US3780647A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Container flattening apparatus
Assignee: FMC Corp
•
Filing: 1972-09-25
•
Granted: 1973-12-25
•
Expires: 1992-09-25
Abstract
Abstract A can flattening apparatus has four diagonal creasing blades that are pressed into the cylindrical wall of the can through a housing, whereupon the can is flattened by axial compression between an anvil and rotatable base in the housing.
Inventors
- 👤 J Reimers
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 19:14
CPC Classifications
B; B30; B30B; B30B9/00; B30B9/32; B30B9/321; B30B7/00; B30B7/04; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S100/00; Y10S100/902
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
Apparatus for flattening cans of the type comprising a can confining housing having a rotatable member for engaging one end of the can, a lateral discharge throat for the flattened cans at said one end, an anvil slidable along said housing and toward a base formed in the housing for flattening cans in the housing, and means for operating said anvil; the improvement comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced creasing blades projecting diagonally through said housing at an acute angle to the can axis, and means for pressing said blades into the cylindrical wall of a can in said housing to provide diagonal creases in the can before said anvil begins to flatten the can.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
Apparatus for flattening cans of the type comprising a can confining housing having a rotatable member for engaging one end of the can, a lateral discharge throat for the flattened cans at said one end, an anvil slidable along said housing and toward a base formed in the housing for flattening cans in the housing, and means for operating said anvil; the improvement comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced creasing blades projecting diagonally through said housing at an acute angle to the can axis, and means for pressing said blades into the cylindrical wall of a can in said housing to provide diagonal creases in the can before said anvil begins to flatten the can.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 1, comprising means for withdrawing said blades from the can after they have creased the can and before the anvil produces any substantial flattening of the can.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 2, wherein there are four equally spaced creasing blades.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said creasing blades are disposed to be substantially axially cEntered on a can of average size supported by said housing base and wherein the blades extend over about one half the length of the can.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said rotatable member is at the base of said housing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 5, comprising trunnions on said anvil, pivoted arms having slots for mounting said anvil, and slots in said housing for receiving and guiding said trunnions.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said means for pressing said creasing blades into the can comprises a cam surface on said anvil, arms pivotally mounting said blades on the housing, and cam followers on the outer ends of said arms for spreading engagement with said anvil cam surface.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said cam followers project through apertures in said housing for engagement by said anvil cam surface.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-24 | 1977-06-25 | 1977-12-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-24 | 1981-06-25 | 1981-12-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-24 | 1985-06-25 | 1985-12-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |