Tools – Receptacle closure remover – With additional receptacle-engaging means
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-17
2001-09-04
Hail, III, Joseph J. (Department: 3723)
Tools
Receptacle closure remover
With additional receptacle-engaging means
C081S003070
Reexamination Certificate
active
06282986
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing a closure from an opening in a drum lid particularly, but not exclusively, a closure used to seal a “centre-fill” opening.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is known to provide a drum with a relatively large “centre-fill” opening formed centrally of a lid of the drum. The size of the opening allows for rapid filling of the drum and the central positioning provides for ready alignment of the opening with a suitable nozzle for a filling process. After filling the drum, a dish-like closure is fitted in the opening and swaged under the lid. The swaging is effective in drawing a peripheral lip of the closure down into sealing engagement with a corresponding shaped lip of the opening. Previously, such a seal was considered permanent. The contents of the drum were removed and, possibly refilled, using smaller peripheral openings formed in the drum.
It is an object of the invention to reuse a centre-fill drum by removing the closure from the centre opening.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the invention there is provided an apparatus for removing a closure from an opening in a drum, including a clamping mechanism for securing the apparatus to the drum;
a load transfer assembly coupled to the clamping mechanism and including a drive element engageable with the closure and moveable relative to the clamping mechanism to force the closure inwardly of the drum, wherein the clamping mechanism is adapted to fit about a periphery of the opening, and the assembly is arranged so that the element is eccentric with respect to the opening.
Preferably the clamping mechanism includes two hinged components which are adapted to clamp underneath a peripheral lip of the opening.
Preferably the clamping mechanism includes a latch to releasably secure free ends of the components, when clamped in an operative position, about the opening.
Preferably the assembly includes slidable engagement with one of the components whereby to allow for free hinged movement of the components between an open condition and an operative condition.
Preferably the clamping mechanism includes at least one arcuate tapered jaw portion, adapted to fit under the peripheral lip of the opening.
Preferably the jaw portion is removable from the clamping mechanism so as to enable replacement thereof.
In another aspect there is provided a method for removing a closure from an opening in a drum, including fitting a clamping mechanism to the drum, exerting a compression force between the mechanism and the closure, eccentrically of the opening, so as to deform the closure inwardly of the drum.
Preferably, fitting the clamping mechanism to the drum includes clamping hinged components of the mechanism about a peripheral lip of the opening.
In another aspect, there is provided a method for removing a closure from an opening in a drum, utilising the above described apparatus.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1263207 (1918-04-01), Chase
patent: 3683433 (1972-08-01), Massaro
patent: 4173909 (1979-11-01), Cleveland et al.
patent: 4327607 (1982-05-01), Morris
patent: 35327/71 A (1973-01-01), None
patent: 2583032A (1986-12-01), None
Derwent Abstract Accession No: 89-247074, SU 1440868A (CIPROSTAL RES DES) Nov. 30, 1988 Abstract.
Bebb Chris Edward
Carter Bryan Alan
Watson Grahame
Danganan Joni B.
Hail III Joseph J.
Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP
Van Leer Australia Pty. Limited
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