Can ends having machine readable information.

(54) Title: CANNED ENDS THAT HAVE LEGIBLE INFORMATION BY MACHINE. (54) Title: CAN ENDS HAVING MACHINE READABLE INFORMATION.

(57) Summary

A can end laser marking system and method, including a can end central panel and / or pull tab; the decorated can end and / or tabs may have a machine-readable image.

(57) Abstract

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

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Institute

Mexican Property

Industrial

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PATENT TITLE NO. 337706

Owner (s): CROWN PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Address: 11535 South Central Avenue, Alsip, Illinois, 60803, USA

Name: CANNED ENDS THAT HAVE LEGIBLE INFORMATION BY MACHINE.

Classification:

Inventor (s):

Number:

MX / a / 2014/003640

Country:

US lnt.CI.8: B41M5 / 26; B65D17 / 00; G06K19 / 06

LAURA JANE McGIRR; CHRISTOPHER PAUL RAMSEY

REQUEST

International filing date:

September 2012

PRIORITY

Date: Number:

September 2011 61 / 539,784

Validity: Twenty je ños

Expiration Date: September 27, 2032 jfca reference patent is granted confusing cloak in articles 1, V section V, 6 ”section III, and 59 of the Industrial Property Law.

Pursuant to article 23 of the "Industrial Property" Law, this patent has a validity of twenty non-extendable articles, counted from the date of filing of L Sw. Ic-tud internau anal and will be subject to the payment of the fee to keep the flerechos in force. w »© Whoever signed this title does so on the basis of articles 6, sections III and 7, bis 2 of the Industrial Property (Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF,) 08/27/1991, amended on 08/02 / 1984, 10/25/1996, 12/26/1997, 11 (01/26/2004, 06/16/2005, 01/25/2006, 06/05/2009, 06/01/2011 IMa ^ tlO, 28.06 (2310. 27/01/2012 and 09/040012); articles 1. 3 ° l subsection a), 4 ° and 12 ° fractions I and III of the Regulations of the Mexican Institute ate Prowed&gt; lLÍMl¿Jt (riiilTⁿ OR ^c. 12/14/1999, refj

Í1 / 07/2002, 15/07/2004, 2 * 07/2004 and 7/09/2007); articles 1, 3, 4. 5th IteflHHtewgMccfones I and III and 30 of the Statute Bl Instituto Mexicano de la Propledadlndustrlal (DOF 27/12/1999, reforma3oürTO ^^^ Í29 / 07/2004, 04/08/2004 yomomo a) of the Agreement which delegates ly of the 15/1999, icon V signed the Irishman γ_{10 3}or of the

Regional Offices, Divisional Deputy Directors, Departmental Coordinators and other subordinates of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property. (DOF 12/15/1999, amended on 02/04/2000, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007)

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Issue Date: March 15, 2016

THE DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF PATENTS

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NAHANNY CANAL REYES

Arenal No. 550. Floor i. i heard Pueblo Sarta María Tepepan,

Xochimilco, CP 16020,

Mexico City

Tel. (56) 53 34 07 00 wwwjmni oc-b mx

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MX / 2016/22088

1331(%

CANNED ENDS THAT HAVE INFORMATION

IBLE; P '

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO UE LA PP.C5P1EDAÍD INDUSTRIAL more

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to packaging, and particularly to marking metal can components with machine-readable information.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Two-piece metal cans include a can body on which a can end is attached by a seam. Commercial two-piece beverage cans are formed by a pressing and pressing process that forms the side wall of the integral body with the base. Three-piece metal cans include a cylindrical body, where each end has a can end joined by a seam.

Two-piece beverage cans are produced in large quantities for use in beverages and food; Three-piece beverage cans are produced in large quantities for food uses. Therefore, the components of the cans must be produced at high speeds.

Conventional beverage cans and many easy-open food cans have pull tabs. The pull tabs are formed from a sheet of metal on a

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eyelash press. Due to the press quantities of conventional eyelashes they form 11ipIps p_Pgt at a time in lines of two, three or four tabs.

Typically, a pre-lacquered aluminum coil is fed into a carcass press to form the can end caps. A pre-lacquered aluminum coil is fed into a flange press to form the flanges for pulling. The housings and pull tabs combine in a conversion press to form the seamless can end.

The decoration of the can ends is known, especially pull tabs. For example, the

United States Patent Number 6,105,806 discloses laser engraving or removal of portions of a coating on a pull tab. The United States Patent

Number 6,498,318 acknowledges difficulties in making metal cans and discloses the ablation of stocks of metal pull tabs.

The inventors are aware of a commercial, conventional system for laser pull tab etching that includes a CO2 laser that often operates at approximately 100W. Each lane of a tab press has its own laser so the tab press can operate at approximately 700 tabs per minute with a

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL laser having a resolution or dimension of approximately

100 oh my. Typically, a dark colored lacquer is laser removed to expose bare aluminum in the form of a simple logo or a few characters. The limitation on the speed of the process is also a limitation on the amount of decoration.

Laser marking of coatings is used for flexible and cardboard packaging for various marking applications. Typically, a thermally active pigment is loaded into a clear or clear lacquer, and a laser

CO2 induces a color change. For example, a laser can be applied to a white lacquer label to display black text. Laser marking systems of this type are available from Sun Chemical under the trade name Sunlase and employ a 100 micron YAG laser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A process is provided for high speed, high resolution laser marking decoration for can ends, especially can end center panels, can end mandrel walls, and can pull tabs.

Can ends and pull tabs are also provided that are the result of the process.

The method for decorating can ends includes the

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF LAÍROl'IEDAD

INDUSTRIAL steps of: providing a can end substrate, such as a can end center panel, mandrel wall, and / or pull tab, of a metal material, such as aluminum, or in some cases steel; coating at least a part of the can end substrate, preferably with a lacquer, which includes a photonically active component; and applying a laser to the coated substrate to change the appearance of at least a portion of the photonically active component substantially without burning, etching, or ablation of the lacquer, thereby forming an image.

Preferably, the photonically active component includes a thermally active pigment. Preferably, the change in appearance is a color change, such as from transparent or light to an opaque or darker color.

Preferably a CO2 laser is employed having a beamwidth that is less than about 50 microns, more preferably not greater than about 30 microns, more preferably not greater than about 10 microns, and preferably about 5 microns. Accordingly, the image can be formed by dots having a dimension less than about 50 microns, preferably not more than about 30 microns, more preferably not more than about 10 microns, and preferably about 5 microns. Therefore, the image is

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY can form through points that have a dimensionⁱn^ST!Hfénou? ' than approximately 50 micras.

The inventors contemplate that the laser marking process can be applied to a 5-tab stock or end-stock coil, can be applied to the tabs after the tab press before the conversion press, can be applied to the end housings after casing press before conversion press, or after conversion press to seamless can end.

The inventors assume that the decorated ends may be suitable to withstand pasteurization up to 75 ° C for 20 minutes, such as can be found in ends of beverage cans after sewing. Also, the inventors assume that the decorated ends may be suitable to withstand retort temperatures of up to 131 ° C for 90 minutes, such as can be found in food can ends after sewing. Accordingly, the inventive method includes the pasteurization or retort steps.

A decorated can end comprises: an end casing and a pull tab, each of the end casing and the pull tab preferably comprises aluminum, but also possibly steel and a coating,

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE DS THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL the coating comprises a lacquer and a photonically active component; and an image applied to at least one of a central panel of the end housing and a underside of the pull tab, the image formed by application of a laser which changes the appearance of at least a portion of the substantially photonically active component. no chewing, etching or lacquer ablation.

Preferably, the image is a color that is darker than lacquer. Also, preferably, the image can be formed by dots, and the dots have a dimension less than about 50 microns, preferably not more than about 30 microns, more preferably not greater than about 10 microns, and preferably about 5 microns. .

Also, a decorated can end is provided that has machine-readable codes, such as QR codes on the center panel. The end has (i) an unopened configuration in which the end is sealed and (ii) an open configuration in which the beverage content of the can is accessed. The can may comprise an end housing and a pull tab. The pull tab has an orientation that is approximately parallel to a central panel of the end housing in the unopened configuration, and has the ability to be actuated to a

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Partial vertical position by lifting one end of the tab to pull to break a groove in the center panel to achieve the open configuration. Preferably, the can end is an aluminum beverage can end.

Ends of other materials or uses may also be used, such as aluminum or steel ends for food cans. The term "partial vertical" is used to describe the position of the pull tab in which the break and opening of the pouring opening panel of a beverage end occurs. When used with ends of food cans, it remains in the pull tab position where the opening of the relevant portion of the panel occurs.

The multiple images, such as QR codes distributed around a rivet that couples the tab to the center panel, are located in a center panel of the end housing, each image is machine readable. The multiple images are located in the center panel so that the pull tab obscures a portion of each image regardless of the rotational position of the pull tab. Therefore, none of the multiple images is readable when the beverage can is in its unopened configuration. Afterwards, at least one of the images is completely exposed, intact and with the

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Ability to be read by a machine at the moment when the tab is set to its partial vertical position, even if the end tear panel is displaced.

Images can be formed from inkjet printing, laser engraving, and / or by other means understood in the art. The end can be aluminum or steel. Images can also be formed by applying a laser that changes the appearance of at least a portion of a photonically active component substantially without lacquer burning, etching, or ablation.

Also provided is a method of providing information on a can end described above. The method comprises the steps of: providing a metal beverage can end including: one end casing, one pull tab, and various images located on a central panel of the end casing, each image is machine-readable, the various images are located on the central panel so that the pull tab obscures a portion of each of the images without considering the rotational position of the tab to pull so that none of the various images is readable; and lift one end of the pull tab until the pull tab is partially vertical to break a groove in the center panel, whereupon in the vertical position

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL partial, at least one of the images is completely exposed, intact and with the ability to be read by a maguine. The step of reading the image is executed with a machine while the tab is in a partial vertical position.

A can end is provided which has the ability to have (i) an unopened configuration in which the end is sealed and (ii) an open configuration in which, after application of the end to a can body, the Can content is accessible. The can end comprises: an end casing and a pull tab, the pull tab has an orientation that is approximately parallel to a center panel of the end casing in the unopened configuration, the pull tab has the ability to be actuated to a partial upright position by lifting one end of the flange to pull to break a groove in the center panel to achieve the open configuration; and a machine-readable image located on either an upper and a lower side of the tab, the machine-readable image is no larger than 6mm by 6mm.

Preferably, the machine readable code is at least 2mm by 2mm, or at least 3mm by 3mm, and more preferably, at least 4mm by 4mm and not larger than 5mm

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INDUSTRIAL by 5mm. Preferably, the machine-readable code is a matrix barcode having 14 by 14 modules.

Preferably, the machine that reads the information formed by the photonically sensitive ink is a manual wireless communication device, which is intended to be a smartphone of the type operated by a common, generalized user (in other words, such a smartphone). such as an iphone phone or phone operating on an Android operating system, equipped with a camera and the ability to download applications), as distinguished from the type of industrial one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode readers that are used for manufacturing or inventory purposes in an industrial or retail environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure IA is a schematic view of the can end showing the underside of the tab in its open, powered position;

Figure IB is a view of a first embodiment of the can end showing the upper side of the tab in its open, actuated position;

Figure 1C is a view of the first embodiment of the can end showing the underside of the tab in

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its open, powered position;

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Figure ID is a view of a second embodiment of the can end showing the top side of the tab in its open, actuated position;

Figure 1E is a view of the first embodiment of the can end showing the underside of the tab in its open, actuated position;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the can end showing an image on the can end central panel;

Figures 3A to 3F are top views of can ends having images on the center panel with the tab in various locations;

Figures 4A to 4C are top views of can ends having images with the tab in its actuated position;

Figure 5 is a top view of a can end showing another embodiment of the can end;

Figure 6 is a flow chart of a manufacturing process showing a location of the laser marking process;

Figure 7 is a flow chart of a manufacturing process showing another location of the laser marking process;

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proc that - of - a marking process process a marking process process

Figure 8 is a manufacturing flow chart showing another location of the laser;

Figure 9 is a manufacturing flow chart showing another location of the laser; and

Figure 10 is a manufacturing flow chart showing another location of the laser.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The preferred marking system employs a conventional lacquer to which a photonically active component, such as a commercially available pigment, dye, dye, ink or similar compound, is added from Datalase. A laser causes a local change in the appearance, i.e., visual perceptible attributes, of the photonically active component and / or lacquer. The inventors envision various possible arrangements or modalities in which the laser can be applied to the photonically active components to create a color change, and thus form an image.

The inventors assume that the images can be formed by laser markings applied to ends of beverage or food cans or pull tabs on cans to

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF THE PROPERTY Vja.

drinks or food. Images broadly encompass decorations, such as aesthetically pleasing logos, images or markings or information, such as text or QR codes.

In this regard, Figure IA illustrates a beverage can including a can body 12 and a seam can end 14. End 14 includes a center panel 20 and a mandrel wall 22. The finished end also includes a flange. for pulling 26 attached to the central panel by a rivet.

The pull tab is shown in its fully actuated position after the spline has been broken to create the pour opening. An image, which is a QR code 28, is located on the underside of tab 26 so that it would be visible only after actuation of tab 26. The present invention is not limited to beverage can ends, but encompasses other ends, such as ends in food cans.

Figures IB and IC illustrate a beverage can end having a configuration known in the industry as a DRT end. Figures ID and 1E illustrate a beverage can end having a configuration known in the industry as a Stolle end. Each of the modalities in the figures has a printed QR code on the lower side of the tab.

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The present invention encompasses machine-readable codes formed on the underside of the tab, the top side of the tab (not shown in the figures), and both. The machine-readable code encompasses the matrix barcode or two-dimensional barcode, including but not limited to QR codes, Data Matrix codes, and inverses thereof.

The inventors have determined that the two-dimensional barcode on either the bottom side or the top side of the tab is not greater than about 6mm x

6mm, and more preferably approximately 5mm x 5mm. The minimum size depends on the resolution and speed of the laser, printer, or other means to form the code, the speed of stocks of moving tabs, or the stopping time of stocks of stationary tabs or tabs during marking, and the resolution capability of the wireless communication device and software to detect and process data. Preferably, the minimum size is 2mm x 2mm, 3mm x 3mm, or 4mm x 4mm, allowing for predictable advances in technology.

The machine-readable code can be formed by any means, including a process for applying a laser to the photonically sensitive ink described herein, conventional laser engraving, conventional printing, and the like. The

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Co-pending US Patent Application

Laser Marking System and Method (Attorney File Number CC-5636 / A0560US) describes a preferred method of marking while stocks of tabs are continuously moved, and the present invention encompasses marking during the shutdown period as stocks tab moves to the tab press or as the tab moves to the conversion press.

As an example for using machine-readable code (such as a QR code or Data Matrix code or its opposites) on a tab, a user can scan the code on the tab or elsewhere on the packaging using a wireless communication device that links to a software download site that automatically installs an application, commonly referred to as an app.

The application can display a welcome screen on the wireless communication device, and then it can display a conventional camera view on the device.

If the application has been previously downloaded to the wireless communication device, the application download may not be necessary.

The wireless communication device can then provide instructions to scan the tab again (for example, in cases where the tab is marked

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INDUSTRIAL at the bottom) and display a schematic showing where to find the machine-readable code. According to the instructions, the user can then scan the machine-readable code and a message may appear, such as You won - scan the can for the prize!

The wireless communication device can then display another scheme with instructions to scan the container or a portion of the container that can function as a marker. The wireless communication device, in this aspect, can interact with the packaging, such as displaying or downloading a video, playing or downloading a track, providing reward points, displaying augmented reality as generally disclosed in the US Patent Application co- Pending 61 / 612,064, entitled Device, System and Method to Facilitate the

Interaction between a Wireless Communication Device and a Package that has a Unique Identifier (Attorney file number CC-5616 / A0556 US) or similar.

The code on the top side and the codes on the bottom side can also interact. For example, the code on the top panel can identify the game or category, and the code on the bottom side can provide additional information, such as identification regarding whether the game or draw has been won.

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Figure 2 is a perspective view of a beverage can having multiple images on its center panel. In the image of Figure 2, the beverage can has a can end 14 'including four QR codes 28' located around the center panel 20 '. The codes 28 'are oriented and separated so that no code is completely unobstructed from above by the tab 26' regardless of the orientation or position of the tab while it is not engaged in its ready position as manufactured.

Each of Figures 3A to 3F shows a can end having four QR codes 28 '. In each figure, the codes are in the same position, but the tab 26 'is shown in various positions in Figures 3A to 3F to illustrate that, regardless of the position of the tab 26', no code 28 'is completely unobstructed from above.

Each of Figures 4A to 4C shows a unique location of the group of four QR codes 28 'with the tab in the open position, fully actuated to illustrate that, regardless of the location of the codes 28', at least one code remains completely exposed, unbroken or contiguous, and legible from above when the tab is fully actuated to its upright position, such as at the time of

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OF THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL ^ a¿ / + ga open. It is understood that the number, spacing and size of the codes may vary according to aesthetic and functional considerations. Furthermore, the modalities shown in Fig. 4A through 4C are not limited to employing a laser as described herein, but also encompasses conventional processes, such as ink jet printing to form QR codes as described.

Figure 5 illustrates a beverage end 14 including a center panel 20, mandrel wall 22, and flange 26.

An image 28, which is various graphics, is located in the central panel 20.

The following is a description of the location of the application of the laser marking process in the pull tab or end manufacturing process, followed by a description of the preferred type of laser and a description of the photonically active components that the inventors assume. that can be used.

As illustrated in Figure 6, the laser marking process can be performed on the flange stock coil before entering the flange press. Known methods can be used to register the marked coil for accurate eyelash formation relative to images created by laser marking. Therefore, the output of the tab press in figure 6

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would be the marked tabs. As used herein, the term "coil" refers to rolled metal stocks and encompasses flat metal sheets that have been cut from the roll.

<td> 5</td><td>Such as</td><td>illustrated in</td><td>figure 7,</td><td>the</td><td>process</td><td>of</td>

<td></td><td>laser marking</td><td>can be executed</td><td colspan="2">in the eyelashes</td><td>then</td><td>than</td>

<td></td><td>are formed</td><td colspan="2">in the tab press but</td><td colspan="3">before they are</td>

<td></td><td>connected to</td><td>the housings of</td><td>extreme in</td><td>the</td><td>press</td><td>of</td>

<td></td><td>conversion.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td> 10</td><td>Such as</td><td>illustrated in</td><td>figure 8,</td><td>the</td><td>process</td><td>of</td>

<td></td><td>laser marking</td><td colspan="4">can be executed in tabs and / or</td><td>the</td>

<td></td><td>ends of</td><td>can, just like the</td><td colspan="2">central panel</td><td>or wall</td><td>of</td>

<td></td><td colspan="2">mandrel, after the ends</td><td colspan="4">are formed in the process</td>

<td></td><td>Of conversation.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td> 15</td><td>Tai as</td><td>illustrated in</td><td>figure 9,</td><td>the</td><td>process</td><td>of</td>

<td></td><td>laser marking</td><td>can be executed</td><td>in the metal</td><td>of</td><td colspan="2">stock</td>

of can end on coil before metal enters casing press. In this regard, laser markings can be formed on the coil portions that will be formed on the end center panels and / or mandrel walls. Known methods of registering the marked coil can be used for precise eyelash formation.

As illustrated in Figure 10, the laser marking process can be performed on institute end housings ι · .τ.&gt; :; ολ;, ό \ &lt;.. · -De LA Lv, 'U.' J_óL'c.D can after they are formed in the ca'fUásár peí press before they enter the conversion press, which is preferred for each of the applications described here, the flange stock coil and / or the End stock coil is supplied by the manufacturer with the previously applied lacquer. The present invention encompasses the application of the lacquer at any stage prior to laser marking.

Preferably, a CO2 laser having a characteristic dimension or beamwidth less than 50 microns, more preferably less than 30 microns, more preferably less than 10 microns, and preferably approximately 5 microns. Such a C02 laser can be used with the photonically sensitive components commercially supplied by

Datalase.

The inventors contemplate the use of the photonically active component in the can end lacquer and / or pull tab that changes appearance when irradiated by a laser, preferably an infrared laser

C02 or a near infrared laser, to create monochrome black or color laser images. As used herein, the phrase photonically active component encompasses pigments or similar compositions that have the ability to change appearance at the time of laser application. In

<img file="MX337706B_D0024.tif" />

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INDUSTRIAL X «ia * V In other words, when a laser strikes the material that includes the photonically active component, the photonically active component causes a change in appearance in the component or lacquer in a way that is visually perceptible. Following are examples of technology of the photonically active component that the inventors assume they can employ in the present marking systems, methods, and products.

Various pigments have been proposed to allow marking at the time of laser application. For example, a plastic molding composition comprising a polyoxymethylene and bone charcoal is disclosed in patent applications WO-A-OO / 43456, JP-A-11001065, EPA0522370, EP-A-0797511, and Patent Numbers. of the states

United 5,053,440 and 5,350,792. A copper hydroxyphosphate for laser marking is disclosed in the Patent Numbers of the

United States 5,928,780, 6,017,972, and 6,019,831. United States Patent Numbers 5,489,639 and 5,884,079 disclose additional useful compounds.

United States Patent Number 7,485,403 discloses multivalent metal oxyanions, especially ammonium octamolybdate, with the formula (NH4) 4Mo8026 (AOM), in combination with polymer binders, such as those having a leaving group, absorb the length of

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL C02 wave laser light (10,600 nm) and undergo a color change due to a change in the oxidation state. The combination is not the temperature typically found in pasteurization.

Also, various compositions that change color or otherwise produce a change in visual appearance at the time of laser application have been disclosed.

NIR. For example, W005 / 068207 discloses the use of NIR laser radiation (i.e. at 800-2000nm) to initiate a color change reaction when using a metal salt that absorbs NIR in combination with a substance that normally undergoes a color change reaction at a much longer wavelength (10,600 nm), for example

AOM. Various metal salts are described; including copper salts, such as copper hydroxyphosphate.

JP8127670 discloses the use of reduced titanium oxide compounds for incorporation into thermoplastics, for laser marking.

United States Patent No. 5,578,120 describes the use of an inorganic laser beam absorbing substance and a dye. Examples of colorants that can be used include those mentioned in JP-A-49-82340, including zinc oxide semiconductors and titanium dioxide semiconductors.

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United States Patent No.

the use of non-stoichiometric ytterbium phosphate to produce NIR-absorbing inks, such as for printing stealthy barcodes.

United States Patent Application Number

US20100015558A1 discloses a non-stoichiometric compound such as r-ITO, for example, in the form of a nanopowder, as a near infrared radiation absorber in the 900 to 2500 nm region to create a contrast image when incorporated, for example, in a ink formulation based on

AOM and subject to laser radiation in the near infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum (780 to 2500 nm). A metal salt · as a functional IR absorber / color-developing material which, upon absorption of radiation from a laser source, can directly produce a color-forming reaction when in combination with an otherwise component you will experience the desired reaction or irradiation at a higher wavelength. For example, it can be used in combination with an oxymetal anion component in an applied coating, to generate a different color image. Alternatively, a color forming component is used to generate a different image. A fiber, diode, diode array, or CO2 laser can be used to generate the image of

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United States Patent No. 6 ^ -602 / 5Φ5 diuul '(J5 ~ the use of non-stoichiometric nano-materials for use in inks, such as r-ITO (reduced indium tin oxide), which acts as a NIR absorbent.

W02009093028A2 discloses a compound that will undergo a color change upon irradiation. The compound has the general structure: XC ^ CC ^ CY- (CO) n-QZ where X is H, alkyl or -Y- (CO) n-QW; each Y is the same or a different divalent alkylene group; Q is O, So NR; R is H or alkyl; W is H, alkyl or Z; each Z is the same or a different unsaturated alkyl group; and each n is 0 or 1.

EP1365923B2 discloses laser marking of an object that includes a material comprising a functional group and a metal or acid compound that causes an elimination reaction on irradiation with a laser, to form a reaction product of contrasting color. The process involves directing the laser beam to the areas of the object to be marked. For example, by using a carbohydrate and a metal salt, effective marking on the coating of a pill or other edible material can be achieved. The inventors assume that these compositions can be used in a can end.

<img file="MX337706B_D0027.tif" />

United States Patent Application Number

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE

US20090117353A1 discloses a method for marking ^DünÑD «'í¡ ^ tr? tt ^^jJÍ6coating the substrate with a white solution — or — without a weak alkali or alkaline earth metal salt of a weak acid, and then irradiating areas of the substrate to be marked so that those areas change color.

The substrate typically comprises a polysaccharide material, preferably a cellulosic material such as cellulose, and the inventors assume that this process can be employed on a metal substrate such as a can end and / or pull tab. As used herein, the claimed step of applying a laser to the coated substrate encompasses the color change described in this paragraph.

Preferably, the image produced by the above process produces a point having a diameter or other characteristic dimension (such as width if the laser marking is producing a line) not greater than about 50 microns, preferably not greater than about 30 microns, more preferably not more than about 10 micras, and more preferably about 5 micras. It is understood that a formed point as described herein can be fused with an adjacent point. Accordingly, the spot diameter or feature dimension can be measured at the time of initial formation or at another convenient time.

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OE THE PROPERTY

The phrase substantially unburnt, graloacfó¹· Lacquer ablation does not require loss of ..... ma't'erTaT ^ The inventors assume that a light mist that comes from the application of laser beam when applied in flexible patent applications, in fact, indicates degassing , loss of volatile matter, or other loss of matter. The present invention encompasses some loss of matter during laser application as long as it does not constitute burning, etching, or ablation, as those terms are commonly understood.

The inventors are aware of a conventional, commercial system for laser pull tab etching that includes a CO2 laser that often operates at approximately 100W. Each lane of an eyelash press has its own laser so the eyelash press can operate at approximately 700 eyelashes per minute with a laser having a resolution or dimension of approximately

100 oh my. Typically, a dark colored lacquer is removed by the laser to expose bare aluminum in the form of a simple logo or a few characters. The limitation on the speed of the process is also a limitation on the amount of the decoration.

Laser marking of coatings is used for flexible packaging and cardboard for various applications of

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Mexican r ismututo Say LA 'ra.GFV¿Á&gt; A ü marked. Typically, a thermally active pigment^A1'is loaded in a clear or clear lacquer, and a C02 laser induces a color change. For example, a laser can be applied to a white lacquer label to display black text; Laser marking systems of this type are available from Sun Chemical under the trade name Sunlase and employ a 100 micron YAG laser.

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NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION

Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, the content of the following is claimed as property: