Abstract: In a sheet metal or plastic container for storing beverages or the like a plug member is located against an opening region provided in the container's end wall and defined by a score line. The plug member has a closing peripheral edge which has the same geometry as the peripheral edge of the opening resulted after the score line is ruptured by external pressure applied to the plug member towards the interior of the container. The plug member and the opening region after it has been ruptured are slidably displaced from the opening to expose the latter. That opening can be tightly closed again by the plug member inserted at that peripheral edge into the opening.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tear-off port protector for a container comprises placing flexible, typically extruded tubing on a mandrel that fills the bore of the tubing, with the tubing preferably outwardly stretched by the mandrel. A cutting blade is spaced a predetermined distance of less than the tubing wall thickness from the mandrel. One then causes the cutting blade to form an annular cut about the tubing, while maintaining the predetermined distance, and thereafter one removes the tubing from the mandrel.

Abstract: An opening arrangement for cans which are made of sheet steel. The opening arrangement has two preferably U-shaped punched lines provided in the lid of the can. The punched lines wholly penetrate the can lid (2) and form two opposing tongues, which are separated by a narrow intermediate portion of the can lid. The punched out tongues as well as the intermediate portion are jointly covered by an inner cover strip fixed to the inside of the can lid which bridges over and seals the punched lines forming the tongues. On opening the can the two tongues are turned in unison, the intermediate portion acting as an axis of rotation, so that the tongues are placed at an angle and an opening in the lid is established.

Abstract: The present invention provides an easy-opening container lid, having a tear member which is lifted and removed by a small, hard piece, such as a coin, etc. This container lid is specially constructed such that both the container lid body and tear member can be assured with respect to the safety thereof after the container lid has been opened. The container lid is provided with a pressure removing score so as to prevent accidents from occurring due to the internal pressure of the container when the container lid is opened.

Abstract: A metal container end which is shaped to be attached at its periphery to a container body, such as a soft drink or beer container. The container end has a sealed closure having an opening activator in the form of a button raised in the container end. A lid is formed in the container end adjacent to and attached to the activator, the lid being defined by a frangible score line extending along the marginal edges of the lid from either side of the juncture of the activator and lid. The juncture of the activator and lid includes a fulcrum operable such that application of downward pressure on the activator causes the lid to sever from the container end along the score line and pivot upwardly from the container end about the fulcrum. The lid can then be manually bent along the fulcrum until it is pivoted adjacent to and coextensive with the activator.

Abstract: In a gas tight receptacle, particularly for an emergency respirator, a safety lock is disclosed which comprises an eyelet or slotway in a bottom and cover part of the receptacle. Both eyelets or slotways are engaged in a fixed manner by elastic tongues of a locking member. The locking member has a weakened portion in the area of the seal so that it can be broken to permit the full opening of the receptacle.

Abstract: The structure according to the invention includes a pair of flange members depending angularly towards each other from opposite sides of each electrical power cable entry port formed in a sidewall portion of an electrical outlet box, with each pair of cooperating flange members adapted to enable essentially complete closure of the cable entry port. According to one aspect, each cooperating pair of flange members comprises a pair of cable grasping detent flanges, each spaced from its corresponding wall portion by a base-like projection to accommodate an entry port closure panel. According to another aspect, the inward edges of each cooperating pair of flange members are coupled together to close the cable entry port which may be formed with a portion extending into the backwall, with a rigid flange depending from the sidewall portion and extending parallel to the front edges of the flange members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a can closure of plastic having a fastening flange around its periphery. A groove (5) is positioned inside the flange and inside the groove is a central portion (7) bowed inwardly in relation to the can. The groove (5) is interrupted by an up-bent elevation (9) extending substantially flush with the upper edge of the flange up to the central portion. An opening tab (11) extends along the elevation from adjacent the flange to near the center of said central portion (7).

Abstract: An improved lid for covering containers, such as tumblers or the like, has a mouthpiece with at least a portion of the mouthpiece shaped to fit within the lips of a person drinking from the container. The mouthpiece has a valve at its base, operated by the drinker's lips, by the application of pressure on opposite sides of resilient walled containers, or by pressure on a portion of the lid. The mouthpiece, with valve on the lid, prevents spilling of the liquid, if the container is accidentally dropped, precludes spilling of the liquid during the time the drinker is engaged in drinking the liquid from the container, even when the drinking is done under adverse conditions, and provides facilitated means for adding condiments to a hot beverage for consumption by a user. Features are further provided for more effectively securing the valve to preclude inadvertent spilling from "wave action" of the liquid within the container.

Abstract: An improvement in can covers having a peelable closure member of the pull tab or tear strip type is provided wherein the closure member is fabricated from a partially hydrolyzed ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer obtained from the hydrolysis of from about 50 percent to about 80 percent of the vinyl acetate groups of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer containing from about 40 percent to about 80 percent by weight of interpolymerized vinyl acetate.

Abstract: An easily openable cover member for a container which is formed from thermoplastic synthetic resin of high flexibility and which integrally has unsealing means for opening an openable portion defined by a thinned portion and said unsealing means is integral with and extends upwardly of the openable portion. The cover member has been formed by injection-molding synthetic resin so as to have the openable portion integrally formed with the unsealing means.

Abstract: A litter free beverage can lid or top having an inseparable opening tab. The tab has an arcuate shape to provide a cut edge underlying the can top in order that the tab can be pressed downwardly only. A sealant on the bottom of the can top provides a seal until the tab is opened by pressing downwardly. Hinging of the tab extends between the ends of an arcuate cut edge and scoring on the bottom of the lid may be used to facilitate hinging and minimize tearing. A slight inward tapering of the ends of the arcuate cut edge toward the hinge line may also be employed to minimize tearing and facilitate hinging. An enlarged boss on the top of the lid closely surrounds the tab and serves as a protective barrier against accidental contact of the tab by foreign objects such as other cans or the like to avoid accidental contact against the tab and premature opening.

Abstract: A container comprising a sheet metal wall portion (a) having a closure formed therein, the closure comprising a slit (s) in said wall portion (a) the margins of which by cold working have been caused to overlap to provide overlapping surfaces (b), (g) which cooperate to close the container, the wall portion (a) being deformable by manual pressure on a part (c) thereof remote from the closure to move said overlapping surfaces (b), (g) apart to define an opening (q) therebetween.

Abstract: A push-in easy opening closure for a can end (1) or similar container member formed with a resealable pressure releasing tab (4) closing an opening (5) in the can end (1) and integrally connected to the can end (1) at integral connection (6). The tab (4) is adapted to be bent about the integral connection (6) during the opening operation, and to avoid sheet metal fracture at the integral connection (6), the radius about which the tab (4) will bend in the region of the connection (6) is artificially increased by some convenient means. In a first embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 3), a raised dimple (7) is formed centrally of the integral connection (6). In another embodiment (FIG. 4), an elongate raised bead (8) is formed longitudinally of the anticipated line of bending of the connection (6). In a still further embodiment (FIGS. 5 to 7), an elongate raised bead (9) extends transversely of the anticipated line of bending of the connection (6) and to either side of said line. In a still further embodiment (FIG.

Abstract: This specification discloses certain improvements in resealable pressure releasing closures of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,105,134 and 4,155,480 Debenham et al. In the several improvements disclosed in the specification, the resealing properties of the closure are improved by reducing the concentration of the flexure of the closure at the connection between the closure and the can end to thereby reduce the extent to which the material defining the connection permanently deforms during the opening operation. In one embodiment the pressure releasing closure or tab 20 has a connection 23 to the can end which is at substantially the same level as the adjacent portion of the closure by the provision of an area 26 immediately behind the connection which is downwardly depressed so as to be co-planar with the tab 20.

Abstract: An improved scored metal end closure member for composite containers and the like is disclosed, together with the method and apparatus for forming the same, characterized in that a fully or partially removable panel portion is defined in the central panel portion by a scoreline of novel no-fin configuration. The scoreline--which is formed in one horizontal surface of the central panel portion by a truncated wedge score indenting device--has a generally trapezoidal configuration including a flat bottom wall, and generally divergent side walls. The opposite horizontal surface of the central panel portion is stepped to define a region of reduced thickness that extends from a location opposite one edge of the scoreline bottom wall in a direction away from the scoreline. Consequently, during progressive removal of the removable panel portion, the formation of sharp fins or projections on the residual lip remaining on the metal end is avoided.

Abstract: The present can lid has an upwardly-pojecting domed segment, a narrower marginal lip extending radially outward from the domed segment and terminating in intersecting arcuate score lines which are indented in the top of the lid, an upwardly-offset hollow rib extending across the domed segment and across the marginal lip at the ends of the score lines away from their intersection, and a short upwardly-offset hollow rib on the marginal lip at the intersection of the score lines. The short rib has a radially extending score line in the top which facilitates breaking the can lid first at the intersection of the arcuate score lines when the domed segment is pushed in, after which the can lid tears open progressively along these score lines out to the transverse rib.

Abstract: A can end having a push-down gate for opening a can to which the end is affixed and having a push-down gate vent in the primary gate adapted to be opened before the gate is opened to relieve gas pressure from within the can.

Abstract: A conical can end wherein the central expansion panel of the end is drawn to form a conical frustum with a panel at the apex end thereof, an aperture in the apex panel, a push-down gate beneath this aperture and a short hinge means interconnecting the gate with the apex panel.

Abstract: A push-down gate in a panel section of a can end, below an aperture therein and being connected to the panel at the aperture by a hinge means wherein: said aperture comprises a short, inwardly-inclined lip upstanding from the end panel section, having an outer wall portion upfolded from the end panel, an inner wall portion forming the aperture orifice and a reverse fold at the crest of the lip interconnecting the inner and outer wall portions; an inward fold about the base of the inner wall portion forms a gate panel below the aperture, said inward fold being on a short radius and being adjacent to the upfold radius from the end panel to the outer wall portion; and a score cut in the gate panel at the inward fold extending about the panel from each side of the hinge means defines the push-down gate.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to an end closure or cover for a metal container comprising a substantially flat sheet metal lid seamed about its extremity to the container body closing the body end. The lid has a pour opening having a closure hingeably connected to the lid and closing the pour opening provided to retain the closure against inward displacement thereby resisting atmospheric pressure and premature opening of the container and against outward displacement due to internal pressure during processing.

Abstract: A lid adapted to fit over the opening of a container with an opening therein which permits the contents of the container to be poured therethrough. A tab fitted into the opening in the lid and attached toward the center of the lid. A force applying area positioned in the central portion of the lid and attached to the tab so that the tab moves in an inward direction when a force is applied to the top of the lid. When the force is released from the top of the lid, the tab then assumes its original position within the opening, thus preventing the spilling of the contents within the container to which the lid is applied.

Abstract: A pop-open container lid stamped from a sheet of metal or the like to form a finger receiving recess and a surrounding recess and an intermediate annular ridge with an inner wall extending downwardly from the ridge to the base of the finger receiving recess and with a peripheral wall extending downwardly to the base of the surrounding recess. A scoring line extends from the base of the surrounding recess at a location adjacent to the edge of the lid inwardly and slightly upwardly along the inner surface of the peripheral wall to spaced points located between the top and bottom of the peripheral wall and thence to terminal points in the plane of the said sheet to form a fracture line and a hinge. Ribs on the outer surface portion of the inner wall facilitate fracturing and twisting of the lid by squeezing and subsequent rotation of the finger recess forming portion around the hinge inwardly and sideways of the can edge away from the edge which is formed along the fracture line.

Abstract: An easy-opening can end having a venting aperture and a dispensing aperture each closed by a respective push-in tab, the relationship between the two apertures and the two tabs being such that, should the venting tab close or not be sufficiently opened after depression, depression of the dispensing tab causes the dispensing tab to contact the venting tab to open the latter and to hold it open.

Abstract: A container end for containers such as beverage containers provided with a dispensing opening sealed by a discrete tab secured to the inner side of the end and seated in the dispensing opening such that a closure portion of the tab may be manually depressed inward about a hinge point to expose the dispensing opening. The container end member and the tab are separate and discrete from one another and are joined mechanically by means of a retainer pin integrally formed in the container end. The peripheries of the dispensing opening and the tab closure portion are cooperatively associated to provide an adhesive annulus into which the tab closure portion is seated and to maintain the elevation of the tab closure portion below the elevation of the container end surrounding the dispensing opening.

Abstract: A novel method of making an easy-open can end closure for insuring better control over the integrity of the closure, especially in tougher sheet metal such as steel, comprises the steps, after forming and longitudinally scoring-to-fracture the closure, of (a) providing a swageable strip of the metal extending along an edge of the line of fracture and overlying that edge, and (b) then swaging and dilating that strip radially into more intimate overlapping relation to the line of fracture to cause it to tightly close.

Abstract: This specification discloses improvements in push-in easy opening closures of the pressure releasing type which are designed to substantially reseal once a digitally applied push-in force causing them to open is released. In one form of the invention, the pressure releasing closure is formed partly within the confines of a pouring closure and partly outside the pouring closure whereby the pressure releasing closure is permanently opened when the pouring closure is opened. In another embodiment, the pressure releasing closure is connected to the can end adjacent its countersink whereby the opened closure defines a liquid draining hole when opened. The specification also discloses a can end having a closure formed so that the sheet metal at its hinge is relatively undisturbed. A method of forming such a closure is also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved depressible tab provided with a nose for easy open end closure members and the like, wherein an improved pressure relief means in the form of a unique vent arrangement is incorporated in the nose portion of the depressible tab.

Abstract: An easy open ecology end is disclosed herein and includes an end panel that has a removable section defined by a weakened score line. A tab is secured to the removable section and the tab and removable section are designed so that both remain captive with respect to the end panel when the weakened score line is severed. The weakened score line is produced by a unique three step process and has an area of reduced residual which is first severed when a force is applied to the tab so that the container is vented before the remainder of the residual is severed. The tab is designed to produce a localized initial pressure to initially sever the area of reduced residual and then sever the remainder of the score line.

Abstract: The easy opening end closure for attachment to a can body. The end closure includes a plastic pull tab having a closure tab sealed in a slit which defines a displaceable closure.The pull tab is attached by forging a plastic strip over a lid in a manner such that the plastic is caused to flow and force the metal panel against a cutting edge to form a slit defining a displaceable closure. At the same time the forged plastic flows beneath the adjacent edges of the slit to form a tight seal therein.

Abstract: Improved sectionalized depressible opener tab for easy open containers wherein one of the sections can be relatively small as compared to the dimensions of the overall tab while being connected by an improved hinge arrangement to the remainder of the tab. This hinge arrangement permits either a simultaneous selective depression of multiple tab sections or depression of only one tab section to obtain initial separation of the tab from the container component with which the tab is associated and a controlled release of internal container pressure.

Abstract: There is disclosed an easy-opening convenience end for generally cylindrical containers in which an end closure has a push tab or gate panel formed out of the thickness of the end closure and displaced beneath the plane of the end closure with a folded protective edge circumscribing the outer periphery of the gate panel, except for a limited portion which defines a hinge section between the gate panel and end closure. The folded edge tapers or otherwise merges into the thickness of the end closure adjacent to the hinge section, and a line of weakening or separation is formed between the fold and gate panel by a metal shearing operation so as to permit opening of the end closure by depression of the tab inwardly about its hinge section.Modified forms of ends incorporate relatively broad reinforcing areas in the closure surrounding opposite sides of the gate panel to facilitate intial separation of the gate panel away from the end.

Abstract: A container component with a wall section having means imparting a predefined and selectively weakened fracturable zone therein for conveniently opening the wall section in response to manually exerted force. The selectively weakened fracturable zone is provided by means of a pair of laterally interspaced channels defined in oppositely facing major sides of the wall section and which cooperate to define a fracturable partition, or bridge-wall, therebetween which extends between the oppositely facing major sides of the wall section. The channels further cooperate to impart a predefined lateral path of weakness extending therebetween through the partition. In response to manually applied force, the partition is adapted to fracture along the predefined lateral path of weakness and separate into a pair of overlapping ledges; one of which residually remains in accompaniment with each one of the resultant, residual free edges of the separated portions of the fractured wall section.

Abstract: A can end includes a pushdown gate formed in a panel portion below a narrow, underfolded rim at the opening in the end. The outline of the gate is a frangible discontinuity in the panel portion underneath the rim and the same may be ruptured by pushing the gate downwardly and into the can. A method of drawing and folding the end material permits the frangible discontinuity to be formed before the rim is folded over the discontinuity.

Abstract: A metal can lid with a push-in opening device for cans having pressurized contents in which the opening device is formed in the lid from the material of the lid and in which the opening device comprises a panel large enough to be pushed into a can to which the lid is applied by a person's finger pushing downwardly on the panel and in which the panel has a folded periphery which remains with the panel as a reinforcement for the panel against bending of the panel as it is pushed downwardly into the can. A portion of the folded periphery is separated by a line of fracture from the lid, and the lid and panel construction are made to avoid sharp exposed edges.

Abstract: A can end of the easy opening type comprises an end panel having a preformed dispensing opening and a push tab member having an integrally formed rivet for attachment to the end panel. In one embodiment, the end panel includes a peninsular hinge portion having a rivet receiving opening therein such that all deformation during opening is substantially limited to the hinge portion rather than the push-tab member. In another embodiment, an actuator opening is located between the dispensing opening and the rivet receiving opening of the end panel so as to permit a finger engageable protuberance on the push-tab member to extend therethrough.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a gated can lid preparatory to attaching the lid to the body of a can, a pushdown gate is first formed in a metal blank prior to cutting the outline of the lid. The gate is cut in a panel which is integral with the lid, below an aperture in the lid, and beneath an underfolded, interconnecting spacer strip about this aperture. After the lid outline is cut from the blank, the circumferential chuck panel, seaming panel and curl are formed to complete the gated lid.

Abstract: A lid for a disposable drinking cup, and which includes a self-closing opening therethrough so that the lid can be retained upon the cup while drinking therefrom, the opening being closable by a flap that is pushed into an opened position by pressure from a person's lip whenever placed thereagainst.

Abstract: An easy-open container having a wall in which an openable member is integrally formed and defined by a selectively separable region. The openable member has an opening tab which is raised outwardly from the container wall, with the opening tab having a flange which overhangs at least part of the separable region. Finger pressure applied inwardly onto the opening tab toward the container wall causes the separable region to become ruptured, allowing the openable member to move inwardly with respect to the wall. Inward movement of the openable member is limited by the overhanging flange which contacts the periphery of the opening. The separated opening member is retained on the container wall and is then displaced to reveal an opening in the container wall for access to the contents of the container. Several openable members are disclosed which can reclose the opened container. The opening tab is be an integral part of the openable member.

Abstract: A push-in pressure releasing resealable closure for an aperture in a sheet metal container member is disclosed, wherein the closure is integral through a connection of metal to the remainder of the container member. The closure is designed so that it is depressible into the container by flexing about the connection when push-in force is applied to the closure, without exceeding the elastic limit of the connection, so that the closure is returned at least substantially to its original position to seal the can contents, upon removal of the push-in force from the closure.The closure is particularly suitable for use in containers for carbonated beverages, such as carbonated soft drinks and beer, so that the gas pressure within the container may be released without danger of substantial gushing or spurting, to permit a larger pouring opening in the container member to be opened.

Abstract: A one piece container end member of metallic sheet material having an exterior rim portion for mounting on an open ended container member; a central wall portion surrounded by the exterior rim portion and extending generally radially inwardly relative thereto for closing the open end of the container body member; an integral inwardly severable and displaceable tab portion in the central wall portion extending generally radially inwardly from the exterior rim portion; the tab portion being hingedly integrally connected to the central wall portion by a generally arcuately extending hinge portion; the tab portion being defined by at least one continuous score groove extending from arcuately spaced points adjacent the interior rim portion on opposite sides of the hinge portion generally radially inwardly therefrom toward the central axis of the container end member with intermediate score groove portions extending along substantially straight lines and being connected adjacent the central axis by a curved interme

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cover for drinking containers, such as coffee cups and the like, including a peripheral rim section adapted to fit snugly over the rim of the container, a resilient cover panel extending between the confines of the rim section to cover the container, a generally U-shaped cut or score line in the cover panel defining a correspondingly shaped flap having an outer edge portion located near the rim section, an an inner portion which is integrally connected to the main body of the cover panel main body, and raised reinforcing contours on the flap and on the cover panel main body including parallel spaced portions located adjacent the junction between the flap inner portion and the cover panel main body defining a transverse hinge axis for the flap, whereby the flap can be depressed relative to the cover panel to provide an opening in the cover panel for drinking from one side of the container and whereby the flap, upon being released, returns to a normal position where it substantially closes

Abstract: A lid construction for a pressurized beverage container. The lid has a pouring opening which is normally closed by a generally pointed tab that is integrally connected to the lid by a hinge section. The peripheral edge of the tab underlies the edge of the lid bordering the opening, and a strip of sealing material is applied to the underside of the lid and seals the joint between the tab and the lid. The sealing strip can be provided with a weakened zone or line located in spaced relation to the joint. To open the container, the consumer presses downwardly on the tab and the pointed tip of the tab will rupture the sealing strip and continued downward force will move the tab to the open position to expose the contents of the container.

Abstract: The present can lid has an embossed, raised tab with a circumferentially, narrow, radially elongated segment terminating in a point at its inner end. The lid has a double score line in the bottom extending from this point along the opposite sides of the tab. The outer end of the tab is joined permanently to the remainder of the lid at an unscored segment.

Abstract: A rigid container having an opening in a rigid lid thereof, a pivotally mounted cap recessed beneath the upper end of the container and rotatable into position over said opening in the lid, and a seal on the lid and cap to provide an easy-to-open sealed closure which cannot be removed from the lid or dropped into the container.

Abstract: An electronic instrument case formed of breakable plastic and having a section of reduced thickness which is firmly secured to the remainder of the wall of such enclosure by a retainer. Such reduced thickness section can be broken away from the remainder of the wall of the enclosure but it is held in attached relation thereto to thereby provide a "breathing" opening for such enclosure.

Abstract: A sheet plastic lid for open-mouthed containers with a tear-away section therein is provided in which the tear-away section is removable by an upward and outward motion. A raised central area of the central web of the lid merges with the top surface of the rim or bead cavity and contains score lines defining a central tear tab and a major portion of the tear-away section, the lines diverging and stopping substantially inboard of the top surface of the bead cavity. Then with the lid on a container, when the tab is freed by penetrating the raised area at the innermost score lines it is pulled upward and outward to constrain the divergent score lines to effect predictable tears through the bead or rim cavity structure to remove the tear-away segment and leave the remainder of the lid intact on the container.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to an end closure or cover for a metal container comprising a substantially flat sheet metal lid seamed about its extremity to the container body closing the end thereof. The lid has a pour opening having a closure hingedly connected to the lid and closing the pour opening, and wherein first and second sealing means are provided to seal the closure and to provide resistance of the closure to atmospheric pressure and premature opening of the container.

Abstract: A closure plug is disclosed which is especially adapted for use in retaining insulation inside the cavities of refrigerators and like appliances. The plug includes a number of petal-like flaps which are conically arrayed and originally point relatively outwardly. When an insulation nozzle is pushed against the petal flaps, the flaps are forced inwardly, and splay apart to permit nozzle insertion through the plug. After the nozzle is withdrawn, the petal flaps return to form an inverted cone pointing relatively inwardly. Beveled petal flap sides provide planar inter-petal contact and structural conical strength to resist the outward flow of insulation. The plug is fastened to a cavity-defining wall by a base having a polygonal cross-sectional shape substantially coextensive with a polygonal wall aperture, and a head of polygonal cross-sectional shape at least congruent with the wall aperture but angularly offset with respect to and depending from the base to engage the wall and retain the plug on the wall.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a metallic easy-opening can end, and to a method of manufacturing the same, the can end having a tear panel which is highly resistant to blowout pressure. The can end is first drawn between a preforming punch and a die to an outwardly open concave configuration, and is thereafter compression scored between a scoring punch and a scoring anvil to reduce the thickness of the drawn metal, thus forming the removable tear panel.