Small plate with opening aid for cans

Abstract

A small plate for a can with an opening aid has an upper and lower side, a central edge and a radial edge, and two side edges. The can has a lever, which is fixed to the can by rivets. The side edges are respectively connected to the ends of the central edge and the radial edge. A rivet receiving portion is provided at the central edge. Edge reinforcement portions for reinforcing the small plate can be constructed on the side edges. A groove anchor is constructed on the radial edge, forming an angled slide rail pointing away from the lower side, the slide rail being engaged in the groove. At least one ridge is constructed on the upper side, the ridge being arranged to engage with the lever of the can and to serve as an opening aid, the ridge having a gradually descending slope towards its end. The ridge extends substantially concentrically relative to the rivet receiving portion. At least one pushing aid is arranged on the upper side. The corners of the side edges relative to the radial edges form radial protrusions, thus forming sharp corners.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a small plate with an opening aid for a can. Background Technology

[0002] The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated how important hygiene is, especially regarding contact and droplet transmission. Beverage cans pass through many hands before reaching the end consumer. The end consumer touches parts of the can with their lips when drinking. If these parts of the can are contaminated during transport, the end consumer may become infected.

[0003] Different types of sealing components are known for use on beverage cans. These sealing component types can be broadly classified into push-type, clamp-type, rotary-type, and cap-type sealing components.

[0004] A push-type sealing device is characterized by a sealing element fastened to a beverage pull tab on a beverage can, thereby sealing the opening of the beverage can. Such push-type sealing devices for beverage cans are disclosed in documents US 57 85 199, US 60 98 830, US 67 22 518 B1, and US 53 51 853. In documents US 60 98 830, US 67 22 518 B1, and US 53 51 853, the sealing device has track elements that can accommodate the opening clamp of the beverage can, thereby stabilizing the sealing device. By placing the opening clamp of the beverage can on the sealing device, the sealing device itself is pressed against the can. Thus, the opening is closed. In document US 57 85 199, the sealing device is pulled over the pull tab of the opening clamp and folded, wherein a small plate is provided to close the opening of the beverage can.

[0005] Different clip-on sealing devices for beverage cans are disclosed in documents US 2009 00 01 092 A1, US 8 727 164 B1, US 75 00 577 B2, US 36 37104, and US 38 50 334. The clip-on sealing device is characterized by sealing the opening of the beverage can by a clip inserted into the opening. In documents US 2009 00 01 092 A1, US 75 00 577 B2, and US 38 50 334, the clip itself is held at the edge of the beverage can opening. In document US 8 727 164 B1, the sealing clip is connected to the opening clip, thereby enabling resealing via the opening clip. Document US 36 37 104 discloses a hook and a small sealing plate, wherein the small sealing plate is placed in an opening and the hook is clamped to the edge of the can, so that the small sealing plate presses against the lid of the beverage can from below, thereby sealing the opening.

[0006] Different cap-type sealing elements for beverage cans are disclosed in documents US 2013 016 8457 A1, EP 08 16 248 A1, WO 2010 / 109341 A1, US 63 21927 B2, US 8 8881 940 B2, US 5 199 591, US 49 13 304, US 488 0136, and US 52 85 924. The cap-type sealing element is characterized by placing the sealing element on the beverage can, which at least partially covers the lid of the beverage can. The opening of the beverage can is also covered.

[0007] Various rotary sealing elements are known from documents DE 44 27 812 A1, DE 197 44 245 A1, DE 100 18 685 C2, DE 39 31 573 A1, US 47 17 039, and US 46 81 238. A characteristic of documents DE 44 27 812 A1, DE 3931 573 A1, US 47 17 039, and US 46 81 238 is that the sealing element is attached to a rivet at the center of the cap. Therefore, the sealing element is rotatable and can close the opening of the beverage can by proper rotation. Due to the connection with the rivet, it needs to be manufactured during the production process. Two types of rotary sealing hooks are known from documents DE 197 44 245 A1 and DE 100 18 685 C2. These hooks are characterized by allowing the sealing element to be pushed onto the lid, thus enabling rotation around a rivet. Therefore, the central rivet serves as an anchor point. An opening clamp on the jar prevents the rotary sealing element from loosening.

