WO2013018110A1

WO2013018110A1 - A push-in opening system for cans

Info

Publication number: WO2013018110A1
Application number: PCT/IT2011/000278
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marco CRAVERO
Original assignee: Cravero Marco
Priority date: 2011-08-01
Filing date: 2011-08-01
Publication date: 2013-02-07

Abstract

The present invention concerns a can (1) for containing a drink comprising: - A top (3) and; — An opening device (4) placed in combination with a weakening line (20) that delimits an opening area (21) in correspondence of the top (3). In accordance with the invention, the opening device (4) comprises a pushing element (4) arranged above said opening area (21) in such a way that, through a pressure exerted on the pushing element (4) towards the top (3), the pushing element (4) presses on the opening area (21), causing at least its partial detachment along the weakening line (20) so as to create an opening in the can for the exit of the drink.

Description

TITLE

A PUSH-IN OPENING SYSTEM FOR CANS Technical field

The present invention concerns the technical field relative to the containment devices for liquids, in particular for drinking cans such as beer, water, fruit juices and unalcoholic or alcoholic drinks in general.

In particular, the invention refers to an innovative opening system for the can which results particularly functional and easy to use.

Background Art

Cans for containing drinks (for example Coca Cola or other drinks such as orange juice, beer, Red Bull and the like) and the systems for opening them have long been known.

Cans, as everyone knows, are generally cylindrical- shaped and are made of a metallic material (a food aluminium or tin sheet) . Such traditional opening mechanisms include a grasping ring arranged in correspondence of the top of the can and attached through a rivet to a cut-out tab on the top through a tear line (practically a weakening line obtained, for example, by making an incision or a pre-notching) . Basically, by simply lifting partially the ring with the fingertip, it is possible to insert the finger completely into the ring and operate the tear of the tab pulling it away upwards by means of the grasping ring (pull-tab opening mechanism) . In such a manner, the tab comes off from the top of the can along the tear line, thus realizing an opening that allows in use to pour the liquid contained in- the can.

A more recent solution includes again a grasping ring attached to a tab delimited by a tear or weakening line. In this case, however, the conformation of the ring and its attachment to the tab, through a sort of rivet, is such that the lifting of the tab causes the partial tear and the bending of the tab towards the inside of the can (stay-on-tab opening mechanism) . In this manner, it is not necessary to pull away completely the ring to operate the complete tear of the tab; instead, it is enough to realize its rotation around the rivet to cause the bending of the tab towards the inside of the can.

In accordance with such a solution, the opening results facilitated and the tab is impeded from coming off the can itself in the opening phase, thus solving a technical problem of substantially ecological nature, avoiding that the users throw away onto the ground all the tabs .

Moreover, this solution is more reliable since the risk of detachment of the ring from the tab because of breakage of the rivet is minor, not being necessary anymore to operate the tear of the tab itself.

Nevertheless, both the solutions described are based on a functional concept that includes in any case the presence of a grasping ring that cooperates with the weakening line. The ring practically lays in adherence to the superior surface of the can and its lifting to insert the finger in it is not always a simple operation due to the rather rigid connection with the rivet. Many times the lifting of the tab can be the cause of breakage of the nails or wounds of the fingertip. Moreover, such constructive solutions are often subject to breakages due to impacts during transport or simply to the opening modality itself. The whole implies a risk of detachment of the ring from the tab during the opening operation.

Disclosure of invention

It is therefore the aim of the present invention to provide a new type of top 3 to be applied to close a can 1 which solves at least in part said drawbacks.

In particular, it is the aim of the present invention to provide a new top 3 provided with an opening device that is functional and that allows a facilitated opening of the can by the user.

It is therefore the aim of the present invention to provide a new type of top, provided with an opening device, which does not require the grasping or the lifting of a ring, thus solving the problem of the risk of wounds to the fingers of the user.

It is, also the aim of the present invention to provide a new type of top provided with an opening device that results reliable, and is capable of guaranteeing its good functioning without the risk of tears of the rivet, above all in case the opening device has suffered accidental impacts .

These and other aims are therefore reached with the present top 3 for a can 1 destined to contain a drink, in accordance with claim 1.

As it is well known from the state of the art, a top 3 is provided with an opening device 4 placed in combination, or that cooperates, with a weakening line 20 that delimits an opening area 21 in correspondence of the top 3 itself.

In accordance with the invention, the opening device comprises in this case a pushing element 4 arranged above said opening area 21. The arrangement of the pushing element is such that, through a pressure exerted on the pushing element 4 towards the top 3, the pushing element 4 pushes on the opening area 21 causing its progressive detachment, at least partial, along the weakening line 20 in such a way as to create an opening for the exit of the drink.

Substantially, the opening area 21 detaches at least partially along the weakening line 20, bending itself towards the inside of the can (within the containment volume of the can when the top is applied to the can), thus creating an opening for the exit of the liquid.

This solution easily solves said technical problems.

The opening, in fact, is now much more facilitated with respect to the solutions in which a grasping ring is used as per the state of the art.

In fact, it is not necessary anymore to operate any lifting of the ring but it is enough to exert a pressure on the pushing element. In such a manner, the opening is not only much quicker but also much more comfortable and safe for the user. Since there is no need for lifting the tab anymore, there is no risk of cuts or wounds of the fingers anymore.

This type of solution, in addition, is much more reliable because the tear of the tab is not necessary anymore and this implies that there is no more risk of finding the ring detached from the rivet, for example because the rivet breaks when the tab has not yet been torn away completely along the weakening line.

Advantageously, the pushing element (4) can be configured in such a way as to obstruct the opening formed in the top (3), in particular way in the round disk (3'), after the pushing, said pushing element (4) having in that case an opening (5) through which the liquid contained in the can can exit.

In accordance with said preferred embodiment of the invention, there is the advantage that the cutting rims formed in the round disk 3' , after the pushing, are not accessible since they are obstructed by the element 4 itself. In this manner, the risk of cuts by an accidental contact with the opening in the base 3 is significantly reduced.

In particular, advantageously, the external profile of the pushing element (4) can be formed by a vertical wall (6) that traces the weakening line (20) and results substantially overlapped or internally close to the weakening line itself.

Advantageously, the pushing element (4) can have a transversal profile progressively tapered from the front end towards the back part (10) .

This solution is advantageous since, during the pushing, it impedes anyway that the fingers of the user penetrate accidentally into the opening formed in the base 3 with the risk of being hurt.

Advantageously, an edge (10') is formed interposed between the back part (10) and the front part of the element (4) and around which the front part results flexible.

Advantageously, the edge (10') presents a notching to facilitate the flexibility of the element (4) .

According to what has been said, advantageously, the front part of the pushing element (4) can have a height comprised within a range between 7mm and 10mm and, preferably, the front part is 9,5mm high.

Advantageously, the pushing element (4) includes, in correspondence of its back part (10), a hole for the application of a rivet (11) of connect:ion to the top (3).

Advantageously, the pushing element (4) is substantially annular and is provided with an external wall (6) and an internal wall (7), substantially vertical and connected between them through a horizontal connection wall (15), the internal wall delimiting the opening (5).

Advantageously, the horizontal connection wall (15) forms a pressure surface (15) on which the user can press to squash the element (4) against the top (3).

Advantageously, the element (4) can have a substantially drop-like shape.

Advantageously, the pushing element (4) results entirely contained within the volume (30) defined by the round disk (3') and by the circular wall (3'') contouring the round disk and that form the top (3) .

In this manner, the pushing element is protected from bumps and pressures against cans piled up on it and therefore allows an easy piling of the cans.

Advantageously, to that aim, the round disk (3') presents a pre-determined inclination (a) .

Such inclination therefore depends on the pre-chosen inclination of the element (4) in such a way that the pushing element (4) results entirely contained within the volume (30) . Nevertheless, a preferred inclination can be comprised within a range between 11° and 13°, for example 12, 5° .

