1111111111111111 IIIIII IIIII 11111 1111111111 1111111111 111111111111111 IIIII 1111111111 11111111
`US 20080202956Al
`
`c19) United States
`c12) Patent Application Publication
`Welk et al.
`
`c10) Pub. No.: US 2008/0202956 Al
`Aug. 28, 2008
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) LID FOR TOBACCO CAN
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors:
`
`Melvin Lee Welk, Petersburg, PA
`(US); L. Robert Mc Vey, New
`Providence, PA (US); Gary
`Howard Caldwell, Denver, PA
`(US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`REINHART BOERNER VAN DEUREN P.C.
`2215 PERRYGREEN WAY
`ROCKFORD, IL 61107
`
`(73) Assignee:
`
`J.L. CLARK, INC., Rockford, IL
`(US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`11/680,333
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Feb.28,2007
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`B65D 85/00
`(2006.01)
`(52) U.S. Cl. ........................................... 206/265; 49/463
`ABSTRACT
`
`(57)
`
`A metal lid for a tobacco can is provided. The metal lid
`includes a circular lid top having a central recess and a shoul(cid:173)
`der. The shoulder extends radially outwardly from and verti(cid:173)
`cally above the central recess. The side wall is unitarily
`formed with the shoulder, depends downwardly from the
`shoulder, and is disposed below the central recess of the lid
`top. The side wall includes a bead and a hem. The bead
`extends circumferentially around the side wall. The hem is
`formed from a distal portion of the side wall folded over onto
`an intermediate portion of the side wall. The hem functions as
`a guide, forms a safety edge, and permits the lid to be more
`easily grasped by a consumer.
`
`49
`.
`' .•
`.. •··
`f------------------------------------'----------------------------------------------------·-i
`
`\
`
`' 32
`
`RJRV EX 1010
`Page 1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2008 Sheet 1 of 4
`
`US 2008/0202956 Al
`
`10,
`)
`,' I
`
`2 • L
`
`FIG. 1
`
`RJRV EX 1010
`Page 2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2008 Sheet 2 of 4
`
`US 2008/0202956 Al
`
`FIG. 2
`
`RJRV EX 1010
`Page 3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2008 Sheet 3 of 4
`
`US 2008/0202956 Al
`
`/r~ 47
`..
`,•
`l- ----- ------ ------ _i_ _ -- ------ ------ ------ ----l
`~
`~
`~
`~
`! 36 18
`14!
`
`----~-
`
`I
`
`'"'{~~~~\\\ I
`
`10
`
`\
`' 16
`
`.... , ....... "
`....
`' 32
`49
`' ,•
`.
`~-···
`........................................ ' .......................................................... i
`i'
`
`:
`
`FIG. 3
`
`RJRV EX 1010
`Page 4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2008 Sheet 4 of 4
`
`US 2008/0202956 Al
`
`RJRV EX 1010
`Page 5
`
`

`

`US 2008/0202956 Al
`
`Aug. 28, 2008
`
`1
`
`LID FOR TOBACCO CAN
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001] This invention generally relates to lids for contain(cid:173)
`ers and, more particularly, to a lid for a tobacco can.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] Loose tobacco and related tobacco products are
`typically packaged and sold in disc-shaped containers. In
`many cases, the containers comprise a metal lid seated upon
`either a metal, plastic or cardboard can. Often, a band-type
`label is adhesively secured over the seam between the lid and
`can to securely fasten the lid and the can. The band type label
`also typically will positively impact the freshness of the prod(cid:173)
`uct. The label also typically includes print, images, and infor(cid:173)
`mation regarding the tobacco product for a potential cus(cid:173)
`tomer.
`[0003] Conventionally, the lid includes a relatively flat top
`cover portion and a surrounding skirt. The skirt terminates in
`a cut edge. Considering that lids are often formed from metal
`(plastic lids are also common), a metal edge has the potential
`to be relatively sharp. If the sharp edges are not properly made
`smooth, a purchaser of the container may potentially risk
`suffering a laceration in one of their fingers when prying the
`lid from the can using the edges. The interface between the
`can and the lid typically will have a snap fit to facilitate
`removal and attachment of the lid and the can. The interface
`between the lid and the can affects breathability and therefore
`freshness of the tobacco product contained therein. Thus, the
`interface between the lid and the can include multiple con(cid:173)
`figurations. The present invention is directed towards
`improvements over the state of the art.
`
`formed from metal. The lid body includes a round lid top, a
`shoulder, and a side wall. The shoulder extends circumferen(cid:173)
`tial around and radially outwardly and upwardly away from
`the lid top. The side wall depends downwardly from the
`shoulder and away from the lid top. A portion of the side wall
`is folded inwardly onto itself to form a hem in a lower portion
`of the side wall.
`[0008] Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the
`invention will become more apparent from the following
`detailed description when taken in conjunction with the
`accompanying drawings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0009] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and
`forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of
`the present invention and, together with the description, serve
`to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
`[0010] FIG. 1 is a top and front perspective view of an
`exemplary embodiment of a lid for a tobacco can in accor(cid:173)
`dance with the teachings of the present invention;
`[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross section view of the lid of FIG. 1
`taken generally along line 2-2;
`[0012] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the lid of FIG. 1; and
`[0013] FIG. 4 is an enlarged portion of the lid of FIG. 2
`highlighting a bead and a hem in a side wall of the lid.
`[0014] While the invention will be described in connection
`with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit
`it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover
`all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included
`within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
`appended claims.
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0004] A lid for a tobacco can is provided. The bottom edge
`of the lid includes a formed hem instead of a free cut edge.
`The hem extends outwardly further than a contact point dis(cid:173)
`posed on a bead of a side wall such that the hem functions as
`a guide when placing the lid onto the can.
`[0005]
`In one embodiment, a metal lid for a tobacco can is
`provided. The metal lid includes a circular lid top, a circum(cid:173)
`ferential shoulder, and a circumferential side wall. The cir(cid:173)
`cumferential shoulder is unitarily formed with the lid top and
`extends radially outwardly from and vertically above the lid
`top. The circumferential side wall is unitarily formed with the
`shoulder, depends downwardly from the shoulder, and is dis(cid:173)
`posed below the lid top. The side wall includes a bead and a
`hem. The bead extends circumferentially around the side
`wall. The hem is formed from a distal portion of the side wall
`folded over onto an intermediate portion of the side wall.
`[0006]
`In another embodiment, a metal lid for a non-metal(cid:173)
`lic tobacco can is provided. The metal lid includes a lid top, a
`circumferential shoulder unitarily formed with the lid top,
`and a circumferential side wall unitarily formed with and
`depending from the shoulder. The side wall includes a bead
`and a hem. The hem is formed by a distal portion of the side
`wall folded adjacent to an intermediate portion of the side
`wall. The bead progresses around the side wall and projects
`radially inwardly toward the lid top further than the hem such
`that when the bead seats against the tobacco can the hem is
`spaced apart from the tobacco can.
`[0007]
`In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a
`lid for a non-metallic can. The lid includes a unitary lid body
`
`[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, a container 10 is illustrated. The
`container 10 is typically employed to house chewing tobacco
`or other goods suitable for retail purchase by a consumer. In
`that regard, the container 10 has an overall size that allows a
`consumer to comfortably hold the container within the palm
`of a hand and to store the container within a shirt pocket or in
`the rear pocket of a pair of blue jeans. Typically the size for
`facilitating these tobacco container functions is approxi(cid:173)
`mately 2 ½ inches in diameter and approximately 1 inch in
`axial thickness.
`[0016] The container 10 may include features that make the
`container more aesthetically pleasing such as, for example,
`color, images or prints, labels, embossing, and the like. The
`container 10 may also be secured together by, for example, a
`band-type adhesive label during a packaging process. After
`the label has been broken, the container 10 may be repeatedly
`opened and closed such that the consumer may access, as
`often as desired, a chosen amount of the contents stored in the
`container 10.
`[0017] As showninFIG.1, the container 10 is formed when
`a generally cylindrical tobacco can 12 (a.k.a., cup or base)
`receives a generally cylindrical lid 14 (a.k.a., cover). The can
`12 is suitably formed from a variety of different materials, or
`combinations thereof, such as metal, plastic, cardboard, and
`the like. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, the can 12 is
`formed from plastic. The plastic of the can 12 may be either
`transparent, translucent, or opaque depending on the desired
`use of the container 10 and whether the contents, or lack of
`contents, within the container are to be externally viewable.
`
`RJRV EX 1010
`Page 6
`
`

`

`US 2008/0202956 Al
`
`Aug. 28, 2008
`
`2
`
`[0018] Still referring to FIG. 2, in the illustrated embodi(cid:173)
`ment the lid 14 is formed from a relatively thin piece of metal
`( e.g., sheet metal). As shown, the lid 14 includes a circular lid
`top 16 and a skirt in the form of a cylindrical side wall 20. The
`juncture of the skirt and the lid top 16 forms a shoulder 18 that
`may provide an upper annular recessed pocket for receiving
`the upper end of the can In the illustrated embodiment, the lid
`top 16, shoulder 18, and side wall 20 form a unitary lid body
`22.As shown in FIG. 2, when the lid 14 is positioned or seated
`upon the can 12, an enclosed storage cavity 24 is defined
`within the container 10. The storage cavity 24 is where the
`tobacco products are held until removed by the consumer.
`[0019] As depicted in FIG. 3, because the lid top 16 and the
`overall lid 14 are both generally circular in shape, they define
`and share a common center point 26. The lid top 16 generally
`extends radially outwardly from the center point 26 between
`about one inch and about one and half inches. Therefore, the
`lid top 16 has a diameter 47 of between about two inches and
`about three inches. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2,
`the diameter 47 of the lid top 16 is about 2.3 inches.
`[0020] Referring back to FIG. 2, the lid top 16 includes both
`a top and bottom surface 28, 30 (i.e., exterior and interior
`surface) facing in opposing directions. As the lid is formed
`from sheet metal, the top and bottom surfaces 28, 30 are
`parallel to each other such that the lid top 16 may be consid(cid:173)
`ered generally planar or flat. Although not shown, the lid top
`16 may include embossed letters, numbers, images, and the
`like ( collectively "characters"). The embossed characters
`may project upwardly away from the can 12 or fall down(cid:173)
`wardly into the storage cavity 24. In that regard, the embossed
`characters either have a height or depth of about 0.015 of an
`inch or less.
`[0021]
`In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, any
`embossed characters formed on the lid top 16 are situated
`radially inward of an embossing limit 32 (represented by a
`dashed line) and within an embossing portion 34 of the lid
`top. As shown, the embossing limit 32 generally extends
`radially outwardly from the center point 26 of the lid top 16
`about half an inch to about one inch. Therefore, a diameter 49
`of the embossing limit 32 is about one inch to about two
`inches. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the diameter
`49 of the embossing limit 32 is 1.85 inches.
`[0022] Still referring to FIG. 3, in the illustrated embodi(cid:173)
`ment an annular non-embossed flat portion 36 of the lid top 16
`separates the shoulder 18 and the embossing portion 34. The
`purpose of this flat non-embossed portion 36 is to facilitate
`proper beading and hemming operations of the lid skirt within
`tight tolerances during metal forming operations for proper
`interface, snap-fit and freshness functions. The inside diam(cid:173)
`eter of the annular flat portion 36 is spaced apart from the
`center point 26 of the lid top 16 between about¾ inch and
`about 1 ¼ inches.
`[0023] Moving to FIG. 4, the shoulder 18 is unitarily
`formed with the lid top 16 (see FIG. 3). The shoulder 18
`extends radially outwardly from the lid top 16 between about
`0.1 of an inch and about 0.2 of an inch. In the illustrated
`embodiment, the shoulder 18 has a radial dimension or width
`ofbetween about 0.245 inch, but may be between about 0.2 of
`an inch and about 0.3 of an inch.
