초록 ▼

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 d

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.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. 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

What is claimed is: 1. 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. 2. The end closure of claim 1, wherein said circular end wall is adapted for double seaming with a neck portion of a container body. 3. The end closure of claim 1, wherein said at least one indicator means deforms in shape when a pressure within the container increases at least about 1.0 psi. 4. The end closure of claim 3, wherein when said indicator means deforms, said end closure is tilted with respect to a vertical plane of said container at an angle of at least about 5 degrees. 5. The end closure of claim 1, wherein the container 5 stores food at a positive pressure of at least about 10 psi. 6. The end closure of claim 1, wherein said end closure is comprised of at least one of an aluminum, a tin and a steel material. 7. 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. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein said defined indicator area is positioned in a central panel of said end closure proximate to a circular end wall. 9. The method of claim 7, wherein upon said deforming step said metallic end closure becomes inclined with respect to a vertical axis of the container at least about 5 degrees. 10. The method of claim 7, wherein said defined indicator area deforms when the internal pressure increases at least about 1.0 psi. 11. The method of claim 7, wherein the container stores food at a positive pressure of at least about 10 psi. 12. 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. 13. The container end closure of claim 12, wherein said end closure is comprised of a metallic material. 14. The container end closure of claim 12, wherein said second portion deflects upwardly at least about 0.05 inches. 15. The container end closure of claim 12, wherein said peripheral end curl is double seamed to an upper end of a food container for sealing engagement. 16. The container end closure of claim 12, wherein said end closure is capable of retaining an internal pressure of at least about 10 psi prior to deformation.