These inclinations, in particular the one at 12,5°, favours the cut effect of the external wall (6) on the weakening line, and therefore its penetration, avoiding at the same time the need for too high walls 3' ' to contain the pushing element 4.

Advantageously, two lateral walls (31) can also be included to delimit laterally the placement area of the pushing element (4).

These walls have the function of reinforcing the round disk 3' and thus avoiding that it gets permanently bent during the pressure. In this manner, the permanent deformation .of the opening itself in formation, which would impede the correct penetration of the pushing element, is avoided.

Advantageously, the weakening line (20) can be an open line .

Preferably, the weakening line (20) is instead a close line in such a way as to impede the fall of the pushed area 21 into the containment volume of the can.

Last, it is also described here a can (1) characterized in that it comprises a top (3) as described.

Brief description of drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will result clearer with the description that follows of some embodiments, made to illustrate but not to limit, with reference to the annexed drawings, wherein :

— Figure 1 describes, in an axonometric view, a can in accordance with the invention and provided with the pushing element 4 arranged in a lifted configuration wherein it has not caused yet the formation of the opening in the round disk 3' ;

— Figure 2 shows the subsequent phase to that of figure 1 wherein the pushing element 4 has been squashed against the top 3, determining the detachment of the area 21 along the tear line 20 and causing the formation of the opening for the exit of the liquid;

— Figure 3 shows in an axonometric view from the top just the top 3 provided with the pushing element 4 in the lifted configuration (wherein the can is closed) and in the open can configuration with the element 4 squashed against the base 3;

— Figure 4 shows, specularly, a bottom view in the condition of close can and of open can wherein the tab 21 is highlighted that is formed and bent towards the inside of the can after the pressure exerted on the pushing element 4;

— Figure 5 shows a further axonometric view of the top 3;

— Figure 6, in an axonometric view, extrapolates the pushing element 4 separated from the top;

— Figure 7 shows in a top view the pushing element 4, while figure 8 shows a transversal section A-A of the same;

— Figure 9 extrapolates a top view of the top 3 without the pushing element with the aim of highlighting the tear or weakening line 20 and the consequent bendable opening area 21 that is thus defined. Figure 9 also shows the section of the top 3 to highlight the angle a of the round disk 3' ;

— Figure 10 shows an axonometric view of the top 3 without the pushing element 4 to highlight the volume 30 formed by the round disk 3' and by the circular wall 3' ' and into which the pushing element 4 is held;

— Figure 11 with figure 12 show in section B-B the opening phase that bends the tab downwards.

— Figure 13 shows a preferred inclination of the round disk 3' of 12,5° with respect to the horizontal line .

Description of some preferred embodiments

Figure 1 shows an axonometric view of a can 1 in accordance with the invention.

The can, as it is well known, is generally cylindrical-shaped and includes a circular inferior base 2 and a circular top 3. From the inferior base 2 a circular wall departs towards the top that connects the inferior base to the superior one, generating said cylindrical body for containing a liquid in general. More in detail, the top 3 is formed by a circular round disk 3' from which a circular wall 3'' raises along its perimeter (see figure 10 in axonometry, for example) .

In correspondence of the top 3 an opening device 4 is included which cooperates with a tear, or weakening, line 20, obtained on the round disk 3' and that delimits a sort of opening area 21 (see figure 9) .

As shown in the axonometric view of figure 1, for example, the opening device 4 comprises a pushing element 4 arranged within the area 21.

Figure 6 extrapolates just the pushing element 4 which is annular-shaped. In such a manner, it forms a central opening 5 which, as clarified below, allows the exit of the liquid once the opening area 21 is detached at least in part from the top on which the pushing element presses .

Figure 6 shows the pushing element in assembly position and in upside down (turned over) position. From the turning over it is clear that, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the annular shape is obtained by bending a plate, for example by pressing, in such a way as to form an external wall 6 and an internal wall 7, both substantially vertical. The internal wall 7 delimits the opening 5.

The internal wall 7 and the external wall 6 have a progressively decreasing height from the front end of the element 4 towards the back part 10, where the connection of the same to the top 3 of the can is included.

This is, for example, better highlighted also in figure 8 wherein it is shown, through a section A-A, that cuts the pushing element transversally from the front end to the back one with a symmetry plane 100 orthogonal to the support base, how its height decreases from the front end moving towards the back part 10. The back part includes a hole for the connection through rivet 11 to the round disk 3' . Such a profile in section is therefore similar to a right-angle triangle except for the terminal part 10.

In this manner, as for example shown in figure 1, the pushing element is presented, once assembled on the top of the can, as a sort of button to be pressed that emerges from the round disk 3' of the can.

Such a constructive solution with a raised wall ( 6 ,

7) that progressively decreases is advantageous since it renders the operation of opening through squashing safe. In particular, during the penetration of said pushing element 4 through the detachment of the weakening line 20, the finger of the user, that squashes with pressure, is impeded to enter into contact with cutting parts of the opening that is generated.

The height of the triangle is preferably of about 9,5mm, since that height guarantees a penetration of the walls (6, 7) sufficient to detach the area 21, avoiding that the fingers enter into contact with cutting parts that are generated after the detachment. From the front part progressively there is a re-descent towards the back part 10 at a height value of the order of one millimetre.

Although the optimal and functional height is indicated as of 9,5mm, different heights could be possible, for example, comprised within a range between 7mm and 10mm.

The height, as said, diminishes progressively from the front part towards the back part 10 in such a way that said tapered part allows a good flexibility of the portion of pushing element 4 upstream of the rivet. In particular, as shown in figure 8, a sort of very thin edge 10' is formed (about one millimetre) , interposed between the riveted portion and the portion actually pushing on the area 21, which allows a good flexibility of the element 4 with respect to the point of rivet. To improve the flexibility the rim forms a notching 10' (see section of figure 8 and figure 11 or figure 7).

Also the bent plate solution to form two walls (6, 7) substantially concentric between them is very advantageous. On the one hand, the realization, by bending or moulding, is very simple and economical. On the other hand, the two opposed walls absorb well the pressure of squashing and do not buckle.

In fact, it would be anyway possible to realize a similar element 4 but having a single wall; however, in this case, the thickness should be over-dimensioned to avoid deflections and deformations during squashing.

Last, the same element 4 described could be realized not through a bending that forms two walls (6, 7) but solid. In this way, it would be very robust but also much more expensive to realize.

The overall profile of the pushing element

(therefore the perimeter of the external wall 6) , although it can be of any shape, is preferably substantially droplike and takes up the shape of the classical tabs of the state of the art (see for example the top view of figure 7) . In this manner, the pushing element in fact traces an area 21 totally similar to the traditional ones.

The external profile, and therefore the wall 6, of the pushing element 4 is such as to contour perfectly the tear line 20, in the sense that the wall 6 is arranged in such a way either to overlap with the line 20 or to touch it slightly internally. In this manner, following the penetration of the element 4 through the progressive detachment of the area 21 along the weakening line 20, the opening that is formed results entirely obstructed by the element 4 itself that progressively penetrates. In accordance with such a preferred embodiment of the invention, the exit of the liquid is therefore obtained through the opening 5 existing in the pushing element 4 (see for example figure 2 or figure 6) .

This solution has the advantage of not giving accessibility to the cutting elements during the formation of the hole.

As shown in figure 6, 7 and in figure 8, the pushing element 4 is therefore conformed in such a way as to realize a sufficient pressure area 15 on which the user can easily press the finger without risking cuts. Such an area, in fact, is the horizontal wall 15 that connects the vertical wall 6 to the wall 7.

Figure 1 shows how it is possible to realize two walls 31 which delimit laterally, at least in a partial manner, the element 4. These walls, in fact, have a reinforcement function for the round disk 3' in such a way as to avoid that the pressure deforms it, buckling it towards the inside of the can.

