US3820681A - Score-line structure - Google Patents

Score-line structure Download PDF

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Publication number
US3820681A
US3820681A US00241563A US24156372A US3820681A US 3820681 A US3820681 A US 3820681A US 00241563 A US00241563 A US 00241563A US 24156372 A US24156372 A US 24156372A US 3820681 A US3820681 A US 3820681A
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Prior art keywords
score
line
section
container
side wall
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Expired - Lifetime
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US00241563A
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English (en)
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M Hulse
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Orbital Container Corp
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Orbital Container Corp
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Priority to US00241563A priority Critical patent/US3820681A/en
Priority to IT49263/73A priority patent/IT980108B/it
Priority to US05/479,838 priority patent/US3955708A/en
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Publication of US3820681A publication Critical patent/US3820681A/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D51/00—Making hollow objects
    • B21D51/16—Making hollow objects characterised by the use of the objects
    • B21D51/38—Making inlet or outlet arrangements of cans, tins, baths, bottles, or other vessels; Making can ends; Making closures
    • B21D51/383—Making inlet or outlet arrangements of cans, tins, baths, bottles, or other vessels; Making can ends; Making closures scoring lines, tear strips or pulling tabs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D17/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions
    • B65D17/28—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness
    • B65D17/401—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness characterised by having the line of weakness provided in an end wall
    • B65D17/4011—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness characterised by having the line of weakness provided in an end wall for opening completely by means of a tearing tab
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D17/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions
    • B65D17/28—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness
    • B65D17/401—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness characterised by having the line of weakness provided in an end wall
    • B65D17/4012—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness characterised by having the line of weakness provided in an end wall for opening partially by means of a tearing tab

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT The present disclosure pertains to a novel score-line construction for easy-opening pulltab type cans, as
  • the score-line is disposed closely adjacent to the rim of the container end portion, and includes a substantially perpendicular outer peripheral wall.
  • This arrangement provides, upon formation, a zone of compacted material immediately below the base wall surface of said score-line, which zone has an outer peripheral edge that terminates abruptly and substantially in alignment with the aforementioned perpendicular outer wall surface. Accordingly, upon opening, the path of fracture will follow said outer peripheral wall and be substantially coextensive with the edge of said zone, precluding erratic fracturing of said scoreline and the formation of relatively sharp burrs.
  • the present invention pertains to easy opening pull tab cans or containers, that is, those including an end portion having a displaceable panel portion defined by a frangible score-line. More specifically, said invention is concerned with novel end and score-line constructions, and methods of fabricating same which obviate many of the problems inherent with the prior art structures.
  • the container end or end portion is provided with a removable panel to which the pull tab is attached.
  • the shearing action takes place about a closed loop so that the entire panel is removed to provide an access opening.
  • Food processors have adopted the easy opening-type of can for use with a wide assortment of products, primarily in the area of snack foods such as nuts, prepared puddings, fruits, meat products, and the like. With these uses, the removable panel section is quite large, generally encompassing all but the outer perimeter of the can and providing a relatively wide opening.
  • the beverage type of easy opening can has also been the cause of numerous injuries. Children, overcome by curiosity have sustained injury to their tongues and fingers when attempting to insert these within the relatively narrow key hole opening.
  • the removable panel sections are often discarded and as such, become the source of danger to anyone who is barefoot. The problem is especially acute in beach areas wherein the discarded panels often lie submerged in the sand.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drawn metal container embodying the score-line construction of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of the container of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale, of the container end portion, illustrating the 0 manner in which the score-line is: formed therein, by a scoringpunch.
  • FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view of the container end portion after the score-line has been formed therein.
  • FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating the manner of fracture of the score-line.
  • FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view of a container end portion having a score-line formed in accordance with the prior art practices, embossed therein.
  • FIG. 7 is a partial elevational viewillustrating the manner of fracture for the prior art score-line constructions.
  • FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating a novel method of forming a score-line in a container end portion.
  • FIG. 9 is a top plane view of a separable container end portion formed with a debossed area which precludes separation of the panel portion from the container end portion, which will permit access to the interior of the container.
  • FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the lines 10-10 of FIG. 9.
  • FIG. 11 is a top plane view of a container of the type illustrated in FIG. 1, having an end portion provided with the debossed area for assuring retention of the panel portion subsequent to opening.
  • FIG. 12 is a partial fragmentary sectional view taken along the lines 12-12 of FIG. 11.
  • FIG. 13 is a partial top plane view of a container end portion having a keyhold panel and employing a debossed area for preventing removal of said panel.
  • FIG. 14 is a top plan view of still another form of the invention illustrating a container end having a displaceable panel section of the key-hole type, with a raised rim disposed about the major portion of the periphery thereof.
  • FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along the line 15-15 of FIG. 14.
  • FIG. 16 is an enlarged, partial sectional view of the container end of FIG. 15, illustrating the disposition and shape of the score-line.
  • FIG. 17 is an elevational view of a novel container construction employable with the various features and modifications illustrated previously.
  • FIG. 18 is a partial, top view of the container of FIG. 17.
  • FIG. 19 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional view taken through the container of FIG. 17.
  • each easy opening pull tab container includes an end portion that may be formed from a separate end element attached to the can body by a rolled seam or formed unitarily with the body section as illustrated in the drawings. In either case, the end portion is scored to provide a frangible wall section termed the scoreline, which defines the shape of the removable panel section. Where the panel sections are completely removed, the score-line will traverse a closed loop.
  • the scoring operation is generally achieved using a scoring punch which displaces the material of the end portion to form a groove having a base wall section of reduced thickness.
  • the prior art form of score-line 10a is illustrated specifically in FIG. 6 and as can be seen, employs inwardly sloping sidewall surfaces 12a and 14a and a generally horizontally base wall surface 16a which meet to define inner and outer peripheral corners 18a and 20a. During opening the frangible base wall section 22a will fracture, preferably at one or the other of the peripheral corners 18a or 20a.
  • the path that the fracture follows is an erratic one, following one of the peripheral corners for a distance and then traversing the base wall surface 16a to the opposite corner, which may happen several times during opening.
  • the peripheral edges of the panel section and the rim of the opening provided in the end portion will include ragged protuberances or burrs 26a formed by the aforementioned erratic fracturing of the base wall 22a. It is these protuberances or burrs 26a which are the source of injury as the radial edges thereof are sufficiently sharp to inflict a severe cut.
  • FIG. 1 there is illustrated one type of form of can 30 uniquely suited for employment with the present invention.
  • the can 30 includes a cylindrical body section 32, an upper end portion 34 and a lower end portion 36.
  • the upper end portion 34 is formed as a unitary element with the body section 32, the lower end portion 36 being in the form of a separate element attached to the body section 32 by a rolled seam 37 or the like.
  • the upper end portion 34 is provided with a circular score-line 10, best viewed in FIG. 2, which defines a removable panel portion 24.
  • a pull tab opening device 38 Attached to the removable panel portion 24 is a pull tab opening device 38.
  • the pull tab opening device 38 grasped and pulled upwardly, initial fracture or breaking of the score-line 10 will be produced.
  • the complete fracture of the score-line 10 can be obtained and the panel portion 24 removed from the can.
  • the general construction of the can 30 is similar to that of applicant's prior Pat., No. 3,302,823, and references may be had to said patent for a more complete description thereof, if desired.
  • FIGS. 3 and 5 I]- lustrate the features of the present invention on a somewhat enlarged scale.
  • FIG. 3 the manner of forming the score-line 10 is illustrated, while the sectional profile of the score-line 10, subsequent to forming is illustrated in FIG. 4, the fractured condition for said scoreline 10 being illustrated in FIG. 5.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates schematically the accepted or commercial manner of forming the score-line 10, which is to employ an upper punch 40 and a lower support element 42.
  • the punch 40 includes an annular die section 44 shaped as illustrated which upsets the metal of the container end portion 34 to form the score-line 10.
  • the lower support element 42 is relatively flat and provides support or backing for the material of the container end portion 34 during scoring and prevents downward displacement of the material.
  • the profile or shape of the resulting score-line 10 attained with the punch 40 and the die 44, is illustrated in FIG. 4.