[0008] A rotary sealing hook is known from document DE 197 44 245 A1, which can be pushed onto a lid, thereby enabling rotation around a rivet. Document US 2013 016 8457 A1 has a hook-shaped edge anchoring element, so that the sealing element is anchored to the edge of the can and can thus be designed to be rotatable. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a small plate that is easy to manufacture and inexpensive for use in cans.

[0010] Another technical problem to be solved by the present invention is that an open can be reliably closed with minimal resistance by rotating a small plate.

[0011] In addition, another technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to protect the opening from germs that reach the surface of the can during transportation and sales.

[0012] Another technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an environmentally friendly small plate for use in cans.

[0013] The technical problem described herein is solved by a small plate with an opening aid for a can, a can system, and a method for manufacturing the can system.

[0014] A small plate with an opening aid for a can, the can having a lever secured to it by rivets, the small plate having a top and bottom side, a central edge and a radial edge, and two side edges. These two side edges connect to the ends of the central edge and the radial edge, respectively. The small plate is slightly arched, and the center of the arch, approximately depicting a spherical curvature, is located approximately on the longitudinal axis of the can and in the direction of the distal end of the bottom side. The radial edge extends along a pitch circle having an angle of at least 150°, wherein a rivet receiving portion is provided at the central edge. Edge reinforcements for reinforcing the small plate are constructed on each of the two side edges. Grooved anchors are constructed on the radial edge, forming angled slide rails pointing away from the bottom side, the slide rails engaging in grooves within the beverage can. At least one elongated, approximately sickle-shaped ridge is formed on the upper side, the ridge being arranged to engage with a lever of the can and serve as an opening aid. The ridge has gradually descending slopes towards its ends, extends substantially concentrically relative to the rivet receiving portion, and has a length of at least 5 mm. At least one pushing aid is arranged on the upper side, the pushing aid having at least one protrusion. The corner from the side edge to the radial edge is radially formed with a protrusion, thus creating a sharp corner. The small plate is made of metal.

[0015] The radial edge extends through the corner, further reinforcing the small plate. However, the drinking spout remains open even if the small plate is not perfectly aligned, provided the small plate is properly positioned.

[0016] The arching of a small plate can also be called bending and is described by a curvature sphere. This curvature sphere is produced when the small plate continues to extend along the curvature until a hollow body is formed. However, the curvature sphere can also be oval or elliptical.

[0017] Because the small plate is slightly curved or arched, it is more stable and fits snugly against the lid of the can, thus reducing the amount of dirt that can get between the small plate and the lid. It has been shown that despite the large surface area of ​​the small plate, it can be moved with relatively little force. The arched shape, adapted to the upper side of the corresponding can, also helps to achieve this, so that the small plate is not pressed against the upper side of the can under high stress. The slide rail is preferably supported in the grooves of the can in this way, thereby avoiding strong friction between the remaining area of ​​the small plate and the upper side of the lid.

[0018] In addition, the groove anchor is pressed into the groove by bending and the clamping force transmitted to the small plate by the rivets.

[0019] The raised section is also referred to below as the opening aid. Since the raised section descends on both sides, the direction of rotation of the small plate is not important for opening the can.

[0020] Because this opening aid is designed to be longer and sickle-shaped compared to existing opening aids, it can also be positioned higher to generate a stronger lever effect. The sickle shape makes it easier to push the opening aid under the lever. The length of the opening aid ensures that its inclined portion extends so flatly that it can be pushed under the lever with less force without causing the lever to pivot. The longer the opening aid, the gentler the slope at a constant height. A gentler slope makes it easier to push the opening aid under the lever.

[0021] The grooved anchor has a centering function, so the rivet receiving portion at the central edge can be applied with a slightly larger gap. This makes it easier for the small plate to rotate. The grooved anchor fits snugly against the groove and slides across it as the small plate rotates.

[0022] The small plates are reinforced with edge reinforcements and visual aids are provided to help identify the starting position of the small plates so that they can be accurately grasped and rotated.

[0023] Because the small plates are made of metal, preferably aluminum, they can be made very thin. The aforementioned reinforcement ensures that the small plates remain rigid and will not bend, for example, when the can is inverted. Furthermore, the reinforcement reduces friction and makes the small plates easier to rotate.

[0024] Because the small plates are made of metal, especially aluminum, they can be manufactured from the same material as the can itself. This makes the recycling process easy and protects the environment.

[0025] Due to their small sheet shape, small sheets can be easily manufactured, for example, by stamping, in which small sheets are stamped out of sheet metal.

[0026] The small plate can rotate around the rivet. The movement of the small plate is guided by a gap that rests against the rivet. Easy mobility is achieved by the guide on the rivet.

[0027] Small plates are used to seal the opening of cans, for example, to prevent insects or other contaminants from entering the beverage can. Additionally, the flavor of carbonated beverages can be preserved for a longer time because carbon dioxide cannot escape from the air as quickly.

[0028] By rotating the small plate, the opening aid can be pushed under the lever of the jar and the lever can be lifted slightly. This simplifies opening the jar.

[0029] Due to the small, sheet-like design, the sheets do not protrude beyond the edge of the can, allowing the cans to still be stacked. The small sheets can also be placed on the already closed cans during production. The transport of cans assembled into multiple pallets is not hindered by the fact that each can has its own seal.

[0030] Preferably, the grooved anchor is constructed along the entire length of the radial edge of the small plate. This achieves uniform load distribution along the entire length of the radial edge of the small plate.

[0031] The groove anchor is preferably adapted to the shape of the groove in the beverage can in terms of the circularity of the groove and the cross-sectional shape of the groove. In particular, the groove anchor is designed to fit snugly against the inner boundary surface formed by the groove. In addition, the groove anchor can also be designed to fit snugly against the outward-facing boundary surface of the groove.

[0032] A trench anchor can be adapted to the shape of a trench by bending a small plate. However, a trench anchor can also be a body that is thicker than the rest of the small plate, extending into the trench.

[0033] Preferably, the small plate has a thickness of at least 0.2 mm, at least 0.5 mm, at least 0.75 mm, and at least 1 mm.

[0034] With this thickness, the small plates have sufficient stability and do not consume excessive material, thus keeping costs low.

[0035] According to one extended design, the raised portion has a length of at least 7 mm, at least 10 mm, and at least 20 mm.

[0036] With this length, the raised section can be pushed under the lever of the can effortlessly while still providing sufficient leverage. If the raised section is too short, either the slope is too steep for the raised section to push under the lever, or the raised section is not high enough to provide sufficient leverage to open the can.

[0037] In some embodiments, the bulge descends uniformly on each of the two sides over an extension length of at least 1 mm, at least 3 mm, and at least 5 mm.

[0038] The distance described here allows the bulge to be gently pushed under the lever without requiring much force, while the lever can still be raised high enough to open the can.

[0039] Preferably, the raised portion has a height of at least 0.25 mm, at least 0.5 mm, and at least 1 mm, and the raised portion has a height of at most 0.25 mm, at most 0.5 mm, and at most 1 mm.

[0040] With such a raised section, the leverage is sufficient to lift the lever, allowing the user's fingers to reach under the lever so that it can be easily raised to open the jar.

[0041] According to one extended design, the radial edge is curved such that it forms a nodal circle with angles of at least 200°, at least 250°, and at least 300°.

[0042] In this bent condition, the small plate is particularly stable, and in the proper position, the opening of the can is effectively sealed, so that even if the can is tilted or rotated, no or only a few drops of beverage will leave the can.

[0043] In some embodiments, the pointed portion forms a protrusion of at least 2 mm, at least 4 mm, and at least 8 mm.

[0044] The pointed corners of this length extend the radial edge, thereby further improving stability, while still retaining a sufficiently large surface area on the can so that the can opening is fully exposed when the small plates are placed in the proper position.

[0045] According to one extended design, the side edge has a curved portion due to the protruding sharp corner, and the edge reinforcement is arranged along the curved portion.

[0046] Since the edge reinforcements are arranged along the curved portion, the edge reinforcements themselves are also curved. Due to this curvature, the reinforcement has two directions, thus stabilizing the small plate in the plane, because these two directions open up such a plane.

[0047] Preferably, the edge reinforcement is designed as a material thickening at that location and has a thickness that is preferably at least 1.2 times, at least 1.5 times, and at least 2 times the other thickness of the small plate.

[0048] This type of cover for edge reinforcement is a good compromise between sufficient reinforcement of small plates and material saving.

[0049] According to one extended design, the pushing aid has at least 3 protrusions, at least 5 protrusions, and at least 10 protrusions.

[0050] This number of bumps represents a good trade-off between the grippability of the small plate and the amount of material required for the bumps. Too many bumps may annoy the user, and / or dirt may get stuck on them. Too few bumps, on the other hand, will not provide enough friction surface, making it impossible for the user to rotate the small plate by interacting with the bumps using their fingers.

[0051] In some embodiments, the protrusion of the pushing aid can be constructed as a rectangle in top view, the rectangle having large rounded corners, wherein the rectangle has an aspect ratio of at least 1:1, at least 1:2, and at least 1:4.

[0052] In a top view, a bump with this aspect ratio is more stable, so it won't break when interacting with the user's fingers, and it also provides good tactile feedback to the user, allowing the user to identify with which radius he must rotate the small plate.

[0053] Preferably, the lower side is coated with plastic.

[0054] The coating is particularly made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). These materials are inert relative to most of the contents of the can, thus preserving the flavor. Furthermore, these materials reduce friction between the seal and the beverage can, facilitating rotation.

[0055] According to one extended design, the upper side is embossed.

[0056] The embossed surface can be designed to have features that are integrated with a visual recognition system, for example, to transport the can using a reporter.

[0057] However, tips, patterns, signs, or other elements can also be placed on these small panels.

[0058] A small plate with an opening aid for a can, particularly according to the foregoing embodiment, is provided. The can has a lever, and the small plate has an upper and lower side, a central edge and a radial edge, and two side edges respectively connecting the ends of the central edge and the radial edge. The lever is fixed to the can by means of a rivet. The radial edge extends along a pitch circle having an angle of at least 90°, wherein a receiving portion for the rivet is provided at the central edge. A slide rail is constructed on the radial edge such that the slide rail engages with a groove in the beverage can. At least one longitudinal, approximately sickle-shaped ridge is constructed on the upper side, the ridge being arranged to engage with the lever of the can and to function as an opening aid, wherein the ridge has a gradually descending slope toward its ends. At least one pushing aid is constructed on the upper side. The small plate is constructed of a single piece of metal and is formed by embossing.

[0059] The raised section is also referred to below as the opening aid. Since the raised section descends on both sides, the direction of rotation of the small plate is not important for opening the can.

[0060] Because this opening aid is designed to be longer and sickle-shaped compared to existing opening aids, it can also be positioned higher to generate a stronger lever effect. The sickle shape makes it easier to push the opening aid under the lever. The length of the opening aid ensures that its inclined portion extends so flatly that it can be pushed under the lever with less force without causing the lever to pivot. The longer the opening aid, the gentler the slope at a constant height. A gentler slope makes it easier to push the opening aid under the lever.

[0061] The slide rail has a centering function, so the rivet receiving portion at the central edge can be fitted with a slightly larger gap. This makes it easier for the small sheet to rotate. The slide rail fits snugly against the groove and slides across the groove as the small sheet rotates.

[0062] Because the small plates are made of metal, preferably aluminum, they can be made very thin. The aforementioned reinforcement ensures that the small plates remain rigid and will not bend, for example, when the can is inverted. Furthermore, the reinforcement reduces friction and makes the plates easier to rotate.

[0063] Because the small plates are made of metal, especially aluminum, they can be manufactured from the same material as the can itself. This makes the recycling process easy and protects the environment.

[0064] The small panels are constructed as a single unit, eliminating the need for pre-assembly and forming the panels through a pressing process. Therefore, if a pre-cut blank is already available, only one step is required during production. This reduces production costs and allows for the production of many small panels in a short time.

[0065] During the embossing process, high pressure is applied to a blank made of metal, preferably aluminum. This high pressure causes deformation of the blank. This deformation is relief-like and forms small plates.

[0066] The small plate can rotate around the rivet. The movement of the small plate is guided by a gap that rests against the rivet. Easy mobility is achieved by the guide on the rivet.

[0067] Small plates are used to seal the opening of cans, for example, to prevent insects or other contaminants from entering the beverage can. Additionally, the flavor of carbonated beverages can be preserved for a longer time because carbon dioxide cannot escape from the air as quickly.

[0068] By rotating the small plate, the opening aid can be pushed under the lever of the jar and the lever can be lifted slightly. This simplifies opening the jar.

[0069] Due to the small, sheet-like design, the sheets do not protrude beyond the edge of the can, allowing the cans to still be stacked. The small sheets can also be placed on cans that are already closed during production. The transport of cans assembled into multiple pallets is not hindered by the fact that each can has its own seal.

[0070] A can system includes a can and a small plate with an opening aid, as described above, for the can, wherein the small plate with the opening aid is fixed to the can.

[0071] A method for manufacturing a can system of the aforementioned type, characterized in that a can is first manufactured, then a small plate is placed on a slot, and subsequently a lever is inserted into the slot and the slot is closed in a final step. Attached Figure Description

[0072] The invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0073] Figure 1 The implementation of the small plate is schematically shown in a top-down oblique view;

[0074] Figure 2 The same embodiment of the small plate is schematically shown in a slanted bottom view;

[0075] Figure 3 The same embodiment of the small plate is schematically shown in a top-down view;

[0076] Figure 4 The same embodiment of the small plate is schematically shown in the side view;

[0077] Figure 5 The same embodiment of the small plate is schematically shown in the top view; and

[0078] Figures 6a-6h The embodiments of the small plate and the beverage can are schematically shown in the side view. Detailed Implementation

[0079] The following describes a small plate 1 for use with cans 2, especially beverage cans ( Figure 1 -Figure 6).

[0080] The can 2 has a generally cylindrical shape. One side of the cylinder, referred to as the top plate 22, has an opening 3 for the beverage can 2. A rivet 4 is arranged beside the opening 3, and a lever 11 is fastened to the rivet. This lever is designed to partially press in the lid of the can 2. The pressed-in lid portion 12 is located inside the can 2. A rivet head 14 is formed at the end of the rivet. The rivet head 14 is a flat, mostly circular small plate arranged at the end of the rivet 4 and has a larger radius than the rivet 4. The rivet head 14 prevents the lever 11 from unintentionally loosening. The beverage can 2 has grooves 5 and raised edges 6 at its rim.

[0081] The small plate 1 has a central edge 7, a radial edge 8 and two side edges 18.

[0082] The small plate 1 has a small sharp corner 13 at the corner, which forms a radial protrusion at the corner of the side edge 18 relative to the radial edge 8.

[0083] The small plate has an edge reinforcement 21 constructed on the side edge 18 and reinforces the small plate.

[0084] The small plate 1 has a slight bend, and the center of the curvature sphere describing the bend is located approximately on the longitudinal axis of the jar and is arranged toward the distal end of the lower side of the small plate 1.

[0085] In the top view, the small plate 1 has a roughly fan-shaped shape, which has a center M, a radius r, and a central angle α. Figure 1 The shape of the small plates is chosen such that the central angle α is approximately 200°.

[0086] In this embodiment, the small plate 1 is designed as a protective cover 1 and is also referred to below as a protective cover.

[0087] The center M is located at the central edge 7 of the protective cover 1, and when the protective cover 1 is placed on the beverage can 2, the center coincides with the center of the rivet 4 of the beverage can 2.

[0088] In the top view, the central edge 7 forms a rounded recess 9 for accommodating the rivet 4. The recess 9 is designed to be rounded. The radius of the rounded recess is at least equal to the radius of the rivet 4.

[0089] Another possibility, not shown here, is that the notch 9 is completely surrounded by the metal of the small plate 1.

[0090] In the top view, the protective cover 1 is designed to be only so large that it is useful for the sealing function, necessary to cover the opening 3 of the beverage can 2, and provides sufficient stability. The protective cover 1 is a mass-produced product. The smaller the protective cover is designed, the lower its manufacturing cost.

[0091] The radius r of the sector is generally consistent with the normal distance between the rivet 4 and the groove 5 of the beverage can 2.

[0092] The radius r of the sector is smaller than the usual distance between the rivet 4 and the raised edge 6 of the beverage can 2.

[0093] The protective cover has an opening aid 15. The opening aid 15 is a raised portion pointing upward away from the can. The opening aid is constructed approximately halfway between the central edge 7 and the radial edge 8 of the seal.

[0094] The opening aid 15 is designed as a raised portion, which in the above embodiment has two edges 17, each extending approximately tangentially, i.e., approximately parallel to the radial edge 8. Therefore, the opening aid 15 is slightly curved and sickle-shaped. Each edge 17 of the opening aid 15 has a substantially uniform slope that descends from the center of the opening aid towards the side edge 18 until the edge 17 reaches the level of the surface of the small plate 1. The angle 19 between the edge 17 and the surface of the small plate 1 is preferably at least 3°, particularly at least 5°, and especially preferably at least 8°. Figure 3 The maximum angle 19 is less than 30° and preferably less than 20°. Due to the gradual slope of the edge 17, the opening aid 15 can be pushed under the lever 11 of the can 2 with a small force, wherein the lever 11 is lifted upward by the opening aid 15. The opening aid 15 is supported like a wedge between the surface of the can 2 and the lever 11.

[0095] Other geometries for opening the auxiliary device 15 can also be considered in principle, as long as they have at least one inclined side that is transverse to the radial structure of the beverage can 2.

[0096] In this embodiment, the opening auxiliary device 15 is made by stamping.

[0097] The protective cover 1 is designed with a grooved anchor 10 at its radial edge 8, which can be fitted into the groove 5. In this embodiment, the grooved anchor 10 is formed by bending the radial edge 8, wherein the radial edge 8 bends downward such that the radial edge fits into the groove 5 of the beverage can 2. Figures 1-5 , Figure 6e , Figure 6h The width of the curved section is approximately equal to the depth of groove 5.

[0098] Alternatively, the radial edge 8 may also bend twice and form a V-shape in the side view. The groove anchor 10 here also has a protrusion extending toward the raised edge 6. Figure 6f ).

[0099] Another possibility is that the trench anchor 10 bends three times. Figure 6g Compared to the previous alternative, the trench anchor 10 additionally has a protrusion pointing towards the central edge 7. Figure 6a ).

[0100] The trench anchor 10 can also alternatively be adapted to the shape of the trench 5. Figures 6a-6d Up to 3d).

[0101] One possibility is that the trench anchor 10 protrudes from the underside of the protective cover 1 due to the additional material. In the side view, the protective cover 1 has a thickened portion at this location. This thickened portion may be made of the same material as the rest of the protective cover 1 or it may be made of a different material.

[0102] The small plate 1 has a gripping area 20, which is arranged on an adjacent side edge 18. Figures 1-5 In this embodiment, the gripping area is composed of a number of slightly upward-protruding, embossed bumps. In this way, these bumps form a corrugated surface, so that displacement torque can be easily transmitted to the small plate 1 with fingers on the gripping area, so as to rotate the small plate and push the opening aid 15 of the small plate under the lever 11.

[0103] The gripping area can also be formed by other roughening methods, such as sandblasting the section. The gripping area is preferably significantly smaller than the opening aid 15, so that the small plate 1 can be inserted under the lever such that the gripping area is first pushed under the lever until the small plate 1 is arranged such that the lever is located in the area between the gripping area 20 and the opening aid 15.

[0104] The method for manufacturing the aforementioned can system is characterized by first manufacturing the can, then placing a small plate on a rivet, subsequently inserting a lever into the rivet, and finally sealing the rivet in a final step.

[0105] The opening auxiliary device 15 can also be designed as a wedge.

[0106] In an alternative embodiment, the bump 20 is stamped into the small plate as a female bump.

[0107] Another possibility is that the bumps 20 correspond to structures, such as letters, numbers, or symbols in Braille.

[0108] List of reference numerals

[0109] 1 Protective cover / small plate

[0110] 2 jars

[0111] 3. Opening of beverage cans

[0112] 4 rivets

[0113] 5 grooves

[0114] 6 rising edge

[0115] 7 Central Edge

[0116] 8 radial edges

[0117] 9 gaps

[0118] 10 trench anchors

[0119] 11 levers

[0120] 12 Press-in lid section

[0121] 13. Tiny sharp corners

[0122] 14 Rivet Heads

[0123] 15. Open the auxiliary device.

[0124] 16 cans bulged

[0125] 17. Open the edge of the auxiliary device

[0126] 18 side edges

[0127] 19 angles

[0128] 20 bumps

[0129] 21 Edge Reinforcement Section

[0130] 22 top plate

[0131] r radius

[0132] α central angle

[0133] Center of M

Claims

1. A small plate with an opening aid for a can, the can having a lever fixed to the can by means of a rivet, wherein, The small plate has a top and a bottom side, a central edge and a radial edge, and two side edges that connect to the ends of the central edge and the radial edge, respectively. The small plate is slightly arched, and the center of the arch, which approximately depicts the curvature of the sphere, is located on the longitudinal axis of the can and in the direction of the distal end on the lower side. The radial edge extends on a nodal circle having an angle of at least 150°. The central edge is provided with a rivet receiving portion. Edge reinforcement portions for reinforcing the small plates are constructed on both side edges. A grooved anchor is constructed on the radial edge, the grooved anchor forming an angled slide rail pointing away from the lower side, the slide rail being engaged in the groove of the beverage can. At least one elongated, sickle-shaped ridge is constructed on the upper side, the ridge being arranged to engage with a lever of the can and serve as an opening aid, wherein the ridge has a gradually descending slope towards its ends, the ridge extends concentrically relative to the rivet receiving portion, and the ridge has a length of at least 5 mm. At least one pushing auxiliary device is arranged on the upper side, the pushing auxiliary device having at least one protrusion. The corner from the side edge to the radial edge has a radially protruding section, thus forming a sharp corner. Furthermore, the small plates are made of metal.

2. The small plate with an opening auxiliary device for a can according to claim 1, characterized in that, The small plate has a thickness of at least 0.2 mm.

3. The small plate with an opening auxiliary device for a can according to claim 1, characterized in that, The raised portion has a length of at least 7 mm.

4. The small plate with an opening auxiliary device for a can according to claim 1, characterized in that, The raised portion descends uniformly over an extension length of at least 1 mm on each of the two sides.

5. The small plate with an opening auxiliary device for a can according to claim 1, characterized in that, The raised portion has a height of at least 0.25 mm and a height of at most 1 mm.

6. The small plate with an opening auxiliary device for a can according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radial edge is curved such that it forms a nodal circle with an angle of at least 200°.

7. The small plate with an opening auxiliary device for a can according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pointed corner protrudes at least 2 mm.

8. The small plate with an opening auxiliary device for a can according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side edge has a curved portion due to the protruding sharp corner, and the edge reinforcement is arranged along the curved portion.

9. The small plate with an opening auxiliary device for a can according to claim 1, characterized in that, The edge reinforcement is designed as a thicker portion of material at that location and has a thickness at least 1.2 times that of the other thicknesses of the small sheet.

10. The small plate with an opening auxiliary device for a can according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pushing auxiliary device has at least three protrusions.

11. The small plate with an opening aid for a can according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion of the pushing auxiliary device is constructed as a rectangle in top view, the rectangle having large rounded corners, wherein the rectangle has an aspect ratio of at least 1:

1.

12. The small plate with an opening auxiliary device for a can according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower side is coated with plastic.

13. The small plate with an opening aid for a can according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper side is embossed.

14. A can system comprising a can and a small plate for opening the can according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, A small plate with an opening aid is fixed to the can.

15. A method for manufacturing the can system according to claim 14, characterized in that, First, a can is made (2), then a small plate (1) is placed on a rivet (4), and then a lever (11) is inserted into the rivet (4) and in the final step, the rivet (4) is closed by the rivet head (14).

Images