PULL TAB VENTING SYSTEM

Abstract

A pull tab venting system utilizes a pull tab located on the top panel of a can. The pull tab has a fin-like protrusion on its underside. After the pull tab is used to open the can, it is rotated over a vent closure element scored into the top panel. The vent closure element covers a vent opening. The pull tab is then pressed downward, causing the protrusion to puncture the vent closure element through the vent, allowing it to open. The pull tab is then rotated back and returned to its normal position over the top panel of the can.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Liquid which is stored with and designed to be poured from a closed container, such as a soda or beer can, flows out of that container faster when a vent type opening is located at the top of the container. Such a vent opening allows air into the container, which thus assists in compelling the fluid out of the container at a greater rate of flow.

There are currently various containers, and more specifically cans with pull tabs, which have different type of vents. However, none of these prior cans have a ready and simple means of actually opening a closed vent, when it is desired to pour liquid from the can, so as to allow the smooth and efficient flow of the liquid. There are also no prior systems which accomplish this result by using only existing, and no additional, can/pull tab components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is thus the object of the present invention to provide a pull tab venting system which results in an easy, effective, and simple means of opening the vent of a pull tab type can.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a pull tab venting system which is easily and economically manufactured into existing liquid cans, since no pull can components, other than those currently in use, are needed.

These and other objects are accomplished by the present invention, a pull tab venting system which utilizes a pull tab located on the top panel of a can. The pull tab has a fin-like protrusion on its underside. After the pull tab is used to open the can, it is rotated over a vent closure element scored into the top panel. The vent closure element covers a vent opening. The pull tab is then pressed downward, causing the protrusion to puncture the vent closure element through the vent, allowing it to open. The pull tab is then rotated back and returned to its normal position over the top panel of the can.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention, itself, however, both as to its design, construction and use, together with additional features and advantages thereof, are best understood upon review of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a can utilizing the pull tab venting system of the present invention, in the closed position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pull tab of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a can utilizing the pull tab venting system of the present invention, in the closed position.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a can utilizing the pull tab venting system of the present invention, showing the pull tab in its position rotated over the can's vent opening.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section taken from FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Can 1 comprises top panel 2 having frangible, push-in liquid enclosure 4 covering top opening 3 extending through the top panel, and separate frangible, vent closure element 6 which covers vent opening 8 extending through the top panel. Both liquid enclosure 4 and vent closure element 6 are formed by opening defining score lines which circumscribe the liquid enclosure and vent closure element, as is known in the art.

Pull tab 10 is located on top panel 2. Pull tab 10 comprises pull tab handle 12, forward end 13, and fin-like protrusion 14 extending down from near one end of the pull tab. Connection means in the form of rivet 16 secures pull tab 10 to top panel 2. This connection means allows for rotational and pivotal movement of pull tab 10 in relation to top panel 2.

FIG. 1 shows can 1 in its closed position, with pull tab located on and substantially parallel to top panel 2. In this position, pull tab protrusion 14 is located within recess 18, which is inset within top panel 2. The operation of the pull tab liquid venting system is as follows.

From the position shown in FIG. 1, pull tab handle 12 of pull tab 10 is pulled upward about rivet 16, which pivots its forward end 13 downward to a second position. As is known in the art, this pivoting action punctures and then compels liquid enclosure 4 down. Top opening 3 is created to expose liquid 20 within can 1.

Pull tab 10 is next rotated to a third position, over top panel 2, so as to locate pull tab protrusion 14 over vent closure element 6. Pull tab handle 12 of pull tab 10 is then pushed and pivoted downward D to a fourth position, in which pull tab protrusion 14 is compelled down, thus puncturing vent closure element 6. This results in vent closure element 6 being bent down to exposure vent opening 8. See FIGS. 4 and 5.

Once vent opening 8 is exposed, pull tab 10 can be rotated away from the vent opening. This allows vent opening 8 to be exposed to the atmosphere, thereby assisting in the smooth flow of liquid 20 from top opening 3, when it is desired to pour the liquid from can 1.

It is contemplated that the system of the present invention can readily and economically be manufactured, since no pull can components, other than ones currently in use, are required. Pull tab 10 only requires the addition of fin-like protrusion 14. Vent closure element 6 can be fabricated by adding vent score lines on existing top panels, such as top panel 2; and inset recess 18 can be formed within the top panels.

Certain novel features and components of this invention are disclosed in detail in order to make the invention clear in at least one form thereof. However, it is to be clearly understood that the invention as disclosed is not necessarily limited to the exact form and details as disclosed, since it is apparent that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A can pull tab liquid venting system comprising: a can having a top panel comprising an outer section, a central inner section, a frangible push-in liquid enclosure element, and a separate frangible vent closure element covering a vent opening through the outer section of the top panel, the vent closure element consisting solely of a portion of the top plate;a pull tab located on said top panel, said pull tab having a downwardly extending protrusion at one end;pull tab connection means for securing the pull tab to the top panel of the can and for allowing rotational and pivotable movement of the pull tab in relation to the top panel, whereby the pull tab is rotatable from a first position in which the protrusion is located over the central inner section of the top panel and laterally of the vent closure element, and the entire vent closure element is located within the same transverse plane as and as a continuation of the top panel, to a second position in which the protrusion is located over the vent closure element and is pivotable to compel the pull tab downward, forcing the protrusion to puncture and force the vent closure element downward to expose the vent opening; anda recess inset within the inner section of the top panel in which the protrusion is located when the pull tab is in the first position.

2. The system as in claim 1 wherein the connection means comprises a rivet.

3. (canceled)

4. (canceled)

5. A can pull tab liquid venting system comprising: a can having a top panel comprising an outer section, a central inner section, a frangible push-in liquid enclosure element, and a separate frangible vent closure element covering a vent opening through the outer section of the top panel, the vent closure element consisting solely of a portion of the top plate;a recess inset within the inner section of the top panel;a pull tab located on said top panel, said pull tab having a protrusion at one end;pull tab connection means for securing the pull tab to the top panel of the can and for allowing rotational and pivotable movement of the pull tab in relation to the top panel, whereby said pull tab is moveable from a first position in which the protrusion is located within the recess, over the central inner section of the top panel and laterally of the vent closure element, and the entire vent closure element is located within the same transverse plane as and as a continuation of the top panel, to a second position in which the pull tab is pivoted to compel the liquid closure element downward, to a third position in which the pull tab is rotatable to locate the protrusion over the vent closure element, and to a fourth position in which the pull tab is pivoted downward to compel the protrusion to puncture and force the vent closure element downward to expose the vent opening.

6. The system as in claim 5 wherein the connection means is a rivet.