  • the score-line 10 includes an outer peripheral side wall 12 which is generally perpendicular to the upper surface of the container end portion 34, while the inner peripheral side wall 14 is disposed on an angle.
  • the base wall surface, designated 16, is generally horizontal and perpendicular to the side wall 12.
  • the shape of the die 44 is complementary to that of the profile of the score-line 10, in order to produce the desired configuration. The importance of the configuration thus described, will be apparent from the hereinafter detailed description.
  • the operation of the die 44 on the container end portion 34 in forming the score-line 10 is a cold working process. Due to the presence of the lower support member 42, the metal is not displaced downwardly, but is compacted in the area or region of the base wall section of the score-line, which section is designated generally 22. This compacting produces a work hardening of the metal and correspondingly a zone of relatively brittle material, designated 46 and illustrated by the shaded area of wall section 22 in FIGS. 3 and 4. The zone of compacted material 46 terminates abruptly on its outer periphery generally in alignment with the side wall 12.
  • the above-mentioned scoring of the can end portion 4 takes place prior to assembly of the pull tab member 38.
  • the cam end portion is a separate element of the container construction, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the score-line 10 will be formed therein prior to attachment to the can body 32.
  • the rim 50 extends about the entire periphery of the can end portion 34 and is in the form of a return-bend portion. As such, the rim 50 provides relatively stiff support for the material disposed radially outward of the score-line 10.
  • the score-line 10 is positioned as close to rim 50 as is physically possible, a feature which is achieved only by employment of the relatively perpendicular side wall 12, and the complementary shaped portion of the die 44. It should be noted that if a tapered wall were employed, the score-line would have to be displaced somewhat from the rim 50 by a distance equal to the degree of taper. Accordingly, with the disclosed arrangement, the rim 50 renders the material adjacent to and radially outward of the score-line 10 relatively stiff and unflexible as compared to the panel section 24.
  • zone 46 a region of stress concentration exists, i.e. zone 46, which terminates abruptly with the material radially outward thereof being relatively stiff and unyielding. Accordingly, when an upward force is applied to the panel 24, the material will fracture or shear at the edge of this zone 46 and at the above mentioned juncture of wall surfaces 12 and 16, since same represents the weakest portion of the wall section 22 and the path of least resistance to the shearing action.
  • the employment of the mutually perpendicular side wall 12 and base wall surface 16 provide a notch sensitive area at their juncture, an additional factor which facilitates shearing at this point.
  • the path of fracture through the base wall section 22 will continue to follow the outer edge of zone 46 as this represents the path least resistant to the shearing action. Accordingly, the shearing action will continue along the juncture of the aforementioned side wall 12 and base wall surface 16, and will extend through the base wall section 22 coextensive with the edge of the work hardened zone 46. Accordingly, the path of fracture does not traverse across the base wall surface 16 to the tapered side wall 14. Therefore, upon completion of fracture and removal of the panel section 24, the rim or periphery of the opening thus obtained will be relatively smooth and free of sharp burrs, such as the burrs 26a occasioned with the prior art construction. correspondingly, the danger of an individual being injured by running his finger or tongue over the rim of the container opening is materially reduced.
  • FIG. 8 provides an alternate, novel method of forming a score-line, be it the score-line of FIGS. 1-5 or the prior art type of score-line illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.
  • the thickness of the score-line base wall is also a factor which determines the amount of force that must be applied to effect fracture of said score-line and removal of the panel section.
  • the initial step is a preparation procedure wherein a punch 60 is employed in conjunction with a lower supporting member 62 engaged against the underside of the panel portion 34.
  • the preparation punch 60 includes an annular die section 64 that has a flat lower surface 66.
  • the material thereof is compressed along a relatively wide annular band 68 conforming to the width of the die surface 66.
  • This compacting produces some degree of work hardening, but most importantly, eliminates any and all dimensional irregularities in the area of the band 68 into which the score-line 10 is to be formed. That is to say, this procedure provides an area of uniform wall thickness for reception of the scoreline 10.
  • the formation of the score-line 10 in the annular band 68 is preferably performed in essentially the same manner as described with regard to FIG. 3. That is a punch having a die 44 is employed. This step of the procedure is illustrated in the right hand portion of FIG. 8.
  • the wall thickness of the annular band 68 is uniform along the entire length thereof. Accordingly, upon formation of the score-line 10, the resulting base wall section 22 will have a closely controlled, uniform thickness along its entire length.
  • the die 64 may be sized to insure that the respective sections and 50 of the return bend rim 50 are forced into close abutting engagement. Also, the outer peripheral edge of the die 64 will form an abrupt corner at the inner section of the horizontal surface of the panel 34 in the upwardly extending rim section 50", which facilitates placement of the score-line 10 in close proximity to said rim 50.
  • FIGS. 9-13 an alternate, novel construction for a container is illustrated.
  • the various container end portion constructions illustrated in these figures were designed to eliminate the problems encountered with the prior art types wherein the removable panel portion is completely separated from the end portion and then discarded. That is to say, in the three embodiments illustrated the container may be opened with the panel portion remaining connected to the container end portion for subsequent disposal in conjunction with the container body.
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 there is illustrated an end portion construction 34' of the type formed as a separate element and subsequently engaged with a container body section.
  • the end portion 34 includes an upwardly extending rim 70 which has a curled lip 72 formed thereon which can be engaged with a can body section by the well-known process of roll-seaming.
  • a score-line 10 is formed in the upper surface of the panel portion 34 in relative close proximity to the rim 70. While it is preferred that a score-line construction as discussed previously with regard to FIGS. 3-5 be utilized with the end portion FIGS. 9-l3, this is not necessary and prior art score-lines may be used, if desired.
  • the score-line 10 does not completely encircle the end portion 34, but rather terminates at spaced locations. More specifically, a debossed area 74 is provided at the upper surface of the panel portion 34 with the terminal points 76 and 78 of the score-line 10' being at the periphery of said debossed area 74. As such, the score-line l and the debossed area 74 define a panel section 24' which is in the shape of a segment of a circle.
  • Attached to the panel section 24 is a pull tab member 38' of a somewhat different type than that discussed previously.
  • the score-line will be initially fractured in the area of the point of connection of the tab 38 to the panel section 24.
  • the score-line 10' will continue to fracture until the debossed area 74 is reached.
  • the debossed area will resist further random tearing or shearing of the end portion 34', and will function as a fulcrum about which the panel section 24 will be bent upwardly, as illustrated in phantom in FIG. 10. Accordingly, there is provided an access opening to the interior of the container; however, the panel section 24' will be retained in connection with the end portion 34 and will be discarded with the entire container.
  • FIGS. 11 and His quite similar to that as discussed with regard to FIGS. 9 and 10. It should be noted initially, that the container construction of this embodiment is of the type discussed with regard to FIGS. l-5, wherein the end portion 34 is formed unitarily with the can body section 32" of the container. As such, it is possible to use a pull tab device 38" such as illustrated and discussed with regard to FIG. 1.
  • a debossed area 74 is provided in the upper surface of the end portion 34 in a position diametrically opposed to the point of connection of the pull tab 38".
  • the scoreline 10" is formed in the container end portion 34 and extends about the periphery thereof, terminating at spaced points 76 and 78 at the periphery of said debossed area 74.
  • the score-line l0 and the debossed area 74 of the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12 thus define a panel portion 24" which is more nearly a complete circle than that of the previously discussed embodiment.
  • the score-line 10" will be fractured with said fracturing continuing until the debossed area 74 is reached.
  • the continued application of forces will cause the debossed area 74 to operate as a fulcrum about which the panel portion 24" will be bent upwardly, as illustrated in phantom.
  • the panel portion 24" may be provided with a dome shaped section 80.
  • This dome shaped section is utilized as an indicator device, in that when a vacuum is created within a container such as is often done with perishable products, the dome will be drawn inwardly. As such, by visually inspecting the container a customer can tell whether the vacuum has been broken or not. That is to say, if the dome is concaved outwardly, the purchaser will know immediately that the vacuum within the container has not been maintained.
  • the above discussed invention is employed in conjunction with the keyhole type of panel section, often found on beverage containers.
  • the score-line 10 which defines the keyhole panel section 82, also tenninates at spaced apart locations 76 and 78 on the periphery of the debossed area 74.
  • the debossed area 74 is reached, at which time the debossed area functions as a fulcrum permitting the still connected panel section 82 to be bent rearwardly.
  • the customer may still drink from the container as is the case with the prior art constructions; however, the potentially dangerous panel section 82 will be retained in connection with the container and will be disposed of therewith.
  • FIGS. 9-13 may employ score-line constructions such as known in the prior art, or alternately they may utilize the score-line construction of FIGS. l-5. Quite clearly, because of the advantages afforded by the novel scoreline construction of Said FIGS. l-5, this would be preferred.
  • FIGS. 14-16 still another novel end construction is illustrated, which is designated generally 90.
  • the end is of the type designed to be joined to a cylindrical can body (not shown) by roll-seaming or the like.
  • the end 90 includes an upwardly extending rim or flange 92 having a curl lip 94 formed integral therewith.
  • the lip 94 is engaged with the open end of a cylindrical can body to close an end thereof.
  • a score-line 98 which traverses a closed loop to define a removable panel section 100.
  • the removable panel section 100 is of the key-hole type, frequently employed with beverage and liquid containers of various types.
  • a pull tab device or member 102 is attached to the panel section 100 at the narrow end thereof to facilitate opening of the container.
  • FIGS. and 16 The manner of attaching the pull tab device 102 to the panel section 100 is best illustrated in FIGS. and 16.
  • the pull tab member 102 is upset downwardly into the upper surface of the panel section 100 to provide a dimple which is nested within a correspondingly shaped recess formed in said panel section 100.
  • the concentric formations thus obtained are then flattened, or cold headed, as illustrated to provide a blind end hollow rivet 106 engaged in a conforming boss 108, the latter being formed out of the material of the removable panel section 100.
  • the headed configuration thus produced firmly secures the pull tab member 102 to the removable panel section, such that an opening force can be applied thereto.
  • the construction of the score-line 98 is preferably that as illustrated and discussed with regard to FIGS. 1-5. More specifically, the embossed area 96 is disposed immediately adjacent the score-line 98, so as to provide an area of relatively stiff, unflexible material outward of the score-line, and the perpendicular wall surface thereof. Accordingly, recalling the previous discussion pertaining to FIGS. 1-5 and the function of the return bend rim 50, the embossed area 96 serves generally the same purpose during the opening operation. That is, upon formation of the score-line 98 a zone of compacted material is produced immediately below the base wall thereof, with said zone terminating in alignment with the generally perpendicular outer peripheral wall of the score-line.
  • FIGS. 14-16 the formation of portion of the can body.
  • the can construction contemplated pursuant to the invention of FIGS. 17-19 pertains to the more conventional type of can wherein separable end members are attached to opposite ends of a tubular or cylindrical body section. More specifically, the invention of FIGS. 17-19 provide an arrangement wherein a pull tab device of the type illustrated in FIG. 1 can be employed with the more conventional type of can construction.
  • FIGS. 17-19 which is generally designated 110 is comprised by the tubular body 112 having an open end portion 114 with a separable end element 116 attached to the opposite end thereof by a roll-seaming operation, or the like.
  • a continuous raised rim 117 is provided about the entire periphery of the container end portion.
  • this raised rim 117 necessitated that the pull tab device employed be of a relatively conventional design, i.e. as illustrated in FIG. 14, wherein said device lay in a plane substantially parallel to the upper surface of the end member. Accordingly, during opening the pull tab device had to be lifted or pivoted about the point of attachment to the displaceable panel section in order to produce initial fracture of the score-line. This operation caused a segment of the panel portion to be forced inwardly. Once initial fracture was accomplished by inward bending, the panel section had to be bent in a reverse direction in order to affect a complete fracture of the score-line and removal of said panel section from the end.
  • the pull tab arrangement of the present invention is illustrated in detail and designated generally 120.
  • the device 120 is designed such that it may be mounted on a separable type of container end after attachment of said end to a container body by a roll-seaming operation.
  • the design or shape of the pull tab device 120 is such as to accommodate the rim or chime 117 formed during the roll seaming operation.
  • the pull tab device 120 is of a generally L-shaped or right angle configuration and include a vertical segment 122, a generally horizontal arm segment 124 disposed in overlying relation to the upper surface of the end 116, and a bight section 126 joining the horizontal and vertical sections 122 and 124.
