US4019648A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Childproof closure
Assignee: Continental Group Inc
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Filing: 1976-03-11
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Granted: 1977-04-26
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Expires: 1996-03-11
Abstract
Abstract A child resistant safety closure for an easy-open can has a tether which restrains movement of the pull tab. The tether is integral with the tab and extends into the interior of the tab ring. The distal end of the tether is removably attached to an auxiliary rivet formed in the end panel. Opening the container requires application of sufficient force to cause disengagement of the tether from the auxiliary rivet. This is beyond the experience or physical capabilities of small children.
Inventors
- 👤 Nick S. Khoury
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 14:06
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D17/00; B65D17/28; B65D17/401; B65D17/4011
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
An improved safety closure for use on a can or similar container comprising an end panel, a score formed in said end panel and defining an opening flap therein, a pull tab secured to said end panel and having means for fracturing said score to open said consequent to lifting of said tab, retention means for restraining lifting of said tab to fracture said score, and programmable release means for releasing said tab upon application of a preprogrammed force for opening said container, said tab comprising a lift portion, an intermediate portion and a nose portion, said retention means comprising tether means on said lift portion of said tab, and an auxiliary rivet integrally formed in said end panel retainingly cooperative with said tether means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
125 words
An improved safety closure for use on a can or similar container comprising an end panel, a score formed in said end panel and defining an opening flap therein, a pull tab secured to said end panel and having means for fracturing said score to open said consequent to lifting of said tab, retention means for restraining lifting of said tab to fracture said score, and programmable release means for releasing said tab upon application of a preprogrammed force for opening said container, said tab comprising a lift portion, an intermediate portion and a nose portion, said retention means comprising tether means on said lift portion of said tab, and an auxiliary rivet integrally formed in said end panel retainingly cooperative with said tether means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The invention as described in claim 1, wherein said tether means is integral with the periphery of said ring portion at the point on said periphery nearest said nose portion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
The invention as described in claim 1, wherein said auxiliary rivet comprises a shank passing through an opening formed in the distal end portion of said tether means, said auxiliary rivet having a head larger than the opening opposing said panel and overlying the tether.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
66 words
The invention as described in claim 3, wherein said opening is substantially U-shaped and communicates to the outer periphery of said tether means, defining thereby two legs in said distal end portion of said tether means, the distal ends of said legs being folded to form hems, the height of said hems exceeding the clearance between the head of said auxiliary rivet and said end panel.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
The invention as described in claim 4 wherein said hems are collapsible upon application of sufficient force in lifting said ring portion of said tab whereby said hems are adapted to pass beneath said rivet head thereby freeing said tab and permitting opening of said container.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
84 words
The invention as described in claim 3, wherein a plurality of auxiliary scores are formed in said distal end portion of said tether means radiating outwardly from the periphery of said opening, defining petals therebetween, whereby application of sufficient force in lifting said ring portion causes fracture of said auxiliary scores and bending of said petals thereby enlarging said opening to permit said opening to permit said tether means to slip over said rivet head, freeing said tab and permitting opening of said container.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
77 words
The invention as described in claim 3, wherein a plurality of slits are formed in said distal end portion of said tether means radiating outwardly from the periphery of said opening, whereby application of sufficient force in lifting said ring portion of said tab causes bending of said tether means between said slits thereby enlarging said opening to permit said tether means to slip over said rivet head, freeing said tab and permitting opening of said container.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
46 words
The invention as described in claim 3, wherein a slot is formed in said distal end portion of said tether means connected with said opening and communicating with the distal end of said tether means, said slot being narrower than the shank of said auxiliary rivet.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
71 words
The invention as described in claim 8, wherein said slot defines two legs in said distal end portion of said tether means, said legs being distortable upon application of sufficient force in lifting said ring portion of said tab whereby said legs bend outwardly around said shank of said auxiliary rivet thereby permitting said tether means to be pulled off said rivet, freeing said tab and permitting opening of said container.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
58 words
The invention as described in claim 3, wherein a transverse score is formed in said tether means between said opening for said auxiliary rivet and said ring portion of said tab, said score being fracturable upon application of sufficient force in lifting said ring portion of said tab, thereby freeing said tab and permitting opening of said container.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
72 words
An improved pull tab comprising a nose portion, an intermediate portion and a lift portion with a finger aperture therein, and tether means integrally formed with the tab from the material displaced to form the finger aperture, said tether means including means for attachment of a distal end thereof to an associated container end panel, said attachment means being adapted for release upon application of a preprogrammed force to said lift portion.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
72 words
An improved pull tab comprising a nose portion, an intermediate portion and a lift portion with a finger aperture therein, and tether means integrally formed with the tab from the material displaced to form the finger aperture, said tether means including means for attachment of a distal end thereof to an associated container end panel, said attachment means being adapted for release upon application of a preprogrammed force to said lift portion.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3744666A
Cited
US3796344A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-04-25 | 1980-10-25 | 1981-04-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-04-25 | 1984-10-25 | 1985-04-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-04-25 | 1988-10-25 | 1989-04-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |