CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/978,882, filed Oct. 10, 2007.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
The invention generally relates to openers for opening containers and, more particularly, to tabs used to open can ends, such as beer/beverage can ends and food can ends. The invention further relates to can ends having tabs.
2. Background Information
A tab is typically secured to a can end by a rivet, and the can end is opened by lifting a lift portion of the tab by pulling upwards on the tab so as to pivot the tab about the rivet. Specifically, when the tab pivots after the lift portion of the tab has been lifted upwards, the opposite end (e.g., nose portion or end) of the tab fractures a score line disposed on the can end, which permits the end-user to access the contents of the can.
Prior to use, the tab is generally in a flat orientation, parallel to the plane of the end panel of the can end. Lifting the tab requires the end-user to reach with their finger between the tab and the seam of a can end and to exert an upward lift force on the bottom side of the tab. Such an approach can create difficulty for the end-user to acquire proper leverage to open the can end. The difficulty can become more pronounced if the end-user has relatively long fingernails and/or weak fingers that make it awkward for the end-user to reach between the tab and the seam of the can end. Also, the area available for finger access between the tab and the seam decreases for smaller can end diameters, as well as for can ends having smaller center panels. This further increases the difficulty associated with opening the can end.
There is, therefore, room for improvement in tabs, and in can ends, such as beer/beverage can ends and food can ends, which employ tabs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These needs and others are met by embodiments of the invention, which are directed to a tab for containers (e.g., cans) wherein the tab is structured to facilitate access to the tab and relatively easy actuation of the tab to facilitate easy opening of the can end by the end-user.
As one aspect of the invention, a tab is provided for a can end. The tab has a body comprising a bottom surface disposed in a plane, and a top surface disposed opposite the bottom surface at a preselected height, h1, with respect to the plane of the bottom surface; a nose portion located at a first end of the body of the tab; a lift portion located at a second end of the tab, opposite the nose portion; a rivet receiving portion located proximate to the nose portion, the rivet receiving portion including a rivet hole; and a flange located at the rearward edge of the lift portion of the tab, the flange including an upper portion and an underside disposed opposite the upper portion. The underside of the flange is disposed at a preselected height, h2, with respect to the plane of the bottom surface of the tab. The preselected height, h2, forms a ratio, h2:h1, with respect to the preselected height, h1, which has a value of between about 0.60 to about 0.95.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a tab, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the tab of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the tab of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the tab of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is an end elevation view of the lift portion of the tab of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the tab coupled to a can end, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7;
FIGS. 9 and 10 are isometric views of tabs, in accordance with other embodiments of the invention; and
FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a tab, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS For purposes of the description hereinafter, directional phrases used herein such as, for example, “right”, “left”, “upper”, “lower”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “axial”, “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “aft”, “back”, “behind”, “rearward”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention, as it is oriented in the drawing, as if the invention was placed in operational relationship with a level can end coupled to an upright can body with the can body resting on a flat horizontal surface. It is to be understood that the specific elements illustrated in the drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Therefore, specific dimensions, orientations and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting with respect to the scope of the invention.
As employed herein, the terms “can” and “container” are used substantially interchangeably to refer to any known or suitable container or can having an end to which the disclosed tab may be coupled.
As used herein, the term “arcuate” means an elliptical or rounded: (i) arc; (ii) arch; (iii) bend; (iv) bow; (v) curve; (vi) radius; and/or (vii) the like that has one or more radii of curvatures.
As used herein, the term “tab” refers to an opening device (e.g., opener) made from substantially rigid material that has undergone one or more forming and/or tooling operations, and which is structured to be suitably affixed to a can end for the purpose of being pivoted to sever a score line and open at least a portion of the can end.
As used herein, the term “curled” or “hemmed” means bent or formed with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tab, wherein the bend is at least ninety degrees relative to a vertical axis that passes through the tab perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
As used herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality).
As used herein, the statement that two or more parts are “attached”, “connected”, “coupled”, or “engaged” together shall mean that the parts are joined together either directly or joined through one or more intermediate parts.
FIGS. 1-8 show a tab 10 in accordance with the invention. The body of the tab 10 includes a nose portion 12 at the front end (e.g., right end from the perspective of FIGS. 1, 5 and 8; left end from the perspective of FIGS. 2-4) of the tab 10 and a lift portion 14 at the back end (e.g., left end from the perspective of FIGS. 1, 5 and 8; right end from the perspective of FIGS. 2-4) of the tab 10. Each portion 12,14 is generally U-shaped along its periphery such that the two portions 12,14 compliment each other to form the generally oval-shaped tab 10, shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 7.
In one non-limiting example embodiment of the invention, the tab 10 includes first and second slots 16 (both shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 7) between the nose portion 12 and the lift portion 14 on opposing sides of the tab 10, although it will be appreciated that such slots 16 are not required (see, for example, tabs 110, 210 and 310 of FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, respectively). In combination, the two slots 16 form a first fulcrum 18 that extends generally transverse to a first or longitudinal axis 20 that passes through the length of the tab 10, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Each slot 16 is of a preselected length and depth, with the fulcrum 18 forming an axis or bend line that divides the tab 10 approximately in half and allows the lift portion 14 of the tab 10 to pivot (e.g., flex) in relation to the nose portion 12. This is shown, for example, in phantom line drawing in FIG. 5. Thus, the fulcrum 18 and slots 16 have the benefit of enabling an end-user to more easily lift (e.g., upward from the perspective of FIG. 5) the tab 10 when it is affixed to a can end 74 (partially shown in phantom line drawing in FIG. 5; also shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) and access the contents of a can (not shown).
In the example of FIG. 4, the nose portion 12 includes first curled or hemmed edges 22 along a periphery of the nose portion 12. That is, the edges 22 are curled underneath the nose portion 12 to form a cylindrical cross-section shaped curl or edge portion 24 to rigidize the nose portion 12 and provide beam strength to the nose portion 12, thereby increasing the overall strength of the tab 10. It will be appreciated, however, that the edge portion 24 could have any other known or suitable alternative configuration (not shown), without departing from the scope of the invention. The first curled edges 22 extend around the outer generally U-shaped periphery of the nose portion 12, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The front 26 (FIGS. 1-3 and 7) of the nose portion 12 may be more significantly rolled, for example, to increase the area of the nose portion 12 that contacts a tear panel 80 (FIG. 7) of the can end 74 (FIGS. 5, 7 and 8) or a removable end panel (not shown) of a can end, such as, for example, for a food can (not shown).
Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1-3, the nose portion 12 of the tab 10 further includes a rivet receiving portion 28, which is generally semi-circular shaped (shown) but which can be square-shaped (not shown) or rectangular-shaped (not shown), and is located rearwardly of the nose portion 12. The rivet receiving portion 28 includes a rivet hole 30 that is shaped to receive an integral rivet 86 (FIGS. 7 and 8) to affix the tab 10 to the can end 74 (FIGS. 7 and 8), and which enables the nose portion 12 to pivot about the rivet 86 (FIGS. 7 and 8). The rivet receiving portion 28 is integrally attached to the nose portion 12 along one or more indentations 32 (one is shown in FIGS. 1-3). The indentations 32 enable flexibility about the rivet 86 (FIGS. 7 and 8) when the nose portion 12 of the tab 10 is actuated (e.g., lifted and/or pivoted).
A generally C-shaped relief aperture 34 (e.g., from the top plan and bottom plan perspectives of FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively) surrounds a portion of the rivet hole 30 adjacent the outer periphery of the rivet receiving portion 28. The generally C-shaped relief aperture 34 presents a void or hole that further facilitates flexibility of the tab 10. Opposing ends of the generally C-shaped relief aperture 34 define a second fulcrum 36, which extends generally transverse to the first or longitudinal axis 20, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. It will be appreciated, however, that the generally C-shaped relief aperture 34 may alternatively have one leg longer than the other leg, as is shown in FIG. 1. That is, the ends of the C-shaped relief aperture 34 are offset with respect to one another such that the second fulcrum (not shown in FIG. 1) would not be generally transverse the first axis 20, but rather would pass through the first axis 20 (FIGS. 2 and 3) at an angle (e.g., greater than or less than 90 degrees) (not shown) with respect thereto. The second fulcrum 36 provides another bend line about which the tab 10 can pivot as shown, for example, in phantom line drawing in FIG. 4.
It will be appreciated that other features could be additionally or alternatively included on the tab 10, without departing from the scope of the invention. For example and without limitation, a generally V-shaped coin (not shown) may optionally be provided between the rivet hole 30 and the front 26 of the nose portion 12, proximate to the indentations 32. The generally V-shaped coin (not shown), would, for example, function to render the first curled edge 22 more rigid and would assist in preventing tearing of the tab 10 during the stress of opening the can end 74 (FIGS. 7 and 8).