  • the vertical segment 122 extends coaxially of the.
  • container body 112 which body may be indented, as shown, at 130, to facilitate grasping of the free end of said segment 122.
  • the free end of the segment 122 may be flaired outwardly.
  • the vertical segment 122 is connected to the bight portion 126 by a tapered segment 132.
  • the bight section 126 extends upwardly from the vertical segment 122 and overlies the rim or chime 117 of the can. construction 112.
  • the point of merger of the bight section 126 with the horizontal arm 124 is near the point of attachment of said arm 124 to the container end portion.
  • a frangible score-line 134 is formed in the upper surface of the end portion 116, as is required for opening, which traverses a closed loop, thereby defining a displaceable panel section 136.
  • the design or nature of the score line 134 may be of the conventional type known in the art, or that as disclosed previously with regard to FIGS. 1-5, the latter being preferred.
  • FIG. 19 A desired method for attaching the horizontal arm segment 124 to the can end, and more specifically to the displaceable panel section 136 is illustrated in FIG. 19. This method is essentially that as illustrated and described'with regard to FIGS. 15-16, and as such will not be discussed in detail except that the cold headed rivet thus formed is designated 140.
  • the vertical segment 122 of the pull tab member 120 Upon opening, the vertical segment 122 of the pull tab member 120 is grasped and is pivoted upwardly and outwardly.
  • the member 120 is formed from a heavier gauge material than that of the can end portion, or is strengthened in some other manner, so as to render it relatively stifi'. Accordingly, during opening, the entire pull tab device 120 remains substantially rigid, thereby transmitting the upwardly directed force to the displaceable panel section 136 via the rivet connection 140.
  • the application of an upwardly directed force will cause the score-line 134 to fail or fracture in shear.
  • the continued application of an upwardly directed force will produce further displacement of the panel section 136, and correspondingly continued fracture of the score-line 134, until the panel section 136 is completely removed.
  • the opening of the container construction illustrated is characterized by the continuous upward movement of the displaceable panel section 134.
  • This should be compared with the prior art approach, wherein this panel section must be first bent inwardly to produce initial fracturing of the score-line, and then bent in a reverse direction in order to produce continued fracturing and removal thereof.
  • the opening forces required are reduced, as is the danger of disengagement of the pull tab member 120 prior to completion of the opening operation.
  • a container construction having a pull tab opening device comprising: a body section; an end portion closing one end of said body section and including a panel section having the pull tab opening device secured thereto, said panel section being defined by score-line means formed in the upper surface of said end portion; the improvement wherein said score-line means comprises a band of compressed work harden material of substantially uniform thickness coextensive with the perimeter of said panel section and forming a portion thereof, a score-line formed in said band of compressed, work hardened material and defining the perimeter of said panel sections, said score-line comprising a frangible base wall section that can be fractured to permit opening of said container, and an outer peripheral side wall surface substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of said band, said panel section, and the surface of said base wall section, with the base wall section being of uniform thickness, wherein upon formation of said score-line, there is provided a zone of compacted, work hardened material of substantially uniform thickness in the region of said base wall section, the outer periphery of said zone terminating abruptly
  • a container construction as defined in claim 1 further including support means on said end portion disposed outward of said panel section and in close proximity to said score-line, which support means provides rigidity to the material disposed outwardly of and adjacent to said side wall surface, thereby facilitating attainment of the desired path of shearing.
  • a container construction having a pull tab opening device comprising a body member including a cylindrical body section and an end portion closing one end of said body section, said end portion being formed as a unitary one piece section thereof, said unitary end portion being joined to said body section by support means in the form of a raised rigid rim, said rim being defined by a reverse bent fold fonned in the material of said body member and disposed about the periphery of said end portion, said rim, comprising, respectively, radially inner and radially outer portions joined by a bight section, said radially inner portion being a continuation of said end portion and said radially outer portion being a continuation of said body section, with said respective radially inner and radially outer rim portions being in abutting, metal-to-metal contact to provide a rigid support structure; said end portion including, a panel section having the pull tab opening device secured thereto, said panel section being defined by score-line means which include a score-line form in the upper surface of said end portion, said score
  • a container as defined in claim 6 wherein upon the material in the region of said base wall section is compressed to provide a zone of work hardened material, the outer periphery of which terminates abruptly and in alignment with said side wall, such that during the fracture of said score-line shearing will take place along a path defined by the juncture of said base wall and said side wall and coextensive with the outer periphery of said work hardened zone.
