US20150307228A1 - Accessible can top - Google Patents

Accessible can top Download PDF

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Publication number
US20150307228A1
US20150307228A1 US14/264,115 US201414264115A US2015307228A1 US 20150307228 A1 US20150307228 A1 US 20150307228A1 US 201414264115 A US201414264115 A US 201414264115A US 2015307228 A1 US2015307228 A1 US 2015307228A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
tab
arm
spring
section
top section
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US14/264,115
Inventor
J. Wade KAVANAUGH
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US14/264,115 priority Critical patent/US20150307228A1/en
Publication of US20150307228A1 publication Critical patent/US20150307228A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D17/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions
    • B65D17/28—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness
    • B65D17/404—Details of the lines of weakness
    • B65D17/165—
    • B65D17/24—
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D17/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions
    • B65D17/28—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness
    • B65D17/401—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness characterised by having the line of weakness provided in an end wall
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2517/00—Containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting, piercing or tearing of wall portions, e.g. preserving cans or tins
    • B65D2517/0001—Details
    • B65D2517/001—Action for opening container
    • B65D2517/0014—Action for opening container pivot tab and push-down tear panel
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2517/00—Containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting, piercing or tearing of wall portions, e.g. preserving cans or tins
    • B65D2517/50—Non-integral frangible members applied to, or inserted in, a preformed opening
    • B65D2517/5072—Details of hand grip, tear- or lift-tab
    • B65D2517/5083—Details of hand grip, tear- or lift-tab with means facilitating initial lifting of tape, e.g. lift or pull-tabs

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to soda can tops and, more particularly, to an accessible can top.
  • Soda can tabs are flat and are hard to open for people with arthritis, nail biters and the like. People with problems opening up soda can tabs may give up and chose another option. Others may ask for assistance in opening the can.
  • a can top comprises: a top section having a surface, wherein the surface has an extruded portion surrounding a hole; a break away section removably covering the hole in the surface of the top section; a spring having a first arm and a second arm, wherein the first arm attaches to the surface of the top section; a shaft attached to and positioned in between the first arm of the spring and the second arm of the spring; and a tab attached to the second arm of the spring.
  • a method for opening a can comprises: pressing a first end of a tab of a can top, wherein the can top is defined by a top section having a surface, wherein the surface has an extruded portion surrounding a hole; a break away section removably covering the hole in the surface of the top section; a spring having a first arm and a second arm, wherein the first arm attaches to the surface of the top section; a shaft attached to and positioned in between the first arm of the spring and the second arm of the spring; and a tab attached to the second arm of the spring; wherein the second end of the tab lifts up from the motion of the first end tab being pressed; placing an object underneath the area of the second end of the tab; pulling upwards from the can top to continue moving the first end of the tab through the break away section; and releasing the second end of the tab, wherein the second end of the tab returns to the surface of the top section.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 3 - 3 in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in use
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in use
  • FIG. 6 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 5 - 5 in FIG. 5 ;
  • FIG. 7 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • an embodiment of the present invention provides a can top that may include a top section having a surface.
  • the surface may have an extruded portion surrounding a hole.
  • a break away section may removably cover the hole in the surface of the top section.
  • a shaft may attach to the surface of the top section.
  • a spring may have a first arm and a second arm. The first arm of the spring may attach to the surface of the top section.
  • a tab may be attached to the second arm of the spring. The tab may have a lip extending upward away from the can along the first end and a flat surface on a second end of the tab.
  • the present invention may be a fast and easy way to open a can.
  • a spring loaded can tab may be pressed and a side lifts up from the surface breaking a break away portion from the surface of the top section with the other end of the tab.
  • the can top may be beneficial for people who may have trouble with a standard can top such as people with arthritis, nail biters and the like.
  • a can top may include a top section having a surface.
  • the surface may include an extruded portion 26 surrounding a hole.
  • a break away section 22 may removably cover the hole in the surface of the top section.
  • a spring 10 may have a first arm 12 and a second arm 14 .
  • the first arm 12 may attach to the surface of the top section.
  • a tab 20 may attach to the second arm 14 of the spring 10 .
  • In between the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 of the spring 10 may be a shaft 16 .
  • the tab may have a first end and a second end.
  • the first end may have a lip that extends upward away from the surface of the top section.
  • the second end may have a flat surface.
  • the ends 18 of the shaft 16 may be within the boundaries of the extruded portion.
  • the surface of the top section may be circular in shape.
  • a method of using the present invention may include the following.
  • the can top may be placed on top of a can 24 .
  • a user may press down on the first end of the tab 20 . Since the tab 20 is attached to the spring 10 , the second end of the tab 20 raises like a seesaw with this pressing motion.
  • the user may place an object underneath the second end of the tab 20 .
  • the user may take the object, such as a finger or the like, and continue to pull the second end of the tab 20 in an upward motion away from the top section. With this motion, the first end of the tab 20 may continue to move downwards towards the break away section 22 .
  • the first end of the tab 20 When the second end of the tab 20 is raised to a certain angle, the first end of the tab 20 may have applied enough pressure to the break away section 22 to push it through the hole of the surface of the top section. The user may release the second end of the tab 20 and the tab may return to its original position.

Abstract

A can top may include a top section having a surface. The surface may have an extruded portion surrounding a hole. A break away section may removably cover the hole in the surface of the top section. A shaft may attach to the surface of the top section. A spring may have a first arm and a second arm. The first arm of the spring may attach to the surface of the top section. A tab may be attached to the second arm of the spring. The tab may have a lip extending upward away from the can along the first end and a flat surface on a second end of the tab.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates to soda can tops and, more particularly, to an accessible can top.
  • Soda can tabs are flat and are hard to open for people with arthritis, nail biters and the like. People with problems opening up soda can tabs may give up and chose another option. Others may ask for assistance in opening the can.
  • As can be seen, there is a need for an accessible can top that allows for a faster opening of the product.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • In one aspect of the present invention, a can top comprises: a top section having a surface, wherein the surface has an extruded portion surrounding a hole; a break away section removably covering the hole in the surface of the top section; a spring having a first arm and a second arm, wherein the first arm attaches to the surface of the top section; a shaft attached to and positioned in between the first arm of the spring and the second arm of the spring; and a tab attached to the second arm of the spring.
  • In another aspect of the present invention, a method for opening a can comprises: pressing a first end of a tab of a can top, wherein the can top is defined by a top section having a surface, wherein the surface has an extruded portion surrounding a hole; a break away section removably covering the hole in the surface of the top section; a spring having a first arm and a second arm, wherein the first arm attaches to the surface of the top section; a shaft attached to and positioned in between the first arm of the spring and the second arm of the spring; and a tab attached to the second arm of the spring; wherein the second end of the tab lifts up from the motion of the first end tab being pressed; placing an object underneath the area of the second end of the tab; pulling upwards from the can top to continue moving the first end of the tab through the break away section; and releasing the second end of the tab, wherein the second end of the tab returns to the surface of the top section.
  • These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 2 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 3 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in use;
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in use;
  • FIG. 6 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 5; and
  • FIG. 7 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
  • Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a can top that may include a top section having a surface. The surface may have an extruded portion surrounding a hole. A break away section may removably cover the hole in the surface of the top section. A shaft may attach to the surface of the top section. A spring may have a first arm and a second arm. The first arm of the spring may attach to the surface of the top section. A tab may be attached to the second arm of the spring. The tab may have a lip extending upward away from the can along the first end and a flat surface on a second end of the tab.
  • The present invention may be a fast and easy way to open a can. A spring loaded can tab may be pressed and a side lifts up from the surface breaking a break away portion from the surface of the top section with the other end of the tab. The can top may be beneficial for people who may have trouble with a standard can top such as people with arthritis, nail biters and the like.
  • As is illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 7, a can top may include a top section having a surface. The surface may include an extruded portion 26 surrounding a hole. A break away section 22 may removably cover the hole in the surface of the top section. A spring 10 may have a first arm 12 and a second arm 14. The first arm 12 may attach to the surface of the top section. A tab 20 may attach to the second arm 14 of the spring 10. In between the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 of the spring 10, may be a shaft 16.
  • In certain embodiments, the tab may have a first end and a second end. The first end may have a lip that extends upward away from the surface of the top section. The second end may have a flat surface. In certain embodiments, the ends 18 of the shaft 16 may be within the boundaries of the extruded portion. The surface of the top section may be circular in shape.
  • A method of using the present invention may include the following. The can top may be placed on top of a can 24. A user may press down on the first end of the tab 20. Since the tab 20 is attached to the spring 10, the second end of the tab 20 raises like a seesaw with this pressing motion. The user may place an object underneath the second end of the tab 20. The user may take the object, such as a finger or the like, and continue to pull the second end of the tab 20 in an upward motion away from the top section. With this motion, the first end of the tab 20 may continue to move downwards towards the break away section 22. When the second end of the tab 20 is raised to a certain angle, the first end of the tab 20 may have applied enough pressure to the break away section 22 to push it through the hole of the surface of the top section. The user may release the second end of the tab 20 and the tab may return to its original position.
  • It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims (8)

What is claimed is:
1. A can top comprising:
a top section having a surface, wherein the surface has an extruded portion surrounding a hole;
a break away section removably covering the hole in the surface of the top section;
a spring having a first arm and a second arm, wherein the first arm attaches to the surface of the top section;
a shaft attached to and positioned in between the first arm of the spring and the second arm of the spring; and
a tab attached to the second arm of the spring.
2. The can top of claim 1, wherein the surface of the top section is circular in shape.
3. The can top of claim 1, wherein the shaft ends are within the boundaries of the extruded portion.
4. The can top of claim 1, wherein the tab has a lip extending upward on a first end and a flat surface on a second end of the tab.
5. A method for opening a can comprising:
pressing a first end of a tab of a can top, wherein the can top is defined by a top section having a surface, wherein the surface has an extruded portion surrounding a hole; a break away section removably covering the hole in the surface of the top section; a spring having a first arm and a second arm, wherein the first arm attaches to the surface of the top section; a shaft attached to and positioned in between the first arm of the spring and the second arm of the spring; and a tab attached to the second arm of the spring; wherein the second end of the tab lifts up from the motion of the first end tab being pressed;
placing an object underneath the area of the second end of the tab;
pulling upwards from the can top to continue moving the first end of the tab through the break away section; and
releasing the second end of the tab, wherein the second end of the tab returns to the surface of the top section.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the surface of the top section is circular in shape.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein the shaft ends are within the boundaries of the extruded portion.
8. The method of claim 5, wherein the tab has a lip extending upward on a first end and a flat surface on a second end of the tab.
US14/264,115 2014-04-29 2014-04-29 Accessible can top Abandoned US20150307228A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/264,115 US20150307228A1 (en) 2014-04-29 2014-04-29 Accessible can top

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/264,115 US20150307228A1 (en) 2014-04-29 2014-04-29 Accessible can top

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20150307228A1 true US20150307228A1 (en) 2015-10-29

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ID=54334064

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/264,115 Abandoned US20150307228A1 (en) 2014-04-29 2014-04-29 Accessible can top

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3766865A (en) * 1971-11-16 1973-10-23 M Cutler Protective shield device
US4745662A (en) * 1987-06-05 1988-05-24 Chang Shih Ho Easily assembled clip
US5947317A (en) * 1997-03-17 1999-09-07 Hall; John R. Opener for beverage containers
US20100089923A1 (en) * 2008-10-09 2010-04-15 Ue-Ming Yang Non-detachable fulcrum type liet tab for beverage container

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3766865A (en) * 1971-11-16 1973-10-23 M Cutler Protective shield device
US4745662A (en) * 1987-06-05 1988-05-24 Chang Shih Ho Easily assembled clip
US5947317A (en) * 1997-03-17 1999-09-07 Hall; John R. Opener for beverage containers
US20100089923A1 (en) * 2008-10-09 2010-04-15 Ue-Ming Yang Non-detachable fulcrum type liet tab for beverage container

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STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION