Gripping Means Attached To Or Integral With Member Or Portion (e.g., Pull Tab) Patents (Class 220/269)
  • Patent number: 6772900
    Abstract: An end member for a container. The end member has a central panel, a circumferential chuckwall, and a transition wall. The central panel is centered about a longitudinal axis and has a substantially planar peripheral edge. The curl defines an outer perimeter of the end member. The circumferential chuckwall extends downwardly from the curl to the transition wall. The transition wall connects the chuck wall with the substantially planar peripheral edge of the central panel. The transition wall has a folded portion extending outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Rexam Beverage Can Company
    Inventors: Timothy Turner, Rajesh Gopalaswamy, Randy G. Forrest
  • Publication number: 20040140309
    Abstract: An end closure for a container providing a tab with increased resistance to rotation upon a rivet is disclosed. The end closure has a central panel wall having a product side, a public side, a rivet, and a displaceable tear panel in the central panel wall at least substantially defined by a frangible score and a non-frangible hinge segment. A tab is attached to the public side of the central panel wall by the rivet. At least a nose portion of the tab extends over a portion of the tear panel. A lift end of the tab is opposite the tab nose. The tab has a central webbing between the nose and the lift end. The central webbing has an anti-rotation member in communication with the public side of the central panel wall. The anti-rotation member provides a spring force against the central panel wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Michel Thibaut
  • Patent number: 6761280
    Abstract: A sheet metal end shell for conversion into easy opening beer and beverage ends with reduced metal usage while maintaining commercially acceptable buckle resistance. The end shell has an upper chuckwall portion that is disposed at an angle of about 20-35 degrees to vertical, a countersink bead having a width of about 0.020-0.040 inch, and further preferably having a countersink depth of less than about 0.250 inch and a panel depth less than about 0.070 inch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Harry R. Zonker, Gary L. Myers, Robert E. Dick, Darl G. Boysel, John S. Ward
  • Patent number: 6761281
    Abstract: An ecology end member for a beverage container has a central panel wall with a product side, a public side, and an outer peripheral edge. A non-detachable tab is secured to the public side of the central panel wall by a rivet. A displaceable tear panel is located in the central panel wall adjacent the rivet. The tear panel is defined by a frangible score and a non-frangible hinge segment. The frangible score has a tear panel geometry with an outer periphery defied by a curvilinear score length. The tear panel geometry is asymmetrically skewed having a large radius of score curvature in a first outer quadrant of the tear panel to provide low resistance to opening the tear panel at the large radius. The tear panel has a radially outermost segment of the score located in a different quadrant of the tear panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Rexam Beverage Can Company
    Inventor: William H. Hartman
  • Publication number: 20040129704
    Abstract: A beverage can with a bottom end, a top end, and a side wall extending therebetween. A first weakening score is formed in the top end, and a second weakening score is formed near the bottom end of the can. The beverage can has a first tab selectively displaceable between an initial position wherein the first tab is generally parallel to the can a displaced position wherein the first end pierces the can by causing the first weakening score to fail, thereby forming a first opening. A second tab with features similar to the first tab is positioned near the second weakening score. Specifically, the second tab is selectively displaceable between an initial position wherein the second tab is generally parallel to the can, and a displaced position wherein the first end pierces the can by causing the second weakening score to fail, thereby forming a second opening. Beverage may exit the can from either the first or second opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: C. Brady Battmer
  • Patent number: 6755315
    Abstract: The invention relates to a beverage can with a press-in closure (2) whereby a lid area is surrounded by a separating line (3) which can be pressed down into a partial area by means of an actuation tab (4) of a grip lug (7) that is fixed to the lid (5) by means of a riveted joint (6), and forming a hole (8) in the interior of the can for pouring out said beverage. According to the invention, the hole (8) can be covered with a perforated external lid (9) which is also attached to the lid (5) by means of a riveted joint (6). When the grip lug (7) is actuated, the actuation tab (4) of the grip bracket (7) gets inserted into the perforated external cover (9) by means of a groove (10). The invention prevents insects such as wasps or the like from penetrating into the beverage can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Sebastian Frederic Mueller
  • Publication number: 20040112898
