Protection for the opening of metal beverage cans.

Abstract

Device protecting the lid (1) of metal beverage cans (all sizes of cans), to prevent any contamination before and after opening, to close the lid and protect the beverage from intrusions and spills. Composed of two parts, the collar (2) holds the rotating part (3) to allow it to rotate around the rivet and uncover the hollowed part, allowing opening. A reverse rotation closes and protects the contents. The rotating part has an arrow-shaped embossing (5) indicating the opening direction and lifting the tab (4) at the end of rotation, making it easier to grip. To prevent any rotation error, the rotating part is equipped with an embossed stop (6). The rotating part has a pre-cut breakable part which will attest, if opened, to prior handling. This device may be offered as an option to the filler who crimps the lid onto the can. Figure Abbreviated: Fig 1A

Description

Title of the invention: Device for protecting the opening of metal beverage cans.

[0001] Device that improves the hygiene, safety and opening of metal beverage cans, whether made of aluminum or steel. This packaging is commonly called a "can". Currently, when opening, the part of the lid activated by the tab comes into contact with the beverage [Fig. 1]. However, the lid, despite all the efforts of manufacturers, is exposed to all kinds of pollution during marketing, transport, storage and shelving. After opening, it is not possible to close the can, the beverage is exposed to dust, insect intrusions, and the risk of spillage. In addition, it is not easy for everyone to lift the tab to push in the breakable part of the lid called the seal. The invention overcomes these drawbacks thanks to two metal parts made of aluminum or steel, parts A and B.Part A, machined like the cover, but with a hollowed-out part, holds part B during its rotational movement around the axis of the tab, itself riveted to the cover at the end of the manufacture of this cover. Part B has a hollowed-out part, exactly the same size as the "sealant" which it will protect before opening and release for consumption. Before opening, part B is opposite the sealant and protects it with its solid part. For opening, after rotation, it uncovers the sealant and allows it to be opened by the tab. For closing, a rotation in the opposite direction covers the gap left by the open "sealant". To make it easier to lift the tab, part B is embossed in the shape of an arrow with a 0 point at the tip and progressively a higher point at the end of the rotation, so it slides under the tab and lifts it. To prevent any handling errors, a stop is placed to the left of the tab, so the device must be operated by rotating to the right. Part B may have been tampered with before opening, so the seal is no longer protected. To avoid this, there is a breakable part which, if intact, will show the absence of any intervention before the final opening. This device is very easy to manufacture for the manufacturer who produces the lids because it requires no investment: all the machines are already on the production site: crimping machine, riveting machine, stamping machine and folder. There will therefore be no need to use subcontractors. Parts A and B are placed just before the tab is installed, the device can be an option offered to the end customer, the filler. The production cost remains low compared to the added value brought to the finished product. The recycling chain is not modified, everything is made of aluminum or steel depending on the beverage cans. Part B is hinged under the tab, part A only holds it during rotation. The device will therefore not be sensitive to variations in the lid which, under the effect of the pressure exerted by the beverage or by heat, deforms slightly. Finally, the device remains faithful to the spirit of the "can": a practical, healthy, lightweight and infinitely recyclable packaging.

[0002] A is a collar placed on the lid which can be secured with a food-grade silicone seal. B is held by A on its periphery and by the rivet of the tab in its center. B has a stop and an arrow-shaped embossing from 0 to +2mm which specifies the direction of opening. B secured by a breakable part turns without moving the tab.

[0003] [Fig.lA] represents the different stages of opening.

[0004] [Fig.2A] represents the assembly of parts A and B.

[0005] [Fig. 1] represents the seal after opening in contact with the drink.

[0006] [Fig.2] represents part A. 0.18mm thick. The hollowed-out part measures 38mm diameter.

[0007] [Fig.3] represents part B with a diameter of 42mm and a thickness of 0.18mm.

[0008] [Fig.4] represents the breakable part of part B.

[0009] [Fig.5] shows parts A and B in place.

[0010] [Fig.6] represents the rotation of part B upon opening.

[0011] [Fig.7] represents the reverse rotation of part B, for closing.

Claims

Claims

1. Device for protecting the opening of metal beverage cans called "cans" characterized in that it comprises a part A (2) made of steel or aluminum which holds on the lid a part B (3) placed under the tab and which, by rotation, allows the tab to be actuated for opening. By reverse rotation, part A protects the beverage after opening. [Fig 6] and [Fig 7]. The device is also characterized in that part A (2) comprises a hollow part of 38mm, A is therefore a collar, which comes to rest, at the end of manufacture of the lid, on the latter.

2. Device according to claim 1) and 2) characterized in that A is machined to the same dimensions as the cover. It will then be possible, during installation, to secure A to the cover with a food-grade silicone seal.

3. Device according to claim 1) characterized in that part B comprises a hollowed-out part of exactly the same size as the cover, part pre-cut on the cover. Part B is held on the cover by the rivet of the tab in the center and by part A on the periphery. [Fig 3], [Fig 2] and [Fig 5]

4. Device according to claim 4), characterized in that part B has an arrow-shaped embossing which specifies the opening direction and with a zero point on the tip and progressively a point of approximately +2mm at the end, which allows the tab to be lifted for opening. [Fig 3], [Fig 5] and [Fig 6]

5. Device according to claims 4) and 5) characterized in that B comprises a breakable part which allows rotation without moving the tab (4). This breakable part, if intact, confirms the absence of previous manipulation. [Fig 3] and [Fig 4]

6. Device according to claims 4), 5) and 6) characterized in that it comprises a stop to the left of the tab, it is therefore necessary to activate part B by rotation to the right for opening. [Fig 5] and [Fig 3]

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