Can ends having machine readable information

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-9278776-B2
Application number	US-201214345547-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Sep 27, 2012
Priority date	Sep 27, 2011
Publication date	Mar 8, 2016
Grant date	Mar 8, 2016

Abstract

A system and method for laser marking can end, including a can end center panel and/or pull tab. The decorated can end and/or tabs may have a machine readable image.

First claim

We claim:

1. A can end capable of having (i) an unopened configuration in which the end is sealed and (ii) an opened configuration in which, after application of the end to a can body, contents of the can are accessible, the can end comprising:
an end shell and a pull tab, the pull tab defining an outer perimeter that includes a curled edge, the pull tab having an orientation that is approximately parallel to a center panel of the end shell in the unopened configuration, the pull tab being capable of being actuated to a part vertical position by lifting an end of the pull tab to rupture a score on the center panel and thereby achieve the opened configuration;
a two dimensional code located on an underside of the tab and capable of being read on a handheld wireless communication device when the end is in the opened configuration, the code having a size of no more than 6 mm by 6 mm.

2. The can end of claim 1 wherein the code has a size of at least 2 mm by 2 mm.

3. The can end of claim 1 wherein the code has a size of at least 3 mm by 3 mm.

4. The can end of claim 1 wherein the code has a size of at least 4 mm by 4 mm and no more than 5 mm by 5 mm.

5. The can end of claim 1 wherein the code is a matrix barcode having 14 by 14 modules.

6. The can end of claim 1 further comprising a second two dimensional code located on a topside of the tab.

7. The can end of claim 1 wherein the code is one of a matrix barcode and a QR code.

8. The can end of claim 1 wherein the pull tab includes a recess and the code is located on the recess.

9. The can end of claim 1 wherein the code is located on a structural body of the tab.

10. The can end of claim 1 wherein the tab consists essentially of a structural body and a hinged portion that is connected to the center panel.

11. The can end of claim 1 wherein the underside of the structural body of the tab is uncovered, thereby enabling the two dimensional code located on the underside of the tab to be read when the end is in the opened configuration.

Assignees

• Crown Packaging Technology Inc

Inventors

• Ramsey Christopher Paul
• Mcgirr Laura Jane

Classifications

• B65D2517/0052

  Prizes, tokens, badges or other information carrying devices · CPC title

• B21D51/383 Primary

  scoring lines, tear strips or pulling tabs · CPC title

• B41M5/24

  Ablative recording, e.g. by burning marks; Spark recording {(marking by high energetic means, e.g. by laser otherwise than burning or ablative removal B41M5/26; materials or methods for recording or reproduction by optical means G11B7/00)} · CPC title

• B65D17/4012

  for opening partially by means of a tearing tab · CPC title

• B65D41/32

  Caps or cap-like covers with lines of weakness, tearing-strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices, e.g. to facilitate formation of pouring openings · CPC title