`[0024]
`In addition to extending radially outwardly from the
`lid top 16, the shoulder 18 also projects vertically upwardly
`from a circular recess in the lid top (e.g., from the flat non(cid:173)
`embossed portion 36). From the recessed flat center portion of
`the lid top 16, the shoulder 18 projects a shoulder height 43 of
`
`betweenabout0.01 ofaninchandabout0.04 ofaninch. In the
`illustrated embodiment, an apex 42 of the shoulder 18 is about
`0.03 of an inch above the top surface 28 of the lid top 16 and
`the conical wall along the top surface of the shoulder 18 forms
`an angle 44 of about twenty-two degrees relative to the top
`surface 28 of the lid top 16.
`[0025] As shown, the shoulder 18 also includes a round or
`radiused corner 46 to facilitate a transition between the lid top
`16 and the side wall 20. The side wall 20 extends downward
`generally perpendicular to the lid top 16. The corner 46 in the
`illustrated embodiment has a radius of curvature 51 of about
`0.039 of an inch relative to an outer surface 48 of the corner.
`The radius of curvature 51 of the corner 46 may generally be
`between about 0.03 of an inch and about 0.05 of an inch.
`[0026] The side wall 20 extends circumferentially around
`the shoulder 18 and, as oriented in FIG. 4, extends down(cid:173)
`wardly from the shoulder. The side wall 20 of the lid 14
`includes both the bead 38 and the hem 40. Like the lid top 16,
`the side wall 20 is also unitarily formed with shoulder 18. As
`shown, the bead 38 is generally interposed between the hem
`40 and the shoulder 18. The bead 38 projects radially
`inwardly toward the center point 26 of the lid top 16 (see FIG.
`3).
`[0027] The bead 38 progresses circumferentially and con(cid:173)
`tinuously around the entire side wall 20 of the lid 14. There(cid:173)
`fore, as the bead 38 extends around the lid 14, the bead is
`unbroken and uninterrupted. Even so, in another embodiment
`the bead 38 may be intermittently formed such that the side
`wall 20 is, at discrete locations, planar all the way from
`beneath the corner 46 of the shoulder 18 to just above a
`bottom 50 of the hem 40. In such embodiments, a thin column
`or portion of the side wall 20 is not bowed inwardly and
`instead appears flat when viewed from outside the container
`10.
`[0028] An innermost inflection/contact point 52 of the bead
`38, which is intended to contact the can 12 when the lid 14 is
`seated upon the can (as shown in FIG. 1), is vertically dis(cid:173)
`posed below the apex 42 of the shoulder 18 between about 0.1
`of an inch and about 0.2 of an inch. In the illustrated embodi(cid:173)
`ment, the contact point 52 is 0.134 of an inch below the apex
`42 with a preferred tolerance of about 0.008 of an inch. Also,
`the bead 38 projects radially inwardly toward the lid top 16
`between about 0.02 of an inch and about 0.05 of an inch.
`[0029] Still referring to FIG. 4, in the illustrated embodi(cid:173)
`ment the bead 38 is formed to include radii of curvature 54,
`56, 58. In the illustrated embodiment, the radius of curvature
`56 is different than the other radii of curvature 54, 58. There(cid:173)
`fore, the bead 38 has an asymmetrical cross section as shown
`in FIG. 4. The first, second and third radii of curvature 54, 56,
`58 are between about 0.02 ofaninch and about 0.03 ofan inch
`relative to an external side wall surface 60. In the illustrated
`embodiment, the first radius of curvature 54 is 0.024 of an
`inch, the second radius of curvature 56 is 0.026 ofan inch, and
`the third radius of curvature 58 is 0.024 of an inch.