  • a container end portion construction having a pull tab opening device and designed for use with a container having a body section for closing one end of said body section, and including a panel section having said pull tab opening device secured thereto, said panel section being defined by a score-line formed in the upper surface of said end portion which score-line includes an outer, peripheral side wall and a frangible base wall section that can be fractured to permit opening of said container said score-line including an outer peripheral side wall surface substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of said panel portion and the surface of said base wall section, wherein upon formation of said score-line said base wall is formed of a uniform thickness and there is provided a zone of compacted, work hardened material in the region of said base wall section, the outer periphery of said zone terminating abruptly and substantially in alignment with said outer peripheral side wall surface and perpendicular to the lower surfaces of said panel portion such that during fracture of said score-line shearing will take place along a path defined by the juncture of said base wall and said side wall and coextens
  • a container construction having a pull tab opening device and comprising a body member including a cylindrical body section and an end portion closing one end of said body section and being formed as a unitary portion thereof, said end portion including a panel section having the said pull tab opening device secured thereto, said panel section being defined by score-line means which include a score-line formed in the upper surface of said end portion, and having an outer, peripheral side wall and a frangible base wall section that is fractured to permit opening of said container, the outer peripheral side wall of said score-line being disposed generally perpendicular to the upper surface of said panel section, said score-line means further including a band of compressed material of substantially uniform thickness-which circumscribes said panel section, said scoreJine being formed in said band of compressed material to define the periphery of said panel section, with said base wall being of uniform thickness and compressed to provide a zone of work hardened material which terminates abruptly and in alignment with said peripheral outer side wall, such that during fracture of said base wall, shearing will take place along a path defined by the score
  • a container end member for attachment to a container body section for closing one end of said body section, and including: a panel portion defined by score-line means formed in the upper surface of said end member, said score-line comprising a band of compressed material of substantially uniform thickness coextensive with the perimeter of said panel section and forming a portion thereof, a score line formed in said band of compressed material and defining the perimeter of said panel section, said score line comprising a frangible base wall section of uniform thickness fracturable to permit opening of said container, and an outer peripheral side wall surface substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of said panel portion and the surface of said base wall section, wherein upon formation of said score-line, there is provided a zone of compacted hardened material in the region of said base wall section, the outer periphery of said zone terminating abruptly and substantially in alignment with said outer peripheral side wall surface and substantially perpendicular to the lower surface of said end member and extending thereto such that during fracture of said score-line shearing will take place: along a path defined by

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers Opened By Tearing Frangible Portions (AREA)
US00241563A 1972-04-06 1972-04-06 Score-line structure Expired - Lifetime US3820681A (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US00241563A US3820681A (en) 1972-04-06 1972-04-06 Score-line structure
IT49263/73A IT980108B (it) 1972-04-06 1973-04-05 Perfezionamento nei recipienti metallici a linea di apertura prestabilita e relativo procedi mento di fabbricazione
US05/479,838 US3955708A (en) 1972-04-06 1974-06-17 Easy-opening pull tab type can with retained tab

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US00241563A US3820681A (en) 1972-04-06 1972-04-06 Score-line structure

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US3820681A true US3820681A (en) 1974-06-28

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US00241563A Expired - Lifetime US3820681A (en) 1972-04-06 1972-04-06 Score-line structure

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Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4149479A (en) * 1977-04-20 1979-04-17 National Can Corporation Method for forming opening means in panel
US4318494A (en) * 1980-09-26 1982-03-09 The Continental Group, Inc. Easy opening container with vent means
US4318493A (en) * 1980-09-26 1982-03-09 The Continental Group, Inc. Easy opening container
DE3139623A1 (de) * 1980-10-16 1982-06-24 The Continental Group, Inc., 06904 Stamford, Conn. "behaelter, insbesondere getraenkedose, mit aufreissverschluss und verfahren zu dessen herstellung"
US4455114A (en) * 1981-09-14 1984-06-19 General Can Company, Inc. Method for making a metallic-convenience closure
US5145086A (en) * 1991-05-17 1992-09-08 Krause Arthur A Captive tear tab with protective means for container opening
US5147058A (en) * 1989-10-27 1992-09-15 Sollac (Societe Anonyme) Easily opened metal lid for a container
US5328313A (en) * 1990-06-08 1994-07-12 Weirton Steel Corporation Convenience-feature end closure for container body with non-cylindrical sidewall
US5373721A (en) * 1993-02-05 1994-12-20 Aluminum Company Of America Method and apparatus for scoring metal panels and resultant product
NL1013940C2 (nl) * 1999-12-23 2001-01-08 Corus Staal Bv EÚndelige busromp, een voedselbus omvattende deze busromp en een werkwijze voor de vervaardiging van de ÚÚndelige busromp.
