Rivet Connection Between Pull Tab And Removable Portion Integral With Removable Portion Patents (Class 220/273)
  • Patent number: 12017267
    Abstract: A can end including a central panel with an expandable bubble disposed thereon is provided. The use of an expandable bubble allows for an expandable rivet button and thereafter an expandable rivet that has an enhanced overlap of a tab body. Such an expandable rivet allows for the use of a metal sheet with a thinner base thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Cornelius Stammen, Mark Mitchell, Christopher Macke
  • Patent number: 11981476
    Abstract: Re-closable mobile packages are disclosed. An example can end includes a center panel having a pour opening, a first wall extending from the center panel around a perimeter of the pour opening, and a cover rotatably coupled to the center panel. The cover is rotatable relative to the pour opening between a first position and a second position. The cover interlocks with the first wall when the cover is in the first position to prevent access to the pour opening. The cover exposes the pour opening when cover is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: ARDAGH METAL PACKAGING USA CORP.
    Inventors: Rex Villasin, Peter Kim, Alex Teckenbrock, Michael R Gogola
  • Patent number: 11858682
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to containers, particularly to cans (14), for example, for beverages, to a container opening device (9), a container (14), a closure arrangement (12) for a container (14), and a blank for a container opening device (9). The container (14) is typically sealable and has closure (16) attachable thereto to seal the container (14), wherein the closure (16) has a peripherally weakened zone (20), or a partly peripherally weakened zone (20). The container opening device (9) comprises an actuator tab (22) operatively attachable to the closure (16) adjacent the zone (20) such that actuation of the actuator tab (22) between first and second positions causes shearing or detachment of the zone (20) from its weakened periphery thereby to provide an opening to an interior of the container (14), in use; and a pull member (10) attached or attachable to the actuator tab (22) to facilitate actuation of the tab (22) between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Inventor: Roland Andrews
  • Patent number: 11691193
    Abstract: A can end including a central panel with an expandable bubble disposed thereon is provided. The use of an expandable bubble allows for an expandable rivet button and thereafter an expandable rivet that has an enhanced overlap of a tab body. Such an expandable rivet allows for the use of a metal sheet with a thinner base thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Cornelius Stammen, Mark Mitchell, Christopher Macke
  • Patent number: 11447290
    Abstract: A can lid (14) for an aluminum beverage can is disclosed and has a pull tab (38), a chuck wall (26) defining a plug diameter B, a countersink (28) and a central panel (30) having a panel radius (48). On the central panel, a score line (34) defining a tear panel (32) and a rivet (40) for connecting the pull-tab to the can lid are arranged. The lid has a lid plug diameter of between 45 to 49 mm, an outside diameter of between 52 to 55 mm, and a weight of less than 1.9 g. The central panel has a thickness of less than 0.19 mm. The rivet is arranged off-center on the central panel. The rivet is tilted, so that the rivet provides an axis of rotation of the pull tap that has an angle of between 2° and 4° with respect to an axis that is vertically orientated with respect to the central panel, and/or at least one ramp-up bead (56) is arranged on either side of pull tab or on both sides of the pull tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: BALL BEVERAGE PACKAGING EUROPE LIMITED
    Inventors: Thomas Hundeloh, Olaf Joeressen, Pim Van Dam, Ralf Wersuhn
  • Patent number: 11225054
    Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a film-coated metal plate, comprising the steps of: (1) pre-heating and soaking a metal plate; (2) laminating a film on the metal plate, with a deflector roller configured to be movable in a horizontal direction to adjust an angle ? between the metal plate and a vertical direction; (3) cooling the metal plate; (4) compressing the metal plate to dry it; (5) reheating and post-processing the metal plate. A device for producing a film-coated metal plate is also provided, which comprises: an induction heating apparatus, a deflector roller (4) configured to be movable in a horizontal direction to adjust an angle ? between the metal plate and a vertical direction, a thin film guide roller (6), a film-coating roller (7), a cooling apparatus (9), a compressing and drying roller (12), a reheating apparatus (14) and an air cooling apparatus (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: BAOSHAN IRON & STEEL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Peng Li, Hongxing Chen, Zhangwei Wang, Hua Ni
  • Patent number: 11046479
    Abstract: A crown for a bottle or other container has a top portion and an annular skirt that descends contiguously from the top portion. An opener assembly and an arrangement of frangible scoring lines on the crown allow for ease of opening the bottle or container. Corrugated embodiments provide material strengthening for a reduced gauge crown. Embodiments include entire crowns formed of non-metal materials, metal crowns having non-metal opener assemblies, and metal crowns having opener assemblies that are partially metal and partially non-metal. Unique techniques for attachment of such various opener assemblies are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: World Bottling Cap LLC
    Inventor: Abe Frishman
  • Patent number: 10781012
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lid (100) of a container, especially a beverage can, comprising a substantially flat lid surface (101) and a preferably folded edge area (102), as well as at least one pouring opening (103) provided on the lid surface (101), which can be closed in a gas- and/or liquid-tight manner by means of at least one closure element (120), with the closure element (120) being movable from a closed position into an open position by means of an actuating element (110), the actuating element (110) comprises a fixing element (111) and a sliding element (113), and the fixing element (111) is connected to at least one connecting element (115) via at least one predetermined breaking point before opening for the first time and the fixing element (111) has a handle (114) which, upon movement of the fixing element (111) from the closed position into the open position, acts on the at least one predetermined breaking point via at least one edge (114a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: XOLUTION GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Bratsch
  • Patent number: 10618708
    Abstract: A can for containing a liquid having a top end is disclosed. The top end has a dispense area defined by a first score line and a pull tab coupled to the top end by a rivet. The pull tab has a puncturing end for breaking the first score line and pushing into the interior of the can without detaching the dispense area to open a dispense aperture. A vent area is defined by a second score line and positioned on the opposite side of the rivet. The first and second score lines are separated by at least one torsion stripe of the can top material for acting as a hinge by torsion upon lifting the actuating end of the pull tab. As the dispense aperture is opened by pushing the dispense area into the interior of the can, a vent aperture is opened by pulling the vent area outwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A.
    Inventor: Christopher Neiner
  • Patent number: 10618685
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a closure for a container, comprising, a tab attached by rivet means to a closure part to be displaced for forming an opening in the closure, which opening is at least partly defined by a score line formed in the closure, the tab comprises a tab body connected to the rivet means, a tab rear part for finger gripping, and a tab front part of which a tab nose is located near or at the score line, such that during a closure opening procedure comprising finger gripping the tab rear part, lifting the tab rear part thereby pressing the tab nose against the closure on or near the score line, popping the score line, and scoring the score line thereby forming an opening in the closure, characterized by score line parts separated by a score line part to be popped by the tab nose, which score line parts are stronger than the popping score line part, and by stiffening means stiffening closure parts neighboring the stronger score line parts, and to a container provided with such closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Inventor: Fabrice Leboucher
  • Patent number: 10577148
    Abstract: Tabs having cleats and related methods are disclosed. An example tab includes a lift end and a nose opposite the lift end, where the nose is to at least partially extend over a pour panel of the can end. A central webbing is interposed between the lift end and the nose. The central webbing defines a hinge line about which the tab is to pivot away from a center panel of the can end when the tab is coupled to the can end. A first cleat is formed on the nose. The first cleat is offset relative to a first side of the center axis of the tab such that a longitudinal axis of the first cleat intersects the center axis at a first angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Ardagh Metal Beverage USA Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Gogola, Randall G. Forrest
  • Patent number: 10358257
    Abstract: A metallic container end closure is provided that generally comprises a dispensing opening and a vent opening. The vent opening improves pourability through the dispensing opening and provides an alternative option for consuming the contents of the container. The end closure may include features to ease opening of the vent opening, such as stiffeners and/or vent form features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: BALL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Howard C. Chasteen, Mark A. Jacober
  • Patent number: 10110269
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a case for a tablet shaped device, a method for removing a stylus therefrom, and a method for making a case for a tablet shaped device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: STM MANAGEMENT PTY LTD
    Inventors: Ethan Nyholm, Cambell Smyth
  • Patent number: 10053260
    Abstract: A full aperture beverage end has a center panel, a countersink surrounding the center 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 center panel, thereby allowing the main score to tear in a controlled and reliable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Crown Packaging Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Ramsey, Garry Richard Chant, Andrew Robert Lockley, Brian Fields, Martin John Watson, Eleanor Rachel Ann Hyde
  • Patent number: 9950831
    Abstract: A can end and a tab configured to couple to the can end and a related method are provided. The can end is continuous. The tab is configured to couple to the can end with a post, which couples the tab to the can end without passing through the can end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Silgan Containers LLC
    Inventors: Alvin Widitora, Donald M. Gust, Gerald J. Baker
  • Patent number: 9850024
    Abstract: A tab main body section (520) is provided with first to third main body section slits (731-733) which penetrate through the tab main body section (520). The first to third main body section slits (731-733) are formed in a circular arc shape so as to extend along the outer peripheral edge of an insertion hole (540) formed in a circular shape. The first main body section slit (731) is provided between the insertion opening (540) and a first edge section (501) of a tab (500). The second main body section slit (732) and the third main body section slit (733) each have one end section (751) and the other end section (752). The one end section (751) is located closer to a second edge section (502) of the tab (500) than the insertion hole (540).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: SHOWA ALUMINUM CAN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinichi Ojima, Kazunori Ikeda, Tetsuo Kashiwazaki, Asumi Suwa
  • Patent number: 9714114
    Abstract: A full aperture unseamed can end having a vent test rating of at least 90 psi comprising a center panel having an periphery and including a coined portion proximate a rivet, a first score defining a removable panel, a tab, including a nose, mounted to of the removable panel, and a second score disposed on the removable panel, the second score having (i) a central portion spaced apart from the coined portion; (ii) a pair of check slots disposed on either side of the central portion; (iii) a pair of lateral portions that extend from the check slots; and (iv) a pair of side portions that extend from the lateral portions, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Crown Packaging Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Patrick Kittler, Garry Richard Chant
  • Patent number: 9637179
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy vehicle structural component defining an out-of-plane aperture with its main portion. A recessed portion is inset from the main portion having a bed sub-portion out-of-plane with the main portion that defines the aperture. The recessed portion also provides a strain hardened sub-portion, or stiffened ring of material, around the aperture. When the main portion is subjected to in-plane tension due to bending, the strain primarily concentrates along the strain hardened sub-portion (the stiffened ring) and by-passes the aperture. As a result the perimeter of the aperture undergoes less straining than if the aperture was in-plane with the main portion. The out-of-plane aperture, the bed sub-portion surrounding the aperture, and the strain hardened sub-portion surrounding the bed sub-portion may improve the overall structural robustness of the aluminum alloy structural component when subjected to in-plane tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammed Omar Faruque, Kevin Pline, Srinivasan Sundararajan, Duncan Whipps, Darrin Neil Wagner
  • Patent number: 9573724
    Abstract: A tab is provided, which includes a body having first and second opposing ends, a nose portion disposed at or about the first end of the body, a lift portion disposed at or about the second end of the body of the tab, and a rivet receiving portion disposed proximate the nose portion. The rivet receiving portion includes a generally planar portion, a rivet hole having a perimeter, and an upturned portion extending upwardly from the generally planar portion about the perimeter of the rivet hole. The upturned portion reinforces the rivet hole and has an arcuate cross section profile. An integral rivet extends through the rivet hole and is staked to affix the tab to a can end. The upturned portion is devoid of any corners or edges both before and after the integral rivet is staked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Richard Mitchell, Craig Allen McEldowney, Robert H. Brussell, Gregory H. Butcher
  • Patent number: 9376233
    Abstract: An easy open closure (10) for food or beverage containers and comprising a centre panel (27) surrounded by a circumferential score (16) and an outer seaming panel (17). The closure further comprises a tab (11), the tab being fixed to the centre panel by a rivet (12) formed in the centre panel (27) such that lifting of a radially inner region of the tab (11) forces a nose portion (24) of the tab into contact with a region of the centre panel adjacent to a radially inner edge of the circumferential score (16), thereby causing the score to fracture. A bead (19) is formed in and extending circumferentially around the centre panel inside and adjacent to the circumferential score (16) and at a radius outside of the rivet (12), the bead deviating inwardly from its circumferential path as it approaches the region in which the rivet (12) is formed, and the bead terminating adjacent to and on either side of the rivet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Crown Packaging Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Noe Jacques Francois Gailly
  • Patent number: 9359108
    Abstract: The invention relates to a can having an easy opening panel comprising a tab connected via a rivet structure to the panel, wherein the tab comprises a tab rear part for gripping and actuation, and a tab front part for opening the can upon tab actuation, wherein the panel comprises at least beneath the tab front part a panel structure deformable upon can internal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Impress Group B.V.