`[0030] The hem 40 is generally a distal portion 66 of the
`side wall 20 folded inwardly adjacent an intermediate portion
`68 of the side wall. In other words, the distal portion 66 is
`curled inwardly toward the lid top 16 to be in contact or
`almost contact with the inner surface of the remainder of the
`side wall 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal portion
`66 and the intermediate portion 68 are illustrated slightly
`spaced apart from each other to form channel 70 between the
`two portions of the side wall. In the illustrated embodiment,
`because the hem 40 is a folded piece of metal, the hem
`
`RJRV EX 1010
`Page 7
`
`

`

`US 2008/0202956 Al
`
`Aug. 28, 2008
`
`3
`
`generally need not be smoothed, ground, buffed, or otherwise
`machined to eliminate the terminating cut edge. The hem 40
`naturally possesses a bottom 50 that is rounded and smooth.
`By creating a safety edge at the bottom 50 of the lid 14
`through folding instead of otherwise machining as noted
`above, the lid may be more quickly, easily, and cost-effec(cid:173)
`tively fabricated.
`[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, the lid 14 has a vertical height
`72, which is measured between the apex 42 of the shoulder 18
`and the bottom 50 of the hem 40, of between about 0.1 of an
`inch and about 0.5 of an inch. In the illustrated embodiment,
`the vertical height 72 is 0.247 of an inch with a tolerance of
`0.005 of an inch.
`[0032] The distal portion 66 of the side wall 20 has a height
`74 ofbetween about 0.04 ofan inch and about 0.05 of an inch.
`In the illustrated embodiment, the height 74 of the distal
`portion 66 is 0.046 of an inch. To ensure that formation of the
`hem 40 does not interfere with or damage the bead 38, the
`height 7 4 of the distal portion 66 is generally less than a height
`76 of the intermediate portion 68.
`[0033]
`In the illustrated embodiment, the lid body 22 is
`formed entirely from electrolytic tin plate having a thickness
`78 of between about 0.005 of an inch and about 0.009 of an
`inch. In FIG. 4, the thickness 78 is 0.0072 of an inch. In other
`words, the thickness 78 is approximately 0.008 of an inch. As
`such, the hem 40, which is two portions of the lid body 22
`folded over, has a hem thickness 80 of between about 0.010 of
`an inch and 0.018 ofan inch. Again, in the illustrated embodi(cid:173)
`ment the hem thickness 80 is 0.016 of an inch.
`[0034]
`In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, the bottom
`surface 30, the internal side wall surface 62, and an internal
`shoulder surface 82 ( collectively "interior surfaces") of the
`lid top 16, the side wall 20, and the shoulder 18, respectfully,
`are coated with a gold phenolic finish. Even so, in other
`embodiments other types of coatings or finishes may be
`applied to, or formed on, these interior surfaces.
`[0035] Referring now to both FIGS. 2 and 4, the contact
`point 52 of the bead 38 projects radially inwardly toward the
`lid top 16 and the can 12 further than the hem 40. As such,
`when the lid 14 has been secured upon the can 12 as shown in
`FIG. 2, the contact point 52 and the can 12 are in direct contact
`and engaged with each other while a gap 84 is formed
`between the hem 40 and the can 12. The gap 84 is generally
`between about 0.005 of an inch and 0.015 of an inch. In the
`illustrated embodiment, the gap 84 is approximately 0.010 of
`an inch.
`[0036] The gap 84 permits the hem 40, which is spaced
`radially outwardly further than the contact point 52 of the
`bead 38, to function as a guide when fitting the lid 14 onto the
`can 12. The guide allows the lid 14 to be oriented relative to
`the can 12 such that the two parts can be telescopically
`coupled together to form the container 10 and hold the prod(cid:173)
`uct. In addition, the gap 84 enables the consumer to better
`grasp or grab the lid 14, particularly the bottom 50 of the hem
`40, with their fingers when separating the lid 14 from the can
`12.
`[0037] Referring to FIG. 2, in the illustrated embodiment
`the can 12 includes an outwardly projecting circumferential
`rib 86. To secure the lid 14 to the can 12, the lid is biased
`downwardly until the contact point 52 of the bead 38 slips past
`the rib 86 on the can. To separate the lid 14 from the can 12,
`the lid is biased upwardly until the contact point 52 of the
`bead 38 slides over the rib 86. Once the bead 38 is vertically
`
`above the rib 86 as oriented in FIG. 4, the lid 14 may be freely
`lifted clearly of the can 12 without further interference.