WO2010000340A1 (en) * 2008-07-04 2010-01-07 Imv Innovation Marketing Und Vertriebs Gmbh Re-closable can end lid with a rotatable opening and re-sealing tab and drink can equipped with the re-sealable can end lid

Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4149479A (en) * 1977-04-20 1979-04-17 National Can Corporation Method for forming opening means in panel
US4318494A (en) * 1980-09-26 1982-03-09 The Continental Group, Inc. Easy opening container with vent means
US4318493A (en) * 1980-09-26 1982-03-09 The Continental Group, Inc. Easy opening container
DE3139623A1 (de) * 1980-10-16 1982-06-24 The Continental Group, Inc., 06904 Stamford, Conn. "behaelter, insbesondere getraenkedose, mit aufreissverschluss und verfahren zu dessen herstellung"
US4455114A (en) * 1981-09-14 1984-06-19 General Can Company, Inc. Method for making a metallic-convenience closure
US5147058A (en) * 1989-10-27 1992-09-15 Sollac (Societe Anonyme) Easily opened metal lid for a container
US5688094A (en) * 1990-06-08 1997-11-18 Weirton Steel Corporation Apparatus for joining sheet metal convenience-feature end closure to non-cylindrical sidewall of sheet metal can body
US5328313A (en) * 1990-06-08 1994-07-12 Weirton Steel Corporation Convenience-feature end closure for container body with non-cylindrical sidewall
US5462396A (en) * 1990-06-08 1995-10-31 Weirton Steel Corp. Convenience-feature sheet metal end closure and tooling apparatus
US5145086A (en) * 1991-05-17 1992-09-08 Krause Arthur A Captive tear tab with protective means for container opening
US5373721A (en) * 1993-02-05 1994-12-20 Aluminum Company Of America Method and apparatus for scoring metal panels and resultant product
NL1013940C2 (nl) * 1999-12-23 2001-01-08 Corus Staal Bv EÚndelige busromp, een voedselbus omvattende deze busromp en een werkwijze voor de vervaardiging van de ÚÚndelige busromp.
WO2010000340A1 (en) * 2008-07-04 2010-01-07 Imv Innovation Marketing Und Vertriebs Gmbh Re-closable can end lid with a rotatable opening and re-sealing tab and drink can equipped with the re-sealable can end lid
US20110163096A1 (en) * 2008-07-04 2011-07-07 Imv Innovation Marketing Und Vertriebs Gmbh Re-closable can end lid with a rotatable opening and re-sealing tab and drink can equipped with the re-sealable can end lid
US8434635B2 (en) 2008-07-04 2013-05-07 Imv Innovation Marketing Und Vertriebs Gmbh Re-closable can end lid with a rotatable opening and re-sealing tab and drink can equipped with the re-sealable can end lid
CN102123917B (zh) * 2008-07-04 2014-04-30 Imv创新营销有限公司 用于罐的罐端盖及其制造方法，以及包括罐端盖的饮料罐
EP3009369A1 (en) * 2008-07-04 2016-04-20 IMV Innovation Marketing und Vertriebs GmbH Re-closable can end lid with a rotatable opening and re-sealing tab

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Publication number Publication date
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