US3662916A - Easy opening container - Google Patents

Easy opening container Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3662916A
US3662916A US91645A US3662916DA US3662916A US 3662916 A US3662916 A US 3662916A US 91645 A US91645 A US 91645A US 3662916D A US3662916D A US 3662916DA US 3662916 A US3662916 A US 3662916A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
rivet
pull tab
weakening line
container
removable panel
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US91645A
Inventor
Albert J Holk Jr
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Continental Can Co Inc
Original Assignee
Continental Can Co Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Continental Can Co Inc filed Critical Continental Can Co Inc
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3662916A publication Critical patent/US3662916A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D17/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions
    • B65D17/28—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness
    • B65D17/401—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness characterised by having the line of weakness provided in an end wall
    • B65D17/4011—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness characterised by having the line of weakness provided in an end wall for opening completely by means of a tearing tab

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to easy opening containers and more particularly'to an arrangement for improving the opening characteristics of an easy opening end of the full opening type.
  • Easy opening end closures of the full opening type include a pull tab attached to the removable panel portion for upward tilting movement.
  • a rupturing nose on one end of the tab and lying adjacent the weakening line defining the removable panel portion severs the weakening line.
  • the weakening line which is in-close proximity to the chuck wall breaks along an arc of the circumference. The length of the arcuate break is dictated by the fold line along which the separated panel portion bends as the nose penetrates downwardly into the container.
  • the ribs are arranged to extend parallel to the tilting axis of the pull tab.
  • the ribs terminate at one end in close proximity to the weakening line and at the other remote end in close proximity to the diameter of the rivet.
  • FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a container embodying the structure of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the container end closure with a pull tab illustrated in phantom lines to show underlying details;
  • FIG. 3 is a fragmentary top view of the easy opening structure showing the condition of the removable panel portion at the initial break of the weakening line with the pull tab broken away to show underlying detail;
  • FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view taken generally along the lines 4-4 of FIG. 3 with the pull tab shown in an erect posi-' tion just immediately prior to the application of an upwardly pulling force.
  • an easy opening container 10 comprising generally a container body 11 having a bottom closed end. The other end has an easy opening end closure 13 attached thereto as by means of a double seam 14.
  • the easy opening end closure 13 includes a recessed panel 15 having a peripheral weakening line 16 formed as by scoring.
  • the peripheral weakening or score line 16 is disposed adjacent to an upstanding chuck wall 17 and defines a removable removable panel portion 18 and extends throudgh an openin provided in an attachment ear 24 in the forwar portion 20 o the pull tab 19.
  • the attachment car 24 is formed as by a U- shaped lance 25 with the open end facing a score line penetrating nose 26.
  • the nose 26 is disposed adjacent the score line so as to sever upon upward tilting of the pull tab 19 about the attachment car 24.
  • the nose 26 Upon upward tilting of the pull tab 19 by grasping the finger grip portion 21, the nose 26 penetrates the score line to tear an arcuate portion thereof. As the pull tab 19 is further tilted toward an upright position, the removable panel portion gradually curls and bends downwardly into the container. l-Ieretofore, such downward bending of the removable panel portion has been limited to bending along a line which extends across the forward end of the rivet. The bending line is in the nature of a chord of which the ends define the limits of the length of the are that is severed along the score line.
  • a pair of downwardly projecting beads 27 disposed in parallel relationship on opposite sides or the rivet
  • the forward or outboard ends 28 of the beads 27 lie in close proximity to the score line 16.
  • the rear or inboard ends 29 lie in close proximity to the circumference of the rivet 22 and along a line passing approximately through the center thereof.
  • the area of the panel including the beads 27 and rivet 22 bends along a line as shown in FIG. 3 across the rear side of the rivet.
  • the are of the severed score line 16 is of greater length than heretofore and the ends of the severed arc lie in closer proximity to the center of the container so that a lesser pulling force is required to initiate further separation of the removable panel from the end closure 13. In this manner, the opening characteristics of the container are improved.
  • An easy opening container comprising an end closure having a weakening line defining a removable panel portion, a pull tab having a finger grip portion and a forward portion, a nose on said forward portion, rivet means extending through said forward portion for tiltably attaching said pull on said removable panel portion so that said nose penetrates said weakening line upon lifting of said pull tab, and bend resisting means disposed on opposite sides of said rivet and extending from close proximity to said weakening line to said rivet so that said panel bends along a line passing in close proximity to the inboard side of said rivet upon severance of said weakening line and tilting of said pull tab to an upright position.
  • said rigidifying means comprises a pair of beads disposed on opposite sides of the rivet.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers Opened By Tearing Frangible Portions (AREA)

Abstract

A full panel type of easy opening container having means for increasing the initial opening arc of the score line during upward tilting of the pull tab. The rigidifying means comprises beads arranged to form a rigid panel portion at the rivet so that a bend line occurs behind the rivet upon penetration of the pull tab nose into the container.

Description

United States Patent Holk, Jr.
[ 1 May 16, 1972 [54] EASY OPENING CONTAINER [72] inventor: Albert J. Holk, Jr., Frankfortrlll.
[73] Assignee: Continental Can Company, Inc., New
York, NY.
[22] Filed: Nov. 23, 1970 [21] App|.No.: 91,645
[52] U.S. C1. ..220/54 [51] Int. Cl ..B65d 17/24 [58] Field of Search ..220/54, 48
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,404,801 10/1968 Silver ..220/54 3,591,037 7/1971 Schrecker ..220/54 Primary Examiner-George T. Hall Attomey-Fred P. Kostka, Joseph E. Kerwin and William A. Dittmann ABSTRACT A full panel type of easy opening container having means for increasing the initial opening arc of the score line during upward tilting of the pull tab. The rigidifying means comprises beads arranged to form a rigid panel portion at the rivet so that a bend line occurs behind the rivet upon penetration of the pull tab nose into the container.
4 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures Patented May 16, 1972 //v VEN TOR I ALBERT J. j-IOL K, JR.
ATT'Y.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to easy opening containers and more particularly'to an arrangement for improving the opening characteristics of an easy opening end of the full opening type.
Easy opening end closures of the full opening type include a pull tab attached to the removable panel portion for upward tilting movement. Upon upward tilting of the pull tab a rupturing nose on one end of the tab and lying adjacent the weakening line defining the removable panel portion severs the weakening line. The weakening line which is in-close proximity to the chuck wall breaks along an arc of the circumference. The length of the arcuate break is dictated by the fold line along which the separated panel portion bends as the nose penetrates downwardly into the container.
Heretofore, such bending has occurred along a relatively short chord so that only a short arcuate segment is separated. This requires that a relatively longer are of the weakening line must be separated by an upward pulling force on the pull tab. In fact, under some circumstances, the length of the initial arc is such that the ends thereof occur at a location at which it is difficult to transmit the pulling force from the pull tab. Frequently, under the latter condition, a user will apply such a force on the pull tab that the latter breaks from the container.
This is undesirable because the breaking of the pull tab requires that separate tools he used to complete the severance of the removable panel from the container.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION By the present invention, it is proposed to improve the initial opening characteristics in a manner which overcomes the difficulties encountered heretofore.
This is accomplished generally by the provision of a pair of ribs disposed on opposite sides of the rivet which is used to fasten the pull tab on the removable panel portion. The ribs are arranged to extend parallel to the tilting axis of the pull tab. The ribs terminate at one end in close proximity to the weakening line and at the other remote end in close proximity to the diameter of the rivet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a container embodying the structure of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the container end closure with a pull tab illustrated in phantom lines to show underlying details;
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary top view of the easy opening structure showing the condition of the removable panel portion at the initial break of the weakening line with the pull tab broken away to show underlying detail; and
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view taken generally along the lines 4-4 of FIG. 3 with the pull tab shown in an erect posi-' tion just immediately prior to the application of an upwardly pulling force.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, there is shown an easy opening container 10 comprising generally a container body 11 having a bottom closed end. The other end has an easy opening end closure 13 attached thereto as by means of a double seam 14.
The easy opening end closure 13 includes a recessed panel 15 having a peripheral weakening line 16 formed as by scoring. The peripheral weakening or score line 16 is disposed adjacent to an upstanding chuck wall 17 and defines a removable removable panel portion 18 and extends throudgh an openin provided in an attachment ear 24 in the forwar portion 20 o the pull tab 19. The attachment car 24 is formed as by a U- shaped lance 25 with the open end facing a score line penetrating nose 26. The nose 26 is disposed adjacent the score line so as to sever upon upward tilting of the pull tab 19 about the attachment car 24.
Upon upward tilting of the pull tab 19 by grasping the finger grip portion 21, the nose 26 penetrates the score line to tear an arcuate portion thereof. As the pull tab 19 is further tilted toward an upright position, the removable panel portion gradually curls and bends downwardly into the container. l-Ieretofore, such downward bending of the removable panel portion has been limited to bending along a line which extends across the forward end of the rivet. The bending line is in the nature of a chord of which the ends define the limits of the length of the are that is severed along the score line.
To increase the length of the severed arc, by the present invention there is provided a means for rigidifying the removable portion adjacent the weakening line so that a bending line is fonncd on the far or inboard side of the rivet and thereby increases the length of the arc. To this end, there is provided a pair of downwardly projecting beads 27 disposed in parallel relationship on opposite sides or the rivet The forward or outboard ends 28 of the beads 27 lie in close proximity to the score line 16. The rear or inboard ends 29 lie in close proximity to the circumference of the rivet 22 and along a line passing approximately through the center thereof. Thus, upon tilting the pull tab 19 bending along a line on the front side of the rivet is prevented by beads 27 which rigidify the removable panel portion in this area. Rigidity is also created in part by the rivet 22 because the beads 27 lie in close proximity thereto.
Upon further tilting of the pull tab 19 to an upright position as shown, the area of the panel including the beads 27 and rivet 22 bends along a line as shown in FIG. 3 across the rear side of the rivet. The are of the severed score line 16 is of greater length than heretofore and the ends of the severed arc lie in closer proximity to the center of the container so that a lesser pulling force is required to initiate further separation of the removable panel from the end closure 13. In this manner, the opening characteristics of the container are improved.
What is claimed is:
1. An easy opening container comprising an end closure having a weakening line defining a removable panel portion, a pull tab having a finger grip portion and a forward portion, a nose on said forward portion, rivet means extending through said forward portion for tiltably attaching said pull on said removable panel portion so that said nose penetrates said weakening line upon lifting of said pull tab, and bend resisting means disposed on opposite sides of said rivet and extending from close proximity to said weakening line to said rivet so that said panel bends along a line passing in close proximity to the inboard side of said rivet upon severance of said weakening line and tilting of said pull tab to an upright position.
2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said rigidifying means comprises a pair of beads disposed on opposite sides of the rivet.
3. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said beads extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pull tab.
4. The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein a substantially U-shaped attachment ear is provided in said forward portion, and wherein said rivet is made integral said removable panel portion and extends through an opening formed in said attachment ear.

Claims (4)

1. An easy opening container comprising an end closure having a weakening line defining a removable panel portion, a pull tab having a finger grip portion and a forward portion, a nose on said forward portion, rivet means extending through said forward portion for tiltably attaching said pull on said removable panel portion so that said nose penetrates said weakening line upon lifting of said pull tab, and bend resisting means disposed on opposite sides of said rivet and extending from close proximity to said weakening line to said rivet so that said panel bends along a line passing in close proximity to the inboard side of said rivet upon severance of said weakening line and tilting of said pull tab to an upright position.
2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said rigidifying means comprises a pair of beads disposed on opposite sides of the rivet.
3. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said beads extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pull tab.
4. The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein a substantially U-shaped attachment ear is provided in said forwaRd portion, and wherein said rivet is made integral said removable panel portion and extends through an opening formed in said attachment ear.
US91645A 1970-11-23 1970-11-23 Easy opening container Expired - Lifetime US3662916A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US9164570A 1970-11-23 1970-11-23

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3662916A true US3662916A (en) 1972-05-16

Family

ID=22228891

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US91645A Expired - Lifetime US3662916A (en) 1970-11-23 1970-11-23 Easy opening container

Country Status (10)

Country Link
US (1) US3662916A (en)
JP (1) JPS5235243Y2 (en)
AU (1) AU3436071A (en)
BE (1) BE775647A (en)
BR (1) BR7103958D0 (en)
CA (1) CA951656A (en)
DE (1) DE2126933A1 (en)
FR (1) FR2115133B1 (en)
NL (1) NL167921C (en)
ZA (1) ZA71770B (en)

Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3712503A (en) * 1971-11-03 1973-01-23 Nat Can Corp Full open end closure
US3752353A (en) * 1972-01-24 1973-08-14 Campbell Soup Co Can end
US3795342A (en) * 1972-05-08 1974-03-05 M Ashton Stowable tab and tear strip
US3838788A (en) * 1973-03-15 1974-10-01 Dorn Co V Can end construction
US3858753A (en) * 1972-04-06 1975-01-07 Stolle Corp Easy-open can end
US3874553A (en) * 1973-07-19 1975-04-01 Aluminum Co Of America Easy opening can end with embossed panel
US3891117A (en) * 1974-05-24 1975-06-24 Dorn Co V Easy-opening can end construction
EP0236736A2 (en) * 1986-03-06 1987-09-16 Schmalbach-Lubeca AG Tearable metal cover for cans
US5713481A (en) * 1996-05-06 1998-02-03 Aluminum Company Of America Full panel pull out can end with vent means
USD405010S (en) * 1994-11-03 1999-02-02 Schmalbach-Lubeca Ag Can lid
US20040099665A1 (en) * 2002-11-27 2004-05-27 Mceldowney Carl F. Easy-opening can end and a conversion press and tools for producing the same
US20070108209A1 (en) * 2002-06-11 2007-05-17 Jeong-Wook Jeon Easily openable can lid
US20100116374A1 (en) * 2008-11-11 2010-05-13 Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. Method of assembling an easy open container
US20100287886A1 (en) * 2009-05-14 2010-11-18 Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. Method of forming a can end having a moveable portion
US20110186575A1 (en) * 2008-01-18 2011-08-04 Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. Can end
US9016034B2 (en) 2008-09-04 2015-04-28 Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. Easily openable can end, container, and methods of forming
CN108430878A (en) * 2015-12-09 2018-08-21 皇冠包装技术公司 Can end with dimensional characteristics

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA1005004A (en) * 1972-09-28 1977-02-08 Reynolds Metals Company Easy-open wall
BE814151R (en) * 1973-07-13 1974-08-16 EASY OPENING BOX ENDS
JPS5052779U (en) * 1973-09-08 1975-05-21
SE401148B (en) * 1975-09-12 1978-04-24 Akerlund & Rausing Ab CAN-LIKE PACKAGING
US4096967A (en) * 1977-06-06 1978-06-27 The Stolle Corporation Ecological easy-open can end
JPS57163641A (en) * 1981-03-31 1982-10-07 Toyo Seikan Kaisha Ltd Vessel cover, which is made of plastic and easily unsealed
JPS57185109U (en) * 1981-05-21 1982-11-24
JPS59184404U (en) * 1983-05-25 1984-12-07 東芝テック株式会社 lighting equipment

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3404801A (en) * 1967-04-21 1968-10-08 Fraze Ermal C Easy-opening container wall with scoreline vent
US3591037A (en) * 1969-02-24 1971-07-06 Aluminum Co Of America Container with removable panel portion

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3404801A (en) * 1967-04-21 1968-10-08 Fraze Ermal C Easy-opening container wall with scoreline vent
US3591037A (en) * 1969-02-24 1971-07-06 Aluminum Co Of America Container with removable panel portion

