Container opener

Abstract

The present invention discloses a container opener comprising: a base comprising a first semi-circular portion; an arm including a second semicircular portion and in slidable communication with the base; a blade attached to the arm; wherein when the base and the arm are engaged together, the first and second semicircular portions are configured to catch a container and the blade is urged to contact an inner edge of the container.

Description

[0001] CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 366,941, filed on June 24, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to the technical field of tableware and barware, and in particular, to an apparatus and method for opening a planar portion of a sealed container. Background Art

[0004] Conventional opening devices remove the planar upper surface of a sealed container. However, these devices are limited in the types of containers they can open and in the methods of accessing the contents of the container.

[0005] A recent trend in soda or beverage cans (e.g., beer cans) is to engage a mounted pull ring positioned at the planar top surface of the can while including a perforated indentation opposite the pull ring to improve the flow of the soda or beverage from the can once it is opened. However, this conventional technology requires a separate tool (e.g., a wrench or other instrument) to pierce the perforated indentation. In addition, for applications in a bar, restaurant, or franchise environment, the two-step process of this conventional technology is cumbersome or impractical and hinders the bartender or franchise staff from quickly opening and delivering the container. In addition, based on the limited size of the pull ring orifice (mouth opening), engaging the mounted pull ring and piercing the perforated indentation can only increase the flow of liquid from the can. For example, the perforated indentation restricts the flow of thicker liquids. At the same time, the development cost of changing and implementing the perforated indentation design is impractical for a limited number of target consumers. Furthermore, conventional mounted pull rings, conventional mounted pull rings and perforated indentations, or traditional opening devices only create a small opening in the container, which prevents the user from smelling the full aroma of the container contents (eg, beer), thereby affecting the user's taste perception.

[0006] In addition, the conventional opening device of manual operation or machine operation presents various access challenges to the plane top container without engaging pull ring or mouth.For example, the manual opening device uses a single blade to remove the entire plane upper surface.These conventional devices need to rotate the handle or crank several times to utilize a single blade to cut around the entire circumferential edge of the container.In another example, the machine-operated opening device is subject to the speed limit of the motor during the opening process.In addition, both the manual operation and the machine-operated device require the user to align and engage the single blade along the circumferential edge before starting the opening process, which is both time-consuming and troublesome.In addition, the distance that the shoulder or lip of various containers protrudes outward from the engagement point of the blade can make the opening device invalid due to not allowing the blade to pierce and engage the container surface at an appropriate angle.The shoulder or lip also prevents some manual devices from being matched on the can and engaging with the edge, while other machine-operated devices tilt the can at an angle to engage with the edge, which will make the contents overflow during the top removal process.

[0007] In addition, although traditional manually operated and machine operated devices remove the flat upper surface of the container, these devices leave sharp edges on the container that are harmful to the user when removing. After the opening process, the contents of such containers need to be removed to an intermediate container for user safety. Summary of the invention

[0008] To overcome the problems described above, embodiments of the present disclosure include a container opener including features that move relative to each other and a blade that cuts a container once engaged in the container opener, and the container and the container opener rotate relative to each other.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a container includes: a base, which includes a first semicircular portion; an arm, which includes a second semicircular portion and is slidably connected to the base; and a blade attached to the arm; wherein when the base and the arm are brought together, the first and second semicircular portions are configured to clamp the container and the blade is pushed to contact the inner edge of the container.

[0010] The container opener may further include a pull ring grabber attached to the arm and configured to slide under a pull ring on the top of the container when the container opener and the container are rotated relative to each other after the base and the arm are brought together.

[0011] In one aspect, the tab grabber is configured to hold the top of the container when the top of the container is cut off and the container is separated from the container opener.

[0012] In one aspect, the pull tab grabber is semi-circular.

[0013] In one aspect, the blade is configured to pierce the container when the base and the arm are brought together.

[0014] In one aspect, the blade is configured to cut off a top portion of the container when the container and the container opener are rotated relative to each other after the base and the arm are brought together.

[0015] In one aspect, the first and second semicircular portions are configured such that a rim of the container can rest on the first and second semicircular portions when the base and the arm are brought together.

[0016] In one aspect, one of the base and the arm includes a clip to lock the base and the arm together.

[0017] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a container opener includes: a base including a first semicircular portion; an arm including a second semicircular portion and hinged to the base; and a blade attached to the arm; wherein when the base and the arm are brought together, the first and second semicircular portions are configured to clamp a container and the blade is pushed to contact an inner edge of the container.

[0018] The container opener may further include a pull ring grabber attached to the arm and configured to slide under a pull ring on the top of the container when the container opener and the container are rotated relative to each other after the base and the arm are brought together.

[0019] In one aspect, the tab grabber is configured to hold the top of the container when the top of the container is cut off and the container is separated from the container opener.

[0020] In one aspect, the pull-tab grabber comprises a semicircular portion.

[0021] In one aspect, the blade is configured to pierce the container when the base and the arm are brought together.

[0022] In one aspect, the blade is configured to cut off a top portion of the container when the container and the container opener are rotated relative to each other after the base and the arm are brought together.

[0023] In one aspect, the first and second semicircular portions are configured such that a rim of the container can rest on the first and second semicircular portions when the base and the arm are brought together.

[0024] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a container opener includes: a top sleeve attached to a top cover; a clamp attached to the top sleeve; a bottom sleeve attached to the clamp; and a blade attached to the clamp, wherein when the clamp is configured to clamp a container and when a blade arm is activated, the blade is pushed to an inner edge of the container.

[0025] In one aspect, the clamp includes a blade arm that is spring loaded to the clamp arm.

[0026] In one aspect, the blade arm and the clamp arm are configured to close around the container when the clamp is activated, the blade is attached to the blade arm, and when the blade arm is activated, the blade closes on the container.

[0027] In one aspect, the blade arm and the clamp arm are brought together to activate the clamp.

[0028] In one aspect, the top sleeve includes an attached tab grabber configured to slide under a tab on a top of the container when the container opener and container are rotated relative to each other after the base and arm are brought together.

[0029] The above and other features, elements, characteristics, steps and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The following drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not drawn to scale and are intended to be used in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description.

[0031] Figure 1 to Figure 1 5 is used to describe the container opener device of the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Fig.16 28 is used to describe a container opener device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] 29 and 30 are used to describe one aspect of the present disclosure including a pull-tab grabber.

[0034] FIG. 31A to FIG. 33B Used to describe an aspect of the present disclosure that includes a locking mechanism.

[0035] Figure 34 to Figure 42 A container opener device is used to describe another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Embodiments described herein relate to opening a sealed container (eg, a sealed can) that allows a user to separate a portion or the entire planar upper surface of the container from a compressed outer edge or rim of the container.

[0037] In addition, by way of example, the embodiments described herein allow a user to easily and effectively safely open and / or remove the planar upper surface of a sealed container. In addition, by way of example, the embodiments described herein allow a user to open and / or remove the entire planar upper surface of such a container with minimal resulting sharp edges. In addition, the embodiments described herein allow a user to smell the full aroma of the container contents (e.g., beer), thereby allowing the user to fully enjoy the taste of the container contents.

[0038] Figure 1 to 1 5 is a view of a container opener 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 is an exploded view of the container opener 100, and Figures 2A to 2D Components of a container opener are shown, including an arm 110 , a base 120 , a pull ring grabber 130 , and a blade 140 . Figure 1 As shown, the blade 140 may be circular and attached to the blade holder 142 via a fastener 144 that passes through the blade 140. The fastener 144 may be a rivet, pin, screw, bolt on any suitable means to secure the blade 140 to the blade holder 142.

[0039] Figure 3 is a top perspective view of the container opener 100 in an open state. Figure 4 is a top perspective view of the container opener 100 in a closed state. Figure 5 is a top view of the container opener 100 in a closed state. Figure 6 is a top view of the container opener 100 in an open state. Figure 7 is a side view of the container opener 100 in a closed state. Figure 8 is a side view of the container opener 100 in an open state. Fig. 9 is a bottom view of the container opener 100 in a closed state. Fig.10 1 is a bottom view of the container opener 100 in an open state. As shown, the arm 110 and the base 120 can be arranged so that they are interconnected and can be slid apart to define an opening in which a container (i.e., a can) can be placed for opening. Once the can is in place, the arm 110 and the base 120 can be compressed together to clamp around the can, as further described below.

[0040] Fig.11 is a top perspective view of the container opener 100 closed around the top of the can 190. Fig.12 is a side view of the container opener 100 closed around the top of the can 190.

[0041] Fig.13A 1 is a side cross-sectional view of the container opener 100 in an open state at a plane just below the rim of the can 190 . Fig. 13B yes Fig.13A These views show how the larger diameter of the can 190 can fit into the container opener 100 and rest against the bottom surface of the arm 110 when the arm 110 and base 120 are open.

[0042] Fig.14A is a top view of the container opener 100 in an open state around a can 190. Fig. 14B yes Fig.14A This is a side cross-sectional view of the container opener 100 and the can 190 being opened. Fig. 14C ( Fig. 14B In detail H), the blade 140 connected to the arm 110 is retracted to leave room for the inner edge of the can 190 to enter the container opener 100 without hitting the blade 140. There is also a gap between the outer edge 191 of the can and the clamp 150 on the arm 110 for fixing the can 190 and the container opener 100 together.

[0043] Fig.15A is a top view of the container opener 100 in a closed state around a can 190. Fig. 15B yes Fig.15A A view of a cross section of EE. Fig. 15C and 15D They are Fig. 15B Detail F and Detail T. When the arm 110 and body 120 are squeezed together, the clamp 150 on the arm 110 pushes the outer diameter of the can 190 (under the rim) against the same clamp on the base 120. This holds the can 190 in place by the two opposing clamp features and surrounds the can 190. It also causes the rim 191 of the can to rest on top of the clamp features. Fig. 15B The blade 140 is shown engaged to pierce the inner edge 191 of the can. Once the arm 110 and base 120 are squeezed together, the user holds the two components together and rotates the container opener 110 relative to the can 190 to cut off the top 192 of the can. FIG. 29A to FIG. 30B Describe the operation of the pull ring grabber.

[0044] Fig.16 28 are views of a container opener 200 having a hinged closure rather than a sliding closure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.16 is an exploded view of the container opener 200 . Figures 17A to 17D Components of a container opener 200 are shown, including an arm 210 , a base 220 , a tab grabber 230 , and a blade 240 . Fig.16As shown, the blade 240 may be circular and attached to the arm 210 via a fastener 244 that passes through the blade 240. The fastener 244 may be a rivet, pin, screw, bolt on any suitable device to secure the blade 240 to the arm 210.

[0045] Fig.18 is a top perspective view of the container opener 200 in a closed state. Fig.19 is a top perspective view of the container opener 200 in an open state, with the arm 210 rotated out of the outline of the base 220. Fig. 20 is a top view of the container opener 200 in a closed state. Fig.21 is a top view of the container opener 200 in an open state. Fig. 22 is a bottom view of the container opener 200 in a closed state. Fig.23 17 shows that the articulation can be created via a pull ring 212 protruding from the arm 210, which is press-fit into a slot 222 defined in the base 220. Once the can is in place, the arm 210 and base 220 can be rotated together to clamp around the can, as described further below.

[0046] Fig.24 is a top perspective view of the container opener 200 and the can 290 in a closed state. Fig.25 is a top perspective view of the container opener 200 and the can 290 in an open state. Fig.26A is a side view of the container opener 200 and the can 290 in an open state. Fig.26B is along Fig.26A NN of the container opener. This view shows a cross-sectional view of the container opener 200 when the container opener 200 is open at a plane just below the rim 291 of the can. This shows how the arms 210 and base 220 allow the larger diameter of the can 290 to fit into the container opener 200 and rest against the bottom surface of the arms 210 when they are hinged open.

[0047] Fig.27A is a top view of the container opener 200 and the can 290 in the open state. Fig.27B is along Fig.27A A cross-sectional view of the container opener 200 and the can 290 is shown in FIG. Fig.27C(Detail R) it can be seen how the blade 240 connected to the arm 210 is retracted to make room for the inner edge 291 of the can to enter the container opener 200 without striking the blade 240. There is also a gap between the outer edge 291 of the can and the can clamp 250.

[0048] Fig.28A is a top view of the container opener 200 and the can 290 in a closed state. Fig.28B is along Fig.28A A cross-sectional view of the UU container opener 200 with a can. Fig.28C and 28D They are Fig.28B Detail V and Detail W of the can. When the arm 210 and base 220 are squeezed together, the clamp 250 on the arm 210 pushes the outer diameter of the can (below the rim) against the same clamp feature on the base 220. This holds the can 290 in place with the two clamp features surrounding the can 290. It also keeps the rim 291 of the can resting on top of the clamp features. This view also shows how the blade 240 is engaged to pierce the inner rim 291 of the can. Once the arm 210 and base 220 are squeezed together, the user holds the two together and rotates the container opener 200 relative to the can 290 to cut off the top of the can.

[0049] Figures 29A to 30B One aspect of the present disclosure is shown including a tab grabber 1130 grabbing a tab opener 1192 (ie, tab) on the top of a can 1190. Other portions of the various container opener embodiments are omitted such that only the tab grabber 1130 is visible. Fig.29A and 30A is a top view of can 1190 and shows the pull ring grabber 1130 and the pull ring 1192 on the top of can 1190. Fig.29B and 30B is corresponding to Fig.29A and 30A The corresponding perspective view of .

[0050] These figures show the can 1190 positioned so that during operation of the container opener, the arms of the pull ring grabber 1130 push against the top surface of the can 1130. As the can 1190 and the container opener rotate relative to each other to cut the top off the can 1190, the pull ring 1130 also rotates with the can 1190 and is pressed against the top of the arms of the pull ring grabber 1130. When the container opener is opened to remove the can 1190 after cutting the top off the can 1190, the top of the can 1190 is clipped to either arm of the pull ring grabber 1130 via the pull ring 1192 and is held by the pull ring grabber 1130 when the container opener is separated from the opened can 1190.

[0051] Figures 31A to 33BOne aspect of the present disclosure is shown in which a container opener 300 includes at least one clip 311 that holds the arm 310 and base 320 closed for storage when the two are squeezed together. Fig.31A is a top view of the container opener 300 in an open state, wherein Fig.31B (Detail K) Shows one clip 311 on one side, unengaged to lock the arm 310 and base 320 together. Fig.32A is a top view of the container opener 300 in a closed state, wherein Fig.32B (Detail L) Shows a clip 311 on one side that engages on a pull ring 321 to lock the arm 310 and base 320 together when they are pushed together. After the base 320 and arm 310 are locked together, Fig.33A and 33B (Detail M) shows that when the user pushes the clip 311 inwardly toward the center of the container opener 300 (in the direction of the arrow), this force releases the clip 311 from the pull ring 321 and allows the arm 310 to be separated from the base 320 for use.

[0052] Figures 34 to 42 is a view of a container opener 400 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The container opener 400 includes a cap grabbing feature that is built into the molded top liner of the container opener 400 rather than being a separate component.

[0053] Fig.34 4 is an exploded view of a container opener 400. As shown, the container opener 400 may include a top cap 410, a top bushing 420, a clamp 430, and a bottom bushing 440. The top bushing 420 may include a pull ring grabber 421 to grab the pull ring on the top of the can. The clamp 430 may include a blade arm 432, a blade 434 on the blade arm 432 for cutting the can, a clamp arm 436, and a spring 438 for spring-loading the blade arm 432 and the clamp arm 436.

[0054] Fig.35 is a top view of the container opener 400 with the clamp arm 436 and the blade arm 432 in an open position. Fig.36 is a bottom view of the container opener 400, showing that the container opener 400 can use a single blade 434 to cut the can.

[0055] Fig.37 is a top view of the container opener 400 with the clamp arm 436 and the blade arm 432 in a closed position. Fig.384 is a bottom view of the container opener 400 with the clamp arm 436 and the blade arm 432 in a closed position. After the can is inserted, the clamp arm 436 and the blade arm 432 are compressed inwardly and the blade 434 is closed on the can (not shown). Then, the can and the container opener 400 are rotated relative to each other so that the blade 434 can cut the entire top off the can. The blade arm 432 actuates the blade 434, and the clamp arm 436 is used to clamp the can once the can is inserted. The clamp 430 allows the can to still rotate, but does not allow the container opener 400 to accidentally separate from the can during the cutting action.

[0056] Figures 39 to 42 The operation of the container opener 400 is described. Fig.39 The container opener 400 is shown in position on a can 490 with the gripper and blade arms 436, 432 open. Fig.40 The container opener 400 is shown in position on a can 490 with the clamp and blade arms 436, 432 closed. Fig.41 4 is a top view of the container opener 400 in position on the can 490 with the clamp arms and blade arms 436, 432 open. The can 490 is inserted into the container opener 400 with the pull ring oriented between the pull ring grabber 421 included as part of the top liner 420. Fig.42 4 is a top view of the container opener 400 in position on the can 490 with the clamp arms and blade arms 436, 432 closed. As the can 490 is rotated relative to the container opener 400, the pull ring is wedged on the top of the pull ring grabber 421. After the lid is completely cut, the lid will remain wedged on the pull ring grabber 421 so that the lid does not fall into the beverage in the can 490. After the can 490 is separated from the container opener 400, the lid can be removed from the container opener 400.

[0057] In About Figures 34 to 42 In this embodiment of description, the single blade 434 of container opener 400 is radially swung inwards, rather than sliding inwards. This allows the force applied to blade 434 to be amplified due to the leverage at the end of clamp arm 436 and blade arm 432, making it easier for the user. During the cutting operation, relative clamp arm 436 and blade arm 432 clamp the side of jar 490 to support jar. If jar is otherwise supported, it is not necessary to close clamp arm 436 so that blade 434 will cut off lid from jar 490. In one aspect, after jar 490 is inserted in container opener 400, only blade arm 432 can be closed, and jar 490 can be rotated relative to container opener 400 to cut off lid from jar 490. Frictional force is maintained on pull ring on pull ring grabber 421, so that after cutting is completed, can remove lid.

[0058] In one aspect of an embodiment not shown, a latch may be included to hold the arms in a closed position for storage.

[0059] It should be understood that the foregoing description only illustrates the present invention. Those skilled in the art may design various alternatives and modifications without departing from the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is intended to cover all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A container opener, comprising: a base including a first semicircular portion; an arm including a second semicircular portion and slidably connected to the base; and a blade attached to the arm; in When the base and the arm are brought together, the first and the second semicircular portions are configured to grip a container and the blade is urged to contact an inner edge of the container.

2. The container opener of claim 1 , further comprising a pull ring grabber attached to the arm and configured to slide under a pull ring on the top of the container when the container opener and the container are rotated relative to each other after the base and the arm are brought together.

3. The container opener of claim 2, wherein the pull-tab grabber is configured to hold the top of the container when the top of the container is cut off and the container is separated from the container opener.

4. The container opener according to claim 3, wherein the pull ring grabber is semi-circular.

5. The container opener of claim 1, wherein the blade is configured to pierce the container when the base and the arm are brought together.

6. The container opener of claim 1, wherein the blade is configured to cut off a top portion of the container when the container and the container opener are rotated relative to each other after the base and the arm are brought together.

7. The container opener of claim 1, wherein the first and second semicircular portions are configured such that a rim of the container can rest on the first and second semicircular portions when the base and the arm are brought together.

8. The container opener of claim 1, wherein one of the base and the arm includes a clip for locking the base and the arm together.

9. A container opener comprising: a base including a first semicircular portion; an arm including a second semicircular portion and hingedly connected to the base; and a blade attached to the arm; in When the base and the arm are brought together, the first and the second semicircular portions are configured to grip a container and the blade is urged to contact an inner edge of the container.

10. The container opener of claim 9, further comprising a pull ring grabber attached to the arm and configured to slide under a pull ring on the top of the container when the container opener and the container are rotated relative to each other after the base and the arm are brought together.

11. The container opener of claim 10, wherein the tab grabber is configured to hold the top of the container when the top of the container is cut off and the container is separated from the container opener.

12. The container opener of claim 11, wherein the pull-tab gripper comprises a semicircular portion.

13. The container opener of claim 9, wherein the blade is configured to pierce the container when the base and the arm are brought together.

14. The container opener of claim 9, wherein the blade is configured to cut off a top portion of the container when the container and the container opener are rotated relative to each other after the base and the arm are brought together.

15. The container opener of claim 9, wherein the first and second semicircular portions are configured such that a rim of the container can rest on the first and second semicircular portions when the base and the arm are brought together.

16. A container opener comprising: a top bushing attached to the top cover; a clamp attached to the top bushing; a bottom bushing attached to the fixture; and a blade, which is attached to the fixture, wherein When the clamp is configured to grip a container and when the blade arm is activated, the blade is pushed to an inner edge of the container.

17. The container opener of claim 16, wherein the clamp comprises a blade arm that is spring loaded to a clamp arm.

18. The container opener according to claim 17, wherein: The blade arm and the clamp arm are configured to close around the container when the clamp is activated, the blade is attached to the blade arm, and When the blade arm is activated, the blade closes on the container.

19. The container opener of claim 17, wherein the blade arm and the clamp arm are brought together to activate the clamp.

20. The container opener of claim 16, wherein the top liner includes an attached pull ring grabber configured to slide under a pull ring on the top of the container when the container opener and the container are rotated relative to each other after the base and the arm are brought together.

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