    Inventor: Fabrice Leboucher
  • Patent number: 9296432
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy vehicle structural component defining an out-of-plane aperture with its main portion. A recessed portion is inset from the main portion having a bed sub-portion out-of-plane with the main portion that defines the aperture. The recessed portion also provides a strain hardened sub-portion, or stiffened ring of material, around the aperture. When the main portion is subjected to in-plane tension due to bending, the strain primarily concentrates along the strain hardened sub-portion (the stiffened ring) and by-passes the aperture. As a result the perimeter of the aperture undergoes less straining than if the aperture was in-plane with the main portion. The out-of-plane aperture, the bed sub-portion surrounding the aperture, and the strain hardened sub-portion surrounding the bed sub-portion may improve the overall structural robustness of the aluminum alloy structural component when subjected to in-plane tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammed Omar Faruque, Kevin Pline, Srinivasan Sundararajan, Duncan Whipps, Darrin Neil Wagner
  • Patent number: 9255315
    Abstract: Aluminum alloy plate having improved resistance against incoming kinetic energy projectiles, the plate having a gauge of 10 mm or more and the aluminum alloy having a chemical composition including, in weight percent: Mg 4.0 to 6.0, Mn 0.2 to 1.4, Zn 0.9 max., Zr<0.3, Cr<0.3, Sc?0.5, Ti?0.3, Fe<0.5, Si<0.45, Ag<0.4, Cu<0.25, other elements and unavoidable impurities each <0.05, total <0.20, balance aluminum, and wherein the alloy plate is obtained by a manufacturing process including casting, preheating and/or homogenization, hot rolling, a first cold working operation, an annealing treatment at a temperature of less than 350° C., followed by a second cold working operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: ALERIS ALUMINUM KOBLENZ GMBH
    Inventors: Ingo Günther Kröpfl, Claus Jürgen Moritz, Stefan Moldenhauer
  • Publication number: 20150034649
    Abstract: A system and method for laser marking can end, including a can end center panel and/or pull tab. The decorated can end and/or tabs may have a machine readable image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Ramsey, Laura Jane McGirr
  • Patent number: 8944264
    Abstract: A crown, for a medical vial opening, has a top portion and a skirt surrounding the top portion. The skirt terminates at a lower edge defined in a first horizontal plane. An opener assembly is mounted to a portion of the top. A first scoring line extends from the portion of the top to which the opener assembly is mounted to the lower edge of the skirt in a continuous radial direction, and a second scoring line provides an upper radial segment extending from the opener assembly to the skirt along a radial axis, and a lower annular segment that extends circumferentially along the skirt in an annular direction and extending from a terminus of the upper radial segment, the lower annular segment defined in a second horizontal plane equidistant to the first horizontal plane associated with the lower edge of the skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: World Bottling Cap, LLC
    Inventor: Abe Frishman
  • Patent number: 8939308
    Abstract: A full aperture beverage end has a center panel, a countersink surrounding the center 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 center panel, thereby allowing the main score to tear in a controlled and reliable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Crown Packaging Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Ramsey, Garry Richard Chant, Andrew Robert Lockley, Brian Fields, Martin John Watson, Eleanor Rachel Ann Hyde
  • Publication number: 20140319184
    Abstract: A cover embodiment which aims to resolve drawbacks, by means of regulating the air passage that will occur into the aseptic package, such as splashes and spills that could happen during outflow of the liquid from the aseptic package wherein it is positioned, and particularly to facilitate the process of opening aseptic packages which ensures protection of long lives of the liquids of food nature, and conservation of them in a sterilized manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Necat EMIRCAN
  • Patent number: 8870012
    Abstract: The present invention is a flip-up pop-tab in which a partially detachable portion of a lid of a can is separated from the can and hinged away from the opening created in the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Gilbert P. Stengel, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130334226