`[0038] When the lid 14 is biased upwardly as described
`above, the consumer may be able to secure a hold on the
`bottom 50 of the hem 40 to make the task of removing the lid
`easier. When the lid 14 is removed from the can 12, the
`consumer is able to remove a desired amount of the contents
`of the container 10 from the storage cavity 24. The process of
`securing the lid 14 to the can 12 and removing the lid from the
`can may be repeated as often as access to the contents of the
`storage cavity 24 is desired.
`[0039]
`In an alternative embodiment, the container 10 may
`include vertical ribs (not shown) or other structure to aid or
`assist in the venting of the container when the lid 14 is
`removed from and placed upon the can 12. One example of
`this type of venting structure is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
`4,098,421 to Foster, which is incorporated herein in its
`entirety by this reference thereto for this reason.
`[0040] When the lid 14 and the can 12 are engaged together
`as shown in FIG. 2, the seam 88 that forms between the lid and
`the can may be covered or hidden by a label (not shown) or
`otherpackagingmaterial. For example, a band-type label may
`be adhesively secured to portions of the lid 14 and the can 12
`adjacent to the seam 88 such that the label covers the seam.
`Until the label is split or broken by the consumer using a
`knife, fingernail, or other sharp object, the seam 88 remains
`hidden and the label inhibits moisture from entering the stor(cid:173)
`age cavity 24, in conjunction with the snap fit interface. As
`such, the product held within the storage cavity 24 remains
`fresh.
`[0041] From the foregoing, those skilled in the art will
`recognize that the lid 14 for the tobacco can 12 has a rounded
`hem 40 that is both safe and easy to grasp. The hem 40, being
`spaced outwardly further than the bead 38, also helps to guide
`the lid 14 onto the can 12 when they are operably coupled
`together.
`[0042] All references, including publications, patent appli(cid:173)
`cations, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by
`reference to the same extent as if each reference were indi(cid:173)
`vidually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by ref(cid:173)
`erence and were set forth in its entirety herein.
`[0043] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and
`similar referents in the context of describing the invention
`(especially in the context of the following claims) is to be
`construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless
`otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.
`The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "con(cid:173)
`taining" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., mean(cid:173)
`ing "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted.
`Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to
`serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each
`separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indi(cid:173)
`cated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the
`specification as if it were individually recited herein. All
`methods described herein can be performed in any suitable
`order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly
`contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or
`exemplary language ( e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
`intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does
`not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless
`otherwise claimed.No language in the specification should be
`construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential
`to the practice of the invention.
`
`RJRV EX 1010
`Page 8
`
`

`

`US 2008/0202956 Al
`
`Aug. 28, 2008
`
`4
`
`[0044] Preferred embodiments of this
`invention are
`described herein, including the best mode known to the inven(cid:173)
`tors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those pre(cid:173)
`ferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordi(cid:173)
`nary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description.
`The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such varia(cid:173)
`tions as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention
`to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described
`herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications
`and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims
`appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
`any combination of the above-described elements in all pos(cid:173)
`sible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention
`unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly con(cid:173)
`tradicted by context.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A metal lid for a tobacco can, comprising:
`a circular lid top including a central recess and a shoulder,
`the shoulder extending radially outwardly from and ver(cid:173)
`tically above the central recess; and
`a circumferential side wall unitarily formed with the lid top
`at the shoulder, the side wall depending downwardly
`from and disposed below the central recess of the lid top,
`the side wall including a bead and a hem, the bead
`extending circumferentially around the side wall, the
`hem formed from a distal portion of the side wall folded
`over onto an intermediate portion of the side wall.
`2. The metal lid of claim 1, wherein the distal portion of the
`side wall forming the hem is folded inwardly toward the
`central recess.
`3. The metal lid of claim 2, wherein the bead projects
`inwardly toward the central recess further than the distal
`portion of the hem.
