DRINK CAN OPENING SYSTEM The technical field

The present application for a patent for an industrial invention has as its object a new drink can opening system, where the material generally employed, although not necessarily, is aluminium. The system has been conceived in order to avoid the introduction of the opening tab into the drink itself thus, in fact, resolving the problems deriving from a surface (that of the tab) that is decidedly not to be recommended from the point of view of hygiene. State of the Art

Until now the opening of a can was carried out by pushing the pre-incised tab downwards with the pulling key, consequently inserting it into the can filled with the drink.

Such an opening system is described in the patent US-B-3795341. As clearly results, the external surface of any alimentary container such as cartons, bottles or cans, can never be in an "acceptable" state of hygiene precisely because of the nature of its purpose: to protect its contents, also from the point of view of hygiene (but not to protect the container itself) from all those stages, such as handling in the factory, during wrapping, transport and storage in diverse warehouses (from that of the producer to that of the transporters and deliverers, from the wholesaler's to the retailer's).

In order to avoid the above described problems, the subject of the present invention has been prepared, having as its principal aim that of overcoming the limits and disadvantages present in the state of the art, by creating a drink can opening system constituted by a pre-incised tab on the surface of the can's lid and by a pulling key, characterised by the fact that the pulling key is connected to the tab and that the pre-incised tab is connected to the lid of the can by one or more pre-incised arms on the surface of the lid of the can.

Another characteristic is given by the fact that during the phase of raising the tab, the arm/arms each form bendable points which allow one, with the pulling key, to raise, pull back and finally place the tab onto the surface of the lid itself.

Another characteristic is given by the fact that the bendable points are two.

Another characteristic is given by the fact that near the pre-incisions ribs are created, to improve the rigidity of the surface and making it easier to detach the pre-incised parts.

Another characteristic is given by the fact that the surface of the tab is sunken in respect to the rest of the surface of the lid of the can.

Another characteristic is given by the fact that the pre-incisions for the creation of the tab and the arms are two, of which one is external and one is internal and that the internal pre-incision defines the internal part of the arms and the posterior part of the tab.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following description of a method of constructing the invention, given as a non-limiting example in the Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20.

A synthetic description of the Figures -

Fig. 1: The figure represents a view from above of the lid of a can, using the drink can opening system, according to an initial method of constructing the invention, without the pulling key. Fig. 2: The figure represents a view from above of the lid of a can that uses the drink can opening system, according to an initial method of constructing the invention, without the pulling key, before the pre-incisions are carried out. Fig. 3: The figure represents a view from above of the lid of a can that uses the drink can opening system, according to an initial method of constructing the invention, without the pulling key, after having carried out the pre-incisions.

Fig. 4: The figure represents a section of the lid of a can that uses the drink can opening system, according to a first method of constructing the invention, without the pulling key. Fig. 5: The figure represents a view from above of the lid of a can that uses the drink can opening system, according to a first method of constructing the invention, with the pulling key, in the closed position. Fig. 6: The figure represents a view from above of the lid of a can that uses the drink can opening system, according to a first method of constructing the invention, with the pulling key, in the open position. Fig. 7: The figure represents a view from above of the lid of a can that uses the drink can opening system, according to a first method of constructing the invention, with the pulling key, in the open position. Fig. 8: The figure represents a section of the lid of a can that uses the drink can opening system, according to a first method of constructing the invention, with the pulling key, in the open position. Fig. 9: The figure represents a view from above of the lid of a can that uses the drink can opening system, before the creation of the pre-incisions, according to an alternative method of constructing the invention, without the pulling key. Fig. 10: The figure represents a view from above of the lid of a can that uses the drink can opening system, after the pre-incisions are made, according to an alternative method of constructing the invention, without the pulling key. Fig. 11: The figure represents a view from above of the lid of a can that uses the drink can opening system, according to an alternative method of constructing the invention, without the pulling key, after having carried out the pre-incisions. Fig. 12: The figure represents a section of the lid of a can that uses the drink can opening system, according to an alternative method of constructing the invention, without the pulling key.

Fig. 13: The figure represents a view from above of the lid of a can that uses the drink can opening system, according to an alternative method of constructing the invention, with the pulling key.

Fig. 14: The figure represents a view from above of the lid of a can that uses the drink can opening system, according to an alternative method of constructing the invention, without the pulling key, in the open position.

Fig. 15: The figure represents a view from above of the lid of a can that uses the drink can opening system, according to an alternative method of constructing the invention, with the pulling key, in the open position.

Fig. 16: The figure represents a section of the lid of a can that uses the drink can opening system, according to an alternative method of constructing the invention, with the pulling key, in the open position. Fig. 17: The figure represents a section of the drink can opening system, according to a method of constructing the invention, in the initial position of the opening sequence. Fig. 18: The figure represents a section of the drink can opening system, according to a method of constructing the invention, in the second position of the opening sequence. Fig. 19: The figure represents a section of the drink can opening system, according to a method of constructing the invention, in the third position of the opening sequence. Fig. 20: The figure represents a section of the drink can opening system, according to a method of constructing the invention, in the final position of the opening sequence. A description of some methods of constructing the invention.

With reference to the Figures, and to Figure No.l in particular, the innovation consists of the use of an "arm" 1 (so called because of the shape it assumes during its use), that allows first the transferred upwards movement of the opening tab 6 united to the pulling key 9, and then its backwards movement and halting, placing, and holding in place on the surface of the can the "pulling key 9/tab 6" group (see Figure No. 7).

It is clear that the real subject of the patent is the " arm" 1, that forms a single unit with the tab 6 and is necessarily connected to the opening pulling key 9 by the rivet 7: this permits the backwards movement of the tab 6 and the consequent opening of the can in a totally innovative way. The arm 1 is created during the pre-incision 2 of the lid of the can by the same procedures that are necessary to create the same tab 6.

In such a way, during the phase of opening the can, when one detaches the tab 6 from the surface of the lid with the pulling key 9, this last will remain partially attached to the arm 1 which, spontaneously forming the "bendable" points 10 and 11, will allow one to lift the pulling key, pull it backwards and finally to rest it on the surface of the lid itself, at the same time leaving open a space 14 of generous dimensions through which the drink content can flow out. The Figures numbered 1-8 are necessary to make clear the functions of a first method of creating the invention. These figures have a purely exemplifying and non-limitative value, since small differences in the shape of the arm, 1 and of the stiffening ribs 4 and 5, in the types of incision (upper or lower) of the pre-incisions 2, as well as in the position of the rivet 7, are to be considered clearly physiological since the discovery needs to be adapted for industrial production on a large scale and therefore be more easily made.

In Figure 1 the surface of the "lid" of the can is evidenced, with the outline 8 formed to receive the pulling key 9; another sunken groove 12, serves to improve the grip of the pulling key itself. The function of the raised ribbing 4 and 5, placed close to the pre-incisions, is to improve the rigidity of the surface, facilitating the detachment of the pre-incised parts. The riveted point 7 has the function of keeping the pulling key 9 together with the lid's surface; that is with the tab. Still with regard to Figure 1, the pre-incision 2 has the function of separating the tab 6 from the surface of the lid and of forming, to the rear, the arm 1.

The pulling key (see Figures 5, 7 and 8), has a usefulness and functionality which, in the context of the discovery, become further amplified; as is evidenced by the Figures 5, 7 and 8, the pulling key 9 is joined to the tab 6 and not to the "fixed" part of the surface of the lid, as occurs in all the cases

that already exist. Consequently the pulling key 9, in this discovery, permits one not only to separate the tab 6 from the surface of the lid, but also to raise it and pull it backwards as shown in the Figures 6, 7 and 8, leaving a generous aperture 14.

Clearly this function is permitted by the presence of the arm 1 and by its natural "bendable points"

10 and 11; the arm forms a single unit with the opening tab 6 and, once detached from the fixed surface of the lid, allows one the possibility of raising and pulling backwards the entire key/tab group.

In order to better clarify these stages of opening the Figures in section Nos. 17, 18, 19 and 20 are of help: in Figure 17 we can see the first phase: the pulling key 9 is raised, and the tab 6 detaches itself automatically from the surface. The rivet 7, by holding together the pulling key 9 and the tab 6, allows this last to detach itself even at its posterior part.

At this point in the Figures 18 and 19 the raising of the entire joined group, composed of the pulling key 9/tab 6, and its successive backwards movement, is shown. It is important to note how the arm,

1 and its bendable points 10 and 11 seen in Figure 18, are fundamental for raising and movement, permitting, in fact, as the only element, all movement. Finally, in Figure 20, the ultimate phase is shown, with the pulling key 9/tab 6 group resting on the surface of the lid, held in place by the arm and its bendable points 10 and 11, making use of the inherent properties of aluminium in order to maintain the shape imposed by its own bendable points 10 and 11.

In an alternative construction of the patent there are two arms 1, which make a single unit with the tab 6 and are necessarily connected to the opening pulling key 9 (Figures 13 and 15) by the rivet 7 (Figures 14 and 15): these arms 1 permit the backwards movement of the tab 6 and the consequent opening of the can in an entirely innovative way.

The arms 1 are formed during the pre-incisions 2 and 3 of the lid of the can 10, using the same procedures that are necessary to form the tab 6 itself (Fig.10). In such a way, during the phase of opening the can, when with the pulling key 9 (Fig.13) one detaches the tab 6 from the surface of the

lid, the tab will remain partially attached to the arms 1 which, automatically forming the bendable points 10 and 11 (Figures 15 and 16), allow one, with the pulling key 9, to raise, pull back, and finally place the tab 6 on the surface of the lid itself, at the same time leaving open an aperture of generous dimensions for the outflow of the drink.

In Figure 9 the surface of the lid of the can is shown, with the shape 8 formed to receive the pulling key 9; a further recess 12, serves to improve the grip of the pulling key itself. The raised ribs 4 and 5 are situated close to the pre-incisions 2 and 3, whose function is to improve the rigidity of the surface, making it easier to detach the pre-incised parts. The riveted point 7 has the function of maintaining the pulling key 9 joined to the surface (Fig.13). Still with reference to Fig.13 the main pre-incision 2 and secondary pre-incision 3 are shown, situated near to the riveted point 7 (Fig.13); the secondary pre-incision 3 has the function of detaching the posterior part of the tab 6 and constructing the arms 1 (Figures 15 and 16).

In Figure 15 we observe the pulling key 9, whose usefulness and functionality (as already noted) are, within the context of the discovery, further amplified; as is shown in the Figures 13, 14, 15 and 16, the pulling key 9 is joined to the tab 6 (Fig.15) and not to the "fixed" part of the surface of the lid, as occurs in all the existing cases. Consequently the pulling key 9, in the discovery, allows one not only to detach the tab 6 from the surface of the lid, but also to raise it and pull it backwards, as shown in the Figures 14, 15 and 16, leaving a conspicuous opening 14.

Clearly this function is permitted by the presence of the arms 1 (Fig.16) and by their bendable points 10 and 11 (Fig.16); the arms 1 form a single unit with the opening tab 6 (Fig.15), and once detached from the fixed surface of the lid, give one the possibility of lifting and pulling backwards the entire pulling key 9/tab 6 group.

To better clarify this phase of opening the Figures in section 17, 18, 19 and 20 are of help to us: in Figure 17 we can see the first phase: the pulling key 9 is lifted, automatically the tab 6 detaches itself from the surface of the lid. The rivet 7, creating a point of jointure between the pulling key 9

and the tab 6, allows the same tab 6 to detach, even in its rear part, by means of the rear pre-incision

3 (see Fig.11).

At this point, the raising of the entire joint pulling key 9/tab 6 group, and its subsequent backwards movement, are shown in the Figures 18 and 19. It is important to note how the arms 1 (Fig.19) and their bendable points (10 and 11) are fundamental to the raising and movement permitting, as the only elements in fact, the entire movement.

Finally, in Fig. 20 the final phase is shown, with the pulling key 91 tab 6 group resting on the surface of the lid, held in place by the arms 1 and by their flexible points 10 and 11, making use of the inherent properties of aluminium to maintain the shape imposed by the arms own bendable points 10 and 11.

The discovery, it should be noted, is not limited to the representations as given by the figures, but may be perfected and modified by experts without, however, exceeding the limits of the patent. The present invention permits numerous advantages, and to overcome difficulties that could not have been overcome with the systems presently on sale.