WO2012134508A2

WO2012134508A2 - Resealable hinged tab opener for a can

Info

Publication number: WO2012134508A2
Application number: PCT/US2011/042253
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marjan Majcen; Beverly BURKE-MAJCEN; Robert VREZNIK
Original assignee: Marjan Majcen; Burke-Majcen Beverly; Vreznik Robert
Priority date: 2011-04-01
Filing date: 2011-06-28
Publication date: 2012-10-04
Also published as: US20120248113A1; WO2012134508A3

Abstract

A resealable pop-top type opener for a can having a curvilinear tab handle extending to divergent arms having a post fixed therebetween. A tab hinge is mounted to the tab plate with the hinge knuckle encompassing the hinge post so that the curvilinear tab handle can be pivoted from a substantially horizontal direction to a vertical direction whereupon the tab arms are used to manipulate the tab to either an open position or if open to a closed position.

Description

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RESEALABLE HINGED TAB OPENER FOR A CAN

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates, generally, to a resealable hinged tab opener for a can.

More particularly, the present invention relates to pop-top cans and, more specifically, to a pop-top opener for a pop-top can having a curvilinear tab handle extending to divergent arms having a post fixed therebetween.

Description of the Prior Art

The prior art known to the inventor includes numerous opening and re-closing can tops. Representative of the prior art are:

Ayyoubi, U.S. Patent No. 4,717,039, issued January 5, 1988, discloses an apparatus for reclosing an open container while still laden with contents, while inhibiting spillage of the contents. The reclosing apparatus comprises a plate mounted about the central post of a container top for rotating between open and closed positions, and further includes an axis bore for receiving the central post therethrough, along with a sealing region for effecting a spill-resistant seal over the opening in the container top.

Dimberio, U.S. Patent No. 4,852,763, issued August 1 , 1989, provides a protective cover for a beverage container, which protective cover is both removable and reusable. The cover is intended to prevent bees and other contaminating objects from entering the container after the container has been initially opened and includes a flexible, resilient disc having a notch formed therein, whereby the disc may be inserted to fit conveniently in the recessed area on the top of the beverage container and underneath the tab.

Englert, U.S. Patent No. 4,880,136, issued November 14, 1989, which teaches a safety closure for use with containers, such as for beverage containers, including cans, which includes a flat disc member adapted to fit the end of a container having an opening through which beverage can flow. The flat disc is rotatable about its central axis to align an opening thereon with the container end's opening, and a peripheral rib for assisting in locating and retaining the flat disc member in a desired position relative to the container end's opening.

Beckertgis, U.S. Patent No. 5,421,472, issued June 6, 1995, discloses a tamper- evident cover for a disposable, metal, one-time use beverage container having a lid, non- rotatably secured to the upper end of the beverage container, which include an opening with bars formed there-across, and with a plurality of cover-supporting bumps and a position-controlling groove. A rotatable cover is secured to said lid in a fluid-tight arrangement.

Majcen et al, U.S. Patent No. 6,588,617, issued July 8, 2003, provides a rotative closure for beverage containers wherein a rotatable sealing plate sits atop the fixed top plate of a conventional beverage canister having a recess that corresponds with the recess of the fixed top plate, so that when both recesses are aligned the user may pour out the contents contained therein. Rotating the sealing plate until the corresponding recesses are completely misaligned prevents the contents from escaping despite the orientation of the container.

Lellouche, P.C.T. Application No. WO 98/49066, published November 5, 1998, concerns a liquid packaging can , particularly a beverage can, which includes a sealed closing top plate wherein a detachable portion thereof provides an opening for pouring liquid with the opening for the liquid mounted movable on the can and adjacent to the closing top plate.

The prior art fails to disclose or suggest that desirability of providing an opener having a curvilinear tab handle spaced partially from the can top providing leverage for opening said can or the benefits of providing a tab that can be used for keeping a tab plate in an open or closed position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, a primary object of the present invention to provide a hinged opener for a sealed beverage can that is capable of selectively providing access thereto.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a hinged opener for a sealed beverage container comprising a displaceable opener frame terminating in a pair of divergent arms.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a hinged opener for a sealed beverage container further comprising a post extending between said divergent arms.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a hinged cover further comprised of the hinge portion having a knuckled portion encompassing the tab post portion.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a hinged cover wherein said hinge portion extends to a flange having an aperture therein for mounting said hinge portion to the can opening portion.

The foregoing and related objects are accomplished by the present invention for a resealable hinged tab opener for a can, such as, for example, a pop-top beverage can, having a curvilinear tab handle extending to divergent arms having a post fixed therebetween. A tab hinge is mounted to the tab plate with the hinge knuckle encompassing the hinge post so that the curvilinear tab handle can be pivoted from a substantially horizontal direction to a vertical direction whereupon the tab arms are used to manipulate the tab to either an open position or if open to a closed position.

More particularly, resealable hinged tab opener for a can within the scope of the present invention has a curvilinear tab handle extending to divergent arms having a post fixed therebetween. Further provided is a tab hinge fixed to the tab plate having the hinge post mounted within the hinge knuckle. To open, the tab handle is raised causing the tab arms to break the tab plate from the can plate whereupon the tab handle is rotated moving the tab arms into the opening and rotating the tab handle until the tab arms are positioned under the can top. The tab handle is returned to its seated position thereby holding the tab plate in the open position. To close the tap plate, the tab handle is raised and rotated thereby moving the arms from under the can top and rotating the tab until the tab arms are positioned on the can top exterior wherethen the tab handle is returned to its seated position thereby holding the tab plate securely against the can opening therein sealing the can.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent when considered in combination with the accompanying drawing figures which illustrate certain preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should, however, be noted that the accompanying drawing figures are intended to illustrate only certain embodiments of the claimed invention and are not intended as a means for defining the limits and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

In the drawing, wherein similar reference numerals and symbols denote similar features throughout the several views:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the resealable hinged tab opener of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the resealable hinged tab opener of FIG. 1 and further showing the manner of removal of the sealable tab opener of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the resealable hinged tab opener of FIG. 1 illustrating the manner of movement of the curvilinear tab handle of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the resealable hinged tab opener of FIG. 1 showing the hinge of the present invention in a partially lifted position with the tab plate in a semi-open position;

FIG. 5 illustrates the procedure used to open and close a pop-top can using the resealable pop-top tab of the present invention; FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the resealable hinged tab opener of the present invention illustrating the components thereof;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the pop-top can opener of the present invention with the tab plate assembled, but with all other components removed from can top portion;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the pop-top can opener with a knuckle 34 of the hinge of the invention attached to the horizontal post of the handle;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the resealable pop-top can opener of the present invention with the tab, handle, hinge and tab plate assembled to a can top; and,

FIG. 10 a top perspective view of an assembled version of the resealable pop-top type can opener with the can top and all the related components fully assembled on the can.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND DRAWING FIGURES

Turning now, in detail, to an analysis of the accompanying drawing figures, FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the resealable hinged tab opener 10 for a can 12. The present invention provides a resealable pop-top type opener 10 for a can 12 having a curvilinear tab handle 14 extending to divergent arms 16 with a post fixed therebetween. Further provided is a hinge fastened to the tab plate 20 with the hinge knuckle encompassing the tab handle post. To open, the tab handle 14 is raised by the user 18 then rotated using the arms to wedge the tab plate open providing access to the container contents. To close, the tab is rotated until the arms are positioned on opposing exterior sides of the opening where the tab is returned to its seated position sealing the tab plate 20 to the can opening.

FIG. 2 is a further perspective view showing resealable pop-top type opener 10 for can 12 having tab handle 14 with hinge 22 pivotally connected to a resealable tab plate 20 with a rivet 24. The tab plate 20 is malleable and scored into the can top 26. The hinged tab plate 20 is opened by lifting the handle 14 and turning so that the tab arms 16 are inserted into the can 12 then rotated moving the tab plate 20 to an open position, to reseal the can 12, the tab 28 is rotated until the tab arms 16 are positioned on the can top exterior and the tab is pushed to its seated position sealing the can 12 closed.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view showing the resealable pop-top type opener 10 for can 12 having the handle 14 in a partially lifted position pivoting on the hinge 22 with the tab plate 20 in a sealed position and the arms 16 resting on the can top 26.

FIG. 4 is a further top perspective view of the resealable pop-top type opener 10 for can 12 having a handle 14 with a hinge 22 illustrated in a partially lifted position with tab plate 20 in a semi-open position. The tab arms 16 provide a vertical pivot point as they sit on the can top 26.

FIG. 5 illustrates the procedure used to open and close a pop-top can using the resealable pop-top tab of the present invention. Specifically, shown are the steps used to open and close the can 12 using the provided resealable pop-top tab 10. The tab handle 14 is lifted and rotated so that tab arms 16 can be manipulated and inserted within the can 12 and pressed up against the underside of the can top 26 portion, then pressed down thereby presenting a downward bias deforming the front of the tab plate 20 and opening the can 12. To reseal the can 12 the process is reversed and once the arms 16 are returned to the top compression of the handle 14 draws the front of the tab plate 20 back into the closed position.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the resealable hinged tab opener of the present invention illustrating the components thereof. More particularly, shown is an exploded view of the resealable pop-top can opener 10 having all components removed from can top 26 portion. Shown is the tab member 28 with the handle 14, horizontal post 30, arms 16, hinge 22 with knuckle 34, can top 26 and egress aperture 32, tab plate 20, can plate 36, rivet 24 and can 12.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the pop-top can opener 10 of the present invention with tab plate 20 assembled and all other components removed from can top 26 portion.

FIG. 8 is a further exploded view of the pop-top can opener 10 with the knuckle 34 of the hinge 22 attached to the horizontal post 30 of the handle 14.

FIG. 9 is an additional exploded view of the resealable pop-top can opener 10 with tab 28, handle 14, hinge 22 and tab plate 20 assembled to can top 26.

Finally, FIG. 10 is a top perspective, assembled view of the resealable pop-top type can opener 10 with the can top 26 and all the related components fully assembled on the can 12.

While only several embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that many modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Listing of Reference Numerals Resealable Pop-Top Style Tab Opener for Containers can

curvilinear tab handle

arm

user

tab plate

hinge member

rivet

top of can (12)

tab member

horizontal post

egress aperture

knuckle of hinge member (22)

can plate

Claims

1. A resealable pop-top mechanism for accessing and storing the contents of a can, comprising:

a can having a top portion;

a malleable tab plate scored into said top portion of said can; and,

a tab member pivotally and rotatively secured to said tab plate for separating a portion of said tab plate from said top portion of said can and resealing said tab plate thereto.

2. The resealable pop-top mechanism for accessing and storing the contents of a can according to Claim 1 , wherein said tab member comprises:

an arcuate handle having a proximal end secured to said tab plate a distal end for manipulating said tab member;

means for pivotally securing said handle to said tab plate;

means for rotatively securing said handle to said tab plate;

a pair of divergent arms projecting vertically downward from said proximal end of said handle; and,

a horizontal post extending between said divergent arms.

3. The resealable pop-top mechanism for accessing and storing the contents of a can according to claim 2, wherein said means for pivotally securing said handle to said tab plate is a hinge having a knuckle associated with said horizontal post to enable the vertical movement of said handle.

4. The resealable pop-top mechanism for accessing and storing the contents of a can according to Claim 2, wherein said means for rotatively securing said handle to said tab plate is a rivet passing through said tab plate and said hinge to enable the rotative movement of said tab member and it's affiliated components.

5. The resealable pop-top mechanism for accessing and storing the contents of a can according to Claim 2, wherein said horizontal post extends beyond the parameters of the width of said tab plate.

6. The resealable pop-top mechanism for accessing and storing the contents of a can according to Claim 5, wherein said divergent arms project from said horizontal post at an acute angle to maintain contact with the top portion of said tab plate at all times.

7. The resealable pop-top mechanism for accessing and storing the contents of a can according to Claim 6, wherein lifting said distal end of said handle results in said divergent arms applying a downward bias to the front upper portion of said tab plate thereby compromising the scored seal therein and deforming it to provide an aperture to access the contents therein.

8. The resealable pop-top mechanism for accessing and storing the contents of a can according to Claim 7, wherein the rotation of said handle perpendicularly enables the user to introduce said horizontal post and said divergent arms through said aperture into the interior of the can thereby further urging said front portion of said tab plate downward.

9. The resealable pop-top mechanism for accessing and storing the contents of a can according to Claim 8, wherein rotating said handle back to its original, seated position with said horizontal post positioned against the underside of said can top maintains said tab plate in the open condition.

10. The resealable pop-top mechanism for accessing and storing the contents of a can according to Claim 9, wherein lifting and rotating said handle enables the user to raise said horizontal post and said divergent arms above said aperture with the hinge attached to said horizontal post and said tab plate drawing said tab plate upwards thus closing said aperture.

1 1. The resealable pop-top mechanism for accessing and storing the contents of a can according to Claim 10, wherein rotation of said handle and lowering it to its original seated position effectively completes the resealing process to retain the remaining contents therein.

12. A resealable pop-top style tab mechanism for a can comprising:

a can with a top portion;

a malleable tab plate scored into said top portion of said can;

a tab member having a proximal end and a distal end disposed on said top portion of said can;

a curvilinear handle extending between said proximal end and said distal end of said tab member;

a horizontal post disposed on said proximal end of said tab member;

a pair of divergent arms projecting downward from opposing ends of said horizontal post;

a hinge having a knuckle encircling said horizontal post; and,

a rivet rotatively connecting said hinge to said tab plate.

13. The resealable pop-top style tab mechanism for a can recited in Claim 12, wherein the opposing ends of said horizontal post extend beyond the width of said tab plate.

14. The resealable pop-top style tab mechanism for a can recited in Claim 13, wherein said divergent arms project from their respective ends of said horizontal posts at an acute angle to maintain contact with the top portion of said tab plate.

15. The resealable pop-top style tab mechanism for a can recited in Claim 14, wherein vertically lifting said handle results in the hinge and divergent arms compromising the scored seal at the front portion of said tab plate thereby lowering it to reveal an egress aperture therein.

16. The resealable pop-top style tab mechanism for a can recited in Claim 15, wherein rotation of said tab and affiliated hinge around said rivet further lowers said front portion of said tab plate increasing the access of said aperture as said horizontal post is positioned against the underside of said can top.

17. The resealable pop-top style tab mechanism for a can recited in Claim 16, wherein returning said handle to its original seated position with said horizontal post residing within said can and said divergent arms retaining said front portion of said tab plate downward in the open position to access the contents contained therein.

18. The resealable pop-top style tab mechanism for a can recited in Claim 17, wherein reversing the process withdraws said horizontal post and said divergent arms from the interior of said can and said hinge pulls the front portion of said tab plate upwards to effectively reseal said aperture.

19. A method for utilizing a resealable pop-top style mechanism to provide access to the contents of a can and reseal the opening to preserve the remaining contents contained therein comprising the steps: providing a can with a top portion having a malleable tab plate scored therein, a tab mechanism having a curvilinear handle, a horizontal post disposed at one end of said handle and extending beyond the width of said tab plate, a hinge disposed on said horizontal post, a rivet rotatively connecting said hinge to said tab plate and a pair of divergent arms projecting downward at acute angles from the ends of said horizontal post;

lifting said handle vertically to provide a downward bias to the front portion of said tab plate thereby compromising said scored seal and having said front portion descend below said top of said can;

rotating said handle to enable said horizontal post to enter the interior of said can while said divergent arms further lower said front portion of said tab plate;

returning said handle to its original seated position with said horizontal post residing against the underside of said can top and said divergent arms on the top of said front portion of said tab plate thereby retaining it in the open position;

reversing the process to release said horizontal post and said divergent arms from the interior of said can; and,

returning said handle to its original seated position wherein said hinge draws said tab plate to an equilateral plane with said can top thereby effectively resealing said aperture.