`4. The metal lid of claim 3, wherein the hem extends
`generally parallel and substantially axially relative to a center
`axis of the lid in contact or almost contact with the interme(cid:173)
`diate portion.
`5. The metal lid of claim 3, wherein a thickness of the hem
`is between about 0.01 of an inch and about 0.02 of an inch and
`a height of the hem is between about 0.04 of an inch and about
`0.05 of an inch.
`6. The metal lid of claim 1, wherein the metal lid is formed
`from electrolytic tin plate, the tin plate having a thickness of
`between about 0.005 of an inch and about 0.009 of an inch
`such that the hem has a hem thickness of between about 0.010
`of an inch and about 0.018 of an inch.
`7. The metal lid of claim 1, wherein an interior surface of at
`least one of the lid top, the shoulder, and the side wall are
`coated with a gold phenolic finish.
`8. The metal lid of claim 1, wherein an annular portion of
`the lid top is spaced apart from a center point of the lid top
`between about 0.75 of an inch and about 1.25 inches and flat
`in order to support bead and hem formation.
`9. The metal lid of claim 1, wherein an embossing portion
`of a top surface of the lid top extends radially outwardly from
`a center point of the lid top up to about one inch, the emboss-
`
`ing portion including embossing projecting above the top
`surface between about 0.01 of an inch and about 0.02 of an
`inch.
`10. The metal lid of claim 1, wherein the bead intermit(cid:173)
`tently circumferentially extends around the side wall.
`11. The metal lid of claim 1, wherein the bead projects
`inwardly toward the lid top between about 0.02 of an inch and
`about 0.05 of an inch.
`12. The metal lid of claim 1, wherein an apex of the shoul(cid:173)
`der is rounded and extends above a top surface of the central
`recess between about 0.2 of an inch and 0.04 of an inch.
`13. The metal lid of claim 1, wherein an outer diameter of
`the metal lid is between about two inches and about three
`inches and a vertical height of the metal lid measured between
`an apex of the shoulder and a bottom of the hem is between
`about one tenth of an inch and about half an inch whereby the
`metal lid is configured for a hand held pocket size smokeless
`tobacco container.
`14. A metal lid for a non-metallic tobacco can, comprising:
`a lid top including a recessed portion and a circumferential
`shoulder; and
`a circumferential side wall unitarily formed with and
`depending from the shoulder, the side wall including a
`bead and a hem, the hem formed by a distal portion of the
`side wall folded adjacent to an intermediate portion of
`the side wall, the bead progressing around the side wall
`and projecting radially inwardly toward the lid top fur(cid:173)
`ther than the hem such that when the bead seats against
`the tobacco can the hem is spaced apart from the tobacco
`can.
`15. The tobacco can of claim 14, wherein the distal portion
`is between about 0.02 of an inch and about 0.06 of an inch and
`folded inwardly toward the lid top and a gap formed between
`the hem and the tobacco can is between about 0.005 of an inch
`and about 0.015 of an inch.
`16. The tobacco can of claim 14, wherein the hem on the
`side wall functions as a guide when fitting the metal lid onto
`the tobacco can due to the hem being disposed radially out(cid:173)
`wardly of the bead.
`17. The tobacco can of claim 14, wherein the bead is
`non-symmetrical in axial cross section and the distal portion
`directly contacts the intermediate portion.
`18. A lid for a non-metallic can, comprising:
`a unitary lid body formed from metal, the lid body includ(cid:173)
`ing a round lid top, a shoulder, and a side wall, the
`shoulder extending circumferential around and radially
`outwardly and upwardly away from a central recess of
`the lid top, the side wall depending downwardly from the
`shoulder and away from the central recess of the lid top,
`a portion of the side wall folded inwardly onto itself to
`form a hem in a lower portion of the side wall.
`19. The lid of claim 18, wherein the side wall further
`includes a bead formed between the shoulder and the hem, the
`bead projecting inwardly toward the round lid top further than
`the hem.
`
`* * * * *
`
`RJRV EX 1010
`Page 9
`
`