Cited By (25)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3712503A (en) * 1971-11-03 1973-01-23 Nat Can Corp Full open end closure
US3752353A (en) * 1972-01-24 1973-08-14 Campbell Soup Co Can end
US3858753A (en) * 1972-04-06 1975-01-07 Stolle Corp Easy-open can end
US3795342A (en) * 1972-05-08 1974-03-05 M Ashton Stowable tab and tear strip
US3838788A (en) * 1973-03-15 1974-10-01 Dorn Co V Can end construction
US3874553A (en) * 1973-07-19 1975-04-01 Aluminum Co Of America Easy opening can end with embossed panel
US3891117A (en) * 1974-05-24 1975-06-24 Dorn Co V Easy-opening can end construction
EP0236736A2 (en) * 1986-03-06 1987-09-16 Schmalbach-Lubeca AG Tearable metal cover for cans
EP0236736A3 (en) * 1986-03-06 1988-06-29 Schmalbach-Lubeca Ag Tearable metal cover for cans
USD405010S (en) * 1994-11-03 1999-02-02 Schmalbach-Lubeca Ag Can lid
US5713481A (en) * 1996-05-06 1998-02-03 Aluminum Company Of America Full panel pull out can end with vent means
US20070108209A1 (en) * 2002-06-11 2007-05-17 Jeong-Wook Jeon Easily openable can lid
US8113375B2 (en) * 2002-06-11 2012-02-14 Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. Easily openable can lid having a movable portion
US8733576B2 (en) 2002-06-11 2014-05-27 Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. Easily openable can lid having a movable portion for pull tab access
US8371467B2 (en) 2002-06-11 2013-02-12 Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. Easily openable can lid having a movable portion
US20040099665A1 (en) * 2002-11-27 2004-05-27 Mceldowney Carl F. Easy-opening can end and a conversion press and tools for producing the same
US9199763B2 (en) 2008-01-18 2015-12-01 Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. Can end
US20110186575A1 (en) * 2008-01-18 2011-08-04 Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. Can end
US9016034B2 (en) 2008-09-04 2015-04-28 Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. Easily openable can end, container, and methods of forming
US20100116374A1 (en) * 2008-11-11 2010-05-13 Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. Method of assembling an easy open container
US8454292B2 (en) 2009-05-14 2013-06-04 Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. Method of forming a can end having a moveable portion
US20100287886A1 (en) * 2009-05-14 2010-11-18 Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. Method of forming a can end having a moveable portion
CN108430878A (en) * 2015-12-09 2018-08-21 皇冠包装技术公司 Can end with dimensional characteristics
CN108430878B (en) * 2015-12-09 2020-03-20 皇冠包装技术公司 Can end with venting feature
US10703533B2 (en) 2015-12-09 2020-07-07 Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. Can with end venting feature

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BE775647A (en) 1972-03-16
JPS5235243Y2 (en) 1977-08-11
CA951656A (en) 1974-07-23
DE2126933A1 (en) 1972-05-31
NL167921B (en) 1981-09-16
AU3436071A (en) 1973-04-12
JPS47297U (en) 1972-06-26
NL7115720A (en) 1972-05-25
ZA71770B (en) 1972-09-27
NL167921C (en) 1982-02-16
BR7103958D0 (en) 1973-02-08
FR2115133B1 (en) 1978-03-17
FR2115133A1 (en) 1972-07-07

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3662916A (en) Easy opening container
US5052573A (en) Easy open end for containers employing enlarged moustache score
US3977561A (en) Can end with nondetachable tear tab and opening ring
US4182460A (en) Lever action tab system for easy opening ends
US3951299A (en) Horse-shoe shaped vent score
US3796344A (en) Non-detachable tear strip and pull tab structure for easy opening container
US3795340A (en) Tab mounting arrangement for easy opening can end
US5934498A (en) Convenience easy opening end with large removal panel
US4044915A (en) Container end closure
US3735892A (en) Full open end having chordal start tear score sections
US3404801A (en) Easy-opening container wall with scoreline vent
US3370169A (en) Pull tab opener
US3303959A (en) Can top
US3782586A (en) Easy opening container wall
US3250426A (en) Pre-puncturing tab
US3912115A (en) Double tethered push-in tab
US3768692A (en) Container easy-open structure
US3604589A (en) Antifracture coin for panelled can ends
US3301432A (en) Pull key opening can end
US3989161A (en) Container end closure
US3593877A (en) Pull tab mounting arrangement for easy opening can end
US3795341A (en) Easy opening container
US3450300A (en) Easy-open structure for containers
US3967750A (en) Easy-open wall
US3527378A (en) Easy-opening closure