Patents Assigned to Charles Hannon
  • Patent number: 5007554
    Abstract: A non-removable fulcrum-type lift tab, for opening a metal beverage container, is modified, by the inclusion of a lanced line at a position between the fulcrum pivoting line and the pushing end of the tab. The lanced line extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the fulcrum-directed pushing force used to open the container, whereby, upon initial lifting of the tab, the lanced line opens, in a limited material separation. This results in substantially less lifting force (about 30% less), being needed to elevate the tab end about 1/4 inch (about 6 mm) for a finger to be more easily inserted for completion of the opening of the container. At this stage, the ends of the lanced line, such as in the configuration of drilled holes or inwardly arcuate lanced sections, stop continued material separation by providing a high resistance to such separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Assignee: Charles Hannon
    Inventors: Charles Hannon, Leonard J. Vallender