GB2344576A

GB2344576A - Ring pull can opener

Info

Publication number: GB2344576A
Application number: GB9918618A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martyn Richard Thomson
Original assignee: MIRACLE TECHNOLOGIES Ltd
Current assignee: MIRACLE TECHNOLOGIES Ltd
Priority date: 1999-08-07
Filing date: 1999-08-07
Publication date: 2000-06-14
Anticipated expiration: 2019-08-07
Also published as: GB2344576B; GB9918618D0; AU6987900A; WO2001016015A1

Abstract

A ring pull can opener comprises a body 10 defining a cavity 20 for receipt of the ring of the ring pull and a grabber 30 for reversibly grabbing the so-received ring. The body is shaped to enable a user to apply leverage to the so-received ring. The grabber may comprise a pin 30, depressable against a coil spring 40 or spring lever, a pin mounted on a spring biassed pivotable lever, a movable ball within the cavity or a stud borne by one of a pair of pivotably coupled strips defining the cavity or an arm of a folded strip defining the cavity. One end of the body may be formed as a spoon.

Description

Can opener Technical Field The present invention is in the field of openers for use in opening ring pull cans.

Background to the Invention Ring pull cans are well known in the prior art. A typical example is shown at Figure 1 in which the rim 1 of the can is joined to the sealing lid 2 by circumferential seal 3. The opening mechanism comprises a rigid ring pull 4 which is joined to the lid at joint point 5. To open the can the end portion 6 of the ring pull 4 is leveraged upwards which results in a breaking of the seal 3 at break point 7. Further upward leverage of the ring pull 4 enables the full circumferential seal 3 to be broken and removal of the lid 2 from the rim 1.

One problem with ring pull cans is that the upward leverage required to break the seal is quite large. Another problem is that the ring pull itself is rather small and not easy to grip. A further problem is that even when the seal is broken the force required to rip the complete lid from the can is large and the ripping action itself requires a certain manual dexterity. Older people and those people having poor dexterity, and poor grip or low manual strength, in particular, find ring pull cans difficult to use.

Ring pull can openers for use in opening ring pull cans have been described previously in the art. One such opener, known as the'pop top'opener, comprises a flat elongate body having a cavity for partial receipt of the ring. The body is employed to assist user leverage of the partially-received ring from the can.

Other known openers include hooks which hook onto the ring.

There is now described an improved ring pull can opener which comprises a body defining a cavity for receipt of the ring of the ring pull and a grabber for reversibly grabbing the so-received ring. The body of the opener is shaped to enable a user to apply leverage to the grabbed ring. The grabbing of the ring enhances the user's ability to safely apply effective leverage to the ring and thus aids trouble-free opening of the can.

Summary of the Invention According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a ring pull can opener for use in opening a ring pull can comprising a body defining a cavity for receipt of the ring of said ring pull ; and a grabber for reversibly grabbing the soreceived ring, wherein said body is shaped to enable a user to apply leverage to the so-received ring.

Preferably, the body has elongate form. More preferably, the body has an essentially flat rectangular form.

In one aspect, the body comprises an elongate strip having a lateral fold therein.

That is to say, the body comprises a strip having a first portion, a second portion and a fold therebetween such that the first portion is foldable towards the second portion.

In another aspect, the body comprises two pivotally connected rigid elongate strips.

Preferably, the body is shaped for receipt by the hand of a user. Typically, the body will be shaped such that it is grippale within the palm and fingers of a user.

The surface of the body may include contours or other surface detail to enhance ease of grip by the user.

Preferably, the grabber is biased towards a non-grabbing position. In use, the user therefore actuates the grabber to a ring-grabbing position.

In one aspect, the grabber includes a stud which protrudes into the cavity. The term stud herein is used to mean any suitable protuberance such as pins, bosses, knobs and spigots.

Preferably, the body also includes an indentation for receipt, more preferably snug receipt of said stud.

Suitably, the body includes a channel (e. g. a hole) and the stud is movable within said channel. Preferably, the head of the stud is accessible to a user for movement thereof. More preferably, the head of the stud is coupled to a lever, wherein said lever is spring mounted to the body and acts such as to bias the stud to a non-grabbing position.

In another aspect, the grabber comprises a ball which is movable within the cavity to a grabbing position in which the ball, ring and interior of the cavity engage to form a lock-fit. The cavity is thus shaped to enable movement of the ball therein from a non-grabbing to a ring-grabbing position.

In a further aspect, the grabber comprises a lever, wherein the lever pivotally connects to the body for movement within the cavity from a grabbing to a nongrabbing position. The grabbing part of the lever may be provided with a stud.

In a still further aspect, the grabber comprises a spring clip, wherein the spring clip is mounted to the body for movement within the cavity from a grabbing to a non-grabbing position. Preferably, the spring clip has a hooked or similarly shaped grabbing end.

Brief description of the drawings Preferred embodiments of the opener in accord with the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1. shows a top view of a ring pull can; Figures 2a and 2b show a perspective and part cut-away, side view of a first opener herein; Figures 3a and 3b show a perspective and part cut-away, side view of a second opener herein; Figures 4a and 4b show a perspective and part cut-away, side view of a third opener herein; Figures 5a and 5b show a perspective and part cut-away, side view of a fourth opener herein; Figures 6a and 6b show a perspective and part cut-away, side view of a fifth opener herein; Figure 7 shows a side view of a sixth opener herein; Figure 8 shows a side view of a seventh opener herein; Figures 9a to 9c each show an end view of a detail of the sixth or seventh opener herein; and Figures 10a and 10b show a side and an exploded view of an eighth opener herein.

Detailed description of the invention The present invention is here described by means of examples, which constitute possible embodiments of the invention.

Figures 2a and 2b show a ring pull can opener comprising an essentially flat rectangular form body 10. A cavity 20 in the body is sized and shaped for receipt of the ring of a ring pull (not shown). Movable grabbing pin 30 is located within c,. annel 22 provided in the body 10. The head 32 of the grabbing pin 30 is enlarged. In the grabbing position the grabbing pin 30 is depressed towards receiving cavity 24. The grabbing pin 30 is biased to a non-grabbing position by spring 40.

In use, the user grips the rectangular form body 10 with the palm and fingers such that the head 32 of the grabbing pin is thumb-accessible. The ring of the ring pull lid is inserted into the cavity 20 and the grabbing pin 30 depressed by a thumb action such that it engages the ring. The user then applies leverage to the so-received ring to remove the lid from the can. When the lid has been removed the ring is disengaged and the ring pull lid is releasable from the cavity.

Figures 3a, 3b and 4a, 4b and 5a, 5b show variations on the opener of Figures 2a and 2b, which variations are operable in a similar manner to the opener of Figures 2a and 2b.

In more detail, Figures 3a and 3b show a ring pull can opener comprising an essentially flat rectangular form body 110. A cavity 120 in the body is sized and shaped for receipt of the ring of a ring pull (not shown). Movable grabbing stud 130 is located within channel 122 provided in the body 110. The head 132 of the grabbing stud 130 is enlarged. In the grabbing position the grabbing stud 130 is depressed towards receiving cavity 124. The grabbing stud 130 is biased to a non-grabbing position by sprung lever 140 which is fixed to the body by fixing pin142.

Figures 4a and 4b show a ring pull can opener comprising an essentially flat rectangular form body 210. A cavity 220 in the body is sized and shaped for receipt of the ring of a ring pull (not shown). Movable grabbing pin 230 is located within channel 222 provided in the body 210. In the grabbing position the grabbing pin 230 is depressed towards receiving cavity 224. The grabbing pin 230 is coupled to lever 240 which is fixed to the body by fixing pin 242. The grabbing pin 230 and lever 240 are biased away from the body 210 by spring 250 which locates in the body 210 at spring socket 252.

Figures 5a and 5b show a ring pull can opener comprising an essentially flat body 310. A cavity 320 in the body is sized and shaped for receipt of the ring of a ring pull (not shown). Grabbing pin 330 is fixed to resiliently flexible arm 312 on the body 310 such that the pin 330 protrudes into the cavity 320. In the grabbing position the flexible arm and hence grabbing pin 330 is moved towards receiving cavity 324. The grabbing pin 330 is normally biased to a non-grabbing position by the resilience of the flexible arm 312. The body 310 has the overall form of a spoon having a scooped end 314. The advantage of this form is that once the can has been opened the spoon may be used to spoon out the contents thereof.

Figures 6a and 6b show a ring pull can opener herein comprising a flat form body 410 shaped for design novelty in the form of a bone. A cavity 420 in the body is sized and shaped for receipt of the ring of a ring pull (not shown) and to retain movable ball 430 therein. In the grabbing position the ring of the ring pull is rtweived within the cavity 420 and the movable ball 430, ring and shaped interior 424 of the cavity 420 engage to form a lock-fit.

In use, the user grips the bone shaped body 410 with the palm and fingers. The ring of the ring pull lid is inserted into the cavity 420 and manipulated until the desired lock-fit is achieved. The user then applies leverage to the locked ring to remove the lid from the can. When the lid has been removed the lock is disengaged and the ring pull lid is releasable from the cavity.

Figures 7a and 7b show a ring pull can opener herein comprising an elongate body 510. The body 510 comprises two rigid elongate strips 512,514 pivotally coupled by coupling 516. The two elongate strips 512,514 define a cavity 520 in the body for receipt of the ring of a ring pull (not shown). Grabbing stud 530 is fixed to first elongate strip 512 such that the stud 530 protrudes into the cavity 520.

In use, the user grips the body 510 with the palm and fingers to pivot the elongate strip 512,514 components thereof such that the cavity 520 is open for receipt of a ring pull. The ring of the ring pull lid is then inserted into the cavity 520 and the strips 512,514 levered together such that the grabbing stud 530 grabs the ring. The user then applies leverage to the grabbed ring to remove the lid from the can. When the lid has been removed the grabbing force is released and the ring of the ring pull lid is removable from the cavity.

Figures 8a and 8b show a variation on the ring pull can opener of Figures 7a and 7b in which the body 610 comprises an elongate strip having a lateral fold 616 therein. The two ends 612,614 of the elongate strip define a cavity 620 in the body for receipt of the ring of a ring pull (not shown). Grabbing stud 630 is fixed to first end of elongate strip 612 such that the stud 630 protrudes into the cavity 620. Indent 624 is provided in the body for receipt of the grabbing stud 630. The grabbing stud 630 is normally biased to a non-grabbing position by the sprung lever action of the lateral fold 616.

In use, the user grips the body 610. The ring of the ring pull lid is then inserted into the cavity 620 and the opposing ends 612,614 levered together such that the grabbing stud 630 grabs the ring. The user then applies leverage to the grabbed ring to remove the lid from the can. When the lid has been removed the ring is disengaged such that it is releasable from the cavity.

Figures 9a, 9b and 9c show details of the grabbing ends of the body of the openers of Figures 7a, 7b and 8a, 8b. In Figure 9a each component 812a, 814a of the grabbing end has raised edges 813a, 815a and the raised edges in combination help to define a ring receiving cavity 820a in which stud 830a is located. In Figure 9b only one component 812b of the grabbing end has a raised edge 813b and the other component 814b has a flat surface. The raised edge 813b of the first component 812b and flat surface of the second component 814b in combination help to define a ring receiving cavity 820b in which stud 830b is lo dted. In Figure 9c each component 812c, 814c of the grabbing end has a flat surface and the ring-receiving cavity 820c in which stud 830c is located has open sides.

Figures 10a and 10b show a ring pull can opener comprising an elongate body 910. A cavity 920 in the body is sized and shaped for receipt of the ring of a ring pull lid (not shown). Movable lever 912 is pivotally mounted within the body 910 by axle 914 which connects at axle points 917,918. A grabbing stud 930 is located on the lever 912.

In use, the user grips the body 910 with the palm and fingers such that the movable lever 912 is thumb-pivotable. The lever 912 is then pivoted by a thumb action such that the cavity 920 is open for receipt of a ring pull. The ring of the ring pull is then inserted into the cavity 920 and the lever 912 pivoted in a reverse manner such that the grabbing stud 930 grabs the ring. The user then applies leverage to the grabbed ring to remove the lid from the can. When the lid has been removed the ring is disengaged and the ring of the lid is releasable from the cavity.

Claims

1. A ring pull can opener for use in opening a ring pull can comprising a body defining a cavity for receipt of the ring of said ring pull ; and a grabber for reversibly grabbing the so-received ring, wherein said body is shaped to enable a user to apply leverage to the soreceived ring.

2. A ring pull can opener according to claim 1, wherein the body has elongate form.

3. A ring pull can opener according to claim 2, wherein the body has an essentially flat rectangular form.

4. A ring pull can opener according to claim 3, wherein the body comprises an elongate strip having a lateral fold therein.

5. A ring pull can opener according to claim 3, wherein the body comprises two pivotally connected rigid elongate strips.

6. A ring pull can opener according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the body is shaped for receipt by the hand of a user.

7. A ring pull can opener according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the grabber is biased towards a non-grabbing position.

8. A ring pull can opener according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the grabber includes a stud which protrudes into the cavity.

9. A ring pull can opener according to claim 8, wherein the body includes an indentation for receipt of said stud.

10. A ring pull can opener according to either of claims 8 or 9, wherein the body includes a channel and the stud is movable within said channel.

11. A ring pull can opener according to claim 10, wherein the head of the stud is accessible to a user for movement thereof.

12. A ring pull can opener according to claim 11, wherein the head of the stud is coupled to a lever, wherein said lever is spring mounted to the body and acts such as to bias the stud to a non-grabbing position.

13. A ring pull can opener according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the grabber comprises a ball which is movable within the cavity to a grabbing position in which the ball, ring and interior of the cavity engage to form a lock-fit.

14. A ring pull can opener according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the grabber comprises a lever, wherein the lever pivotally connects to the body for movement within the cavity from a grabbing to a non-grabbing position.

15. A ring pull can opener according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the gripper comprises a spring clip, wherein the spring clip is mounted to the body for movement within the cavity from a grabbing to a non-grabbing position.

16. A ring pull can opener according to claim 15, wherein the spring clip has a hooked grabbing end.

17. A ring pull can opener substantially as described in alternative embodiments in the accompanying description and drawings

17. A ring pull can opener substantially as described in the accompanying description and drawings Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A ring pull can opener for use in removing the lid from a ring pull can comprising a body defining a cavity for receipt of the ring of said ring pull ; and a grabber for grabbing the so-received ring, the grabber being reversibly movable from a non-grabbing position to a grabbing position, wherein said body is shaped to enable a user to apply leverage to the soreceived ring.

5. A ring pull can opener according to claim 3, wherein the body comprises two pivota ! ! y connected rigid elongate strips.

7. A ring pull can opener according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the grabber is biased towards the non-grabbing position.

8. A ring pull can opener according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the grabber inclues a stud which protrudes into the cavity.

10. A ring pull can opener according to either of claims 8 or 9, wherein the body inclues a channel and the stud is movable within said channel.

12. A ring pull can opener according to claim 11, wherein the head of the stud Is coupled to a lever, wherein said lever is spring mounted to the body and acts such as to bias the stud to the non-grabbing position.

13. A ring pull can opener according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the grabber comprises a ball which is movable within the cavity to the grabbing position in which the ball, ring and interior of the cavity engage to form a lock-fit.

14. A ring pull can opener according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the grabber comprises a lever, wherein the lever pivotally connects to the body for movement within the cavity from the grabbing position to the non-grabbing position.

15. A ring pull can opener according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the grabber comprises a spring clip, wherein the spring clip is mounted to the body for movement within the cavity from the grabbing position to the non-grabbing position.