    Abstract: A can for carbonated and non-carbonated beverages provided with an opening system comprising a tearable tongue (22) defined by a tearing invitation score line in the outer surface of the upper wall of the can and with a tearing device associated to said tearable tongue and aimed at tearing said tearable tongue and at opening the can, characterised in that said tearing device for the tearable tongue (22) is comprised of two tongues superimposed to one another, a first tongue (30) attached to the outer surface of the upper wall of the can, intended to tear said tearable tongue (22) outwardly of said can, and a second tongue (31), attached to said tearable tongue (22), intended to start tearing of said tearable tongue (22) inwardly of the can.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Graziella Fiorentini
  • Publication number: 20040099664
    Abstract: An ecology end member for a beverage container has a central panel wall with a product side, a public side, and an outer peripheral edge. A non-detachable tab is secured to the public side of the central panel wall by a rivet. A displaceable tear panel is located in the central panel wall adjacent the rivet. The tear panel is defined by a frangible score and a non-frangible hinge segment. The frangible score has a tear panel geometry with an outer periphery defined by a curvilinear score length. The tear panel geometry is asymmetrically skewed having a large radius of score curvature in a first outer quadrant of the tear panel to provide low resistance to opening the tear panel at the large radius. The tear panel has a radially outermost segment of the score located in a different quadrant of the tear panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: William H. Hartman
  • Publication number: 20040094550
    Abstract: A container 2 having a ring pull 12 with an opening 20, the ring pull 12 being moveable over an outlet 6 of the container 2, the opening 20 being sized to prevent the ingress of specific foreign objects into the outlet 6 whilst enabling the contents of the container 2 to be poured out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Virginia Poole
  • Patent number: 6726048
    Abstract: Closure construction for blow molded drums having an upstanding internally threaded neck. A closure plug with sealing gasket is screwed into the neck to provide a liquid tight seal. A plastic tamper evident overseal completely covers the plug and neck and is manually snapped in place so as to interlockingly engage the plug making both the plug wrench engaging structure and the overseal interlocking structure inaccessible without destruction of the overseal. A tear strip opening means is provided for authorized access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: American Flange & Mfg. Co., Inc
    Inventors: Davis B. Dwinell, Cornelis R. Van De Klippe
  • Patent number: 6715629
    Abstract: An end member for a container. The end member has a central panel wall with a public side and an opposing product side. The public side includes a means for opening a frangible panel segment. The member also has a score groove and a coin segment. The score groove is located on the public side of the end member and defines an outer perimeter of the frangible panel segment and separates the frangible panel segment from a non-frangible portion of the public side. The coin segment is adjacent the score groove and places a compressive stress on a portion of the end member located between the coin segment and the score groove wherein an upper plane and a lower plane are formed and separated by the score groove. The lower plane comprises a portion of the frangible panel segment adjacent the score groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Rexam Beverage Can Company
    Inventors: William H. Hartman, Timothy L. Turner
  • Publication number: 20040056032
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved opening end closure which is adapted for interconnection to a beverage container to prevent premature rupturing and detachment of the tear panel from the center panel. More specifically, the present invention includes an improved cent bead, an enlarged score origination loop, and a pull tab with a cut-out portion with one leg longer than the other leg for selectively orienting the direction of force created on the tear panel away from the hinge portion of the tear panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph S. Vaughan
  • Publication number: 20040040963
    Abstract: A beverage can has a top provided with a slanted top portion and delimited by a rim which is formed with a dip forming a drinking-facilitating groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Richard Arcati, John Jakubowski
  • Publication number: 20040040964
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a can top (1) for crimping onto a can body that, in its top surface (12), comprises a tongue (2) for forming a pouring opening along a slit line (3). This [can top] is characterized in that it has, on its side pointing toward the interior of the can, a separate space (8) provided for accommodating solid, liquid or gaseous substances, which [space] is formed by at least one flexible, but essentially non-expandable, essentially gas-tight and liquid-tight wall (4, 4′, 4″) and extends over a portion of the top surface (12) so that its lateral edge (10) crosses the slit line (3) at at least one point (11) in such a manner that, when opening the can, the portion of the tongue (2) moving toward the interior exerts a force on the wall (4), by means of which an opening is made for the space (8). The separate space may be used, e.g., for accommodating food supplements and/or liquid or gaseous aromatics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Bernd Ullmann
  • Patent number: 6648169
    Abstract: A beverage can having an indentation on the top portion to accommodate the nose of the consumer and an indentation on the wall portion to accommodate the lip of the consumer, thus minimizing spillage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Berger
  • Patent number: 6644518
    Abstract: A tear-off opening device for drink cans by means of a tab (1) with grip device (2) for tearing, comprising, underneath the tab (1), a shaped lamina (4), secured underneath the lid (6) for a segment (41) which partially surrounds the edge of the opening (3), whilst at least a remaining segment (42) stays free, the lamina (4) having a conformation that is able to vary from a first stable configuration in which, with the can closed, it is drawn up underneath the tab (1), to successive and transitory configurations that take place during the extraction of the lamina (4) through the opening (3) and to a final stable configuration in which, with the extraction completed, the lamina (4) constitutes a stable spout (8) with related opening (9) whose free edges belong to the free segment (42) of the lamina (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Vincenzo Cavallo
  • Publication number: 20030189045
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a can opening device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Bo-Yeoun Hwang
  • Publication number: 20030189046
    Abstract: This drinks can is made up of a hollowed out sheet body (1) that has a vertical sheet forming a dividing wall (2), its entire periphery fixed to the base (12) to the side wall (11) and to the lid (13) of the drinks can; said vertical wall divides the internal space of the can into two separate compartments (21 and 22) which contain two separate drinks; the lid (13) has some separate easy opening means (21a and 22a) in the areas corresponding to each one of the separate compartments (21, 22) to enable their separate opening and corresponding valves (21b and 22b) that only allow the drink contained in one compartment (21 and 22) to exit when the can is tilted towards the corresponding side of said compartment (21 and 22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: David Gustavo Quispe Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20030132230
    Abstract: A pull tab opener for a container having a push-in closure is articulated at a crease line behind the rivet connecting the tab to the container top surface. At least one protrusion extends upwardly from the base of the tab so that, when the rear lever portion is articulated about the crease line, to an amount at least in the range of 110° to 160°, and interference between the at least one protrusion and a cooperating face portion occurs, and the push-in closure is opened. There may also be cooperating protrusions. Another embodiment provides an undercut notch at each end of the crease line in the tubular peripheral edge of the pull tab opener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Bruce Gitelman, Robert G. Dickie
  • Publication number: 20030121920
    Abstract: A sheet metal end shell for conversion into easy opening beer and beverage ends with reduced metal usage while maintaining commercially acceptable buckle resistance. The end shell has an upper chuckwall portion that is disposed at an angle of about 20-35 degrees to vertical, a countersink bead having a width of about 0.020-0.040 inch, and further preferably having a countersink depth of less than about 0.250 inch and a panel depth less than about 0.070 inch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Harry R. Zonker, Gary L. Myers, Robert E. Dick, Darl G. Boysel, John S. Ward
  • Publication number: 20030111469
    Abstract: An end member for a container. The end member has a central panel wall with a public side and an opposing product side. The public side includes a means for opening a frangible panel segment. The member also has a score groove and a coin segment. The score groove is located on the public side of the end member and defines an outer perimeter of the frangible panel segment and separates the frangible panel segment from a non-frangible portion of the public side. The coin segment is adjacent the score groove and places a compressive stress on a portion of the end member located between the coin segment and the score groove wherein an upper plane and a lower plane are formed and separated by the score groove. The lower plane comprises a portion of the frangible panel segment adjacent the score groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: William H. Hartman, Timothy L. Turner
  • Patent number: 6575325
    Abstract: A pull tab opener for a container having a push-in or fully severable closure is articulated at a crease line behind the rivet connecting the tab to the container top surface. At least a pair of protrusions extends upwardly from the base of the tab so that, when the rear lever portion is pivoted about the crease line, the opposed front faces of the protrusions contact each other, and the elastic memory of the tab is overcome so that the tab is articulated into a bent condition. The tab may then be re-grasped for easy opening of the container, without having to initiate opening leverage of the tab using the fingernail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventors: Robert G. Dickie, Bruce Gitelman
  • Can
    Publication number: 20030098306
    Abstract: A can has a main body, an upper casing disposed on a top portion of the main body, a retained cap disposed on the upper casing, a connection ring disposed on the retained cap, and a pull ring connected to the connection ring. A rivet button fastens the connection ring and the retained cap together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Teng-Jui Cho
  • Publication number: 20030080132
    Abstract: An end member for a container having a circumferential sidewall, the end member having a peripheral seaming edge adapted to be integrally connected to the sidewall, and having a central panel wall with a means for opening a frangible panel segment of the panel wall is claimed. The end member comprises a deboss panel recessed in the central panel. The deboss panel has first and second spaced apart end portions joined by first and second sidewalls. The first spaced apart end portion has an apex and first and second arcuate portions. A distance between the first and second arcuate portions is defined by a plurality of progressively increasing secant lengths located in spaced relation from the apex. A score groove is located within the deboss panel defining an outer perimeter of the frangible panel segment. The score groove has a first end and a second end joined to the first end by a curvilinear segment. The first end and the second end are separated by a generally linear hinge segment of the central panel wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Randy G. Forrest, Timothy Turner
  • Publication number: 20030075544
    Abstract: A method for strengthening an end member for a container comprises the steps of providing an end member shell and reforming the end member shell. The finished the end member has a central panel wall with a product side and a public side. The public side has a means for opening a frangible panel segment. The end member shell has a central panel extending radially outwardly from a central axis, a panel radius along a peripheral edge of the central panel, a countersink integral with the panel radius, a chuckwall extending upwardly from the countersink having a bend with a radius of curvature and angled axially outwardly, and a seaming curl defining the outer perimeter of the end member shell and integral with the chuckwall. The chuckwall of the end member shell is reformed to decrease the radius of curvature of the bend.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Timothy Turner, Randy G. Forrest, Rajesh Gopalaswamy
  • Patent number: 6536622
    Abstract: The invention concern the field of storage, transport, recovery and recycling of bottles or packs (2) made of plastic or other material. It provides the possibility of using the content of bottles or packs (2) at will, using the pouring spout (6) and the cap (3) mounted on the tops (1) which are screwed on, clipped on or fixed by other means, and on the standard seals (5) in any material, fixed on the top of bottles or packs before the tops or seals are definitively removed for stacking the bottles or packs (2). The inventive design aims at facilitating the stacking of bottles or packs to reduce storage space and for transport for refill in a reduced space, and, ultimately to facilitate collection for recycling or transformation into raw material. The inventive concept uses for transport supports (10) designed to receive the bases of the bottles or packs (2), the top of the stack receiving plates with the impression of the caps (3) to protect them during transportation of the filled bottles or packs (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Planet
  • Publication number: 20030042258
    Abstract: A can end member has a central panel, a circumferential chuckwall, and a transition wall. The central panel is centered about a longitudinal axis and has a peripheral edge. The curl defines an outer perimeter of the end member. The circumferential chuckwall extends downwardly from the curl to the transition wall. The transition wall connects the chuckwall with the peripheral edge of the central panel. The transition wall has a folded portion extending outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Timothy Turner, Rajesh Gopalaswamy, Randy G. Forrest
  • Publication number: 20030038134
    Abstract: A beverage can end is provided herein which has a small opening preferably centrally disposed which is adapted for receiving a straw. Preferably, the small opening end is opened with a conventional pull tab, but which establishes a vent area positioned adjacent the small opening end which provides sufficient venting during use of the straw. It is further preferred that the pull tab be slightly elevated with rounded corners to provide a smooth, easily accessible pulling surface for the user of the beverage can.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Howard C. Chasteen, Gene Lee
  • Publication number: 20030034346
    Abstract: An end member for a container. The end member has a central panel, a circumferential chuckwall, and a transition wall. The central panel is centered about a longitudinal axis and has a substantially planar peripheral edge. The curl defines an outer perimeter of the end member. The circumferential chuckwall extends downwardly from the curl to the transition wall. The transition wall connects the chuck wall with the substantially planar peripheral edge of the central panel. The transition wall has a folded portion extending outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: Timothy Turner, Rajesh Gopalaswamy, Randy G. Forrest
  • Patent number: 6505753
    Abstract: A drink-thru lid for a drinking cup including an annular mounting portion for sealingly engaging the drinking cup, wherein the annular mounting portion includes a downwardly extending annular skirt. The lid further includes a tear-back section extending from the annular skirt to a hinge portion located in a medial portion of the lid. The tear-back section includes a raised protrusion extending outwardly from an upper surface of the lid. A recess is further formed in a medial portion of the lid on the opposite side of the hinge portion from the raised protrusion, wherein the tear-back section may be torn away from the lid on its sides and pivoted about the hinge portion until the raised protrusion is received within the recess for holding said pivotal flap open. The raised protrusion and the recess are shaped such that the raised protrusion is frictionally engaged by the end walls of the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Freek, Michael Thomas
  • Publication number: 20030000952
    Abstract: Sealing device having an essentially flat opening area (14), an opening tab (18) formed in the opening area and an opening device (30) attached at a connection point (32) in the opening area. Moreover, through leverage action, the sealing device is arranged to press down the opening tab in the opening area so that it creates an opening therein. After the opening is created, opening device (30) is arranged so that it can be twisted parallel with opening area (14) around connection point (32) until it reaches a resealing position where it closes the opening with a covering surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Effektivator Foretagens Ledningsresurs
    Inventor: Leif Dyren
  • Publication number: 20020170913
    Abstract: An easy-opening can end comprises: an end panel; a score which is formed on the upper surface or the lower surface of the end panel; the score having a cross section of a curved surface; and a tab having a finger grasping portion. The tab is attached to the can end panel and is rotatable around tab-fastening device. The tab-fastening device is positioned offset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Applicant: NKK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuji Yamasaki, Masayoshi Kurihara, Masahisa Fujikake, Yoshinori Yomura, Reiko Sugihara, Yutaka Mihara
  • Publication number: 20020158071
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a beverage can end having an outwardly concave reinforcing bead with an upper lip which extends outwardly beyond a substantially vertical plane defined by a downwardly extending chuck wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Howard C. Chasteen, Mark A. Jacober
  • Publication number: 20020139800
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a can opening device for allowing beverage or the like contained within a can to easily flow out. The can opening device of the present invention comprising a pair of opening portions defined by incision lines at positions spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval on a top surface of the can filled with contents; an opening member including a pair of pressing portions for pressing the pair of opening portions, respectively, and a grip integrally formed with the pressing portions so as to extend in a direction opposite to the pressing portions; and a pair of lever fulcrums which fix the opening member to the top surface and are disposed close to the pressing portions so that the pressing portions press down the opening portions to be spaced apart from the top surface when the grip is pulled up. It is most preferable that the pair of opening portions be formed at marginal positions symmetric to each other on the top surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Bo Yeoum Hwang, Mi Sun Cho, In Joo Hwang, In Wook Hwang, Su Jung Cho
  • Patent number: 6454161
    Abstract: An opening device (2) attached at a hole (4) in a top wall portion (16) of a packaging container (12) and positioned adjacent a fold line (14) of the packaging container, including a base portion (8) connected to the top wall at the hole, and a lid portion (10) releasably connected to the base portion, in which the base portion has a portion (26) protruding from a main circumferential portion (24) towards the fold line (14), for providing increased stability of the container during storage and transport. A tamper evidence protrusion (11), also functioning as a pull tab for opening the lid portion, extends from the lid portion to be connected to an outer side (6b) of the top wall portion. A reduced thickness tearing edge (28) is provided between the base portion and the lid portion for facilitating opening, and a bistable hinge (9) releasably biases the lid portion to stably remain in an open position, for avoiding interference of the lid portion during product dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance SA
    Inventors: Antonio Rendina, Magne Karlsson, Tord Breivald
  • Patent number: 6450359
    Abstract: The invention comprises a soda can lid which forms a seal with one's upper lip during thereby preventing spillage and eliminating residue. The raised platform area on the lid is connected to the pull-tab area with outwardly sloping walls designed to engage the lips. The platform area is slightly higher than the depth of a circular peripheral groove ranging up to slightly higher than the rim. The lid may also include seal portions extending upwardly from the platform on both sides of the depressed pull-tab area. The invention may be employed on lids either with or without a peripheral groove. Another feature of the invention is a pull-tab with an arch handle and special puncture tip for easier more comfortable use by consumers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventors: Charles Chang, Lucy Chang
  • Publication number: 20020125251
    Abstract: A pull tab opener for a container having a push-in or fully severable closure is articulated at a crease line behind the rivet connecting the tab to the container top surface. At least a pair of protrusions extends upwardly from the base of the tab so that, when the rear lever portion is pivoted about the crease line, the opposed front faces of the protrusions contact each other, and the elastic memory of the tab is overcome so that the tab is articulated into a bent condition. The tab may then be re-grasped for easy opening of the container, without having to initiate opening leverage of the tab using the fingernail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Robert G. Dickie, Bruce Gitelman
  • Publication number: 20020113069
    Abstract: An end member for a container having a circumferential sidewall, the end member having a peripheral seaming edge adapted to be integrally connected to the sidewall, and having a central panel wall with a means for opening a frangible panel segment of the panel wall is claimed. The end member comprises a deboss panel recessed in the central panel. The deboss panel has first and second spaced apart end portions joined by first and second sidewalls. The first spaced apart end portion has an apex and first and second arcuate portions. A distance between the first and second arcuate portions is defined by a plurality of progressively increasing secant lengths located in spaced relation from the apex. A score groove is located within the deboss panel defining an outer perimeter of the frangible panel segment. The score groove has a first end and a second end joined to the first end by a curvilinear segment. The first end and the second end are separated by a generally linear hinge segment of the central panel wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Randy G. Forrest, Timothy Turner
  • Patent number: 6435368
    Abstract: An easy opening can end is provided whose can end panel is made of steel sheet having both sides coated with resin layers which each include at least one type of thermoplastic resin and which have elongation after break of 100% or more, tensile strength of 10 kg/mm2 or more, Young modulus of 100 kg/mm2 or more and a thickness in range of 10 to 100 &mgr;m. A score is formed on at least one of a front or a back side of the can end panel so as to be capable of breakage for opening the can end. The score has a bottom cross-section in a shape of an arc having a radius in a range of 0.10 to 1.0 mm, and a thinnest section of the score has a thickness t in a range of 0.025 to 0.080 mm. The easy opening can end has no problem of resin layer damage when the score is formed and has excellent can openability to such an extent that children and the aged may easily open the can end, so that the easy opening can end is most suitable for a can end of a beverage can and a food can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: NKK Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichiro Yamanaka, Reiko Sugihara, Masayoshi Kurihara, Masahisa Fujikake, Yoshinori Yomura, Yuji Yamasaki
  • Publication number: 20020108954
    Abstract: A pop-top can with easy-to-lift tab having a can top with a score line and a tab having two ends. The first of such ends being the puncturing end, this end presses down to puncture the can when the tab is pulled. The second end is the lifting end. The can is opened by lifting and pulling the lifting end. The tab is pivoted to allow rotation. The can also has a ramp on the can top. When the tab is pushed to a position over the ramp, the ramp forces the lifting end of the tab to a lifted position, away from the can top thereby making the tab easy to lift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Frederick Yi-Tung Cho
  • Publication number: 20020104842
    Abstract: A stay-on-tab container closure suitable for use on beverage cans and the like, said closure including an center panel with an downwardly displaceable tear panel, which, in one aspect, has a smooth upper surface having no visually perceptible contour features, and which, in another aspect, has low-relief contour features on its upper surface. Closures according to the invention have reduced stresses across the score defining the tear panel, thereby reducing the likelihood of stress-induced fatigue cracking which can lead to score failure when the container closure is joined to a can body and the resulting can is internally pressurized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: Metal Container Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher G. Neiner
  • Patent number: 6427861
    Abstract: A top lid for beverage cans with an opener integrated sanitary cover is disclosed. The sanitary cover 8 is designed to cover the area around the opening piece 3a defined on the top lid 50 by a depressed seam 3c, thus protecting the lip contact portion of the top lid 50 from atmospheric impurities and keeping the can sanitary during storage of the can. The sanitary cover 8 also has a reinforced opener part 13 which presses down the opening piece 3a and breaks the piece 3a along the depressed seam 3c when the cover 8 is levered up. The opener part 13 has a reinforcing rib 13b improving the stiffness of the opener part 13, and so the opener part 13 reliably breaks the opening piece 3a without failure even though a high pressure acts on the interior surface of the opening piece 3a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Bongjeong Cantech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung-Ho Cho
  • Patent number: 6427860
    Abstract: A can lid made of a metal sheet having a resin coating on at least one surface thereof and superior in can openability, having an outer peripheral flat portion and an inner peripheral flat portion straddling a score line further having an outer bead and inner bead at the sides of the outer peripheral flat portion and the inner peripheral flat portion opposite to the score line, and having a cross-section where the score line becomes gradually thinner from the thicknesses of the outer peripheral flat portion and the inner peripheral flat portion and a process for forming the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nishida, Hidekuni Murakami, Masayoshi Suehiro, Shoji Nosaka
  • Patent number: 6425493
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: James Lee Gardiner
  • Publication number: 20020096520
    Abstract: A beverage can lid with an easy opening feature comprises a scored lid, having a pull tab affixed to the lid by a rivet and an initial contact point on the lid which is pushed downward as the score line breaks at the puncture point adjacent the rivet. In the invention, the contact point is positioned in close proximity to the rivet to minimize the required lifting force, which is in proportion to the distance between the initial contact point and the rivet. Further, the puncture point is positioned close to the initial contact point so that the lifting force is also reduced. In one embodiment, the scoring radius at the puncture point is quite sharp so that the force required to break the seal at the puncture point is reduced. Also the gap between the puncture point and the end of the scored line is minimized to facilitate opening the lid. Furthermore, the pivot line is moved closer to the contact point to reduce the lifting force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Charles Chang, Lucy Chang
  • Publication number: 20020088804
    Abstract: A can cover with a stay-on tab, in which it is very easy to insert a finger between the stay-on tab 17 and the upper surface of the can cover. One end and another end of the stay-on tab are respectively inclined upward from the upper surface of the can cover so that there are distances 27, 29 between the one end of the stay-on tab and the upper surface of the can cover 15 and between another end 17b of the-stay-on tab 17 and the upper surface of the can cover 15. The distance 29 between another end 17b of the stay-on tab 17 and the upper surface of the can cover 15 is made larger when the one end 17a of the stay-on tab is pushed downward toward the upper surface of the can cover. The stay-on tab 17 moves like a seesaw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Applicant: Yoshiharu Omura
    Inventor: Yoshiharu Omura
  • Publication number: 20020088803
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tab for a container comprising a wall with a tear part for opening the container, said tab comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Applicant: Impress B.V
    Inventor: Ad Emmerzaal
  • Patent number: 6405889
    Abstract: A stay-on-tab container closure suitable for use on beverage cans and the like, said closure including an center panel with an downwardly displaceable tear panel, which, in one aspect, has a smooth upper surface having no visually perceptible contour features, and which, in another aspect, has low-relief contour features on its upper surface. Closures according to the invention have reduced stresses across the score defining the tear panel, thereby reducing the likelihood of stress-induced fatigue cracking which can lead to score failure when the container closure is joined to a can body and the resulting can is internally pressurized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Metal Container Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher G. Neiner
  • Patent number: 6378718
    Abstract: A beverage can. In order to obtain distribution in hygienic conditions of fluid contained in the can a protection element is provided, which has a first and a second laminar portion which are superimposed and connected in a manner which is hermetically sealed but which is separable by being pivoted around a hinge. An upper surface of the first laminar portion of the protection element becomes a sterile support surface for an upper lip, and the lower surface of the second laminar portion of the protection element becomes a sterile support surface for a lower lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Maggi S.p.A.
    Inventors: Mario Maggi, Rosella Maggi
  • Patent number: 6354453
    Abstract: A container end is provided so that upon opening, a generally triangular vent region is formed with an apex pointing rearwardly toward the head space to vent the container, e.g. during pouring. A container is provided that achieves a fast and smooth pour with a relatively small increase (relative to certain previous configurations) in the opening area and achieves a superior pour without increased bursting, buckling or opening failures associated with relatively larger openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Ball Corporation
    Inventor: Howard Curtis Chasteen