AU8219998A - Creation of Inventions and Patents with Artificial Intelligence

AU8219998A – Removable case for opening and closing a pressurized can provided with a frangible obturator
– Google Patents

AU8219998A – Removable case for opening and closing a pressurized can provided with a frangible obturator
– Google Patents
Removable case for opening and closing a pressurized can provided with a frangible obturator

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Publication number
AU8219998A

AU8219998A
AU82199/98A
AU8219998A
AU8219998A
AU 8219998 A
AU8219998 A
AU 8219998A
AU 82199/98 A
AU82199/98 A
AU 82199/98A
AU 8219998 A
AU8219998 A
AU 8219998A
AU 8219998 A
AU8219998 A
AU 8219998A
Authority
AU
Australia
Prior art keywords
case
lid
axis
shaft
linking
Prior art date
1998-06-17
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)

Granted

Application number
AU82199/98A
Other versions

AU744397B2
(en

Inventor
Didier Martin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)

Akline

Original Assignee
Akline
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
1998-06-17
Filing date
1998-06-17
Publication date
2000-01-05

1998-06-17
Application filed by Akline
filed
Critical
Akline

2000-01-05
Publication of AU8219998A
publication
Critical
patent/AU8219998A/en

2002-02-21
Application granted
granted
Critical

2002-02-21
Publication of AU744397B2
publication
Critical
patent/AU744397B2/en

2018-06-17
Anticipated expiration
legal-status
Critical

Status
Ceased
legal-status
Critical
Current

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Classifications

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

B65D17/4014—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 and provided with attached means for reclosing or resealing

B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL

B65D2517/00—Containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting, piercing or tearing of wall portions, e.g. preserving cans or tins

B65D2517/0001—Details

B65D2517/001—Action for opening container

B65D2517/0014—Action for opening container pivot tab and push-down tear panel

B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL

B65D2517/00—Containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting, piercing or tearing of wall portions, e.g. preserving cans or tins

B65D2517/0001—Details

B65D2517/0031—Reclosable openings

B65D2517/0032—Reclosable openings the tab reclosing the opening

B65D2517/0034—Reclosable openings the tab reclosing the opening by means of the hand grip alone, e.g. rotating hand grip into opening

B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL

B65D2517/00—Containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting, piercing or tearing of wall portions, e.g. preserving cans or tins

B65D2517/0001—Details

B65D2517/0058—Other details of container end panel

B65D2517/0059—General cross-sectional shape of container end panel

B65D2517/0061—U-shaped

Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS

Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC

Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS

Y10S220/00—Receptacles

Y10S220/906—Beverage can, i.e. beer, soda

Abstract

A method and device for opening a drink can provided with a frangible obturator which can be pushed back inside the can using a tongue that is fixed in a horizontal position in the middle of the lid by means of a rivet on which the tongue can pivot as a lever to produce an opening which is later closed by a movable case that is adapted on the tongue which is pivoted around the river in order to move onto the opening.

Description

BGT-WO-4 validations nationales REMOVABLE CASE FOR OPENING AND CLOSING A PRESSURIZED CAN PROVIDED WITH A FRANGIBLE OBTURATOR The invention relates to a method for opening the frangible obturator of a container of the drink can type according to the preamble of the first claim, using an handling device or handler subsequently 5 reusable for closing said drink can. The method is of particular interest in that it provides numerous advantages in the manufacturing and filling of drink cans, as well as in their handling, storage and distribution. 10 In the prior art, some devices for closing such containers are already known, comprising a cylindrical body, a bottom and a lid on which an aperture may be provided with a globally sectoral size smaller than the lid size, using a frangible obturator that is pushed 15 inside the container through the leverage provided by the tear-off tab maintained in the middle and above said lid by a rivet. Among these prior art devices, the one described in the European Patent EP-0 558 422 is without doubt the 20 most remarkable one in that it comprises a case R4z removably assembled on or around the tear-off tab, 4) BGT-WO-4 validations nationales 2 before or after opening a metallic cylindrical can including a lid with a frangible obturator so as to form a movable tab pivoting around the rivet enabling the tear-off tab to be handled on the upper part of the 5 lid, wherein this case will on the one hand fit onto said tear-off tab, and on the other hand, due to adequately shaped external peripheral edges, clip around the peripheral lid crimping rim on the cylindrical can body, this rim then serving as an 10 external rail for facilitating the case’s circular displacements above the lid. An important advantage of this device is that the removable case may be positioned on the can after the filling and the crimping of the lid, which was an 15 important advance as compared with prior solutions. In order to provide the consumer with a drink can equipped with its closing case, right from the start, a fitting operation was therefore required before the product’s sales distribution; this fitting operation 20 consisted of three main phases: – lifting the pull-tab without tearing the frangible obturator, – propelling the removable case for fitting it on and around said tab, 25 – clipping by vertically pressing the case onto the crimping rim. This fitting operation, technologically feasible and economically affordable, does however meet with a first series of drawbacks: it requires carrousel or 30 comb type fitting robots that must operate at a very high rate with a good deal of precision for lifting the metal tab in a first phase, without thereby piercing the frangible obturator; on the other hand, the fitting RA4 BGT-WO-4 validations nationales 3 robots must be installed in the filling premises of the drink manufacturer, furthermore, placing the case on the lid of the can creates excessive thickness on the peripheral rim that may hinder transport and storage of 5 such cans traditionally stacked one upon the other. To overcome these drawbacks, in accordance with the invention, a method is provided for opening and closing a drink can type container consisting of a usually metallic cylindrical body on which is crimped, through 10 a peripheral crimping rim, a lid devoid of any tear-off tab or pull-tab but provided with a frangible obturator that may be torn apart along a line of least resistance implemented for that purpose in order to provide a partial aperture by using a handling instrument, also 15 called a case, that is fitted in, removably, through a capture shaft which works together with a linking joint fixed by a rivet to the center of said lid so as to allow the case to both pivot in the vertical plane by lifting its end close to the peripheral crimping rim 20 around said joint, to act as a lever and push in the frangible obturator, by means of the other end provided with a reinforced leading edge for that purpose, and further move in the horizontal plane around the same joint so as to close the aperture by being clipped on 25 the peripheral crimping rim. For better comparison with the aforementioned closest prior art devices, i.e. European Patent EP-0 558 422, the preferred term case will systematically be used for designating the handling instrument or handler 30 according to the invention and this, for all the text that follows.
BGT-WO-4 validations nationales 4 According to a first alternative of the method just described, the case that is used for opening and closing drink cans, is positioned on the lid in a very simple manner; the case is indeed fitted onto the 5 linking joint by mere vertical pressure, wherein said joint is itself shaped to be accommodated in a capture shaft located in the bulk of the case so that the leading edge at the front of said case will be normal to the frangible obturator and the rear portion of this 10 case will be normal ,to the crimping rim, so as to form firstly the tab element for- pushing in the frangible obturator, and if required, secondly the closing element by horizontally pivoting the case around the rivet over a 1800 angle sector. 15 It will be well understood that such an alternative provides undeniable advantages over the prior art in that the automatic fitting of the case is thereby considerably facilitated as it is no longer required to lift up the tab; mere vertical pressure is 20 enough to bring the case onto the can and to clip it on the linking joint and the crimping rim, simultaneously. However, as such a method results in positioning a case on the crimping rim right from the start, according to another particularly sophisticated 25 alternative of the invention, it is envisaged to join the case to the lid in two steps: first, by vertically pressing the case onto the linking joint that will fit into a capture shaft provided in the bulk of the case, then by a radial translation in a plane substantially 30 horizontal in parallel to the lid bringing the leading edge of the case normal to the frangible obturator and the rear portion of the case close to the peripheral rim, so as to form firstly, here again, the tab element BGT-WO-4 vajdations nationales 5 for pushing in the frangible obturator, and if required, secondly the closing element by horizontally pivoting the case by 1800 around the rivet. According to the latter alternative, new advantages 5 appear that are here related to the fact that the case, which may be translated radially on the lid, may lie entirely in the interior space defined by the crimping rim and the lid face. It is then. understood that the thereby positioned 10 case is no longer an obstacle for the lid crimping tool with the lucky consequence that it may be assembled on the lid before crimping. Moreover, such a method simplifies the fitting of the case and eliminates some fitting robots on the 15 filling lines which furthermore avoids disturbing the process; the method also allows to make substantial savings of metal due to the partial elimination of the prior art tear-off tabs and save part of the folding operations related to this same tab. Finally, such a 20 method, that avoids excessive plastic thicknesses on the peripheral rim, with the case being temporarily maintained in the middle of the lid, is particularly advantageous for transport and storage of the drink cans that will be done as usual. 25 Hereafter, two main alternatives of the device implementing the method according to the invention will be described, provided by way of non-limiting examples of the invention to better highlight further advantages and features with reference to the drawings wherein: 30 Fig. 1 illustrates two alternatives of the removable case in two bottom half views: the right-hand half view relating to the longitudinal axis of the case corresponds to a simplified alternative and the left- BGT-WO-4 validations nationaies 6 hand half view corresponds to the most advantageous alternative of the invention; Fig. 2 corresponds to section IT-II of the preceding figure showing for both alternatives a vertical section of the characteristic elements of the case; Figs. 3 illustrate three different alternatives of the linking joint between the case of Figs. 1 and 2, and the lid of the can, in the middle of which said 10 joint is riveted; on the left, the figures show the elevational view of each alternative and on the right, the left-hand view; Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view schematically illustrating the assembly of a case in accordance with 15 the first simplified alternative of the method, on a schematically and partially represented can, and showing in cut-out views at a larger scale the detail of two embodiments for snapping the linking joint into the bulk of the case; 20 Figs. 5 to 10 are vertical sectional views schematically illustrating the assembly of a removable case in accordance with the most sophisticated alternative of the method on the linking joint riveted in the middle of the lid of a schematically and 25 partially illustrated can; Fig. 9 schematically shows the case in the position where it is clipped onto the peripheral rim after opening the frangible obturator, illustrated in Fig. 8; Fig. 10 illustrates the case of Fig. 9 after rotation by 1800 so that it will overlap 30 the aperture detailed in Figs. 8 and 9. Referring to the figures, two preferred alternatives of the removable case 1 implementing the method as set forth above, for opening and subsequent BGT-WO-4 validations nationales 7 closing of containers 2 of the drink can type will be described hereafter. Such containers generally include a cylindrical body usually obtained by drawing a soft steel or 0 aluminum flat blank, a necking 3 being made later on near the upper edge of said body onto which an equally metallic lid 4 is attached by perimetric crimping creating a particularly advantageous peripheral rim 5 as will be stated later; the lid 4 is provided with a 10 frangible obturator 6, in a known manner, which when it has been torn along a line of least resistance made for this purpose, provides an aperture 7 of a globally sectoral shape, allowing the drink contained in the can 2 to be consumed. The cutting out of the obturator 6 is 15 generally performed in the prior art by means of a tear-off tab normally comprising an eyelet grip, manufactured from thin sheet metal through adequate folding. This tear-off tab is firmly secured to the can 2 by means of a rivet 8 in the middle and above the lid 20 4 so that when said tab is lifted it expels the obturator 6 towards the inside of the container through leverage on the rivet 8, before returning naturally to a position slightly inclined with regard to its initial position. 25 Referring to Figs. 3 of the drawings, and in accordance with one of the essential features of the invention, the tear-off tab used in prior solutions is omitted and replaced by a removable case 1 as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 according to two half 30 views each showing one alternative embodiment. Instead of the tear-off tab, a linking joint 9 is provided that is maintained in the middle of the lid 4 by a rivet 8. This linking joint 9 essentially includes BGT-WO-4 validations nationales a horizontal axis 90 maintained in a horizontal position a little above the upper face of lid 4 by a bendable link piece firmly securing axis 90 to lid 4. Axis 90 is such that it is able to cooperate with 5 case 1 provided with a capture shaft for that purpose, inside which axis 90 will clip or fit to firmly secure case 1 to lid 4, as will be described later. In accordance with particular embodiments illustrated in Figs. 3, axis 90 may be assembled on a 10 bendable linking part 91, e.g. from the same metal as the lid, as illustrated in Fig. 3a-left, i.e. on the side opposite to the frangible obturator 6 with regard to the rivet 8 or vice-versa on the same side as illustrated in Fig. 3b-left, or else may be made 15 directly from the rivet 8 using a vertical prominence 92, Fig. 3c; the linking joint 9 comprises a bendable element, advantageously of a metal similar to that of lid 4, with a general L shape, the rectangular vertical branch 91 of which horizontally supports axis 90 at its 20 longitudinal edge, the length of which is shorter than that of axis 90 so as to create on both sides of branch 91 projecting axis portions 93 and 94; the horizontal branch of the element is for firmly securing the linking joint 9 to lid 4 by means of a rivet 8 from 25 which it is made (Fig. 3c) or that crosses it (Figs. 3a and 3b) allowing the centered joint to rotate on rivet 8. Naturally, one or the other of these embodiments or their equivalents will be preferred depending on the 30 manufacturing criteria in the general economy of the inventive device. According to a first alternative implementing the method according to the invention, and referring to the RA z BGT-WO-4 validations nationales 9 right-hand half views of Figs. 1 and 2, and to Fig. 4, case 1 in the general shape of an angular sector (without this shape being actually mandatory) is obtained preferably by injecting some plastic material 5 inside a mould provided for mass production with high throughput. Each case 1 includes an upper side 11 and a lower side 12 for resting on lid 4, both sides being brought together by substantially vertical side walls 13 and 14 capable of forming together a volume for 10 receiving additional joints able to cooperate closely with axis 90 and its link to lid 4, so as to form a device allowing the frangible obturator 6 to’ be opened and subsequently closed. For that purpose, and in accordance with this first 15 low cost alternative of case 1, a capture shaft 10 is provided from the lower side 12 o’f case 1, so as to extend vertically into the bulk of the case, symmetrically on both sides of its longitudinal plane of symmetry, forming a longitudinal container with an 20 axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of symmetry of case 1 substantially coinciding with a radius of lid 4; such a shaft 10 is able to receive freely but with minimum play, the axis 90 that may thus fit gradually into it as case 1 approaches the lid surface 4 through 25 a vertical translation movement as illustrated by the arrow A in Fig. 4. In accordance with the drawings, especially with Fig. 4, the capture shaft 10 according to a first embodiment has an entrance area 101 whose vertical 30 section in the longitudinal plane of symmetry is advantageously triangular, flared towards the bottom and narrowing vertically up to a necking 15 topped by a cavity 10 of circular section, capable of receiving BGT-WO-4 validations nationales 10 axis 90 of linking joint 9 when the case is in contact with the lid; obviously, the aperture area of necking 15 is smaller than the diameter of axis 90 so as to retain it inside cavity 102, after a forced passage 5 into the necking at the time of clipping. -According to another embodiment detailed by the second cut-out view of Fig. 4, shaft 10 has an entrance area 101 with vertical walls that are parallel or advantageously inclined from bottom to top; at the line 10 where axis 90 is attached onto its linking part 91, 92, each wall is provided with at least one flexible tab 103, 104 extending substantially horizontally towards the other wall where it may, if required, rest vertically after having been stressed from bottom to 15 top by axis 90 upon penetrating into cavity 102, during assembly; the tabs 103 and 104 are dimensioned so as to reach the line where axis 90 is attached to its base, and/or under the protruding portions 93, 94 of axis 90 and resting on the facing wall, forming so many 20 vertically retaining elements of axis 90 inside the bulk of case 1. In accordance with this first alternative, case 1 furthermore includes at one of its ends an appendix 16 forming a reinforced leading edge so as to act, as will 25 be explained below, on the frangible obturator 6 that tears apart along a line of least resistance, in order to provide a definitive aperture 7. At the other end of case 1, means for linking the case to the crimping rim 5 are provided; such means are for instance described 30 in the already mentioned European Patent EP 0 558 422. It will also be noted that these linking means 17 notably allow the crimping rim 5 of lid 4 on can 2 to be used as a rail for circularly guiding case 1 when it BGT-WO-4 validations nationales I is used for closing the aperture 7 obtained by rotating said case 1 around rivet 8, bringing its lower side 12 normal to aperture 7 for closing it; advantageously, lower side 12 of case 1 has a bulge 18, the shape of 5 which is substantially the same as the general shape of aperture 7 and the thickness is sufficient for fitting in snugly therein and improving the closure; obviously and as set forth in the European Patent, the linking means 17 cooperating with the crimping rim 5 will 10 complete the compression of the bulge area 18 inside aperture 7. It should be noted that the entrance of the capture shaft 10 is positioned on the lower side 12 of the case at a distance from the end comprising the linking means 15 17 so that when it is on- the rim 5, joint 9 fits exactly into shaft 10. Thus formed, this first alternative embodiment for case 1 first of all provides the function of opening the drink can, e.g. delivered with its case 1 mounted 20 ex works, after the filling and crimping the lid 4 on can 2; the user then has to clear the linking means 17 from rim 5 so as to drive case 1 into vertical rotation around the linking joint 9 firmly secured to the middle of lid 4 by means of rivet 8. In this vertical 25 rotational motion, the reinforced edge 16 rests on the frangible obturator 6 that it pushes in through leverage on joint 9. Once the obturator 6 has been pushed inside can 2, all that has to be done is to tilt back case 1 in a reverse rotation for clipping, along 30 arrow B of Fig. 4, the case 1 on rim 5 by means of its linking joints 17, with case 1 then being in a position to be used for another closure when the liquid contained inside can 2 has been consumed; for that BGT-WO-4 validations nationales 12 purpose, all you have to do is perform a rotation by 1800 along rim 5 that serves as a circular guide for bringing the bulge area 18 normal to aperture 7 and forming a relatively efficient closure as explained 5 previously. Referring to the left-hand half views of Figs. 1 and 2 and to Figs. 5 to 10, a particularly efficient and preferred alternative of a removable case 1 will now be described implementing the general method 10 according to the invention. In its general structure, the case 1 corresponding to this second alternative is globally the same as the case 1 of the previous alternative, except regarding the linking part which cooperates with- linking joint 9 15 and more specifically with axis 90 firmly secured to lid 4 by means of a center rivet 8. According to the left-hand views of Figs. 1 and 2 showing the ventral portion of case 1 and its section at the linking device (Fig. 2), case 1 has a capture 20 shaft 20 positioned perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis, but placed substantially in the middle of case 1 between its two ends 16 and 17 respectively serving as a leading edge 16 for removing the frangible cap 6 and the clipping means 17 on the crimping rim 5, as 25 mentioned for the previous alternative. According to a preferred embodiment, the shaft 20, allowing axis 90 to be fitted vertically therein when case 1 is brought closer to lid 4, is associated with a translation channel 21 opening onto shaft 20 and 30 extending into a horizontal or inclined plane in the direction of the reinforced edge 16 over such a distance that axis 90, penetrating shaft 20 and following the translation channel 21 through a recess BGT-WO-4 validations nationales 1 3 of the case in the direction of the crimping rim in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the lid and along one of its radials, is in front abutment with the translation channel, when the rear linking means 17 5 are in position for clipping onto the crimping rim 5. Besides, it will be observed that the front end of the translation channel 21 in this alternative, coincides exactly with the position of the capture shaft 10 of the first alternative, which is clearly shown by the 10 two half views of Fig. 1. Naturally, the translation channel 21 ensuring radial motion of case 1 after it has been assembled on joint 9 must be such that when it is engaged, axis 90 can no longer escape from said channel and firmly 15 secures case 1 to lid 4, vertically. For that purpose, on each flank 24 vertically delimiting channel 21, a groove 22 is provided laterally widening the bottom 23 of channel 21 over a height equivalent or slightly greater than the diameter of axis 90, providing channel 20 21 with a T-shaped transversal vertical section. The depth of grooves 22 is selected to fit the projecting parts 93 and 94 (Fig. 3) of axis 90 snugly with regard to linking part 91 of axis 90. Advantageously, the distance separating both vertical 25 blanks 24 of the translation channel 21 matches the width of said linking part 91. Finally, it is clear that the grooves 22 open onto the bottom of capture shaft 20, which enables axis 90, after its vertical displacement when case 1 is fitted 30 onto lid 4, to enter into the lateral grooves 22 for allowing a radial translation of the case in the direction of the crimping rim 5 on which it will be -v_),4J~ BGT-WO-4 validations nationales 14 clipped subsequently, as will be explained in the following lines with reference to Figs. 5 to 10. Obviously, like for the first alternative, the capture shaft 20 may be improved, e.g. by providing a 5 flared tapered entrance up to a longitudinal necking similar to necking 15 of shaft 10, above which the translation channel 21 opens as described before. The advantage of this embodiment is that ift is possible to clip case 1 in the middle of lid 4 before 10 the filling and the crimping on the can 2, in a single vertical fitting operation. Can 2, as partially and schematically illustrated in Fig. 5, is prepared with a lid 4 provided with a frangible obturator 6 (represented with a solid line in 15 all figures) , is crimped on can 2 after its filling, which provides a peripheral rim 5 at an extra height in comparison with the side of lid 4. The case 1 shaped according to the second alternative embodiment is shown vertically along arrow C on lid 4 so that the capture 20 shaft 20 is brought to be normal to axis 90 positioned horizontally near the center of lid 4 according to any of the alternatives detailed in Figs. 3. According to this first vertical approach, the lower side 12 and more specifically the bulge 18 of 25 case 1 is resting on lid 4 so that it is entirely comprised within the surface defined by the peripheral rim 5 according to Fig. 6; at this moment, the linking joint 9 is entirely placed into the capture shaft 20 ensuring the required retention of the case on the can 30 2 which may thus be stacked, stored and dispatched in any already known manner. Besides, it should be noted that case 1 may be assembled on the linking joint 9
R
BGT-WO-4 validations nationales 15 prior to crimping lid 4, i.e. before filling, without thereby hindering the subsequent crimping operation. In accordance with Fig. 7, when the liquid contained in can 2 is to be consumed, it is advisable 5 to then remove cap 6 using of course case 1 in accordance with the inventive method. According to Figs. 7 and 8, in order to open can 2, the operator must grab the end of case 1 closest to rim 5, lift it up slightly to avoid the extra height of said rim 5 and 10 impart translational motion in the direction of arrow D, Fig. 7. This translation D will have the effect that axis 90 is radially displaced along translation channel 21, linking element 91, 92 of axis 90 sliding between two lateral flanks 24 of said translation channel, and 15 the protruding parts 93, 94 of axis 90 following two lateral grooves 22 opening, as seen, onto the bottom of the capture shaft 20 and extending to the front of translation channel 21 where axis 90 abuts and thus firmly secures case 1 to lid 4; the only possible 20 movement is then rotational motion in the direction of arrow E in Fig. 8; when this rotation is extended vertically, the reinforced leading edge 16 of case 1 then contacts the frangible area of the obturator 6 and through the leverage around the bendable linking joint 25 9 maintained by rivet 8, the obturator 6 is pushed back inside the can in accordance with arrow F in Fig. 8. Of course, the obturator 6 thus pushed back stays in this position and provides the aperture 7 for consuming the liquid. For better clearing of aperture 7, case 1, in 30 accordance with Fig. 9, is then pushed back by reverse rotation along arrow G in Fig. 9 and clipped onto rim 5 by means of the linking joints 17 as described above. It will be noted that this clipping onto the rim 5 is BGT-WO-4 validations nationales 16 required as otherwise case 1 would stay in an inclined position due to the deformation of the linking part 91, 92 stressed in the movement of Fig. 8 when the obturator is opened. Finally, and then using rim 5 as a 5 guide rail, the user who wishes to temporarily close can 2 for later consumption, will be able to bring, through mere horizontal rotation around rivet 8 according to arrow R of Fig. 10, case 1 normal to aperture 7 into which will fit bulge 18 thus providing 10 a virtually sealed closure which in fact only depends on compression of the case onto aperture 7. According to a final feature of the invention, it is possible to increase the closing compression; for this purpose, the bottom 23 of the translation channel 15 21 may be inclined with regard to the flat bottom of bulge 18. The slope of the translation channel results from a slope imparted to bottom 23 from capture shaft 20 to lid center, i.e. towards axis 90. Thus, as case 1 is translated towards peripheral rim 5, as indicated by 20 arrow D in Fig. 7, it is gradually tightened between its supporting side and the upper face of lid 4 so that upon closing (Fig. 10), the pressure of case 1 on aperture 7 is increased significantly, at least when it is clipped onto the rim 5. 25 It is clearly apparent that all different combinations of the alternative embodiments as described above using for instance the different shapes of linking joints connected to the lid or the case, or other equivalent solutions not described, would not 30 depart from the scope of the invention in as far as the new alternative embodiment would implement the inventive method; in particular, this would be the case if axis 90 were to be replaced by a sphere attached to BGT-WO-4 validations nationales 17 rivet 8 cooperating with a capture shaft and, if required, a translation channel, e.g. of tubular shape.

Claims (14)

1. A method for opening and closing a drink can type container (2) consisting of a usually metallic 5 cylindrical body (3) on which is crimped, through a peripheral crimping rim (5), a lid (4) devoid of any tear-off tab or pull-tab but provided with a frangible obturator (6) that may be torn apart along a line of least resistance implemented for that purpose in order 10 to provide a partial aperture (7) by using a handling instrument, also called a case (1), that is fitted in, removably, through a capture shaft (10, 20) which works together with a linking joint (9, 90) fixed by a rivet (8) to the center of said lid (4) so as to allow the 15 case (1) to both pivot in the vertical plane by lifting its end close to the peripheral crimping rim (5) around said joint, to act as a lever and push in the frangible obturator (6), by means of the other end provided with a reinforced leading edge (16) for that purpose, and 20 further move in the horizontal plane around the same Joint (9, 90) so as to close aperture (7) by being clipped on the peripheral crimping rim (5).

2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that case (1) is firmly secured to lid (4) through BGT-WO-4 validations nationales 19 vertically pressing the linking joint (9) shaped so as to be clipped into a capture shaft (10) of case (1), positioned so that on the one hand, the leading edge (16) of said case (1) is normal to the frangible 5 obturator (6) and on the other hand, the rear portion of this case (1) is normal to the crimping rim (5) so as to form firstly the tear-off element for pushing in the frangible obturator (6) and, if required, form secondly the closing element by horizontally pivoting 10 the case (1) by 1800 around the rivet (8).

3. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that case (1) is firmly secured to the lid (4) , first by vertically pressing the linking joint (9) that will fit into the capture shaft (20) of case (1), then 15 through a radial translation in the horizontal plane in parallel to the lid (4), wherein said translation brings the leading edge (16) of the case (1) normal to the obturator (6) and the rear portion (17) of case (1) close to the rim (5) so as to form firstly the tear-off 20 element for pushing in the frangible obturator (6) and, if required, form secondly the closing element by horizontally pivoting the case (1) by 1800 around rivet (8).

4. A method according to claim 3, characterized in 25 that case (1), while remaining firmly secured to lid -(4), may be translated radially in the plane of lid (4) from a “pre-opening” position so that case (1) stays completely enclosed inside the space defined by the peripheral rim (5), to a “post-opening” position 30 wherein the clipping means (17) provided at the back of case (1) will clip onto the rim (5) serving as a circular guide for case (1), in a rotational motion BGT-WO-4 validations nationales 20 around the central rivet (8), so as to be superimposed over the aperture (7) and thus close it.

5. A device for opening and closing a drink can type container (2) consisting in a known way of a 5 cylindrical body (3), e.g. of drawn metal, whereon a lid (4) with a frangible obturator (6) is crimped, that may be torn apart along a line of least resistance implemented for that purpose, by means firmly secured to the lid (4) so as to form an aperture (7) that may 10 subsequently be closed again by a removable handler, also called case (1), which covers it up by being clipped on the crimping rim (5) of lid (4) on can (2), by otherwise known linking means (17), the device implementing one of the methods according to any of 15 claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the means for tearing apart the obturator (6) comprise case (1) having for that purpose at the front a reinforced leading edge (16) and a linking joint (9) of said case (1) at lid (4), the link between case (1) and lid (4) 20 being obtained through the cooperation of a horizontal axis (90) attached near the lid center (4) and a little above it, by a bendable linking element (91, 92) that is riveted to the center of said lid (4) and at least one fitting (10, 20) provided in the bulk of the case 25 (1) provided with means (15, 22) capable of receiving the axis (90) and retaining it.

6. A device according to claim 5, characterized in that the fitting is a capture shaft (10), whose longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal 30 axis of symmetry of case (1), coinciding with a radius of lid (4), extending vertically and symmetrically on both sides of the longitudinal plane of symmetry of case (1) from its entrance on the lower side (12) of ) BGT-WO-41 validations nationales 21 case (1) and positioned at a fai r distance so that when linking means (17) are engaged in the crimping rim (5), the linking joint (9) coincides with the shaft (10), and in that at the bottom of the shaft (10), means (15) 5 are provided for vertically retaining the joint (9) ensuring firm securement between case (1) and lid (5).

7. A device according to claim 6, characterized in that the capture shaft (10) has an entrance area (101) the vertical section of which in the vertical plane of 10 symmetry of the case (1) is triangular, i.e. flared towards the bottom and narrowing towards the top up to a necking (15) topped by a cavity (102) of circular section capable of receiving axis (90) of the linking joint (9) when the case is in contact with the lid, 15 wherein the aperture area of the necking (15) is smaller than the diameter of the axis (90) so as to retain it inside the cavity (102), after a forced passage into the necking (15) upon clipping.

8. A device according to claim 6, characterized in 20 that the shaft (10) has an entrance area (101) with vertical walls, that are parallel or advantageously inclined from bottom to top, each wall provided at the line where the axis (90) is attached to its link piece (91, 92) , with at least one flexible tab (103, 104) 25 extending substantially horizontally towards the other wall where it may, if required, rest vertically after having been stressed from bottom to top by the axis (90) when it penetrates into the cavity (102), during assembly, the flexible tabs (103 and 104) being 30 dimensioned to reach under the projecting parts (93, 94) of the axis (90) and rest on the facing wall.

9. A device according to claim 6, characterized in that capture shaft (10) has an entrance area (101) with BGT-WO-4 validations nationales 22 walls inclined from bottom to top and provided, at the line joining the axis (90) to its link piece (91, 92), with flexible tabs extending substantially horizontally from one wall to the other so that after having been 5 stressed from bottom to top by axis (90) upon its penetration into cavity (102) during assembly, they may reach the securing line of axis (90) on its base so as to form an anti-reverse lock element.

10. A device according to claim 5, characterized in 10 that the fitting provided in case (1) consists of: – a capture shaft (20) of the linking joint (9) substantially positioned in the middle of the case (1), said shaft (20) whose longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of symmetry of 15 the case coinciding with a radius of the lid (4), extending vertically and symmetrically on both sides of the longitudinal plane of symmetry of the case from the lower side (12) onto which it opens at a height and according to dimensions such that when said case is in 20 contact with lid (4), axis (90) is completely engaged in the bulk of the case, means being provided for retaining it vertically, and – a translation channel (21) open on the lower side (12) of case (1) and extending in its longitudinal 25 axis, towards the front of case (1) from shaft (20) onto the bottom of which it opens with a width equal to the length of the linking element (91, 92) of axis (90), wherein two lateral grooves (22) widen the bottom (23) of the channel (21) symmetrically with regard to 30 the longitudinal axis of case so as to coincide completely with the bottom of the shaft (20) into which they open, the height of said grooves (22) being equal to the diameter of the axis (9) and the depth provided BGT-WO-4 validations nationales 23 for containing the protruding parts (93, 94) of said axis (90), the length of the translation channel (21) being adjusted so that when axis (90) is in front abutment in the grooves (22), the clipping means (17) 5 at the rear of the case (1) are normal to the crimping rim (5).

11. A device according to claim 10, characterized in that the capture shaft (20) has a flared entrance on side (12) of case (1), tapered from bottom to top, up 10 to a longitudinal necking above which translation channel (21) opens, forming an element for vertically retaining axis (90) after fitting it into shaft (20).

12. A device according to any of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the bottom (23) of translation 15 channel (21) and grooves (22) are inclined towards the front of the case (1), i.e. that the distance from the bottom of shaft (20) to the lower side (12) of the case is greater than the distance from bottom (23) of the channel (21) to the same side (22) taken at the other 20 end of the channel (21), the slope being selected according to the desired closing compression.

13. A device according to any of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that the lower side (12) of case (1) has a bulge (18) of a shape slightly larger than the 25 aperture (7) of lid (4) when the obturator (6) is pushed in.

14. A device according to any of claims 5 to 13, characterized in that the linking element (9) supporting axis (90) consists either of an L-shaped 30 element (91) the vertical branch of which supports the horizontal axis (90) firmly secured by its horizontal branch to the center of the lid (4) by a rivet (8) around which the axis (90) may pivot, or of a strip BGT-WO-4 validations nationales 2 4 (92) directly made from rivet (8) placed in the middle of lid (4). V VA L U

AU82199/98A
1998-06-17
1998-06-17
Removable case for opening and closing a pressurized can provided with a frangible obturator

Ceased

AU744397B2
(en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number
Priority Date
Filing Date
Title

PCT/FR1998/001271

WO1999065780A1
(en)

1998-06-17
1998-06-17
Removable case for opening and closing a pressurized can provided with a frangible obturator

Publications (2)

Publication Number
Publication Date

AU8219998A
true

AU8219998A
(en)

2000-01-05

AU744397B2

AU744397B2
(en)

2002-02-21

Family
ID=9522569
Family Applications (1)

Application Number
Title
Priority Date
Filing Date

AU82199/98A
Ceased

AU744397B2
(en)

1998-06-17
1998-06-17
Removable case for opening and closing a pressurized can provided with a frangible obturator

Country Status (9)

Country
Link

US
(1)

US6763963B1
(en)

EP
(1)

EP1097086B1
(en)

JP
(1)

JP3796652B2
(en)

AT
(1)

ATE248754T1
(en)

AU
(1)

AU744397B2
(en)

CA
(1)

CA2334995C
(en)

DE
(1)

DE69817885T2
(en)

ES
(1)

ES2207842T3
(en)

WO
(1)

WO1999065780A1
(en)

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1998

1998-06-17
EP
EP98932223A
patent/EP1097086B1/en
not_active
Expired – Lifetime

1998-06-17
JP
JP2000554622A
patent/JP3796652B2/en
not_active
Expired – Fee Related

1998-06-17
CA
CA002334995A
patent/CA2334995C/en
not_active
Expired – Fee Related

1998-06-17
AU
AU82199/98A
patent/AU744397B2/en
not_active
Ceased

1998-06-17
AT
AT98932223T
patent/ATE248754T1/en
not_active
IP Right Cessation

1998-06-17
ES
ES98932223T
patent/ES2207842T3/en
not_active
Expired – Lifetime

1998-06-17
DE
DE69817885T
patent/DE69817885T2/en
not_active
Expired – Lifetime

1998-06-17
US
US09/719,833
patent/US6763963B1/en
not_active
Expired – Fee Related

1998-06-17
WO
PCT/FR1998/001271
patent/WO1999065780A1/en
active
IP Right Grant

Also Published As

Publication number
Publication date

EP1097086A1
(en)

2001-05-09

JP3796652B2
(en)

2006-07-12

CA2334995C
(en)

2005-11-29

DE69817885T2
(en)

2004-07-15

CA2334995A1
(en)

1999-12-23

ES2207842T3
(en)

2004-06-01

JP2002518258A
(en)

2002-06-25

WO1999065780A1
(en)

1999-12-23

ATE248754T1
(en)

2003-09-15

US6763963B1
(en)

2004-07-20

EP1097086B1
(en)

2003-09-03

AU744397B2
(en)

2002-02-21

DE69817885D1
(en)

2003-10-09

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