US3684126A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Easy-opening can end
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-01-22
•
Granted: 1972-08-15
•
Expires: 1991-01-22
Abstract
Abstract The specification discloses a tear open can or container lid in which the lid has a score line defining a weakened region surrounding an area to be torn out. Connected to the area to be torn out is a tab which has a rigid outer region and a rigid inner region near one end of the outer region and flexibly connected thereto with the inner region fixedly connected to the area to be torn out of the lid.
Inventors
- 👤 Werner Reichert
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 13:52
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D17/00; B65D17/28; B65D17/401; B65D17/4011
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
164 words
In a pull open container cover, a score line following a closed path and defining a weakened line surrounding a region of the cover to be broken loose and torn out of the cover to open the container and a pull tab connected to said region, said pull tab comprising a first rigid section parallel to and adjacent said cover and having one end disposed adjacent one edge part of said region and a second end remote from said edge part, said tab comprising a second rigid section between the said ends and near said one end and connected to said region of the cover, and means flexibly interconnecting said section of said tab so that when said second end of saId tab is lifted away from said cover the said one end of said tab will break said region of the cover loose at said one edge part whereupon said tab can be pulled to tear said region completely out of said cover.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
164 words
In a pull open container cover, a score line following a closed path and defining a weakened line surrounding a region of the cover to be broken loose and torn out of the cover to open the container and a pull tab connected to said region, said pull tab comprising a first rigid section parallel to and adjacent said cover and having one end disposed adjacent one edge part of said region and a second end remote from said edge part, said tab comprising a second rigid section between the said ends and near said one end and connected to said region of the cover, and means flexibly interconnecting said section of said tab so that when said second end of saId tab is lifted away from said cover the said one end of said tab will break said region of the cover loose at said one edge part whereupon said tab can be pulled to tear said region completely out of said cover.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
A pull open container cover according to claim 1 in which said means flexibly interconnecting said rigid section of said tab comprise connecting strips extending in the direction from one end of said tab to the other and each strip being bendable adjacent each said section.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
59 words
A pull open container cover according to claim 2 in which said strips include a shorter strip extending from said one end of said first rigid section to one side of said second rigid section and a larger strip extending from the other side of said second rigid section to the said second end of said first rigid section.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
A pull open container cover according to claim 3 in which said longer strip includes an offset region which straightens out as the tab is lifted away from said cover to increase the effective length of said longer strip.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
A pull open container cover according to claim 3 in which said second section of said tab is made rigid by upwardly turned edge portions thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
73 words
A pull tab for use with a tear open container lid and comprising an elongated member having outer rigid portion and an inner rigid portion near one end of the outer rigid portion and flexible elements extending in the direction of the length of said member and inter-connecting said portions, said inner portion being adapted to be fixed to the part of a container lid to be torn therefrom to open the container.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
73 words
A pull tab for use with a tear open container lid and comprising an elongated member having outer rigid portion and an inner rigid portion near one end of the outer rigid portion and flexible elements extending in the direction of the length of said member and inter-connecting said portions, said inner portion being adapted to be fixed to the part of a container lid to be torn therefrom to open the container.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
51 words
A pull tab according to claim 6 in which said member is a metal strip and has the marginal portion thereof formed to impart stiffness to the outer portion thereof, said strip having slots therein defining said inner portion thereof and the said flexible elements which connect the said portions together.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
A pull tab according to claim 7 in which said member has a fingerhole therein at the end opposite said one end thereof.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3501046A
Cited
US3586203A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-08-15 | 1976-02-14 | 1976-08-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-15 | 1980-02-14 | 1980-08-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-15 | 1984-02-14 | 1984-08-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |