Opening device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for opening a beverage can, wherein the device has an actuating element (2) with a fastening region (6) which can be arranged on a can opening tab (3) and an actuating region (8) which is operatively connected thereto, can be gripped with the fingers and with which the can opening tab can be actuated to open a drinking opening of the can.

Description

[0001] Opening device

[0002] The invention relates to an opening device for beverage cans.

[0003] Conventional beverage cans have a lid formed as a stamped sheet metal part and connected to the can body via a flange. To open such cans, an opening is provided in the area of ​​the can lid, which is sealed integrally with a sheet metal section. The sheet metal section is connected to the rest of the can lid via a weakened zone or predetermined breaking point.

[0004] To open and operate this area, a tab with an actuating ring is usually provided, which is connected to the can lid via a type of riveted joint. The tab has a larger, ring-like area, which, when lifted from the can lid, pushes a diametrically opposite area (relative to the connecting rivet) toward the interior of the can. This pushes the area equipped with the weakened zone or predetermined breaking point into the can, tearing open the predetermined breaking point, thus opening the can.

[0005] KR 102056575B1 and KR 102146643B1 each disclose elements wrapped around the opening ring of a can, which are glued at their free ends. These can be connected to additional protective covers to cause the can to open when the protective cover is opened.

[0006] US3434622A discloses a can-opening device in which the possible lever travel is further increased by a spring-loaded metal lever. The metal lever is riveted to the can lid and supported by multiple grooves. GB479601 discloses an opening device for tearing off the lid of a can of food. The opening device involves tearing off the edge of the lid completely, thus removing the entire lid. For this purpose, actuating elements such as bars with an eyelet or a hook with an eyelet are provided, which are attached to the can and an actuating tab.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a device for opening a beverage can which is simple and very cost-effective.

[0008] The problem is solved by a device having the features of claim 1.

[0009] Advantageous further training is indicated in subclaims.

[0010] The inventors have recognized that the conventional method of opening cans, although it has been reliably proven billions of times, has disadvantages due to the high initial resistance that must be overcome.

[0011] Furthermore, it has been observed that, especially at events, people with artificial or naturally longer, and especially painted, fingernails tend to avoid opening cans and either avoid purchasing them or seek help to avoid damaging their fingernails. This is detrimental to the acceptance of beverage cans, especially those with higher-quality contents. Regardless, it is also difficult for certain finger sizes and finger textures to operate the tab.

[0012] According to the invention, an opening device is provided which consists of or has an actuating element which projects laterally in extension of the can opening tab to such an extent that it can be easily grasped without the use of fingernails and as a result the can opening tab can be pulled upwards, ie away from the can.

[0013] According to the invention, the actuating element can be made of any type of tensile material, for example, textiles, leather, synthetic leather, polymers, metals, and the like, or can comprise such materials, and can be in the form of a band, a cord, a ring, a chain, and the like. In one embodiment, the actuating element is designed as a band, which is looped, for example, onto a ring-like element of the can opening tab. The band can be open or closed.

[0014] The actuating element can also be carried separately from a can and can be attached or hooked onto the can opening tab with an additional fastening element, for example by means of a metal or plastic hook, and the can can then be opened.

[0015] In addition, the opening device according to the invention can fulfill an indicator function, so that, for example, the carbon dioxide content, caffeine content, sugar content, alcohol content or similar things can be indicated by a color code or the corresponding different use of colors, so that the selection is made easier for the consumer.

[0016] The invention thus relates in particular to a device for opening a beverage can, wherein the device has an actuating element with a fastening region which can be arranged on a can opening tab and an actuating region (8) which is operatively connected thereto and which can be grasped with the fingers and with which the can opening tab (3) can be actuated to open a drinking opening of the can.

[0017] A further development provides that the fastening area is arranged temporarily or permanently on the can opening tab.

[0018] A further development provides that the device is designed as a band which is looped into the opening of the can opening tab, so that the fastening area is formed in which the band engages around a web formed by the can opening tab and the opening.

[0019] A further development provides that the band forms an actuation area remote from the can opening tab and the fastening area, in which at least one free end or a closed, protruding loop is formed. A further development provides that the band is round or flat and made of one or more materials from the group consisting of: textile materials, polymeric materials, natural, flexible materials, leather, metallic sheets, and foils.

[0020] A further development provides that the opening device is designed as a pivotable tab or ring as an actuating element, wherein the pivotable tab or ring engages around the web, thereby causing an articulated arrangement of the opening device on the can opening tab, which allows pivoting.

[0021] A further development provides that the opening device is detachably designed on the opening tab, with an actuating element and a fastening element operatively connected thereto, wherein the fastening element is designed in particular to engage behind or detachably engage around the can opening tab, in particular the web.

[0022] A further development provides that the fastening element is designed with a hook for hooking into the opening of the can opening tab and encompassing the web.

[0023] A further development provides that the band is looped into an opening in the fastening element.

[0024] A further development provides that the band is round or flat and made of one or more of the group consisting of: textile materials, polymeric materials, natural, flexible materials, leather, metallic sheets, foils or as a rope, wire, chain.

[0025] A further development provides for the actuating element to be designed as a plate, web, tab, or the like, which is arranged integrally on the fastening element and can pivot rigidly or elastically, or the plate, web, or tab is arranged in an articulated manner on the fastening element. A further development provides for the actuating element and / or the fastening element to be metallic and have a precious metal coating, or made of plastic with a metal coating, or a corresponding material mix.

[0026] A further development provides that the strap is long enough and closed as a loop so that the opening device can be worn around the neck.

[0027] A further development provides that the opening device has an indicator function and is indicated by different detectable properties from the group formed by: color, haptics, optical pattern, tactile contour, the presence or different contents of contents or properties from the group formed by: carbon dioxide, caffeine and related substances, sugar, alcohol, sugar substitutes, flavors, taste.

[0028] The invention is explained by way of example with reference to a drawing. It shows:

[0029] Figure 1: highly schematic view of a can lid with a loopable opening device;

[0030] Figure 2: a second step of looping the opening device;

[0031] Figure 3: the opening device in operational condition;

[0032] Figure 4: a further advantageous embodiment of the opening device.

[0033] The opening device 1 according to the invention has an actuating element 2 for actuating a can opening tab 3.

[0034] The actuating element 2 is designed, for example (Figures 1-3), as a band 4, which is looped into the opening 5 of the can opening tab 3 in such a way that a fastening area 6 is formed, in which the band 4 engages around a web 7 formed by the can opening tab 3 and the opening 5. Away from the can opening tab 3, the band 4 forms an actuating area 8, for example, by forming two free ends 9 that protrude from the opening tab 3. In this case, the band 4 also corresponds to the actuating element 2.

[0035] In this embodiment, the opening device 1 thus forms two flags by means of the free ends 9 which can be gripped, wherein the free ends 9 project from the can opening tab 3 preferably over the edge 10 of a can, wherein this position is preferably assumed when the cans are offered accordingly.

[0036] The length of the free ends 9 or of the actuating element 2 can be dimensioned such that, for the purpose of transporting and stacking the cans, the free ends 9 can be pivoted inwards via a rivet 11 for holding the can opening tab 3 on a can lid 12 to an opposite area of ​​the can edge 10 (not shown).

[0037] Of course, it is also possible to fold the free ends 9, especially if they are longer than the can diameter, so that they have space within the radius of the can rim 10 and, when cans are stacked on top of each other, thus disappear under the can above.

[0038] Of course, the opening device 1 can also be designed with an actuating element 2 in the form of a closed loop (not shown), so that the actuating area 8 can be grasped on the one hand, but alternatively, for example, fingers can also be hooked into this closed loop of the actuating area 8 to open the can. This loop can be pivoted onto the can lid 12 in the same way as an open textile strap 4, also in the manner described.

[0039] The opening device 1 can thus be designed as an elongated band 4 or as a closed loop, wherein the free ends 9 can be cut to a point or welded to prevent fraying. The band can be round or flat and made of textile materials, polymeric materials, or natural, flexible materials such as leather, but also metallic sheets, rings, rope, wire, chain, or foils, or combinations thereof.

[0040] Furthermore, it is also possible to design the opening device 1 as a pivotable tab (not shown), also made of sheet metal or plastic, as the actuating element 2. The pivotable tab then engages around the web 11 formed by the opening 5 and the can opening tab 3. This creates an articulated arrangement of the opening device 1 on the can opening tab 3, which allows pivoting.

[0041] Accordingly, the opening device 1 can then be pivoted around this web 11 and can be pivoted from a position resting on the opening tab 3 into a position protruding beyond the can edge 10.

[0042] In a further advantageous embodiment (Figure 4), the opening device 1 is not fixedly arranged on the opening tab 3, for example via the aforementioned loop connection, but the opening device 1 has an actuating element 2 and a fastening element 13 which is operatively connected thereto.

[0043] The fastening element 13 is designed in particular to engage behind or releasably engage around the can opening tab 3, in particular the web 7.

[0044] For example, the fastening element 13 is formed with a hook 14.

[0045] In this embodiment of the opening device 1 according to the invention, the hook 14 of the fastening element 13 is inserted into the opening 5 of the can opening tab 3 and moved in the direction of the web 7 formed by the opening 5 and the can opening tab 3 until the hook 14 engages around the web 11.

