Receptacles – Closures – Secondary closure within parameter of primary closure
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-10
2001-06-12
Newhouse, Nathan J. (Department: 3727)
Receptacles
Closures
Secondary closure within parameter of primary closure
C220S268000, C220S270000, C220S359200, C220S359400
Reexamination Certificate
active
06244455
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a container structure, more specifically to an easy-opening top closure for a beverage container, especially for soda pop containers or beer containers.
2. Background Information
Previously, the conventional pop-top beverage container comprised a disposable tear tab that was detached from the top of the container creating an opening for the consumption of the contents of the container. The removable tear tabs typically had sharp or rough metal edges and when separated from the top closure member, created litter when it was dropped on the ground creating unsightly and potentially hazardous situations.
More recent containers having easy-open top closure members comprise rivet tabs which again typically have sharp or rough metal edges which are pushed or pried open with a finger so that the edge of the tab is forced downward and inward into the can. Further, with either of the above type designs, the can, once opened, cannot be partially closed.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,078,694 to Gnyp et al. (“the Gnyp patent”) is directed to a container closure. The Gnyp patent discloses a container closure which includes a container end wall having an opening therethrough, a tab pivotably attached to the end wall, a hinge pivotably connecting the tab to the end wall and a sealing strip membrane beneath the tab to seal the opening. The Gnyp patent teaches that the sealing strip is designed to be ruptured by the tab with a pointed tip. The Gnyp patent also teaches that the sealing strip should be scored to assist in the tearing or rupturing of the sealing strip. These features increase the cost of manufacturing this design. Additionally, tearing of the sealing strip increases the likelihood of introducing debris into the interior of the container as a result of the tearing action.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,952,914 to Vogt (“the Vogt patent”) is similar to the Gnyp patent above. The Vogt patent discloses a container closure which includes a container end wall having an opening therethrough and a separate rubber or plastic seal pivotably sealing the opening of the end wall. The Vogt patent teaches that the sealing member be a rubber or plastic piece which seals due to the beveled edge (i.e., a stopper effect). The Vogt patent also requires the pull tab extension 17 which adversely effects the cost-effectiveness of this design.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a less costly easy-opening top closure member for a beverage or other container.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an easy-opening closure member for a beverage container that is partially closeable after opening.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an easy-opening top closure member for a beverage container that is safe and efficient.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an easy-opening top closure member that is less expensive to manufacture.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an easy-opening top closure member for a beverage container that will not break off or go into the can or be consumed with the beverage from the can.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an easy-opening top closure member that may be opened and then partially reclosed by slight finger pressure of the user.
The above objects are achieved with a container having an improved container closure according to the present invention. The container closure of the present invention includes a container end wall having an opening therethrough, a tab pivotably attached to the end wall, a hinge pivotably connecting the tab to the end wall, and an adhesive backed tape attached to the undersurface of the tab. When the tab is in the original closed position, the tab is spaced from the end wall at the perimeter thereof, except at the hinge. Additionally, the tab is aligned with the end wall in the original closed position. The tape is releasably attached to the end wall around the opening when the tab is in the original closed position to seal the opening of said end wall. The portion of the tape sealing the opening is adapted to be released from the end wall when the tab is moved to the open position.
The presently claimed invention avoids the difficulties of the prior art such as the Gnyp patent. In the present invention, the tape is attached to the tab and releasably secured to the end wall around the opening. The releasable connection results in the tape peeling away from engagement with the end wall without tearing. The tab does not have to be specially shaped and the tape does not have to be scored.
In summary, the present invention provides a tab that is spaced from the end wall in the original closed position by a portion of the perimeter, specifically, the portion of the perimeter of the tab other than the hinge. The present invention utilizes the tape to seal the opening when the tab is in the original closed position.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3245576 (1966-04-01), Griese, Jr.
patent: 3334775 (1967-08-01), Klein et al.
patent: 3687352 (1972-08-01), Kalajian
patent: 3711011 (1973-01-01), Kugler
patent: 3843011 (1974-10-01), Perry
patent: 3952914 (1976-04-01), Vogt
patent: 3977578 (1976-08-01), Perry
patent: 4065025 (1977-12-01), Potts
patent: 4078694 (1978-03-01), Gnyp et al.
patent: 4122971 (1978-10-01), Potts
patent: 4136797 (1979-01-01), Potts
patent: 4156493 (1979-05-01), Julius
patent: 4215791 (1980-08-01), Brochman
patent: 4410101 (1983-10-01), Vogt
patent: 4493431 (1985-01-01), Cho
patent: 4553684 (1985-11-01), Bennett
patent: 4632299 (1986-12-01), Holmberg
patent: 4784283 (1988-11-01), Cantu
patent: 4880137 (1989-11-01), Wells
Newhouse Nathan J.
Webb Ziesenheim & Logsdon Orkin & Hanson, P.C.
LandOfFree
Easy opening closure member assembly for a beverage container does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Easy opening closure member assembly for a beverage container, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Easy opening closure member assembly for a beverage container will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2533670