US3915334A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rivet panel (bellow) for easy-o end unit rivet structure
Assignee: Continental Can Co Inc
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Filing: 1975-02-10
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Granted: 1975-10-28
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Expires: 1995-02-10
Abstract
Abstract An improved pull tab mounting arrangement provides an movable fulcrum to facilitate opening a self-opening can. An expandable pleat is formed in the end panel at the base of the tab-attaching rivet and the tab is mounted with its nose portion in spaced relation above and radially inward of the opening score line. As the finger ring portion of the tab is lifted, the pleat unfolds, allowing both the rivet and the tab to travel upwardly and outwardly to bring the tab nose into contact with the score line. This displacement moves the fulcrum point of the tab toward the nose portion and away from the finger ring portion, thereby providing increased leverage and reducing the effort required to fracture the score line. In addition, the stress placed on the tab and the end panel during opening is reduced, thereby permitting the use of thinner gauge metal for these members. Further, spacing of the nose portion and the score line reduces the probability that mishandling of the container will result in an unintentional fracture of the score.
Inventors
- 👤 Anilkumar U Patel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-10 02:04
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D17/00; B65D17/28; B65D17/401; B65D17/4011
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
95 words
An improved pull tab mounting arrangement for a self-opening end closure for a can or similar container, said end closure comprising an end panel, attachment means formed in said end panel, a pull tab attached by said attachment means to said end panel, and a score line formed in said end panel and defining an opening flap therein, the improvement comprising unfoldable means for shiftably mounting said attachment means in said end panel for relieving stresses on said pull tab and said end panel during lifting movements of said tab for opening of said container.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
95 words
An improved pull tab mounting arrangement for a self-opening end closure for a can or similar container, said end closure comprising an end panel, attachment means formed in said end panel, a pull tab attached by said attachment means to said end panel, and a score line formed in said end panel and defining an opening flap therein, the improvement comprising unfoldable means for shiftably mounting said attachment means in said end panel for relieving stresses on said pull tab and said end panel during lifting movements of said tab for opening of said container.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The improved pull tab mounting arrangement as described in claim 1, wherein said unfoldable mounting means unfolds upon commencement of said opening of said container, thereby displacing the fulcrum point of said pull tab for enhancing the leverage thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The improved pull tab mounting arrangement as described in claim 2, wherein said fulcrum displacing means comprises an expandable pleat formed in said attachment means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The improved pull tab mounting arrangement as described in claim 3, wherein said attachment means comprises a tiltable rivet structure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The improved pull tab mounting arrangement as described in claim 2, wherein said stress relieving means comprises expansion means formed in said attachment means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The improved pull tab mounting arrangement as described in claim 5, wherein said expansion means expands upon stressing thereby relieving stress loading of said end panel and said tab.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The improved pull tab mounting arrangement as described in claim 4, wherein said expansion means comprises a single U-shaped pleat formed in said end panel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The improved pull tab mounting arrangement as described in claim 7, wherein said pleat is concentric with and immediately adjacent to said rivet.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
44 words
The improved pull tab mounting arrangement as described in claim 8, wherein said pull tab has a nose portion for fracturing said score line and said nose portion in preopening position is held in spaced relation above and radially inward of said score line.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
77 words
The improved pull tab mounting arrangement as described in claim 9, wherein said pleat comprises two concentric circular sidewalls depending from said end panel and a substantially U-shaped bight portion connecting said sidewalls, such that folding of that portion of said pleat nearest said score line effects simultaneous unfolding of that portion of said pleat most remote from said score line, consequent to opening said container, results in displacing said pull tab relative to said end panel.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
53 words
The improved pull tab mounting arrangement as described in claim 10, wherein said unfolded portion of said pleat everts such that at least one sidewall of said portion projects outwardly of the plane of said end panel and said displacement of said tab brings said nose portion into contact with said score line.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-10-27 | 1979-04-28 | 1979-10-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-27 | 1983-04-28 | 1983-10-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-27 | 1987-04-28 | 1987-10-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |