Gripping Means Attached To Or Integral With Member Or Portion (e.g., Pull Tab) Patents (Class 220/269)
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Publication number: 20120012586Abstract: A reclosable container lid includes a lid surface having an upper side, a lower side, a circumferential edge, and a zone for a dispensing aperture delimited by a circumferential weakening profile. A lever tab is pivotably fastened to the lid surface via a fastener for at least partly opening the dispensing aperture. The lever tab has first and second end portions, wherein the first end portion, in the opening position, at least partly overlaps with a section of the zone for the dispensing aperture. The lever tab also has a closure module comprising a closure collar that rests against the upper side of the lid surface and which, in the closure position, extends along the dispensing aperture in a sealing manner. The closure module also includes a reclosable aperture closure framed by the closure collar. A method of manufacturing reclosable containers using the container lids is also disclosed herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2010Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: RED BULL GMBHInventors: Matthias Rinderer, Roland Concin, Peter Huels, Christian Kainrath, Alexander Schmid
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Publication number: 20110303672Abstract: A vent score lacks features to arrest score propagation. Rather encourages fast score propagation upon initial rupture. Venting is achieved through a flap configuration formed by the vent score.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventors: Brian Fields, Brendan Keane
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Patent number: 8066141Abstract: A sealed package for pourable food products includes a removable portion and a closable opening device. The opening device has a frame defining a pour opening and fixed to the package about the removable portion, and a cap fitted to the frame to close the pour opening and movable to free the pour opening. A pull-off opening device is housed in the frame and has a rigid plane integral with the removable portion and extractable from the frame, by pulling action, together with part of the removable portion. A pull tab of sheet material is interposed between the removable portion and the plate and attached to both.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2003Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance SAInventors: Cristiano Casale, Sara De Simoni
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Patent number: 8056758Abstract: A rectangular container and cover are disclosed. The container and cover have complimentary latching feature. An inner cover skirt is offset inward toward the cover interior at each corner. The offset is sufficient to permit use of a moveable mold tooling to form each of the corners of the cover. This allows full formation of latching hooks extending around the entire interior of the skirt, such that when the cover is placed on the container the cover latching hooks engage with container latching ribs to secure the cover on the container. A tear strip is also disclosed, the removal of which leaves residual flaps at each sidewall intersection and at about the lateral center of each sidewall. A portion of the cover skirt remains affixed to the container when the tear strip is removed.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2007Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: BWAY CorporationInventor: Forrest A. Burney
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Patent number: 8052005Abstract: A beverage can end is described. The beverage can end has a curl defining a perimeter of the can end, a chuckwall extending downwardly and radially inwardly from the curl, and a transition wall joining the chuckwall to an outer peripheral edge of a center panel. The transition wall is formed in compression such that a portion of the transition wall exhibits a compressed segment having a thickness which is 1% to 20% thicker than a thickness of the center panel.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2009Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Rexam Beverage Can CompanyInventors: Timothy L. Turner, Randall G. Forrest, Rajesh Gopalaswamy, Michael R. Gogola
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Publication number: 20110253719Abstract: The invention covers a number of alternative improvements to the prior art pull-tab used to open container such as soda cans. One improvement is by forming the nose of the pull tab at a certain angle to the body of the tab, thus allowing the user to tilt the tab thus lifting the pull tip higher and providing more room for the user to insert the finger tip under the pull tip thus making it easier to open the container. Another improvement is by rotating the pull tab a certain angle and making it follow a caming surface thus lifting the pull tip and again providing more room to insert the finger tip and making it easier to open the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2009Publication date: October 20, 2011Inventor: GABE CHERIAN
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Publication number: 20110253720Abstract: A container for storing a liquid or a solid may include a container body having a container side wall and a container bottom and a container lid having a pop top arm to pivot and cooperate with a weakened area to provide access to the interior of the container body. The container body may be formed from plastic and the container lid is formed from metal, and the container body may include a vertical neck. The container body may include a lip, and the bottom wall may include a center protrusion. The bottom wall may include a depression, and the bottom wall may include a radial extending depression.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2010Publication date: October 20, 2011Inventor: Merrilee Kick
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Publication number: 20110248034Abstract: Foil lid for closing a container, wherein the foil lid comprises composite layers, wherein the composite layers comprise a first layer group and a second layer group, wherein both the first layer group and the second layer group comprise at least one layer of a first type and one layer of a second type, and the layer of the first type of the first layer group is blocked over its entire area with the layer of the first type of the second layer group, and wherein at least the first layer group, which faces the container when the foil lid is used as intended, comprises a zone of weakness which defines the periphery of an opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2011Publication date: October 13, 2011Inventor: Nadine Hosele
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Publication number: 20110240645Abstract: A beverage can with a rotating lid (2) is attached to a rivet (5) in the can lid (D) and can be turned from an open rotating position to a closed rotating position above the pouring opening (7) and back. The rotating lid (2) at least partially takes the form of a bent snap disk (S) that can be moved by the application of force perpendicular to the lid plane, which bends the disk past a trigger point, from a stable first bending state into a stable second bending state in which the outer rim (10) of the rotating lid (2) is pressed against the rim lid (9) that delimits the pouring opening (7) with a certain closing pressure. The snap disk (S) moves back into its first bending state by re-applying force.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2009Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventors: Alexander Schley, Arnoulf Keil
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Patent number: 8025170Abstract: The present invention is a cap covering for a punch-key tab rotably attached to the top of a preformed can, wherein the punch-key tab is to be utilized by a person to punch out a prepared flap seal in the can top along a predefined scored boundary. The cap covering includes an attachable and detachable hollow casing which can be fitted on-demand onto the handle of a punch-key tab. The invention will distinguish individual ownership among identical cans of beverage; will serve as a closure to aid in keeping the carbonation (if any) in the beverage; will aid in maintaining the beverage at the desired drinking temperature; and will act in minimizing spillage, keep bugs and debris out, and in keeping the beverage in an unadulterated state.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2007Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Inventor: Gary P. Richard
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Publication number: 20110226636Abstract: A metallic can end for a container is described. The metallic can end has a curl defining an outer perimeter of the can end. A wall extends downwardly from the curl. A strengthening member is joined to a lowermost end of the wall. A center panel is joined to the strengthening member and is centered about a longitudinal axis. The center panel has a product side and a public side. A rivet is located on the center panel. A displaceable tear panel is on the center panel. The tear panel is at least substantially defined by a frangible score and a non frangible hinge segment. A non-detachable tab is staked to the center panel by the rivet. The non-detachable tab has a nose end extending over a portion of the tear panel, a lift end opposite the nose end, and a central webbing between the nose and lift end. The webbing has a hinge region and a rivet island surrounding the rivet. The rivet island is at least partially surrounded by a first void region to provide a first exposed area of the center panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2010Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: REXAM BEVERAGE CAN COMPANYInventor: Michael A. Petti
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Publication number: 20110215099Abstract: A metal closure is described, in the form of a foil lid (1) bonded to a metal annular component (such as a container body or separate intermediate ring). The foil lid (1) and annular component are made of dissimilar metals, with the closure adapted to prevent bimetallic corrosion at the interface between the dissimilar metals of the foil lid and the annular component. The closure is adapted such that the lid comprises a peripheral wall which is upstanding from the annular component such that a gap is maintained between the annular component and an exposed metal peripheral edge of the lid. Further aspects of the invention include: i. a method for making such a metal closure; and ii. an apparatus for making such a metal closure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2009Publication date: September 8, 2011Inventors: Nicholas James Caunter, Ian Maxwell
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Publication number: 20110139782Abstract: The invention relates to food and beverage containers and the lids that are used to close such containers. During the manufacturing process, it is desirable to stack the lids one on top of the other before presenting them to the machine that will join the lids to the bodies of the containers. Some lids according to my previous invention have ancillary components attached to their main bodies, such as pull tabs that have raised lifter tips or punch tips. Sometimes, the lids have also certain recesses and/or protrusions below or above the main body of the lids. Such ancillaries and/or recesses or protrusions could disturb the integrity of the stacks. Some experts in the industry indicated that they consider that such a stack could be unacceptably SQUISHY. This invention proposes ways and methods and construction designs, which would eliminate such stacking problems, even in the presence of such ancillaries and/or recesses or protrusions or other similar irregular shapes. The stacks will not be squishy.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Inventor: Gabe Cherian
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Patent number: 7942285Abstract: An easy open can lid comprises an outer multilayered portion folded into three layers and enclosing the panel portion from outside of the score line, and an inner multilayered portion folded into three layers and enclosing the panel portion from inside of the score line. A leading edge of an outer protection portion as a folding portion between the first and second outer layers is flush with or situated outside of the score line, and a leading edge of an inner protection portion as a folding portion between the second and third inner layers is flush with or situated inside of the score line. An opening width of an inner interspace between the first and second inner layers is wider than that of an outer interspace between the second and third outer layers.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2005Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Daiwa Can CompanyInventors: Wataru Hasegawa, Yoshihiko Matsukawa
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Publication number: 20110108552Abstract: The lid of a beverage can has two punched segments, breaking of which forms the respective openings for allowing the liquid to flow out and the air to enter. Breaking of these punched parts is performed by pivoting upwards a main ring mounted on a rivet of the lid and, after breaking open the punched part, pushing downwards a secondary lever with cutting pressure pieces which cut into the punched parts so as to cause breakage thereof. The said secondary lever is mounted on the same rivet, having an end segment which rests against a stop of the ring in order to prevent in the rest condition the pressure pieces cutting into the punched parts. In another simpler embodiment, the secondary lever is dispensed with, so that the pressure piece is incorporated along the contour of the associated main ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2009Publication date: May 12, 2011Inventor: Ramón Tamarit Rios
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Patent number: 7938290Abstract: The present invention describes a beverage can end which utilizes less material and has an improved internal buckle strength based on the geometric configuration of a chuck wall, inner panel wall and central panel, and which, in one embodiment utilizes an arcuate shaped chuck wall with a radius of curvature between about 0.150 inches and 0.250 inches with at least one transition zone positioned between an upper and lower end of the chuck wall.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2008Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Ball CorporationInventor: Joseph D. Bulso
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Patent number: 7926675Abstract: The invention relates to a positional fixing of a tab on a sheet metal lid comprising a panel (10) and a seamable edge (12) surrounding said panel, suitable for attaching to a can body. On the panel (10), an openable area is defined by a weakening line (16), and outside said openable area (17), a tab (30,31,32,33) is provided at a mounting place (11). Said tab (30) comprises a grip portion (32), an opening portion (33), and an attaching portion (31), said latter being provided for attaching said tab substantially parallel with respect to said panel (10). Said tab (30) as attached is disposed with its opening portion (33) above said openable area (17). Close to at least one edge (31c) of the attaching portion (31), a strip-shaped projection (21a, 21b, 20) is shaped to protrude out of said panel (10), for limiting a pivoting movement (?) of said tab (30) around said mounting place (11).Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Ball Packaging Europe GmbHInventors: Hajo Rieck, Richard Chalk, Martin Gray
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Patent number: 7922034Abstract: A paper dispenser includes a casing for housing a roll of paper, the casing having a front face, with a dispensing nozzle through which the paper is dispensed, wherein the front face has a hatch for access to the inside of the casing, through which a free end of the roll can be extracted.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2006Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Georgia-Pacific FranceInventors: Jean-Louis Neveu, Nicolas Pommier, Philippe Guillemette
