 8 which has a hinged gate 14 defined by a score line 16 positioned in a central portion of the central panel 8. In one embodiment of the present invention the score line may be substantially circular, substantially oval, or any other type of geometric configuration which may be preferred by the beverage can end maker or filler. For example, the outline of an apple, orange, or other fruit maybe depicted to identify the beverage product contained in the beverage container. Further, the hinged gate 14 is preferably sized to have a diameter which is greater than the diameter of the opening drinking straw 24 to assure that the hinged gate 14 cannot be ingested if it inadvertently breaks free from the hinge point 20 and becomes suspended in the beverage in the beverage can body 34.