As previously noted, lift portion 14 is the part of the tab 10 that is actuated (e.g., lifted; pivoted upwards and/or downwards) by an end-user to open the can end 74 (FIGS. 7 and 8). The lift portion 14 is generally U-shaped (e.g., from the perspectives of FIGS. 1-3 and 7) with second curled or hemmed edges 38 (FIGS. 1-6) extending along a portion of the periphery of the lift portion 14. The profile of the flange 62 (described hereinbelow) at the end of the lift portion 14 of the tab 10 extends between the endpoints of these second curled or hemmed edges 38 and has an arcuate shape that may be oriented convexly (e.g., bowing away from the finger hole 40, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 7; see also flange 162 of FIG. 9) or concavely (e.g., curved inwardly as shown, for example and without limitation, in FIGS. 10 and 11). The second curled edges 38 are curled or hemmed underneath a portion of the lift portion 14, as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. It will be appreciated that the second curled edges 38 may have a substantially cylindrical curl along a portion of the periphery of the lift portion 14 that is proximate to but not at the tab end. The lift portion 14 further includes a finger hole 40 (FIGS. 1-3 and 7) disposed through a top surface 42 (FIGS. 1-4, 6 and 7) of the lift portion 14.
As shown in FIG. 6, the top surface 42 of the lift portion 14 is disposed at a preselected height, h1, above the plane of the bottom surface of the tab 10 (see also flange 362 of tab 310 of FIG. 11, which is tilted or curled upwards to further increase the preselected height, h1, of that tab 310). It will be appreciated that while the finger hole 40 is shown as having the shape of a circle, it could have any known or suitable shape such as, for example and without limitation, an oval or ellipse (see, for example, finger holes 140 and 240, shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, respectively) or any other known or suitable geometric shape (not shown). In front (e.g., toward the rivet hole 30) of the finger hole 40, a tapered portion 44 (FIGS. 1-3) extends downward to a recessed paneled or beaded area 46, which is disposed at a lower height or plane in relation to the top surface 42 of the lift portion 14. More specifically, the paneled area 46 (FIGS. 1-4) is a compressed area adjacent and integral to the lift portion 14, and is located at about the middle of the tab 10 in front (e.g., toward the rivet hole 30) of the finger hole 40 and top surface 42 of the lift portion 14, and generally between the aforementioned slots 16. That is, the paneled or beaded area 46 forms a web that extends from at or about one slot 16 on one side of the body of the tab 10 to at or about the corresponding opposing slot 16 on the opposite side of the body of the tab 10. It will be appreciated that a relatively abrupt wall portion may extend from the top surface 42 of the lift portion 14 toward the paneled or beaded area 46.
The paneled area 46 further includes extensions 48 that extend generally in the direction of the first axis 20, toward the nose portion 12. The extensions 48 are integrally connected to the nose portion 12 of the tab, thereby integrally attaching the nose portion 12 and the lift portion 14 through the middle of the tab 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The paneled or beaded area 46 provides the middle of the tab 10 with increased strength and rigidity such that the lift portion 14 resists disconnection (e.g., without limitation, fracture) from the remainder of the tab 10 after movement of the lift portion 14 about the fulcrum 18 (FIGS. 2 and 3). It will be appreciated, however, that the aforementioned features (e.g., without limitation, generally C-shaped relief aperture 34; paneled or beaded area 46) are somewhat specific to the tab 10, which includes slots 16. As previously noted, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the slots 16 are not required and, in fact, are not included at all (see, for example, tabs 110,210 and 310 of FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, respectively, discussed hereinbelow). Therefore, the above features (e.g., without limitation, generally C-shaped relief aperture 34; paneled or beaded area 46), which are associated with the slots 16, are also not required. For example, as discussed hereinbelow with respect to FIGS. 9-11, the thin flange 162 (FIG. 9), 262 (FIG. 10), 362 (FIG. 11) feature of the invention, which provides increased accessibility to the end-user to lift the tab 110 (FIG. 9), 210 (FIG. 10), 310 (FIG. 11) can be employed independently with respect to any of the other tab features disclosed herein (e.g., without limitation, without slots 16). The flange 162 (FIG. 9), 262 (FIG. 10), 362 (FIG. 11) may also be employed with any known or suitable type (e.g., without limitation, aluminum; steel; beer/beverage; food) and configuration of tab.
Referring again to the example of FIGS. 1-3, the aforementioned slots 16 and other features of tab 10 will now be discussed in greater detail. Specifically, although the slots 16 shown and described herein extend all the way to the paneled area 46, this need not necessarily be the case. For example and without limitation, a small connector (not shown) could be provided between the paneled area 46 and the inward edges of the slots 16, which would be integrally connected to the nose portion 12 and the lift portion 14 to provide strength to the tab 10 during the stress of upward movement of the lift portion 14 about fulcrum 18 (FIGS. 2, 3 and 5) when the end-user actuates the lift portion 14 to open the can end 74 (FIGS. 7 and 8) and the downward movement of the lift portion 14 about fulcrum 18 (FIGS. 2, 3 and 5), for example, when the lift portion 14 is pushed downward by the end-user to conclude the opening process. It will also be appreciated that although the example tab has two opposing slots 16, that the tab 10 could have any known or suitable alternative number and/or configuration of slots (not shown), which are preferably disposed in opposing pairs to form corresponding fulcrums (e.g., bend lines).
It will also be appreciated that in certain embodiments of the invention, the paneled or beaded area 46 has a first edge 50 (FIGS. 1-3) that is connected to the tapered portion 44 adjacent to the finger hole 40. First edge 50 extends generally transverse to the first axis 20. In the example of FIGS. 1-3, the opposite ends 52 of the first edge 50 have corresponding edges (e.g., second edge 54 and third edge 56, respectively). More specifically, the second and third edges 54,56 extend outwardly from the opposing ends 52 of the first edge 50 in opposed relationship to each other, and generally lie in the direction of the first axis 20 (e.g., longitudinal axis). Each of the second edge 54 and the third edge 56 terminate at a juncture with a corresponding portion of the generally C-shaped relief aperture 34. However, the end points of the second and third edges 54,56, at the juncture with the generally C-shaped relief aperture 34, are integrally connected to each other via a fourth edge 58 of the paneled or beaded area 46 (e.g., web), which is formed at the outer periphery of the generally C-shaped relief aperture 34, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In other words, the web of the paneled or beaded portion 46 extends longitudinally from the base of the first edge 50 to the fourth edge 58, and transversely form the base of the second edge 54 to the base of the third edge 56. The fourth edge 58 has an arcuate shape in the example shown, although it will be appreciated that it could have any known or suitable alternative shape and/or configurations, without departing from the scope of the invention.
In certain embodiments, the curled edges 22 and 38 that curl underneath the periphery of both the nose portion 12 and a portion of the lift portion 14, respectively, have portions that connect beneath slots 16, thereby further integrally connecting the nose portion 12 and the lift portion 14. Thus, in certain embodiments, the slots 16 do not extend completely through the depth of the periphery of the tab 10, such that the curled edges beneath the slots 16 are not cut. The curled edges 22 and 38 of the nose portion 12 and the lift portion 14, respectively, and the curled edges beneath slots 16, together, form a continuous curl portion 60 around a portion of the periphery of the tab 10, as shown in FIG. 3. The continuous curl portion 60 improves the strength of the tab 10 during the lifting of the lift portion 14 upward about fulcrum 18, and during the resetting of the lift portion 14 downward about fulcrum 18, as shown for example in phantom line drawing in FIG. 5, and functions to hold the nose and lift portions 12,14 of the tab 10 together during use.
To assist in end-user activation and, in particular, access to and initial lifting of the tab 10, the tab 10 includes the aforementioned flange 62 (best shown in FIGS. 4-6, 7 and 8; see also flanges 162,262 and 362 of FIGS. 9,10 and 11), which is located at the rearward edge 66 of the lift portion 14 of the tab 10. The top portion or surface 64 of the flange 62 is preferably generally coplanar with the top surface 42 of the lift portion 14, as shown in FIG. 4. The flange 62 has an arcuate shaped edge 66, which in the example shown is oriented convexly with respect to the finger hole 40 of the tab 10 (see also flange 162 and convex edge 166 thereof of tab 110 of FIG. 9). However, it will be appreciated that it could be oriented concavely (see, for example, flange 262 and concave edge 266 thereof of tab 210 of FIG. 10). It will further be appreciate that the flange 62 (FIGS. 1-8), 162 (FIG. 9), 262 (FIG. 10), 362 (FIG. 11), is a primary feature of the invention, which could be employed with any known or suitable tab type (e.g., without limitation, aluminum; steel; beer/beverage; food) or configuration either with the aforementioned features (e.g., without limitation, slots 16) or independently thereof (see, for example, tabs 110, 210 and 310 of FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, respectively, which are devoid of slots (e.g., 16)).
The flange 62 and, in particular, edge 66 is not curled or hemmed like edges 38, previously discussed hereinabove. The edge 66 may alternatively or additionally be bent, deformed or wiped down as shown in FIGS. 1-3, although the edge 66 would still not be curled or hemmed like edges 38, as such terms are defined and illustrated herein. Rather, the flange 62 is relatively thin, and preferably comprises a single metal thickness, t, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 (see also single metal thickness, t, of flange 362 of tab 310 of FIG. 11). As shown in FIGS. 4-6 and 8, the thin structure (e.g., single metal thickness) of the flange 62 increases the gap 68, which is defined under the flange 62, for example, between the plane of the underside or a bottom surface of the tab 10 and the underside or bottom surface of the flange 62. The gap 68 provides space for an end-user to insert a finger (not shown), a mechanical lifting device (not shown) or the like, between the flange 62 of the tab 10 and the top of the can end 74 (partially shown in phantom line drawing in FIG. 5; see also FIGS. 7 and 8). That is, the bottom surface or underside of the flange 62 is disposed a height, h2, above the bottom surface or the plane of the underside of the tab 10, as shown in FIG. 6. Also shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, is that the flange thickness, t, is measured by the difference between the overall height, h1, of the tab 10 and the preselected height, h2, from the bottom surface of the tab 10 to the underside of the flange 62.
With reference to FIG. 2, a second axis 70 passing through the rivet hole 30 and one end of the arcuate shaped edge 66 forms an angle, θ1, with respect to a third axis 72 passing through the rivet hole 30 and another end of the arcuate shaped edge 66. θ1 is preferably about 10 degrees to about 50 degrees. More preferably, as shown in the example of FIG. 2, θ1 is between about 25 degrees to about 45 degrees. The arcuate shaped edge 66 extends from a position of about eleven o'clock to a position of about one o'clock on the tab 10 relative to a twelve o'clock position or center point 90. In FIG. 2, the twelve o'clock position 90 is at the right side of the tab 10, on the rearward portion of the lift portion 14. Longitudinal axis 20, which passes through the length of the tab 10, also passes through the twelve o'clock position or center point 90.
With reference to FIG. 3, the second curled or hemmed edges 38 terminate at ends 92 proximate to the flange 62. The ends 92 have an arcuate shape when viewed from the bottom plan view perspective of FIG. 3, and are integrally connected to the flange 62. From the end elevation view perspective of FIG. 6, the second curled or hemmed edges 38 terminate at ends 92 in a generally tapered shape 94 that extends upwardly at an angle from the bottom surface of the tab 10. The generally tapered shape 94 integrally connects the ends 92 to the flange 62.
As previously noted, the tab 10 has a preselected height, h1, which is measured from the plane of the bottom surface of the tab 10 to the top surface 42 of the tab 10, as shown in FIG. 6. In one non-limiting example, the preselected height, h1, is about 0.060 inches (1.52 mm) to about 0.065 inches (1.65 mm) and the preselected height, h2, of the aforementioned gap 68, which is measured from the plane (e.g., a phantom horizontal line that extends horizontally from the underside or bottom surface) of the underside or bottom surface of the tab 10 to the bottom surface or underside of the flange 62, of about 0.044 inches (1.12 mm) to about 0.054 inches (1.37 mm). It will be appreciated that this generally represents the height of the underside of the flange 62 above the public surface (e.g., exterior) of an end panel 76 (FIGS. 7 and 8) of the can end 74 (FIGS. 7 and 8), as partially shown in phantom line drawing in FIG. 5, although it is somewhat less than the height above the end panel 76 because it does not account for end panel features (e.g., finger well 96; beads (not numbered)) that cause the flange 62 to be further from the end panel 76, as shown in FIG. 8. It will also be appreciated that the height, h2, of the gap 68 (as well as height, h1) can be further increased by tilting, curling or otherwise suitably elevating the flange 362 of the lifting portion 314 of the tab 310 and, in particular, the edge 366 of the flange 362, with respect to the remainder of the tab body, as shown, for example and without limitation, in FIG. 11 (discussed hereinbelow). The ratio of h2 to h1 is preferably about 0.68 to about 0.9, although it will be appreciated that it could be greater, such as for example and without limitation, from about 0.60 to about 0.95 or any value or range therebetween.
Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the flange 62 (see also tabs 110,210,310 and flanges 162,262,362, respectively, of FIGS. 9-11) and gap 68 provided thereby, result in a substantial increase in height compared to prior art tabs (not shown), wherein although the tab would also have a preselected height measured from the bottom surface of the tab to the top surface of the tab of about 0.060 inches (1.52 mm) to about 0.065 inches (1.65 mm), the preselected height of the gap (not shown) measured from the plane of the bottom surface of the tab to the bottom surface of the curl (not shown) at the rearward portion of the lift portion, from the bottom of the gap to the top of the gap, or from the public surface of an end panel of a can end to the bottom surface of the curl (not shown) at the rearward portion of the lift portion, was only about 0.032 inches (0.81 mm). Moreover, the ratio of the preselected height of the tab to the preselected height of the gap in prior art tabs is about 0.49 to about 0.53. Accordingly, known tabs do not provide as much space for an end-user to insert a finger (not shown), a mechanical lifting device (not shown) or the like between the can end 74 (FIGS. 7 and 8) and the bottom surface of the rearward portion (e.g., flange 62) of the tab 10 as the gap 68 provided by the disclosed tabs 10 (FIGS. 1-8), 110 (FIG. 9), 210 (FIG. 10), 310 (FIG. 11). Thus, the increased size of the gap 68 of the disclosed tabs 10 (FIGS. 1-8), 110 (FIG. 9), 210 (FIG. 10), 310 (FIG. 11) allows the end-user to facilitate opening of the can end 74 (FIGS. 7 and 8).
Turning to FIG. 7, the tab 10 of the invention is shown affixed to can end 74, which is representative of can ends commonly used in beer/beverage applications. The can end 74 has an end panel 76, which is generally circular in shape and includes a circumferentially extending raised curl 78 (best shown in FIG. 8) for attaching the can end 74 to a suitable beer/beverage can (not shown) or the like. In general, the can end 74 will be manufactured from a relatively ductile metal such as, for example, and without limitation, aluminum alloyed sheet, but it will be appreciated that it may be made from other acceptable materials such as, for example and without limitation, steel alloyed sheet. It will also be appreciated that the tab 10 may be affixed to any known or suitable other type of container or container end (e.g., without limitation, food can ends) (not shown), without departing from the scope of the invention.
Continuing to refer to FIG. 7, a retained tear panel 80 extends across the can end 74 from a position spaced inwardly of the raised curl 78 to approximately the center of can end 74. The tear panel 80 is defined by a generally U-shaped score line 82 with closed end 84 of the generally U-shaped score line 82 being positioned proximate to the center of can end 74. As shown, the score line 82 is interrupted so that tear panel 80 will be captively retained on the underside or product side of can end 74 once it has been opened (not shown). The aforementioned integral rivet 86 is positioned adjacent the closed end 84 of generally U-shaped score line 82, and secures the tab 10 to the can end 74.
Referring again to FIG. 5, an upwardly extending fourth axis 88 is shown extending from the slots 16 at an angle, θ2, with the first axis 20 that extends along the length of the tab 10. In certain embodiments, θ2 will have a value of about 90 degrees. However, it will be appreciated that θ2 may have other suitable values such as, for example and without limitation, a value from about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees. In operation, when the lift portion 14 of the tab 10 is raised upwards about fulcrum 18, lift portion 14 flexes or bends upward along the fulcrum 18, as shown in phantom line drawing, to enable the end-user to obtain proper leverage and more easily lift the lift portion 14 to open a can end 74 (partially shown in phantom line drawing in FIG. 5). Specifically, the lift portion 14 bends upward about fulcrum 18 by a preselected angle of less than about 45 degrees and more preferably less than about 30 degrees, while the position of the nose portion 12 remains substantially unchanged. That is, the nose portion 12 continues to lie along substantially flat and parallel to the first axis 20 (e.g., longitudinal axis). The angle that the lift portion 14 bends (e.g., flexes) upward is defined by the angle, α, formed between a line (shown in phantom line drawing in FIG. 5) extending from the flange 62 of the lift portion 14 and the first axis 20.
It will be appreciated that the amount of upward lift or deflection or flexion of the lift portion 14 is dependent upon the specific configuration of the slots 16 used on the tab 10. During the initial upward lift or movement of lift portion 14, the nose portion 12 remains at an angle of about 0 degrees, which angle is defined by the angle formed between a line extending through the length of the nose portion 12 of the tab and the first axis 20. At sufficient upward lift of the lift portion 14 about fulcrum 18, the slots 16 are sufficiently closed, which preferably corresponds to a preselected angle, α, of less than 45 degrees and more preferably less than 30 degrees. At this point, the lift portion 14 can no longer move upward without causing force (e.g., tension) to be translated to the nose portion 12 through the substantially closed (not shown) slots 16. As the lift portion 14 is lifted upward past this point, the rivet 86 (FIGS. 7 and 8) onto which the tab 10 is staked, is bent forwardly (not shown) toward the tear panel 80 (FIG. 7). The movement of the rivet 86 toward the tear panel 80 causes an initial rupture of the score line 82 proximate the rivet 86. Thus, as the tab 10 is actuated, it functions like a lever causing the nose portion 12 to pivot toward the tear panel 80.
Further upward movement of the lift portion 14 will induce downward movement of the nose portion 12, wherein the nose portion 12 pivots (not shown) about rivet 86 (FIGS. 7 and 8). The nose portion 12 thereafter initiates a tear along score line 82 (FIG. 7), causing tear panel 80 (FIG. 7) to bend downwardly (not shown) in a generally well known manner. As the lift portion 14 is raised further, the score line 82 is caused to tear and a portion of the tear panel 80 remains secured to the can end 74. Accordingly, the tear panel 80 is captivity retained on the underside or product side of the can end 74. When the lift portion 14 has been raised so the tear panel 80 is sufficiently open (not shown), the lift portion 14 may be bent downward about the fulcrum 18 and reset so as to lie substantially flush against the top surface of the end panel 76 of the can end 74. This flexibility of the lift portion 14 permits the lift portion 14 to not interfere with the end-user is consumption of the contents (not shown) of the opened can (not shown).
As previously discussed, the paneled or beaded area 46 and continuous curl 60 around a portion of the periphery of the tab 10 assist in preventing the lift portion 14 of the tab 10 from breaking off from the nose portion 12 during upward or downward movement of the lift portion 14 about fulcrum 18. Accordingly, the disclosed tab 10 is structured to resist the limitation of having the lift portion possibly break off from the remainder of the tab 10 as a result, for example and without limitation, of the fulcrum not being reinforced with a paneled or beaded area adjacent to the fulcrum or a continuous curl about a portion of the periphery of the tab, as in the exemplary tab 10.
As can be seen in FIG. 8, the absence of curled or hemmed edges 38 (FIGS. 1-6) at the flange 62 (see also flanges 162,262 and 362 of FIGS. 9, 10 and 11) assists in defining the gap 68 under the flange 62 (FIGS. 1-8), 162 (FIG. 9), 262 (FIG. 10), 362 (FIG. 11), between a phantom horizontal line that extends from the underside or bottom surface of the tab 10 (FIGS. 1-8), 110 (FIG. 9), 210 (FIG. 10), 310 (FIG. 11) to define the plane of the bottom surface of the tab 10,110,210,310 and the underside or bottom surface of the flange 62,162,262,362 or between the bottom surface of the flange 62,162,262,362 and the public surface of the end panel 76 (FIGS. 7 and 8) of the can end 74 (FIGS. 7 and 8) to which the tab 10,110,210,310 is attached (only tab 10 is shown attached to a can end 74 in FIGS. 7 and 8, although it will be appreciated that tabs 110,210,310 and other suitable tabs (not shown) in accordance with embodiments of the invention are structured to be suitably attached to a corresponding can end (not shown) in a similar generally well known manner). In this manner, the flange 62,162, 262,362 provides increased space for the end-user to relatively easily insert a finger (not shown), a mechanical lifting device (not shown), or the like into the gap 68 for actuation of the tab 10,110,210,310. It will also be appreciated that a finger well 96, as shown in the examples of FIGS. 7 and 8, may optionally also be provided on the end panel 76 of the can end 74 to further assist the end-user in inserting the finger, mechanical lifting device or the like into the gap 68 to facilitate actuation of the tab 10 and opening of the can end 74. Moreover, the lift portion 14 of tab 10 in the example of FIGS. 1-8, which includes the aforementioned optional slots 16, also flexes or bends by way of such slots 16 (FIGS. 1-5 and 7) to further facilitate the can end 74 (FIGS. 7 and 8) opening process.
FIG. 9 shows the aforementioned tab 110 which, unlike the tab 10 disclosed hereinabove with respect to FIGS. 1-8, employs the thin (e.g., without limitation, single metal thickness) flange 162 of the invention, independently of the slots 16. That is, the thin flange 162 can be employed with any known or suitable tab (e.g., without limitation, 110; see also tabs 210 and 310 of FIGS. 10 and 11), without the slots 16 and various other features (e.g., generally C-shaped relief aperture 34; beaded paneled area 46) that are associated with the slots 16. In the example of FIG. 9, the flange 162 at the lift portion 114 of tab 110 has a single metal thickness, and includes an arcuate edge 166 that is oriented convexly (e.g., bowing outwardly away from) with respect to the finger hole 140 of the tab 110.
FIG. 10 illustrates a non-limiting alternative embodiment of a tab 210 in accordance with the invention, wherein the tab 210 has a lift portion 214 with a flange 262, wherein the edge 266 of the flange 262 at the rearward end of the lift portion 214 is oriented concavely (e.g., curved inwardly towards) with respect to the finger hole 240 of the tab 210, rather than convexly (FIG. 9).
FIG. 11 shows the aforementioned tab 310, which has the flange 362 tilted, curved, curled or otherwise suitably elevated upwardly with respect to the remainder of the body of the tab 310. For example and without limitation, in FIG. 11, the flange 362 and, in particular, the edge 366 thereof, is disposed at an angle 370 with respect to the plane 372 of the tab body. In one non-limiting embodiment, the angle 370 is about 20 degrees. However, it will be appreciated that the flange 362 could be disposed at any suitable alternative angle (e.g., less than 20 degrees; greater than 20 degrees), without departing from the scope of the invention. As previously discussed hereinabove, it will also be appreciated that no such angle 370 is required. However, it can be optionally implemented to further increase the height, h2, of the underside of the tab flange 362 above the underside of the body of the tab 310, as shown. It will be further appreciated that this feature (e.g., the tilted, curled or otherwise suitable elevated flange 362), as well as the convex and concave features of the tabs 110 and 210 of FIGS. 9 and 10, respectively, of the single metal thickness flange 62 (FIGS. 1-8), 162 (FIG. 9), 262 (FIG. 10), 362 (FIG. 11) can be employed independently from, or in any suitable combination with, any of the other tab features (e.g., without limitation, slots 16) disclosed hereinabove.
As previously discussed, although the example shown and described with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8 is directed to a can end 74 for beer/beverage applications for the purpose of drinking a liquid or pouring a liquid into another container directly from the can, it will be appreciated that the tab 10,110,210,310 of the invention could also be applied to other types of can ends (not shown) such as, for example and without limitation, food can ends (not shown) that have the entire end panel removed. Thus, one of ordinary skill in the art would readily appreciate that the teachings of the invention would equally apply to can ends used in beer/beverage applications as well as in food applications. As such, the disclosed tab 10,110,210,310 encompasses tabs that are affixed to beer/beverage can ends, food can ends and any other known or suitable container ends. It is noted that the details of the tab 10 of the invention, with respect to an end use affixed to such other can ends (not shown), has been omitted for economy of disclosure and simplicity of illustration.
The tooling and method of forming the tab 10,110,210,310 have been omitted from the Figures and specification for economy of disclosure and simplicity of illustration. Generally, in the tooling (not shown) for the manufacture of the tab 10,110,210,310 of the invention and associated method, material to be converted into a plurality of tabs 10,110,210,310 is conveyed into a conversion press (not shown) in a generally well known manner. In the typical operation of a conversion press, material is introduced between at least one upper tool member and at least one lower tool member that are in an open, spaced apart position. A ram advances the upper tool member toward a lower tool member in order to perform any of a variety of tooling operations such as rivet forming, hole punching, scoring, paneling, embossing and/or final staking. After performing an operation at a specific station, the press ram retracts until the upper tool member and lower tool member are once again in the open, spaced apart position. The partially converted material is transported to the next tooling station until the tab 10,110,210,310 is completely formed and discharged from the conversion press. As the material leaves a given tooling operation, more material is introduced to the vacated operation, for example, as part of a continuous sheet, thus continuously repeating the manufacturing process. It will be appreciated that the tooling for the manufacture of the tab 10,110,210,310 and associated method could be performed by any number of a variety of tooling shapes having a wide variety of suitable configurations, without departing from the scope of the invention.
While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended hereto and any and all equivalents thereto.
