US3967754A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pull tab anti-rotation mounting
Assignee: Continental Can Co Inc
•
Filing: 1975-05-12
•
Granted: 1976-07-06
•
Expires: 1995-05-12
Abstract
Abstract An improved easy open end closure, characterized by the provision of improved pull tab positioning means for maintaining the pull tab in a desired orientation relative to the flap-defining score line, regardless of doming of the end panel. The finger ring portion of the tab is nested within a recess formed in the end panel. A protrusion, formed interior to this recess, abuts the interior periphery of the finger ring, serving as an anti-rotation abutment. The tab rivet panel is formed at an angle to the plane of the tab, inclining 4°-6° away from the end panel center, whereby a panelward bias is imparted to the finger ring portion of the tab by the tab attachment rivet. This bias serves to retain the finger ring within the recess.
Inventors
- 👤 Obert M. Ostrem
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 22:13
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D17/00; B65D17/28; B65D17/401; B65D17/4011
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
122 words
An improved easy-open end closure for a can or similar container, said end closure comprising an end panel, a score line formed in said end panel and defining an opening flap therein, a pull tab rotatably attached to said end panel, anti-rotation abuttment means on said end panel for restraining rotation of said tab, and means for panelwardly biasing said tab to engage said tab with said abuttment means, said tab being attached to said end panel by a rivet with said rivet being oriented to bias said tab panelwardly, said tab including a finger ring portion, said anti-rotation abuttment means comprising a recess formed in said end panel and said finger ring portion of said tab rests partially within said recess.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
122 words
An improved easy-open end closure for a can or similar container, said end closure comprising an end panel, a score line formed in said end panel and defining an opening flap therein, a pull tab rotatably attached to said end panel, anti-rotation abuttment means on said end panel for restraining rotation of said tab, and means for panelwardly biasing said tab to engage said tab with said abuttment means, said tab being attached to said end panel by a rivet with said rivet being oriented to bias said tab panelwardly, said tab including a finger ring portion, said anti-rotation abuttment means comprising a recess formed in said end panel and said finger ring portion of said tab rests partially within said recess.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The invention as described in claim 1, wherein said recess is defined by a base and a sidewall and the outer periphery of said finger ring portion of said tab abuts said recess sidewall.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
The invention as described in claim 2, wherein said tab includes a rivet panel and said biasing means comprises a rivet panel inclined relative to the principal plane of said tab, said rivet panel lying flat against said end panel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
The invention as described in claim 3, wherein said finger ring portion of said tab is formed with a pair of panelwardly-extending legs and said tab is supported on said legs, said legs resting on said base of said recess and being biased thereagainst.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention as described in claim 6, wherein said rivet panel is inclined 4--6° relative to the plane of said tab.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The invention as described in claim 5, wherein said rivet panel is inclined less than 10°.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention as described in claim 6, wherein said anti-rotation abuttment comprises a protrusion formed in said base interior to said finger ring portion of said tab.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention as described in claim 7, wherein said protrusion has a sidewall and the inner periphery of said finger ring portion of said tab abuts said protrusion.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention as described in claim 8, wherein said rivet is located off-center of said end panel.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention as described in claim 9, wherein said protrusion is located substantially at the center of said end panel.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention as described in claim 10, wherein said protrusion is in line with said legs on said finger ring portion of said tab.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention as described in claim 11, wherein said protrusion has a horizontal, substantially flat top and said top extends beyond the plane of said end panel.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3780902A
Cited
US3795340A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-07-06 | 1980-01-05 | 1980-07-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-07-06 | 1984-01-05 | 1984-07-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-07-06 | 1988-01-05 | 1988-07-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |