US3877604A

US3877604A - Easy open ecology end

Info

Publication number: US3877604A
Application number: US413812A
Authority: US
Inventors: Omar L Brown
Original assignee: Dayton Reliable Tool and Manufacturing Co
Current assignee: Dayton Reliable Tool and Manufacturing Co
Priority date: 1973-11-08
Filing date: 1973-11-08
Publication date: 1975-04-15
Anticipated expiration: 1992-04-15

Abstract

An easy open end for containers includes a removable panel forming an opening in the container end wall and being defined by a score line. The container is opened, i.e. the score line ruptured, by applying a downward force on the panel to cause a rupture of the score line. Where the score line is continuous, the severed panel drops into the container, and where discontinuous the panel may be folded back to the underside of the end wall. Rupture of the score line is achieved by a rotatable force applying tab device which cooperates with the end wall and the panel to exert a downward force in response to rotational movement of the force applying tab. The rotating force applying tab is secured to a generally annular fold provided in the end wall and encircling the panel. The underside of the tab includes spaced cam fingers so cooperating with spaced cam surfaces formed in the panel that in one position of the tab the cam fingers are positioned out of engagement with the cam surfaces, but as the tab is rotated, the cam fingers engage the cam surfaces to apply a downward force resulting in rupture of the score line. Various forms of the invention are illustrated and described.

Description

United States Patent Brown EASY OPEN ECOLOGY END [75] Inventor: Omar L. Brown, Dayton, Ohio [73] Assignee: Dayton Reliable Tool & Mfg., Co., Dayton, Ohio [22] Filed: Nov. 8, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 413,812

Primary ExaminerGeorge T. Hall Attorney, Agent, or Firm-George F. Smyth [57] ABSTRACT An easy open end for containers includes a removable Apr. 15, 1975 panel forming an opening in the container end wall and being defined by a score line. The container is opened, i.e. the score line ruptured, by applying a downward force on the panel to cause a rupture of the score line. Where the score line is continuous, the severed panel drops into the container, and where discontinuous the panel may be folded back to the underside of the end wall. Rupture of the score line is achieved by a rotatable force applying tab device which cooperates with the end wall and the panel to exert a downward force in response to rotational movement of the force applying tab. The rotating force applying tab is secured to a generally annular fold provided in the end wall and encircling the panel. The underside of the tab includes spaced cam fingers so cooperating with spaced cam surfaces formed in the panel that in one position of the tab the cam fingers are positioned out of engagement with the cam surfaces, but as the tab is rotated, the cam fingers engage the cam surfaces to apply a downward force resulting in rupture of the score line. Various forms of the invention are illustrated and described.

31 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures EASY OPEN ECOLOGY END BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to easy opening containers and, more specifically, to an improved easy opening container in which the score line may be ruptured by application of a downward force thereon through the use of an improved rotatable force applying tab secured to the end wall and cooperating to apply a down ward force on the panel to rupture the score line in re sponse to rotational movement of the tab.

The ready acceptance of easy opening containers has resulted in extended use of this type of container for a substantial number of products, especially beverages, such as beer, soft drinks and the like, as well as other comestible products. This type of container is characterized by a lever or tab permanently joined to a tear strip, the latter being separable from the end wall of the container to provide a pouring spout. In the form heretofore used, the tear strip is ruptured along a continuous line and the pull tab and tear strip are removed and discarded.

The convenience of easy opening containers has created problems because of the unfortunate and indiscriminate disposal of the severed portion of the container top. For example, beach and picnic areas have had an accumulation of litter in the form of tabs and tear strips which have been removed from easy opening containers. These discarded tabs and tear strips are quite difficult to clean up because they are small and thus pass through the tines of a rake. Being made normally of aluminum, they cannot be collected by magnetic means. Nonetheless, this type of container is widely used and it is definitely advantageous to provide a solution to the problem of littering while still providing to the public the convenience of easy opening containers.

In addition to the problem of litter, the widespread use of easy open containers has increased the incidence of laceration due to exposure of the free edge formed after the tear strip is ruptured and removed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART Several different approaches have been used in the prior art to overcome some of the foregoing problems. By way of example, a non-continuous score line has been used such that the tear strip remains attached to the container, see for example U.S. Pat. No. 3,327,891. An improvement in the structure described in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. is set forth in U.S. application Ser. No. 103,255, filed Dec. 31, 1970, and assigned to the same assignee. There, a container end having an inseparable tear strip is described wherein means are included to eliminate sharp edges along the score line. Another improved approach to the problem is described in U.S. application Ser. No. 346,712, filed Mar. 30, 1973 and assigned to the same assignee.

Recently, container ends have been formed with what is described as a push-button end in that buttons are formed in the end wall and defined by a score line. Opening of such a container involves manually applying a downward pressure to the panel formed by the score line to force the button downwardly into the container. A typical such structure is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,334,775 in which the score line is on the nonpublic side and covered by a plastisol sealant which is positioned on the interior of the container.

Another type of push-button end currently being used involves a lanced panel which forms a hinged opening panel. The lanced panel is thereafter coined such that its radial dimension is greater than that of the opening. The lanced panel is then sealed to the end wall by a bead of sealant placed on the non-public side of the end wall.

The normal procedure for opening a container having a push-button end involves manually forcing the button into the container by use of ones finger, as opposed to the use of an integrally attached tab to pull the button upwardly and away from the end wall, as is the case with the tear strip type of easy open containers. By forcing the button downwardly into the container, either as a separately severed element which drops into the container, or as a hinged panel which is bent toward the underside of the end wall, the problem of loose pieces which could be considered a source of litter is overcome. However, a potential hazard exists because of the free edge of the score line which results and the necessity for the user to urge the panel down into the container thus necessitating positioning of ones finger in close proximity to the free edge of the score line.

In some instances, where the nature of the beverage is such that the container is under some pressure, a considerable amount of force must be exerted in order to effect rupture of the score line during the opening sequence. Thus, considerable force must be exerted and such a push button type end wall may present problems to young children or to elderly people.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an easy open container, and container end, and particularly to a container end structure for use with cans, bottles and the like for dispensing of beverages and other products in which the container end is structured to include the advantages of a panel forming an'opening in the end wall which is not separately discarded from the container. The end wall of the container includes a removable panel defined by a score line which may be continuous, resulting in complete removal of the panel, or discontinuous and thereby forming a hinged panel. In either instance, rupture of the score line is accomplished by applying a force to the panel to urge the panel toward the interior of the container.

In an exemplary embodiment of this invention, a rotating force applying tab cooperates with the end wall and the panel to apply a downward force to the panel in response to rotational movement of the tab. In this form, the downward force is applied mechanically through cam fingers associated with the tab and operating with cam surfaces formed on the panel such that as the tab is rotated the cam fingers ride on the cam surfaces applying a force on the panel for complete or partial severance of the score line.

The use of a mechanical device cooperatively associated with the container end offers the advantage of avoiding the manipulative operation of applying pressure to the panel manually. Application of a downward force mechanically, by a tab mounted for rotational movement in which the downward force is created as a result of the rotation of the tab thus offers the advantage of rupturing the score line to provide a panel which may either fall freely into the container, or which may be ruptured sufficiently to permit the user to bend the severed tab back against the underside of the end wall.

In either case, the user is protected against laceration by the guard means which preferably constitutes part of the tab structure, while achieving the desirable feature of a mechanically rupturable panel which is not separately discarded from the container.

The guard means is in the form of a protective shield cooperatively associated with the end wall and the removable panel. The shield includes a lip positioned inwardly of the score line such that the users finger cannot contact the edge of the score after rupture of the end wall panel. Such a structure not only provides the advantages of a mechanically operated end, but the advantage of an ecology end because the panel either remains with the end wall or is dropped into the container. Additionally, a safety feature exists which prevents the users finger coming into contact with the free edge of the score.

It will be apparent that other advantages and modes will be readily understood by those skilled in the art after they have read the detailed description and referred to the accompanying drawings which illustrate what are presently considered to be preferred embodiments of the best mode contemplated for utilizing the novel and improved structure set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a developed view, in perspective, of a mechanical means for rupturing the score line in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view, in section, of the container end illus trated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the container end of FIG. 1 showing the relative location of the cam fingers and the cam surfaces in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 illustrating the relative location of the parts subsequent to rupture of the score line in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a developed view, in perspective, of a modified form of the container illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the container end illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing the relative position of the cam fingers and the cam surfaces of the container end illustrated in FIG. 5; and

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 illustrating the relative position of the parts subsequent to rupture of the score line in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referrings to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings which are merely illustrative of one form of the improved easy opening container of the present invention, a container 10 is shown in the form of a can body 11 to which a top 12 is attached. The top 12 is attached in the usual fashion by a chime 13 which secures the can end to the can body. The body may be of any of the conventional three-piece or two-piece types, for example, side soldered seamed, tin free steel, continuous welded seamed cans, or the so-called ironed aluminum cans.

The can end includes an end wall 15 having a removable panel formed thereon, the removable panel being defined by a score line 21.

In the form illustrated, the panel 20 is generally circular in shape, and the score line 21 is continuous, although it is to be understood that the panel may be of a shape other than circular while the score line may be discontinuous to form a hinged panel which is not separable from the end wall. As illustrated, the panel 20 is positioned somewhat vertically above the end wall 15, and integrally formed with the end wall through a pcripheral fold portion generally indicated 25. As illustrated, the panel is positioned eccentrically with respect to the center of the end wall such that upon removal of the panel 20, a pour opening is formed.

Cooperating with the end wall 15 and the panel 20 is a rotatable force applying tab 30 secured to the end wall 15 as will be described hereinafter. As illustrated, the rotatable force applying tab 30 includes a center aperture 32 which is aligned with the panel 20.

The tab 30, which is formed from flat sheet material, includes a body portion generally indicated 34 and an integrally formed end 40. The tab end 40, which includes depending flange 41, is received in a recessed arcuate slot 45 provided in the end wall 15. The tab end is integrally joined to the body by a pair of channel-like legs 46 and 47. These channel legs provide the necessary strength for a rotational tab.

The upper portion 49 of the tab (FIG. 2) is generally flat and includes an integrally formed depending lip 50 which extends approximately 210 degrees around the periphery. Cooperating with lip 50 is a second lip 52 located at the junction of the body 34'and positioned between the legs 46 and 47.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the underside of the upper portion of the body includes a plurality of cam fingers 55, there being four such fingers arranged at 90 to each other. These cam fingers are formed by doublefolding portions of the flat stock on the underside of the upper portion of; the body, as shown.

The upper surface of the panel 20 is provided with cam surfaces 60, again arranged in a generally circular pattern and at 90 with respect to each other. The cam surfaces are somewhat radially inwardly of the score line 21 and generally arcuate in contour so as to follow the contour of the score line.

As shown, the panel 20 is positioned vertically above the end wall 15 and integrally joined thereto by the fold portion 25. The panel is preferably circular in shape and spaced somewhat from the arcuate depression 45 such that a small arcuate section 62 of the end wall is located between the depression and the panel 20.

In the assembly of the rotatable force applying tab 30 to the can end, the tab is oriented in such a position that its rests or nestles at one extremity 64 of the arcuate slot. In this relative position of the tab, the cam fingers 55 are disposed, respectively, between the cam surfaces 60.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the operation of the rotatable force applying tab 30 may be understood. As shown, the rotatable force applying tab 30 is attached to the end wall of the container by the peripheral lip 50 which engages a radially outwardly extending shoulder 65 of the fold portion 25. Lip portion 52 is also curled around the shoulder and assists in preventing removal of the tab by preventing movement in a direction axially along the end wall towards the chime. The peripheral edge 50 of the tab body is received in a groove provided between the radial shoulder 65 and the end wall 15 of the container.

In the form of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the tab is intended for rotation in a counterclockwise movement as indicated by the arrows in the drawings. Accordingly, the cam surfaces 60 are arranged such that their vertical height increases to a maximum in the furthest most counterclockwise position of the tab. As is apparent from FIG. 3, the trailing end portion 72 of each of the cam surfaces 60 extends vertically above the panel a distance greater than the leading edge 73 of the cam surfaces 60. The leading edge 73 is that portion of the cam surface 60 first engaged by the cam fingers 55 as the tab is rotated in a counterclockwise position.

The mode of operation of the improved rotatable force applying tab of the present invention may be understood with references to FIGS. 3 and 4. In the relative position indicated in FIG. 3, the cam fingers 55 are positioned between the camsurfaces 60. As the tab is rotated from the clockwise position to the counterclockwise position, the cam fingers engage the starting face 73 of the cam surfaces, and as rotation of the tab is continued, the cam fingers progress along the surface of the cam surface applying a downward pressure to effect rupture of the score line. Since the tab is secured to the fold portion by the lip edge 50 which is engaged in the groove 70, there is little, if any, vertical upward movement of the tab as it is rotated from the clockwise to the counterclockwise position. As the cam fingers ride along the cam surfaces, the downward pressure forces the cam surfaces downward along with the panel, thus rupturing the score line by applying a downward force resulting from the rotational movement of the tab.

In the position illustrated in FIG. 4, the tab has been rotated to the full counterclockwise position, and the cam fingers 55 have traveled essentially the full length of the inclined surface of the cam surfaces 60 creating the downward force necessary to rupture the score line 21, as indicated.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper portion 49 of the tab also includes a protective lip 75 disposed on the inner periphery. The lip 75 extends radially inwardly and is preferably continuous, as illustrated. The lip extends radially inwardly with respect to the score line 21, that is, the score line 21 on panel 20 is positioned between the peripheral edge 50 and the lip 75 with the result that the lip 75 overlies the score line 21, as shown and forms a protective guard. As illustrated in FIG. 4, a free edge 78 of the score is formed upon rupture of the score line, the free edge of the score being protected by the lip 75 which overlies the free edge of the score. In the form shown, the score line is radially outwardly of the protective lip 75 such that the user's finger may not come in contact with the free edge 78.

Thus, the present invention offers the versatility of being able to provide a score line which is discontinuous in the sense that it extends less than 360 around the panel 20. In such an arrangement, rotation of the tab in the counterclockwise direction is operative to initiate fracture of the score line, and the opening operation may be completed by the user depressing the fractured panel 20 back towards the underside of the end wall of the container; By virtue of the protective lip 75, the danger of laceration is greatly reduced.

Where the panel includes a discontinuous score, it is preferred that the hinge be formed in such a position that the panel may be folded to the underside of the can, for example the hinge may be formed adjacent to the arcuate section 62 of the end wall 15.

Whether the panel 20 is completely scored or partially scored, it will be observed that the panel 20 may not be withdrawn, or fall out of the container. While the panel is smaller in diameter than the diameter of the opening as measured from the inner peripheral wall located inwardly of the groove, the opening formed by the lip is smaller than the panel. Thus, whether the panel falls freelyiinto the container or is hinged, it remains with the container.

It will be observed that the depending skirt 41 of the tab end is proportional to be received in the depression 45, while legs 46 and 47 are proportional to ride over arcuate segment 62 of the end wall. The reason for this arrangement is to prevent the user from attempting to insert a finger under the end of the tab in an attemptto lift the tab upwardly, as is the operation of the more conventional pull tab associated with a tear strip type of opener.

The form of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8 is a variant of the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, another illustrative embodiment of the present invention is shown wherein a container is illustrated in the form of a can body 111 to which a top 112 is attached. The top 112 is affixed in the usual fashion by a chime 1 13 which secures the can end to the can body. The body may be any of the conventional types previously described. The end wall 115 of the can end includes the removable panel which is defined by a score line 121 (FIG. 6).

As in the form previously illustrated, the panel 120 is generally circular in shape while the score line 121 is continuous, although it may be discontinuous, as already described.

In this particular form, the panel 120 is positioned vertically below the end wall 115, and is integrally formed therewith through a peripheral fold portion generally indicated 125. As shown, the panel 120 is positioned eccentrically with respect to the end wall of the can such that upon removal of the panel 120, a pour opening is formed.

Cooperating with the end wall 115 and the panel 120 is a rotatable force applying tab secured to the end wall 115 as will be described hereinafter. As shown, the rotatable force applying tab includes a center aperture 132 which is aligned with the panel 120.

The tab 130,- which may be formed from flat sheet material, is somewhat simpler in structure than the tab 30 previously described. In this particular embodiment, the tab includes a generally circular wall 133 which extends in a vertical direction and which terminates in a lip portion 135. The lip portion 135 of the tab cooperates with the fold portion 125 of the end wall, the latter being provided with a generally circular radially inwardly projecting shoulder 140, as shown in FIG. 6. Rotational attachment of the tab 130 to the end wall is accomplished by flaring the lip 35 radially outwardly into engagement with the portion of the shoulder which is between the panel 120 and the end wall 115..

Depending vertically downwardly from the lip 135 of I the tab are a plurality of cam fingers 145, there being four such fingers arranged at approximately 90 to each other. These cam fingers cooperate with a plurality of cam surfaces arranged in a generally circular pattern on the upper face of the panel 120 and disposed somewhat radially inwardly but adjacent to the score line 121. As previously described, the cam surfaces 150 are arranged at approximately 90 with respect to each other.

In the assembly of the rotatable force applying tab 130 to the can end, the tab is oriented in such a position that the cam fingers 145 are disposed, respectively, between the cam surfaces 150.

As already described in connection with the other embodiment of the present invention, the tab 130 is intended for rotation in a counterclockwise direction as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 7. Thus, the cam surfaces 150 are arranged such that their vertical heights increase to a maximum in the furthest most counterclockwise position of the tab. As is apparent from FIG. 7, the trailing end portions 152 of each of the cam surfaces 150 extends vertically above the panel 120 a distance greater than the leading edge 153 of the cam surfaces.

The mode of operation of this illustrative embodiment of the present invention may be understood with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. In the relative position indicated in FIG. 7, the cam fingers 145 are positioned between the cam surfaces 150. As the tab 130 is rotated from the clockwise position to the counterclockwise position, the cam fingers 145 engage the leading edge 153 of the cam surfaces, and as rotation of the tab continues, the cam fingers progress along the surface of the cam surface applying a downward pressure to effect rupture of the score line. Since the tab 130 is secured to the fold portion by a lip which engages the radially inwardly extending shoulder 140, there is little, if any, vertical upward movement of the tab as it is rotated from the clockwise to the counterclockwise position.

In the position illustrated in FIG. 8, the tab has been rotated to the full counterclockwise position, and'the cam fingers 145 have traveled essentially the full length of the inclined surface of the cam surfaces 150 creating the downward force necessary to rupture the score line 121, as indicated.

In the form illustrated in FIGS. through 8, it will be noted that the radially inwardly extending shoulder 140 which forms a part of the fold overlies the score line 121 and extends radially inwardly of the score line. Thus, in addition to performing the function of permitting the-tab to be attached to the end wall, the radially inwardly extending shoulder 140, which is preferably continuous around the panel, also operates as a guard means to prevent contact between the users finger and the free edge of the score created upon rupture of the score line.

In this particular embodiment of the present invention, the score line is positioned radially outwardly of the shoulder, and radially outwardly of the lip of the rotatable tab 130. Thus, the panel cannot be separated freely from the container and either remains hinged to the container are drops into the container once severed from the end wall by the action of the tab alone, or by the action of the tab and a manual action.

As in the other illustrative embodiment, the structure described in connection with FIGS. 5-8 also permits the use of a discontinuous score line in such a manner that the panel may be hinged to the end wall rather than completely removed. Thus, rotational movement of the tab is operative to fracture a portion of the score line, and the panel may then be pushed into the container manually, both the lip of the tab and the shoulder of the fold being operative to prevent contact between the users finger and the free edge of the score.

It will be observed that in each of the illustrative embodiments of the present invention, the score line is arranged on the end wall such that the open face of the score faces outwardly of the container, or towards the public side. Accordingly, one of the disadvantages of the prior art devices is overcome in that it is not necessary to apply a sealant or a protective coating in order to assure score line integrity during storage of containers.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that in each of the illustrative embodiments of this invention, the score line may be continuous, but the operation of the tab being such that only a portion of the score line is ruptured by rotation of the tab. This form of the present invention may be practiced by configuring, proportioning and arranging the cams and cam surface such that only a portion of the score line is ruptured and the final removal of the panel is accomplished manually. Alternatively, the score line may be arranged with different residuals, i.e. the dimension of the solid material to the rear of the score line may vary in selected locations, or in a small arcuate portion of the score line. Such an arrangement may be desired in order to provide a completely removable panel, or a hinged panel, wherein the rupture of only a portion of the score line is effected by the tab, the remainder of the score line being ruptured manually.

By the present invention several advantages have been simultaneously achieved. The heretofore mentioned difficulty of free tabs or pieces removable from a container has been substantially eliminated by providing a panel which either remains in or with the container. Additionally, a relatively simple mechanical device has been prpvided for mechanically rupturing the score line, which may be a continuous or discontinuous score line. In any event, means are also provided to protect the user against laceration by the free edge of the score created by rupture of the score line.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, from the foregoing illustration and description of the various forms of the invention, that modifications may be made in the form, construction, and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

I claim:

1. A container having an easy opening end comprising:

means forming a container,

cover means secured to said container and forming an end wall thereof,

panel means in said cover and forming an opening upon removal thereof, said panel means being defined by weakening means formed in said cover whereby application of force to said panel means effects removal thereof from said cover by urging said panel downwardly, and

rotatable force applying means mounted on said cover and supported thereby and cooperating with said cover and said panel for applying a downward force to said panel in response to rotation of said force applying means whereby at least a portion of weakening means is ruptured by rotation of said force applying means.

2. A container as set forth in claim 1 wherein said rotatable force applying means includes tab means cooperatively associated with said and said panel, and

said panel being generally circular'in shape;

3. A container as set forth in claim 2 wherein said tab means includes means forming cam fingers,

said panel including means forming cam and i said cam fingers cooperating with cam surfaces in response to rotation of said tab to apply downward pressure on said panel to effect rupture of at least a portion of said weakening means.

4. A container as set forth in claim 3 wherein said weakening means is a continuous score line, and

said panel being completely severed from said end wall in response to rotation of said tabmeans.

5. A container as set forth in claim 2 wherein said tab means includes means forming a depending skirt on one end thereof,

said depending skirt being operative to prevent the user from inserting a finger under the free end of the tab for lifting the same. Y

6. A container as set forth in claim 2 wherein said tab means includes means defining an opening,

and

said opening being in alignment with said panel such surfaces,

that upon opening of said container the openin'ginsaid end wall communicates with the opening in said tab. 1 7. A container as set forth in claim llwherein said panel is disposed vertically above said end'wall. 8. A container as set forth in claim 7 wherein said panel is joined to said end wall by means forming an integral fold portion, and said fold portion including a shoulder facing outwardly of said weakening line. 9. A container as set forth in claim 8 wherein said force applying means includes means forming a tab, and said tab being attached to said integral fold means by engaging said shoulder. 10. A container as set forth in claim 9 wherein said tab includes a depending lip, I said fold portion including means forming a groove between said end wall and said shoulder, and said lip engaging said shoulder and including a pcripheral portion received in said groove thereby preventing vertical movement of said tab during rotation thereof. 11. A container as set forth in claim 10 wherein said tab includes an inner peripheral lip, and said line of weakening being a score line located radially outwardly of said lip and radially inwardly of said shoulder. 12. A container as set forth in claim 11 wherein said panel includes means forming cam surfaces,

said tab including means forming cam fingers, and said cam fingers cooperating with said cam surfaces to apply pressure to said panel in response to rotation of said tab to effect rupture of at least a portion of said score line. 13. A container as set forth in claim 1 wherein said panel is disposed vertically below said end wall.

14. A container as set forth' in claim 13 wherein said end panel is joined to said end wall by means forming an integral fold portion, and

radially end wall said fold portion including a shoulder facing radially inwardly of said weakening line.

15. A container as-set forth in claim 14 wherein said force applying means includes means forming a tab, a

said tab being rotatably associated with said fold means, and

said tab including lip means disposed radially inwardly of said weakening line. 7

16. An easy opening end for a container wherein said end is attachable to a container to form a closure therefor comprising: i

means forming an end wall,-

panel means in said end wall and capable of forming -an opening therein, i

said panel means I being defined by a score line formed in said end wall whereby application of downward force to said panel means effects rupture of at least a portion of said score line to form an opening in said end wall by forcing said panel downward towards said container, mechanical means cooperating with said end wall and said panel means and rotatably movable to apply a force during such rotation on said panel to effect'rupture of at least a portion of said score line, and y I protective means cooperating with said end wall and said panel means and including means overlying said score line to prevent contact between the users skin and the edge formed by rupture of said score line. V

17. An easy opening end as set forth in claim 16 whereinsaid score line is continuous. 1 i

18. An easy opening end as set forth in claim 16 wherein said score line is discontinuous.

19. An easy opening end as set forth in claim 16 wherein said mechanical means includes cam finger means and cam. surface means,

means forming a tab mounted on said endwall for rotational movement, and V i one of said cam finger means and cam surface means being associated with said tab means and the other with said panel means.

20. An easy opening end as set forth in claim 19 wherein said cam surface means are located on said panel means and disposed adjacent to and radially inwardly of said score line.

21. An easy opening end as set forth in claim 19 .-wherein said cam finger means initially are disposed out of engagement with said cam surface means, and

rotation of said tab means being operative to bring said cam fingers into engagement with said cam surface means to apply a downward force on said panel means to effect rupture of at least a portion of said score line. 22. An easy opening end as set forth in claim 21 wherein said panel is vertically below said end wall.

23. An easy opening end as set forth in claim 21 wherein said panel is vertically above said end wall.

24. An easy opening end as set forth in claim 19 wherein said cam surfaces are configured to include a leading edge and a trailing edge, the trailing edge defining that position at which maximum force is applied to said panel.

25. An easy opening end as set forth in claim 16 wherein said panel means is located vertically above said end wall,

integral fold means interconnecting said panel to said end wall,

said fold means including a radially outwardly extending shoulder,

said score line being positioned radially inwardly of said score line,

said mechanical means including a tab mounted for rotation with respect to said panel,

said tab including cam finger means and said panel including cam surface means, and

said cam fingers being movable in response to rotation of said tab to engage said cam surface means to apply a downward force on said panel to effect rupture of at least a portion of said score line.

26. An easy opening end for a container wherein said end is attachable to a container to form a closure therefor comprising:

means forming an end wall,

panel means in said end wall and capable of forming an opening therein,

said panel means being defined by a score line formed in said end wall whereby application of force to said panel means effects rupture of at least a portion of said score line whereby an opening in said end wall can be formed by forcing said panel inwardly of said container,

means connected to said end wall and manually movable to apply a downward force on said panel to effect rupture of at least a portion of said score line, said means including means overlying said score line to prevent contact between the users skin and the edge formed by rupture of said score line, and

said means connected to said end wall including a plurality of spaced force applying fingers extending downwardly and operative to apply a downward force on said panel in response to manual movement of said manually operative force applying means.

27. An easy opening end as set forth in claim 26 wherein said score line is discontinuous.

28. An easy opening end for a container wherein said end is attachable to a container to form a closure therefor comprising:

means forming an end wall,

panel means in said end wall and capable of forming an opening therein,

said panel means being defined by a score line in said end wall whereby application of a downward force to said panel means effects rupture of at least a portion of said score line whereby an opening in said end wall can be formed by forcing said panel inwardly of said container,

means affixed to said end wall in overlying relation with said panel and manually movable to apply a downward force on said panel to effect rupture of at least a portion of said score line,

said last named means including a generally circular wall which extends in a generally vertical direction, said wall terminating in a lip positioned above said panel, and

said score line being radially outwardly of said wall such that upon rupture of said score line said wall functions to prevent contact between the users skin and the edge formed by rupture of said score line.

29. An easy opening end as set forth in claim 28 wherein said score line is discontinuous to form ,a hinged panel where said score line is ruptured thereby permitting manual folding of the hinged panel into the interior of said container.

30. An easy opening end as set forth in claim 28 wherein said panel is disposed vertically below said end wall.

31. An easy opening end as set forth in claim 30 wherein said end wall includes means forming a shoulder vertically above said panel, and said wall including an upper portion'adjacent to said end wall and extending radially outwardly of said circular wall.

Claims

1. A container having an easy opening end comprising: means forming a container, cover means secured to said container and forming an end wall thereof, panel means in said cover and forming an opening upon removal thereof, said panel means being defined by weakening means formed in said cover whereby application of force to said panel means effects removal thereof from said cover by urging said panel downwardly, and rotatable force applying means mounted on said cover and supported thereby and cooperating with said cover and said panel for applying a downward force to said panel in response to rotation of said force applying means whereby at least a portion of weakening means is ruptured by rotation of said force applying means.

2. A container as set forth in claim 1 wherein said rotatable force applying means includes tab means cooperatively associated with said end wall and said panel, and said panel being generally circular in shape.

3. A container as set forth in claim 2 wherein said tab means includes means forming cam fingers, said panel including means forming cam surfaces, and said cam fingers cooperating with cam surfaces in response to rotation of said tab to apply downward pressure on said panel to effect rupture of at least a portion of said weakening means.

4. A container as set forth in claim 3 wherein said weakening means is a continuous score line, and said panel being completely severed from said end wall in response to rotation of said tab means.

5. A container as set forth in claim 2 wherein said tab means includes means forming a depending skirt on one end thereof, said depending skirt being operative to prevent the user from inserting a finger under the free end of the tab for lifting the same.

6. A container as set forth in claim 2 wherein said tab means includes means defining an opening, and said opening being in alignment with said panel such that upon opening of said container the opening in said end wall communicates with the opening in said tab.

7. A container as set forth in claim 1 wherein said panel is disposed vertically above said end wall.

8. A container as set forth in claim 7 wherein said panel is joined to said end wall by means forming an integral fold portion, and said fold portion including a shoulder facing radially outwardly of said weakening line.

9. A container as set forth in claim 8 wherein said force applying means includes means forming a tab, and said tab being attached to said integral fold means by engaging said shoulder.

10. A container as set forth in claim 9 wherein said tab includes a depending lip, said fold portion including means forming a groove between said end wall and said shoulder, and said lip engaging said shoulder and including a peripheral portion received in said groove thereby preventing vertical movement of said tab during rotation thereof.

11. A container as set forth in claim 10 wherein said tab includes an inner peripheral lip, and said line of weakening being a score line located radially outwardly of said lip and radially inwardly of said shoulder.

12. A container as set forth in claim 11 wherein said panel includes means forming cam surfaces, said tab including means forming cam fingers, and said cam fingers cooperating with said cam surfaces to apply pressure to said panel in response to rotation of said tab to effect rupture of at least a portion of said score line.

13. A container as set forth in claim 1 wherein said panel is disposed vertically below said end wall.

14. A container as set forth in claim 13 wherein said end panel is joined to said end wall by means forming an integral fold portion, and said fold portion including a shoulder facing raDially inwardly of said weakening line.

15. A container as set forth in claim 14 wherein said force applying means includes means forming a tab, said tab being rotatably associated with said fold means, and said tab including lip means disposed radially inwardly of said weakening line.

16. An easy opening end for a container wherein said end is attachable to a container to form a closure therefor comprising: means forming an end wall, panel means in said end wall and capable of forming an opening therein, said panel means being defined by a score line formed in said end wall whereby application of downward force to said panel means effects rupture of at least a portion of said score line to form an opening in said end wall by forcing said panel downward towards said container, mechanical means cooperating with said end wall and said panel means and rotatably movable to apply a force during such rotation on said panel to effect rupture of at least a portion of said score line, and protective means cooperating with said end wall and said panel means and including means overlying said score line to prevent contact between the user''s skin and the edge formed by rupture of said score line.

17. An easy opening end as set forth in claim 16 wherein said score line is continuous.

19. An easy opening end as set forth in claim 16 wherein said mechanical means includes cam finger means and cam surface means, means forming a tab mounted on said end wall for rotational movement, and one of said cam finger means and cam surface means being associated with said tab means and the other with said panel means.

21. An easy opening end as set forth in claim 19 wherein said cam finger means initially are disposed out of engagement with said cam surface means, and rotation of said tab means being operative to bring said cam fingers into engagement with said cam surface means to apply a downward force on said panel means to effect rupture of at least a portion of said score line.

22. An easy opening end as set forth in claim 21 wherein said panel is vertically below said end wall.

25. An easy opening end as set forth in claim 16 wherein said panel means is located vertically above said end wall, integral fold means interconnecting said panel to said end wall, said fold means including a radially outwardly extending shoulder, said score line being positioned radially inwardly of said score line, said mechanical means including a tab mounted for rotation with respect to said panel, said tab including cam finger means and said panel including cam surface means, and said cam fingers being movable in response to rotation of said tab to engage said cam surface means to apply a downward force on said panel to effect rupture of at least a portion of said score line.

26. An easy opening end for a container wherein said end is attachable to a container to form a closure therefor comprising: means forming an end wall, panel means in said end wall and capable of forming an opening therein, said panel means being defined by a score line formed in said end wall whereby application of force to said panel means effects rupture of at least a portion of said score line whereby an opening in said end wall can be formed by forcing said panel inwardly of said container, MEANS connected to said end wall and manually movable to apply a downward force on said panel to effect rupture of at least a portion of said score line, said means including means overlying said score line to prevent contact between the user''s skin and the edge formed by rupture of said score line, and said means connected to said end wall including a plurality of spaced force applying fingers extending downwardly and operative to apply a downward force on said panel in response to manual movement of said manually operative force applying means.

28. An easy opening end for a container wherein said end is attachable to a container to form a closure therefor comprising: means forming an end wall, panel means in said end wall and capable of forming an opening therein, said panel means being defined by a score line in said end wall whereby application of a downward force to said panel means effects rupture of at least a portion of said score line whereby an opening in said end wall can be formed by forcing said panel inwardly of said container, means affixed to said end wall in overlying relation with said panel and manually movable to apply a downward force on said panel to effect rupture of at least a portion of said score line, said last named means including a generally circular wall which extends in a generally vertical direction, said wall terminating in a lip positioned above said panel, and said score line being radially outwardly of said wall such that upon rupture of said score line said wall functions to prevent contact between the user''s skin and the edge formed by rupture of said score line.

29. An easy opening end as set forth in claim 28 wherein said score line is discontinuous to form a hinged panel where said score line is ruptured thereby permitting manual folding of the hinged panel into the interior of said container.

31. An easy opening end as set forth in claim 30 wherein said end wall includes means forming a shoulder vertically above said panel, and said wall including an upper portion adjacent to said end wall and extending radially outwardly of said circular wall.