As shown in the axonometric view of figure 5, the top 3 on which the element 4 is arranged is preferably realized in such a way as to result inclined of a predetermined angle.

The inclination is highlighted also in the section of figure 9 and of figure 13. In particular, figure 9 and figure 13 show the round disk 3' with a pre-determined inclination x.

The inclination generally depends on the maximum height of the wall 7 in such a way that, when the element 4 is fixed to the top 3, such an element 4 remains contained entirely within the volume 30 generated by the top 3 with its circular wall 3' (see figure 10) .

In this manner, it is possible to pile up the cans one on top of the other, avoiding that the superior can squashes or enters into contact with the pushing element 4 of the underlying can, damaging it or creating its accidental opening.

A preferred angle is comprised within a range between 11° and 13° and is preferably of 12,5°.

These angles, in particular the one of 12,5°, allows not only to make that the pushing element results entirely comprised within the containment volume 30 without the need for having to create very high circular walls 3' ' but, above all, favours the pushing of the area 21. In fact, the pushing element is placed with said cutting angle that favours the penetration and the pressure.

In an alternative solution, nothing would impede to realize a flat and not inclined top 3. In that case, the contact between the pushing element 4 of the underlying can with the can piled up on top of it is avoidable by simply realizing an inferior base 2, concave enough to hold the underlying element 4 and realizing at the same time high walls 3''.

As shown in figure 1, such pushing element 4 is connected to the top 3 through, for example, a simple rivet 11 that is inserted in the hole 10.

As shown in figure 9, the tear line 20 does not actually define a closed area 21 but is rather interrupted, leaving a section 20' intact.

As better described in detail below, this is very important because the intact section 20' impedes the complete detachment of the area 21 and its consequent fall into the can. On the contrary, it allows a simple bending of the area 21 towards the inside of the can (see for example figure 4).

Nevertheless, even if hygienically unacceptable, nothing would impede from the point of view of structure a solution wherein the tear line is a close line so that the tab formed falls entirely within the containment volume of the can.

Last, even if a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described wherein the pushing element 4 contours perfectly the tear line 20 and, for that reason, includes an opening 5 through which to allow the exit of the liquid, nothing would impede to realize the element 4 without an opening but of such dimensions as to result contained within the area 21 without obstructing it completely. In this manner, its pressure would cause an opening in the top as described, but not completely obstructed by the element 4 itself.

In use, therefore, the functioning of the preferred embodiment described is the following.

Initially, the can is closed and the pushing element 4 is arranged on the top 3 in such a way as to press along the limit of the weakening line 20. When opening it, it is enough to operate, for example with a finger, a simple pressure in correspondence, preferably, of the surface 15. In this manner, the pushing element 4, through the rims 6' and 1' of the walls 6 and 7 (see figure 6} initiates to press against the area 21, causing its progressive tear along the weakening line 20. At the same time, the pushing element 4 penetrates progressively in the opening that is formed, obstructing the opening itself.

The area 21 is bent around the non-cut integral portion 20' towards the inside of the can, as for example shown in figure 4, thus realizing the opening entirely obstructed by the element 4. The element 4 however presents an opening 5 through which the liquid contained inside the can can exit.

Figure 2 shows, in an axonoraetric view, how the opening element 4 looks like when it is squashed on the superior surface to realize the opening, and shows the opening 5 through which the liquid exits.

The penetration of the pushing element is such that it is placed at the same level of the round disk 3' or, preferably, slightly emerging from it. As it has been said, this contributes to impede that the user enters into contact with cutting parts. The central opening 5 allows, as said, the exit of the liquid, being the hole created in the round disk completely obstructed by the penetrated pushing element 4 in said preferred embodiment of the invention .

Structurally, a sort of stop that delimits the penetration of the pushing element, and therefore that limits its rotation substantially around the pivot 11, is obtained thanks to ^' the resistance offered by the portion of the round disk 3' comprised between the notching 10' and the pivot 11 itself.

The productive process of the cans is often sectored in the sense that a producer is in charge of the realization of the cylindrical body of the can, closed at the base but open at the top. The producer of the liquid generally operates, with known machines, the filling of the cylindrical body and then proceeds with the closure of the can by applying to it the top, as described. The top can therefore be produced by him or acquired separately. Thus, the body of the can and the top are elements that can be produced and sold separately.

The present invention, even if preferably addressed to cans for food drinks, can anyway be used for different- containment devices, such as the big drums for containing any other liquid, also non-food ones.

Claims

A top (3), for a can (1) destined to contain a drink, comprising an opening device (4) placed in combination with a weakening line (20) that delimits an opening area (21) and characterized in that said opening device (4) comprises a pushing element (4) arranged above said opening area (21) in such a way that, through a pressure exerted on the pushing element (4) towards the top (3), the pushing element (4) presses on the opening area (21), causing at least its partial detachment along the weakening line (20) so as to create an opening for the exit of the drink.

A top (3) , according to claim 1, wherein the pushing element (4) is configured in such a way as to obstruct the opening formed in the top (3) after the pushing, said pushing element (4) having an opening (5) through which the liquid can exit^".

A top (3) , according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the external profile of the pushing element (4) is formed by a vertical wall (6) that traces the weakening line (20) and results substantially overlapping with or close internally to the weakening line.

A top (3) , according to one or more claims from 1 to 3, wherein the pushing element (4) has a transversal profile progressively tapered from the front end towards the back part (10).

A top (3), according to claim 4, wherein such tapering forms an edge (10') interposed between the back part (10) and the front part of the element (4) and around which the front part results flexible.

A top (3) , according to claim 5, wherein the edge (10' ) presents a notching to facilitate the bending.

7. A top (3), according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the front part of the pushing element (4) has a height comprised within a range between 7mm and 10mm.

8. A top (3), according to claim 7, wherein the front part is 9,5mm high.

9. A top (3), according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the pushing element (4) includes, in correspondence of its back part (10), a hole for the application of a rivet (11) of connection to the top

(3) .

10. A top (3), according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the pushing element (4) is substantially annular and is provided with an external wall (6) and an internal wall (7), substantially vertical and connected between them through a horizontal connection wall (15) , the internal wall delimiting the opening (5).

11. A top (3), according to claim 10, wherein the horizontal connection wall (15) forms a pressure surface (15) on which the user can press to squash the element (4) against the top (3).

12. A top (3), according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the element (4) is, in a top view, substantially drop-like shaped.

13. A top (3), according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the pushing element (4) results entirely contained within the volume (30) defined by the round disk (3' ) and by the circular wall (3'') delimiting the round disk.

14. A top (3), according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the round disk (3' ) has a pre- determined inclination (a) that depends on the pre- chosen transversal inclination of the element (4) so that the pushing element (4) results entirely contained within the volume (30) defined by the round disk (3') and by the circular wall (3' ) ·

15. A top (3), according to claim 14, wherein said angle (Oi) is comprised within a range between 11° and 13° and, preferably, is of 12,5°.

16. A top (3), according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein two lateral walls (31) of reinforcement for the round disk (3' ) are included.

17. A top (3), according to one or more of the preceding claims from 1 to 16, wherein the weakening line (20) is an open line.

18. A top (3), according to one or more of the preceding claims from 1 to 16, wherein the weakening line (20) is a close line.

19. A can (1) for containing a drink comprising:

- A top (3) and;

- An opening device (4) placed in combination with a weakening line (20) that delimits an opening area (21) in correspondence of the top (3);

characterized in that said opening device (4) comprises a pushing element (4) arranged above said opening area (21) in such a way that, through a pressure exerted on the pushing element (4) towards the top (3), the pushing element (4) presses on the opening area (21) , causing at least its detachment along the weakening line (20) so as to create an opening in the can for the exit of the drink.