Selectively deformable container end closure
AssigneeBall Corporation
InventorsHoward C. Chasteen, Mike Richardson, Terre Reingardt
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention describes a container end closure which utilizes a material that is adapted to provide a visible indicator when the internal pressure of the contents increase to a predetermined level. In one embodiment, an interruption in a reinforcing bead incorporated in the end closure is deformed to visually notify a consumer of spoilage due to bacterial activity and to substantially prohibit the use of traditional can openers to access the spoiled contents within the container.
Claims16
A metallic end closure adapted for sealing interconnection to a container for holding food in a pressurized state, comprising:
- a circular end wall;
- a central panel integrally interconnected to said circular end wall;
- and
- at least one indicator means positioned in said central panel proximate to said circular end wall, said indicator means having a pressure resistance less than said central panel, wherein when a pressure in the container increases to a predetermined level, said at least one indicator means employs a geometric shape which is distinct from said central panel, and wherein said indicator means is an interruption in a substantially continuous annular indentation in said central panel.
A method of detecting the presence of spoiled food contents within a container maintaining a positive pressure, comprising the steps of:
- providing a container with a metallic end closure which includes a defined indicator area adapted to deform at a predetermined pressure;
- deforming of said defined indicator area when a bacteria inside the closed container creates a gaseous byproduct that causes an internal pressure of said container to reach the predetermined level, wherein upon deformation said defined indicator area substantially prevents the operation of a container opening device that shears said central panel proximate to said circular end wall.
A container end closure adapted for interconnection to a container for storing a food item under pressure, comprising:
- a peripheral end curl adapted for interconnection to a sidewall of a container body;
- a central panel integrally interconnected to said peripheral end curl and comprising a first portion with a first buckle resistance and a second portion positioned proximate to said peripheral curl having a second buckle resistance, wherein upon an increase of an internal pressure within the container of at least about 2 psi, said second portion deflects outwardly from said central panel to provide a visual indicator of spoilage within the container and wherein upon deformation said container end closure is substantially impeded from opening with a shear type container opening device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.