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Patent number: 7922025Abstract: An improved convenience closure that is adapted for sealing an end of a can includes an end panel having a peripheral score, a rivet formation, a mustache score and a flex line score defined therein. The mustache score may include a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on the end panel relative to the rivet formation. The central portion is preferably curved, with a concave side of the curvature facing the rivet formation. The mustache score also may include first and second preferably symmetrical end portions, each of which is continuous with the central portion. Most of the total length of each of the end portions may be curved away from a nearest portion of the peripheral score, with a convex side of curvature facing the nearest portion of the peripheral score. Tooling for making the convenience closure and a method of making such a convenience disclosure are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2006Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Crown Packaging Company, L.P.Inventor: Paul R. Heinicke
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Patent number: 7918359Abstract: An opening device of plastics material, which is suitable for closing and re-closing of a metal can end, for example. The opening device has two distinct parts: a base plate and a tab, which are joined together by an integral rivet. The opening device is used to close an aperture in the metal panel of a can end by fitting the base plate to the underside of the panel and connecting this to the tab on the top of the panel. A sliding action by pulling or retaining the tab actuates movement of the base plate for opening and reclosing of the closure panel.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2007Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Crown, Packaging Technology, Inc.Inventors: Alexandre Paris, Mark James LeFeuvre, Christopher Paul Ramsey
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Patent number: 7909196Abstract: A can end for a container has a curl defining an outer perimeter of the can end. A chuckwall extends downwardly from the curl. A means for increasing the strength of the can end is integral with the chuckwall, and a center panel is integral with the means for increasing the strength of the can end. The center panel has a product side, a public side, a rivet, and a displaceable tear panel. A non-detachable tab is staked to the central panel wall by the rivet. First and second void regions of the tab are separated by a narrow strip of the central webbing. A portion of the narrow strip extends downwardly and approaches the public side of the central panel wherein a height of the lift end of the tab above the public side of the central panel is maintained at a predetermined height.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2004Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Rexam Beverage Can CompanyInventors: Timothy Turner, Randall G. Forrest
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Publication number: 20110056945Abstract: A full aperture beverage end has a center panel, a countersink surrounding the centre panel, a main score arranged in proximity to the countersink to define a removable aperture panel and a vent score. The beverage end is adapted for use with products that are pressurized to over 30 psi (200 kPa) when opened, and during opening the vent score is adapted to sever first, controlling the pressure differential between the external surface and internal surface of the centre panel, thereby allowing the main score to tear in a controlled and reliable manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Inventors: Christopher Paul Ramsey, Garry Richard Chant, Andrew Robert Lockley, Brian Fields, Martin John Watson, Eleanor Rachel Ann Hyde
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Patent number: 7891519Abstract: An easy open can lid having: a panel portion, which is formed of an approximate disc shape, and in which a flange portion for fixing a can trunk is formed integrally on an outer circumference; a score line, which is formed near the periphery of the panel portion along the outer circumference of the panel portion; an opening piece, which is defined by the score line; and an opening tab, which is fixed near the periphery of the opening piece. This easy open can lid of the invention is characterized in that the score line is formed of an arcuate along periphery of the panel portion and both ends thereof are separated, and comprises a connecting portion connecting the opening piece with the panel portion, which is formed between the both ends of the score line, and a strength incrementing portion, in which a rupture strength thereof increases gradually toward the end portion of the score line.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2006Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Daiwa Can CompanyInventors: Yoshihiko Matsukawa, Wataru Hasegawa, Masahiro Shiotani, Jun Kaimori
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Publication number: 20110006064Abstract: A device and methods for opening a can with a pull tab are disclosed. The device has a forward portion having a top wall and a bottom wall forming a cavity between the walls. The cavity is configured to receive the pull tab. A rear portion extends from the forward portion. The rear portion has a proximal sidewall, a distal sidewall, and a curved groove adjacent the distal sidewall. The curved groove is configured to snap onto a lip of the can. A recessed portion extends from the rear portion distal sidewall. The recessed portion can be lifted to open the can.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2010Publication date: January 13, 2011Inventors: Stephen Andrew Phillips, Krishnan Paranjothi
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Publication number: 20110000913Abstract: The herein invention discloses improvements to the conventional beer, soda or vegetable juice can such as tomato as well as medical or automotive such as oil cans containing fluid. The improvements consisting of one or a plurality of pull tabs on the top and the bottom of the can allowing the liquid to empty out of the cans in a matter of seconds. Prior art only shows one pull tab on the top taking the cans too long to empty for consumers that desire their beverage to flow quicker and to avoid spraying their beverage potentially getting in to the eyes of consumers and destroying property such as clothes and furniture as it is widely known consumers puncture holes toward the bottom of the can to release the liquid quicker endangering themselves and others by spraying beverage and by the sharp objects used to make the holes in the cans. My new invention will improve safety for these types of consumers furthermore if the top tab breaks the bottom pull tab will allow the can to be opened.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2010Publication date: January 6, 2011Inventor: Todd Allen Bland
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Publication number: 20100326990Abstract: The invention relates to a closure cap for infusion bottles and the like, having a bowl-shaped outer part (10) made of PE or PP having at least one exposable penetration opening (20, 24) and a sealing element (12) made of a soft plastic covering said opening. In order to obtain a reliable tight connection between the outer part (10) and the sealing element (12), the sealing element (12) is tightly connected all around to a socket (14) encompassing the circumference thereof by injection into the same, and the socket (14) is tightly welded around the entire circumference thereof to the outer part (10) or otherwise tightly connected thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventor: Jürgen Mader
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Publication number: 20100326281Abstract: An easy-open can end including an inclined surface formed in a direction of a tab tail of a pull-tab from a center of a panel such that the center of the panel becomes a maximum concave portion, a lower surface of the pull-tab abuts on the inclined surface or is brought close to the inclined surface along the inclined surface, the pull-tab has a pit S formed by pressing-down forming, and the pull-tab is bent by the pit S. A method for manufacturing an easy-open can end including a process for pressing down part of an outer rim of the pull-tab after or at the same time as a process for fixing the pull-tab to the panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2008Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: KIRIN BEER KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tadashi Nishibe, Takahiko Okada
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Publication number: 20100294768Abstract: A can end combination, a resealable beverage can, and a method of sealing a beverage can are disclosed. The can end combination may include a metal can end and a resealable closure coupled to the can end. The can end may include a center panel having an aperture formed therethrough. The closure may include a base plate and a top plate coupled to the base plate. The closure may have a sealed position in which the base plate contacts the center panel about the aperture to form at least one of a bore seal and a face seal. The closure may also have an intermediate position in which the base plate is proximate the aperture but the closure is devoid of the bore seal and the face seal. The closure may also have a fully open position in which the aperture is exposed to enable pouring liquid through the aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2009Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: CROWN PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Christopher Paul Ramsey, Sylvia Maria Farrow, Florian Christian Gregory Combe, Graham Martin Gossedge, Philip Norman Horton, Andrew Jonathan Sant
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Publication number: 20100276423Abstract: A beverage can cap member is configured so that its exterior surface extending radially inwardly from the rim or rim forming portion is substantially flat or continuous, or has a slight curve from a position adjacent from the rim or rim forming portion. The cap member may have a countersink which is filled with a filler material including a curable adhesive, an insert of a natural or synthetic material or the like. The filler material increases the structural strength of the cap member to an extent that it can be made of a relatively thinner material and still complies with the minimum peaking pressure of the industrial standard.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: CROWN PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventor: James Lee Gardiner
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Publication number: 20100258562Abstract: A container for substances, for example drinks, comprises an upper wall, which functions as a lid, and a central zone on which a closed line of weakening is defined that defines a stopper, in the shape of a tongue, which normally closes a relative aperture for the substance to pass through, a lever, associated with the tongue, which can be driven so as to remove the stopper, at least partly, from the upper wall, detaching it along the line of weakening and thus freeing the aperture, and a connection element of the flexible type which is connected both to the stopper and also to the upper wall. The lever has a first end pivoted in correspondence with the peripheral rib, a second end, which functions as a gripper element, disposed in substantial correspondence with the central zone, and an intermediate zone between the two ends, by means of which the lever is connected to the stopper.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2008Publication date: October 14, 2010Applicant: INTERNATIONAL PATENTS AND BRANDS CORPORATIONInventors: Paolo Linden, Edmondo Camurri
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Publication number: 20100224628Abstract: A beverage can assembly, for precluding contamination of a beverage contained there within on opening of the beverage can assembly and during distribution of the beverage from the beverage can assembly, includes a beverage can, a tab and a spout. The beverage can is adapted to store the beverage there within. The beverage can includes an opening configured on a top cover portion thereof. The tab is disposed on the top cover portion of the beverage can. The tab, in a closed position thereof, is adapted to cover the opening. The spout is removably coupled to an underside portion of the tab. The spout is adapted to be positioned within the beverage can, in the closed position of the tab. Further, the spout is adapted to be moved out of the opening for distribution of the beverage, in the open position of the tab.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2009Publication date: September 9, 2010Inventor: Dermot Brake
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Patent number: 7789261Abstract: A open can end of laminated steel sheet has a score formed thereon by a scoring die. The scoring die has a scoring edge having a sectional shape of an inverted triangle. The scoring edge includes a tip formed of a curve having a radius of curvature of 0.2 mm or more and 0.4 mm or less. Two sides sandwiching the tip are tangent to the curve. A function tan ? of an angle of elevation ? of each of the sides with respect to a surface of the can end is 0.3 or more and 1.0 or less. The resultant a can end being an easy open can end.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2004Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: JFE Steel CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Kubo, Katsumi Kojima, Hiroki Iwasa
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Publication number: 20100219187Abstract: A can cover comprising: a top panel having an opening portion with a score line engraved on the top panel; a rotational tab rotatably installed on the top panel; and a severance initializing means for connecting the rotational tab and an area adjacent to the score line of the top panel to initialize a severance of the score line at a start point when the rotational tab is rotated.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2008Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventor: Jong-Gap NA
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Publication number: 20100213194Abstract: The Pop Can Beak Spout Design provides a new way to open the pop can and create easily a sanitary spout for the user to drink with. The pop can lid has “beak”-shaped form, comprising the pull-ring portion in the front; the central “beak” portion in the middle to be converted as spout; and the “accordion” portion behind with wrinkled surface. When the user pulls up the ring to open the pop can, it will lift the scored area below the ring from the upper surface, then the central “beak” portion will be separated also from the top, if continuing to turn them backward, the “accordion” portion behind will be compressed and allows “beak” portion to be erected, after bending the pull-ring against the bottom of “beak” portion, a sanitary spout will be finally formed automatically with the inherent material of the pop can.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2010Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventor: Junsong Liu
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Publication number: 20100193519Abstract: A container has a selectively openable panel defined at least in part by a frangible score groove in a surface of the container. The frangible score groove is selectively fracturable by a lifting action administered by a user to a secured to the container. The tab has a nose portion separated from a lift end by a central webbing. The central webbing has a hinge region and a rivet island. The rivet island is at least partially surrounded by a first void region. The central webbing also has a grab portion at the lift end of the tab. The grab portion has an enclosed region defining a billboard surface. The billboard surface has a top side and a bottom side opposite the top side. A bead created by displacing the material of the central webbing is located on the billboard surface. A pigment-carrying layer covers at least a portion of the billboard surface. A tactile indicium is located on the billboard surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2009Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: REXAM BEVERAGE CAN COMPANYInventors: Randall G. Forrest, Timothy L. Turner
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Patent number: 7757887Abstract: A beverage can cap member (16, 100) is configured so that its exterior surface (28) extending radially inwardly from the rim (18) or rim forming portion (140) is substantially flat or continuous, or has a slight curve from a position adjacent from the rim (18) or rim forming portion (140). The cap member (16, 100) may have a countersink (160) which is filled with a filler material including a curable adhesive, an insert (180) of a natural or synthetic material or the like. The filler material increases the structural strength of the cap member (16, 100) to an extent that it can be made of a relatively thinner material and still complies with the minimum peaking pressure of the industrial standard.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2004Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies CorporationInventor: James Lee Gardiner
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Patent number: 7748557Abstract: A beverage container having multiple openings for enhancing the enjoyment of a beverage is disclosed. The container has openings for drinking or emptying a beverage or liquid, in addition to openings designed for experiencing the aroma of a contained beverage. A modified pull-tab is present for manipulating the drink and aroma openings without bending or otherwise deforming. The container can take the form of a one-use container or a refillable, travel-type container having a removable cover.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2007Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Inventor: Mark Roger Robinson
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Patent number: 7735673Abstract: A device is disclosed for re-closing an opening in a can having a tab opener. The device comprises a mount piece having an overall shape and flexibility that enables it to be pushed through at least one aperture formed in the tab opener thereby securing the device to the tab opener. The device further comprises a plug portion attached to the mount piece and configured to engage and at least partially close an opening in the can.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2006Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Inventors: Todd Huffman, Christopher R. Barker, Brian T. Lipker
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Patent number: 7721906Abstract: An improved convenience closure that is adapted for sealing an end of a can includes an end panel having a peripheral score, a rivet formation, a mustache score and a flex line score defined therein. The mustache score may include a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on the end panel relative to the rivet formation. The central portion is preferably curved, with a concave side of the curvature facing the rivet formation. The mustache score also may include first and second preferably symmetrical end portions, each of which is continuous with the central portion. Most of the total length of each of the end portions may be curved away from a nearest portion of the peripheral score, with a convex side of curvature facing the nearest portion of the peripheral score. Tooling for making the convenience closure and a method of making such a convenience disclosure are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2007Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Crown Packaging Technology, Inc.Inventor: Paul R. Heinicke
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Patent number: 7703624Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a flexible tab used to open beer/beverage can ends and food can ends. The tab has a plurality of slots provided in about a middle part of the tab between a nose portion and a lift portion on opposing sides of the tab. The slots combine to form a fulcrum that extends generally transverse to an axis that passes along a length of the tab. The fulcrum allows the lift portion to pivot upwards and downwards in relation to the nose portion. The tab also has a paneled or beaded area adjacent to the slots at about the middle part of the tab. Tooling for the manufacture of the flexible tab is also provided. A method for manufacturing the flexible tab is additionally provided as well.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2005Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLCInventors: Carl McEldowney, Craig McEldowney
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Publication number: 20100065568Abstract: A can end having a small diameter centre panel and an opening of particular aspect ratio to improve the pourability and drinkability characteristics of the opening, compared to can ends having conventional openings.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: CROWN CORK & SEAL TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: Brian Fields
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Patent number: 7677404Abstract: The invention generally relates to a tab used to open food can ends and beer/beverage can ends. The tab has a nose portion located at a front end of the tab and a lift portion located at a back end of the tab. The tab also has a rivet receiving portion located proximate to the nose portion with a rivet hole. The rivet receiving portion is coupled to the nose portion. The rivet hole has a non-round perimeter with a first diameter portion and a second diameter portion. The first diameter portion has a plurality of first arcuate segments and the second diameter portion has a plurality of notches. The second diameter portion is greater in length than the first diameter portion. Tooling for the manufacture of the tab is also provided. A method for manufacturing the tab is additionally provided as well.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLCInventors: Craig Allen McEldowney, Mark Richard Mitchell
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Publication number: 20100059517Abstract: A gas pressure-resistant metal pop-top cover comprised of two parts, a lid (1) and a pull-ring, the pull-ring being riveted to the lid (1), there being a concave countersink that begins at the circumferential edge of the lid (1) and extends toward its center, and at the center of the concave countersink there being a round convex platform (2), wherein the angle of inclination A of the countersink is 15-60°, and the arc-shaped segments B1 and B2 of the bottom part of the convex platform and the corner portion of the rise segment C rotate around the center of the lid (1) and are subjected to cold hardening treatment through forging and pressing. Through a new design, the conflict between material-saving and maintaining pressure resistance in a pop-top cover has been solved, with the result that greater resistance to high pressure is provided as the notch diameter and thickness of materials in the pop-top cover are decreased.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2007Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicant: SUZHOU SLAC PRECISION EQUIPMENT, INC.Inventor: Shu An
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Patent number: 7666487Abstract: An easy-open end which comprises a steel sheet and formed on at least one side thereof an about 10-30 mum-thick coating film of a polyester resin having a 50% crystallization time of about 5 minutes or shorter and a coefficient of planar orientation of about 0.04 or lower and which has a groove for cutting which has a cross section having a radius of curvature of about 0.1 to 1 mm; and a laminated steel sheet for use in the easy-open end. This easy-open end can combine suitability for opening and no need of repair even when the residual score thickness is small.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2004Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: JFE Steel CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Kubo, Katsumi Kojima, Hiroki Iwasa
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Patent number: 7665623Abstract: A tab for use with a container includes a rigid lever part, wherein the rigid lever is connectable to a tear part of the container and an operating part for operating the lever part. The operating part is movably connected to the lever part, such that the operating part can be moved out of the plane of the rigid lever part.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2004Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Impress Group B.V.Inventor: Ad Emmerzaal
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Patent number: 7644833Abstract: A can end member for a beverage container is disclosed. The end member has a curl at least substantially defining a perimeter of the can end, a chuck wall extending downwardly and radially inwardly from the curl, and a central panel wall centered about a longitudinal axis. The central panel wall has a product side and a public side. The public side has a means for opening a frangible panel segment. The end member also has a fold joining the chuck wall with the central panel wall. The fold has an opening. A fluid is located adjacent the opening.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2005Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Rexam Beverage Can CompanyInventors: Timothy Turner, Rajesh Gopalaswamy, Randall G. Forrest
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Publication number: 20100000997Abstract: The invention relates to a beverage can with an opener at each end allowing the user to drink from the first end while opening the second end which results in the liquid rapidly evacuating the beverage can. The beverage can is particularly useful for chug-a-lugging beer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2008Publication date: January 7, 2010Inventor: Erik L. Southers
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Patent number: 7617945Abstract: The invention covers a number of alternative improvements to the prior art pull-tab used to open container such as soda cans. One improvement is by forming the nose of the pull tab at a certain angle to the body of the tab, thus allowing the user to tilt the tab thus lifting the pull tip higher and providing more room for the user to insert the finger tip under the pull tip thus making it easier to open the container. Another improvement is by rotating the pull tab a certain angle and making it follow a caming surface thus lifting the pull tip and again providing more room to insert the finger tip and making it easier to open the container.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2004Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Inventor: Gabe Cherian
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Patent number: 7614520Abstract: A tab is used to open beer/beverage can ends and food can ends. The tab has one or more arcuate strips that are provided on a surface of the tab proximate to a peripheral surface of the tab where the one or more arcuate strips have been formed further into a preselected portion of curled or hemmed portions of the tab. Tooling for the manufacture of the tab is also provided. A method for manufacturing the tab is additionally provided as well.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLCInventors: Craig Allen McEldowney, Mark Richard Mitchell
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Patent number: 7594585Abstract: An easy open can end has an improved structure for facilitating the opening operation of the tear panel, a method of further forming a can end to have the improved structure, and tooling for accomplishing the method. The further formation of the can end is particularly useful in easy-open can ends having enlarged tear panels.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1999Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies CorporationInventor: Brian Fields