Opening device
AssigneeCrown Packaging Technology, Inc.
InventorsAlexandre Paris, Mark James LeFeuvre, Christopher Paul Ramsey
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An opening device of plastics material, which is suitable for closing and re-closing of a metal can end, for example. The opening device has two distinct parts: a base plate and a tab, which are joined together by an integral rivet. The opening device is used to close an aperture in the metal panel of a can end by fitting the base plate to the underside of the panel and connecting this to the tab on the top of the panel. A sliding action by pulling or retaining the tab actuates movement of the base plate for opening and reclosing of the closure panel.
Claims22
An opening device capable of closing an aperture in a metal panel, the opening device comprising:
- a base plate configured to be located on an underside of the metal panel;
- a tab configured to be located on a topside of the metal panel, the tab capable of actuation to translate the opening device relative to the panel aperture;
- at least one of the base plate and the tab including a perpendicularly extending wall, the wall being configured to contact an edge of the panel aperture in an interference or friction fit to form a seal about the perimeter of the panel aperture;
- and
- a means for guiding the opening device at least partially along a diameter of the metal panel for opening and reclosing.
A can end combination comprising a metal can end and a resealable closure coupled to the can end,
- the can end comprising a peripheral wall and a center panel, the center panel including an upper surface, an opposing lower surface, and an aperture formed therethrough;
- the closure comprising a base plate and a top plate coupled to the top plate at a first location, the closure configured to have a sealed position in which at least one of the base plate and top plate form a bore seal and a face seal about the aperture, an intermediate position in which the closure is proximate the aperture but not sealed, and a fully open position in which the aperture is exposed to enable pouring liquid through the aperture;
- wherein (i) the base plate is downwardly moveable from the sealed position to the intermediate position, (ii) the base plate and top plate are configured to translate together at least partially along a diameter of the can end center panel from the intermediate position to the fully open position, (iii) the base plate and top are configured to translate together relative to the can end center panel from the fully open position back to the intermediate position, and (iv) the base plate is upwardly moveable into engagement with the center panel from the intermediate position into a resealed position forming the bore seal and the face seal.
A can end combination comprising a metal can end and a resealable closure coupled to the can end,
- the can end comprising a peripheral wall and a center panel, the center panel including an upper surface, an opposing lower surface, and an aperture formed therethrough;
- the closure comprising a base plate and a top plate, the base plate including a continuous flange for forming a face seal with the lower surface of the center panel and a continuous upright ring for forming a bore seal with a lip of the aperture,
- wherein (i) each one of the face seal and the bore seal are disengageable, (ii) the base plate and the top plate are configured to slide to uncover the aperture after disengagement of the face seal and the bore seal, and (iii) the base plate and the top plate are configured to then slide back to reseal the closure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.