    Abstract: A can end for a beverage container has a center panel about which a circumferential strengthening member extends. The center panel has a rivet attaching a tab to a public side of the center panel. The tab has a cleat formed at a nose end. The cleat intersects a diametrical line of the can end drawn through a lift end of the tab, the nose end, and the rivet. The cleat extends downwardly towards the public side of a tear panel such that a distance from a lowermost portion of the cleat to the tear panel is less than a distance of an uppermost portion of the cleat to the tear panel. The cleat has a compressed portion of the curled portion forming a substantially V-shaped crevice on an upper surface of the tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Rexam Beverage Can Company
    Inventors: Randall G. Forrest, Jonathan P. Meyer, Derek J. Siegal
  • Patent number: 8608006
    Abstract: A crown for a bottle or other container, the crown comprised of a pull tab ring and a pull tab secured to the crown by a rivet and one or more cut lines between the rivet and the rim of the crown. The crown may be formed from tinplate with a hardness of T4 as measured by the Rockwell 30T Hardness Scale so that the crown may be opened and removed from the container the a force of approximately 2.5 Kg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: World Bottling Cap, LLC
    Inventor: Abe Frishman
  • Patent number: 8365940
    Abstract: A pull tab crown for a bottle or other container provides an opener secured to the top of the crown. The crown has an annular skirt with an annular edge. Score lines extend from the opener assembly to the skirt. One of the score lines is curvilinear and terminates at the annular edge. A second score line has as segment that extends from the opener assembly to an endpoint substantially spaced from the bottom annular edge of the skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: World Bottling Cap, LLC
    Inventor: Abe Frishman
  • Patent number: 8276773
    Abstract: A pull tab crown for a bottle or other container provides a pull tab ring and a pull tab secured to the top of the crown by a rivet to form a pull tab assembly. A seat in the top of the crown formed by an indentation allows the pull tab assembly to rest flush with the top of the crown. One or more score lines extend from the pull tab assembly to rim of the crown. One of the score lines has a segment that extends for a distance equidistant from the top of the crown and the edge of the crown. The score lines have a curved cross-sectional profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: World Bottling Cap, LLC
    Inventor: Abe Frishman
  • Patent number: 8109405
    Abstract: A can end is provided, which includes a severable panel, a peripheral scoreline defining the periphery of the severable panel, an opening mechanism such as a pull tab, a rivet coupling the pull tab to the severable panel, and a rivet base scoreline in the public side of the severable panel within about 0.025 inch or less of the stem of the rivet. The rivet base scoreline includes an arcuate head portion, first and second arm portions extending from the arcuate head portion, and first and second ends. The base of the rivet has a radius of curvature forming an intersection between the stem of the rivet and the public side of the severable panel. The arcuate head portion of the rivet base scoreline is contiguous with the radius of curvature. The pull tab includes a nose portion having a number of apertures aligned with corresponding portions of the rivet base scoreline disposed thereunder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory H. Butcher, Greg S. Williams
  • Patent number: 8061544
    Abstract: A crown for a bottle or other container, the crown comprised of a pull tab ring and a pull tab secured to the crown by a rivet and one or more cut lines between the rivet and the rim of the crown. The crown may be formed from tinplate with a hardness of T4 as measured by the Rockwell 30T Hardness Scale so that the crown may be opened and removed from the container the a force of approximately 2.5 Kg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: World Bottling Cap, LLC
    Inventor: Abe Frishman
  • Patent number: 7922025
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Crown Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Paul R. Heinicke
  • Patent number: 7891519
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Daiwa Can Company
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Matsukawa, Wataru Hasegawa, Masahiro Shiotani, Jun Kaimori
  • Publication number: 20100126994
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tab for a closure, comprising a tab body having at one side a tab nose for opening the closure, and at the other side a tab lever having a finger opening for activating the tab lever, which finger opening is surrounded by a distal lever part connected by lateral lever legs to the tab body, wherein in the lever legs are formed aligned hinge parts in the form of lateral lever leg parts of reduced bending strength, to a closure and container comprising such tab, and to a process for making such tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: IMPRESS GROUP B.V.