[0046] In this embodiment, a corresponding textile or otherwise previously described band 4, or rope, wire, or chain, can be looped into an opening 15 of the fastening element 13 in the same way as through the opening 5. However, the actuating element 2 can also be designed as a plate, web, tab, or the like. This can be arranged integrally on the fastening element 13 and then, for example, rigidly or elastically pivotable. Furthermore, it is also possible for the plate, web, ring, or tab to be articulated on the fastening element 13.

[0047] In this embodiment, since it is not designed as a disposable item, the appearance can be correspondingly higher quality. For example, the actuating element 2 and fastening element 13 can be metallic and gold-plated, or made of plastic with a metal II coating, or a corresponding material mix. If the actuating device is a loop or similar, the textile or other material can be made of a particularly high-quality fabric, high-quality leather, or the like.

[0048] In addition, the strap 4 can also be longer and closed, allowing the opening device 1 to be worn around the neck. This design is also suitable for bar and counter staff who need to open a large number of cans.

[0049] The opening device 1 works in a comparable manner in all cases.

[0050] The opening device works as follows. After the opening device 1 extends beyond the can rim 10 with the free ends 9 of the textile band 4 or the hook 14 engages the web 7, the free ends 9 or the band 4 or a correspondingly protruding tab or the like can be grasped as the actuating element 2, and the can opening tab 3 can be lifted in the area of ​​the web 7 without the fingernails coming into contact with the actual can or can opening tab 3.

[0051] A lever area 16 of the can opening tab 3, opposite the web 11, then presses on the can lid 12. The area being pressed on here is surrounded in a known manner by a predetermined breaking line 17 such that the pressure of the lever area 16 on the can lid 12 causes the can lid 12 to tear open and expose a drinking opening in a known manner. When using an opening device 1 with a hook 14, this hook 14 can then be removed from the web 7 and stowed away again.

[0052] The invention is advantageous in that beverage cans, in particular beverage cans at events and in particular beverage cans with high-quality contents such as sparkling wine, spirits and wine, can be operated in a simple, fingernail-friendly manner.

[0053] Of course, opening devices according to the invention can be arranged preassembled as described. Furthermore, opening devices according to the invention can also be arranged elsewhere on a can or multi-pack for self-assembly. In particular, the embodiment with a rear gripping device can also be arranged as a "giveaway" for multiple use on a can or multi-pack.

[0054] List of reference symbols

[0055] 1 opening device

[0056] 2 Actuating element

[0057] 3 Can opening tab 4 Band

[0058] 5 Opening

[0059] 6 Mounting area

[0060] 7 jetty

[0061] 8 Operating area 9 Free ends

[0062] 10 rim of a can

[0063] 11 rivets for holding the can opening tab

[0064] 12 can lids

[0065] 13 Fastening element 14 Hook

[0066] 15 Opening

[0067] 16 lever range

[0068] 17 Predetermined breaking line

Claims

Claims 1. A device for opening a beverage can, wherein the device (1) comprises an actuating element (2) with a fastening region (6) which can be arranged on a can opening tab (3) and an actuating region (8) which is operatively connected thereto and which can be grasped with the fingers and with which the can opening tab (3) can be actuated to open a drinking opening of the can, characterized in that the device (1) is designed as a band (4) which is looped into the opening (5) of the can opening tab (3), so that the fastening region (6) is formed in which the band (4) engages around a web (7) formed by the can opening tab (3) and the opening (5), or the opening device (1) is detachably formed on the opening tab (3), with an actuating element (2) and a fastening element (13) which is operatively connected thereto,wherein the fastening element (13) is designed in particular for engaging behind or releasably encompassing the can opening tab (3), in particular the web (7), wherein the band (4) is looped into an opening (15) of the fastening element (13) or is otherwise fastened thereto.

2. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the band (4) forms an actuating region (8) remote from the can opening tab (3) and the fastening region (6), in which at least one free end (9) or a closed projecting loop is formed.

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the band (4) is round or flat and is formed from one or more of the group consisting of: textile materials, polymeric materials, natural, flexible materials, leather, ropes, chains, foils.

4. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening element (13) is designed with a hook (14) for hooking into the opening (5) of the can opening tab (3) and encompassing the web (7).

5. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the band (4) is round or flat and is formed from one or more of the group formed by: metal, metallic or plastic ropes / chains.

6. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating element (2) and / or the fastening element (13) is metallic and gold-plated, or made of plastic with a metal coating or correspondingly made of a material mix.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the band (4), rope or chain is so long and closed as a loop that the opening device (1) can be worn around the neck.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening device (1) has an indicator function and the presence or contents of contents or properties from the group formed by: carbon dioxide, caffeine and related substances, sugar, alcohol, sugar substitute, aromas, taste are indicated via different detectable properties from the group formed by: color, haptics, optical pattern, tactile contour.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device 1 is arranged on a can or a multi-pack of cans detachably for self-assembly or multiple use.

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