    Inventors: Gerardus Johannes Josephus Tielbeke, Aart Leendert Emmerzaal
  • Patent number: 7721906
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Crown Packaging Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Heinicke
  • Patent number: 7677404
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Allen McEldowney, Mark Richard Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20090057315
    Abstract: An interlocking container end closure which permits a plurality of containers to be joined together and the contents thereof mixed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Lisa P. Stringfield, Randal W. Stringfield
  • Publication number: 20080203094
    Abstract: Disclosed is a can end with an improved opening and drinking convenience. The can end includes a body having an opening piece defined in a predetermined region of an upper surface thereof by scores, and a tab coupled to the body by means of a rivet. The tab has a first end located at one side of the rivet to form a grip portion, and a second end located at the other side of the rivet to form a pressure portion for pressing the opening piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Hyun Jin CHO
  • Publication number: 20080067175
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: CROWN PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: Paul R. Heinicke
  • Publication number: 20080067174
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: CROWN PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: Paul R. Heinicke
  • Patent number: 7270246
    Abstract: A non-circular can end for a container having walls which form an opening includes a corner-mounted pull tab opener secured to a severable panel portion by an integral rivet. The corner-mounted opener facilitates easy opening of the can end. A pair of generally parallel bead recesses on either side of the integral rivet stiffen the severable panel portion in order to facilitate bending of the panel aft of the rivet to easily open the can end. The severable panel optionally further includes a mustache-shaped scoreline to reduce the amount of force required to lift the opener. Tooling and a conversion press for converting shells into the non-circular can ends are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory H. Butcher, Kenneth F. Fultz, Mark R. Mitchell, David A. Stradling, Greg S. Williams
  • Patent number: 6401956
    Abstract: An easy open safety end having a central portion and a rim portion separated by a score line. A tab applies a force to the end adjacent the score line so as to shear the score line at opening. A circumferentially extending fold is formed in either the central portion or the rim portion, or both, to protect the user from being cut by the sharp edge the results upon shearing the score line. A first circumferential portion of the fold is tight, whereas a second portion, which is preferably proximate the tab is loose. The fold is displaced below a portion of the end adjacent the score line by a circumferentially extending gap. In the tight portion of the fold, the width of the gap is less than the thickness of the end, and preferably less than one half the thickness, whereas in the loose portion of the fold, the width of the gap is greater than the thickness of the end, and is preferably at least twice the thickness of the end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Paul R. Heinicke, William A. Kirk
  • Patent number: 6305545
    Abstract: In order to ship items such as IC computer chips and the like type of electronic parts, a shipping container includes a pump which can pump air from the interior of the container into bladder-like air chambers which are disposed along the interior walls of the container and which can be pressurized to form insulating barriers about the container contents to protect them from external shock. Once the lid of the container is closed, the pump, which is formed into part of the container, can be operated to transfer the air from the interior of the container into the bladder-like air chambers which are fluidly interconnected. This reduces the pressure in the container to a sub-atmospheric level and raises the pressure in the air chambers to a level in excess of atmospheric. The internal sub-atmospheric pressure of course holds the lid closed which can be additionally sealed with a suitable adhesive tape/gasket materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony B. Morrow
  • Patent number: 6234337
    Abstract: A safe container end closure includes an annular central lid portion, an annular peripheral lid portion, and a score line joining the annular central lid portion to the annular peripheral lid portion to permit removal of the central lid portion from the peripheral lid portion. A opening tab is secured to the central lid portion for pivoting movement relative to the central lid portion, with the opening tab having a nose positioned adjacent the score line so that upon pivoting of the opening tab the nose of the opening tab causes a portion of the score line to sever. The closure is formed so that upon removal of the central lid portion, at least the sharp edge on the removed central lid portion is rendered safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: H.J. Heinz Company
    Inventors: William Huber, Peter M. Douglas
  • Patent number: 5934498
    Abstract: A convenience easy opening end having a removable panel portion which includes a narrow U-shaped stem portion extending from a larger rounded bulbous portion and with a pull tab attached to the stem portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Charles L. Jordan
  • Patent number: 5851685
    Abstract: An easy open can end having an improved rivet structure integrally formed thereon for the attachment of a pull tab, a method of further forming a can end to incorporate the improved rivet, and tooling for accomplishing the method. The further formation of the can end includes the steps of bubble formation, first button formation, and final rivet formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Carl McEldowney
  • Patent number: 5816429
    Abstract: An upper panel has a shearing line including a shear-start portion, linear portions extending from opposite ends of the shear-start portion in an equal length, and an arced portion connecting leading edges of the linear portion. The upper panel also has foldable lines and ribs on the upper panel, each of the foldable lines being located at a position inner to and in parallel to each of the linear portions, and each of the ribs extending in parallel with each of the foldable lines. A pull tab has a fixing portion fixed to a portion of the upper panel inner to the shear-start portion. The pull tab has a pressing portion extending out the shearing line so as to press a portion of the upper panel located outside of the shear-start portion when a raising portion of the pull tab is raised. When the pull tab is raised for opening operation, each of the linear portions of a part detached from the upper panel has a sheared edge curled toward the inside of a container, providing safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Tadao Kobayashi