Structure of opening function part, opener, and handle

Abstract

To provide a new technology about an opener used for opening a full-open type can lid.SOLUTION: A structure of an opening function part used for opening a can lid comprises: a locking claw part inserted into a finger holder of a pull tab of the can lid; a locking shaft part contained in the finger holder in a state that the locking claw part is inserted through the finger holder; and a fulcrum part arranged on the opposite side of the locking claw part with the locking shaft part in between.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a structure of an opening function part used to open the can lid of a full open-end can, and an opener and handle equipped with the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, a full-open type can container in which the entire can lid to which a pull tab is attached can be removed is known, and an opener (can opener) for easily opening this can lid is also known.

[0003] This type of opener is used by hooking the locking claw at the tip of the handle onto the pull tab, and then tilting the handle down to gradually lift the can lid, breaking the score line, and finally separating and removing the can lid from the can body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4657373 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, full-open can containers are used for human food such as meat and fish, and pet food for dogs, cats, etc., and are also widely used as can containers filled with beverages such as beer, and the range of consumers who come into contact with full-open can containers continues to expand.

[0006] Therefore, further improvements are required for openers used to open full-open type can lids so that they are easier to use for all consumers.

[0007] Furthermore, further improvements are required to prevent failure to open the can lid when an opener is used, thereby enabling the can lid to be opened more reliably.

[0008] In view of the above problems, the present invention proposes a new technique for an opener used to open a full-open type can lid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above, and the means for solving this problem will now be described.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, the structure of the opening function part used to open a can lid includes a locking claw portion that is inserted into a finger hook portion of the pull tab of the can lid, a locking shaft portion that is housed in the finger hook portion while the locking claw portion is inserted through the finger hook portion, and a fulcrum portion that is positioned on the opposite side of the locking claw portion across the locking shaft portion.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, the locking shaft portion is configured to be angled relative to the finger grip portion.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, the device is provided with a slip-off prevention portion that is arranged opposite the locking claw portion and forms a gap between the locking claw portion and the finger hook portion into which the finger hook portion can be inserted.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, an opener has a cap opening function structure and a handle portion to the tip of which the cap opening function portion is fixed.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, the can lid can be opened by tilting the handle portion in a direction opposite to the direction in which the locking claw portion is inserted into the finger grip portion.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, a handle is provided with the structure of an opening function part, and has an upper engagement part that engages with the upper edge of the can container, a lower engagement part that engages with the lower edge of the can container, and a gripping part for grasping with the hand, and after opening the can container with the opening function part, the handle can be attached to the can container and used as a mug as a whole.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, the handle allows the can lid to be opened by tilting the handle in the direction opposite to the direction in which the locking claw is inserted into the finger grip. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The present invention provides the following effects. That is, according to one aspect of the present invention, a configuration is realized in which the opening operation is simple and easy to use for all consumers.

[0018] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the pull tab can be pulled up at an ideal angle when opening the can, thereby preventing improper opening and realizing a configuration that allows the can lid to be opened more reliably. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the opener according to the first embodiment is attached to a can container. [Figure 2] 1A is a top perspective view of the opener according to Example 1, (B) is a side view of the same, (C) is a bottom perspective view of the same, and (D) is a bottom view of the same. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the structure of a can lid. [Figure 4] 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of a can lid or the like. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which the locking claw portion is inserted into the pull tab. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a fulcrum is formed. [Figure 7]1A is a plan view showing a state where the locking claw portion has just started to be inserted into the pull tab, and FIG. 1B is a plan view showing a state where the locking claw portion has been completely inserted into the pull tab. [Figure 8] 1A is a plan view showing a state where the pull tab has just started to be pulled up, and FIG. 1B is a plan view showing a state where the pull tab has been further pulled up. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state in which the lid body has been separated and opened. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a second embodiment. [Figure 11] (A) is a plan view of the handle. (B) is a side view of the handle. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of opening the cap using the cap opening function part of the handle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [Example]

[0021] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which an opener 1 according to a first embodiment is attached to a can lid 81 of a fully open-end can container 80 so as to be ready for opening.

[0022] It is assumed that the can container 80 can be filled with alcoholic beverages such as beer and chuhai, as well as various soft drinks such as carbonated drinks, water, tea, and coffee. In addition to these so-called beverages, food, pet food, paints, various solvents, and the like are also assumed, and are not particularly limited.

[0023] The opener 1 is not particularly limited in material, and may be made of, for example, a one-piece resin molded opener, a metal opener, or a combination of resin and metal. Resin molding allows for inexpensive production with a one-piece structure, while also achieving a robust construction.

[0024] The opener 1 is configured to have an opening function part 11 and a handle part 21 having the opening function part 11 at its tip, and is configured so that the locking claw part 12 of the opening function part 11 is inserted into the pull tab 84.

[0025] 2(A) to 2(D) show the configuration of the opener 1 according to Example 1. In each drawing, the direction in which the locking claw portion 12 extends is defined as a first direction X, the direction in which the handle portion 21 extends is defined as a third direction Z, and the direction perpendicular to the first and third directions is defined as a second direction Y.

[0026] The opening function part 11 is configured to have a locking claw part 12 that is inserted into a finger hook part of a pull tab of a can lid (not shown), a locking shaft part 13 that is housed in the finger hook part with the locking claw part 12 inserted into the finger hook part, and a fulcrum part 14 that is arranged on the opposite side of the locking shaft part 13 from the locking claw part 12. The opening function part 11 also has a detachment prevention part 15 that prevents the can lid that has been separated from the can container from coming off the opener 1 and flying away.

[0027] The locking claw portion 12 has a horizontal portion 12a extending horizontally in the first direction X from the side of the locking shaft portion 13, an inclined portion 12b rising diagonally upward from the horizontal portion 12a, and a bent portion 12c which is the boundary between the horizontal portion 12a and the inclined portion 12b.

[0028] The fulcrum portion 14 is provided on the opposite side of the locking pawl portion 12 across the locking shaft portion 13, and is configured as a rod-shaped portion extending in the second direction Y.

[0029] The locking shaft portion 13 is provided on an extension of the axis 21c of the handle portion 21, and is configured as a shaft-shaped portion having an elliptical cross section.

[0030] The detachment prevention portion 15 is configured by two claw-shaped portions arranged above the locking claw portion 12 on both sides of the locking claw portion 12 in a plan view.

[0031] In this embodiment, a plate-shaped portion 16 is formed in the cap-opening function portion 11, a fulcrum portion 14 is formed at one end of the plate-shaped portion 16, a detachment prevention portion 15 is formed at the other end of the plate-shaped portion 16, a locking shaft portion 13 protrudes from the underside of the plate-shaped portion 16, and a handle portion 21 rises from the upper surface of the plate-shaped portion 16.

[0032] The handle portion 21 functions as a handle portion for a person to grasp and operate, and is rotated to function as a so-called lever, and is configured so that its diameter gradually increases from the lower end to the upper end in consideration of operability.

[0033] The dimension Y1 (FIG. 2(D)) of the fulcrum part 14 in the second direction Y is set to, for example, 16 mm to 30 mm. A distance X1 in the first direction X from the position of the center 13c (FIG. 2(D)) of the locking shaft 13 to the lower end 14c of the fulcrum 14 is set to, for example, 12 mm to 18 mm. The dimension Z1 (FIG. 2(B)) of the handle 21 in the third direction Z is set to, for example, 40 mm to 100 mm.

[0034] 3 and 4 are diagrams showing the structure of the can lid 81. FIG. The can lid 81 is composed of a lid main body 82 for closing the upper opening of the container main body 80a into which the beverage is filled, and a pull tab 84. The container main body 80a and the can lid 81 are made of a metal such as aluminum, but may also be made of steel (iron), and are not particularly limited. The can lid 81 is also formed with a score line 81c that is a wedge-shaped groove that makes the wall thinner, and the portion inside this score line 81c is separated as the lid main body 82.

[0035] The pull tab 84 has a finger hook portion 84b that forms a ring hole 84a for inserting a finger, and a rivet portion 84c for fixing the pull tab 84 to the lid main body 82.

[0036] When the locking claw portion 12 is inserted into the ring hole 84a, the inclined portion 12b passes through the ring hole 84a, and the finger hook portion 84b rides on the horizontal portion 12a.

[0037] In plan view (Figure 3), the ring hole 84a has an elliptical shape that is wide in the second direction Y, and the locking shaft portion 13 is configured to have approximately the same shape as the elliptical shape of the ring hole 84a so that it is contained within the ring hole 84a and contacts the inner edge of the ring hole 84a.

[0038] 2(A), (B), and (D), the locking shaft 13 has a longitudinal side surface 13y that is long in the second direction Y on the side of the locking claw 12, and is configured to abut against a longitudinal inner surface 84y that is formed on the inner edge of the tip side (the side farther from the rivet portion 84c) of the ring hole 84a shown in Fig. 3 during use. This abutment determines the angle of the rotational direction of the locking shaft 13 relative to the ring hole 84a, and guides the locking shaft 13 to a reference angle.

[0039] In other words, as shown in FIG. 3, when the first direction X, which is the direction in which the central axis 84x of the pull tab 84 (the line connecting the rivet portion 84c and the center of the ring hole 84a) extends, is taken as the reference direction, the angle can be determined so that the longitudinal side surface 13y (FIGS. 2(A)(D)) of the locking shaft portion 13 is in a second direction Y that is perpendicular to the first direction X.

[0040] 9, when the pull tab 84 is pulled up, the angle of the locking shaft 13 is determined when the longitudinal side surface 13y of the locking shaft 13 shown in FIG. 2(D) abuts against the longitudinal inner surface 84y of the pull tab 84, and as shown in FIG. 5, rotation of the locking shaft 13 relative to the ring hole 84a is restricted, so that the angle of the locking shaft 13 relative to the ring hole 84a is always constant. Then, by pulling up the pull tab 84 in this state, the direction of the load acting on the pull tab 84 is restricted so as not to deviate from the first direction X.

[0041] For example, as shown in Figure 3, if a load acts in an oblique direction Xn that is shifted in the rotational direction in a plan view from the first direction X, which is the reference direction, the load will act on an unexpected area 82n that is shifted from the center position 82m of the lid body 82 in the second direction Y, which may cause unexpected problems such as poor opening due to poor breaking of the score line 81c, or the pull tab 84 breaking and coming off, or the pull tab 84 rotating.However, according to the present invention, it is possible to reliably avoid the occurrence of such problems.

[0042] As shown in Figure 5, the fulcrum portion 14 is configured so that when the locking claw portion 12 is inserted into the pull tab 84, both end portions 14b are positioned outside the rivet portion 84c in the second direction Y, i.e., on both sides of the center position 82m of the lid main body 82 in the second direction Y.

[0043] As a result, as shown in Figure 6, when the can is opened, at least the lower end 14c (Figure 4) of both end portions 14b of the fulcrum portion 14 abuts against the upper surface of the annular panel portion 81p outside the score line 81c of the can lid 81, thereby forming a fulcrum 14p at the point of abutment.

[0044] Next, a method of using the opener configured as above will be described. 7(A), the locking claw portion 12 is inserted into the ring hole 84a of the pull tab 84. Here, the direction in which the locking claw portion 12 is inserted is the direction from the rivet portion 84c toward the ring hole 84a, and this direction is referred to as the insertion direction Xs.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 7(B), in this state, the finger hook portion 84b rests on the horizontal portion 12a of the locking claw portion 12, and a force application point 12p between the locking claw portion 12 and the pull tab 84 is formed.

[0046] At this time, the locking shaft 13 is placed in the ring hole 84a, and the longitudinal side surface 13y of the locking shaft 13 is brought into contact with the longitudinal inner surface 84y of the ring hole 84a, thereby determining the angle of the locking shaft 13 relative to the pull tab.

[0047] 8(A), when the upper part of handle 21, which is point of force 21p, is grasped and tilted in tilt direction Xk opposite to insertion direction Xs, fulcrum 14 comes into contact with panel 81p to form fulcrum 14p, and point of action 12p between locking claw 12 and pull tab 84 is pushed up. Then, pull tab 84 is pulled up, applying a downward load to fulcrum 14p, and score line 81c near rivet portion 84c breaks and is pushed downward.

[0048] Next, as shown in Figure 8(B), when the handle portion 21 is further tilted, the finger grip portion 84b is pulled upward, and a load is applied that pulls the entire lid body 82 upward, and as the lid body 82 bends, the breakage of the score line 81c progresses in the insertion direction Xs.

[0049] Then, as shown in Figure 8(B), if the handle portion 21 is further tilted in the direction of lowering the tip of the handle portion 21, with the fulcrum 14p in the Y-axis direction as the axis, the score line 81c will break around almost the entire circumference, as shown in Figure 9, and the lid body 82 can be separated.

[0050] In addition, after the breaking of the score line 81c has progressed as shown in Figure 8(B), force may be applied in the direction of lifting the handle portion 21 upward, thereby breaking the score line 81c along the entire circumference, and as shown in Figure 9, the lid body 82 may be separated from the container body 80a and opened.

[0051] Furthermore, since the finger hook portion 84b of the pull tab 84 is inserted into the gap 12s between the locking claw portion 12 and the anti-detachment portion 15 when the lid is opened, even if the separated lid body 82 is opened forcefully, the finger hook portion 84b will get caught on the locking claw portion 12 or the anti-detachment portion 15, preventing it from coming off the opener 1 and flying away.

[0052] In the above-described opening operation, the direction in which the handle 21 is tilted (tilting direction Xk) is one-way, so there is no need to re-grip or change direction of the handle 21, and the opening operation can be performed with a single action. This simplifies the opening operation and realizes a configuration that is easy to use for all consumers.

[0053] Furthermore, by shaping the locking shaft 13 to fit the ring hole 84a and determining the angle of the locking shaft 13 relative to the ring hole 84a, rotation of the handle 21 is prevented, allowing the pull tab 84 to be pulled up at an ideal angle when opening the can, preventing improper opening and realizing a configuration that allows the can lid to be opened more reliably. [Example]

[0054] FIG. 10 shows the configuration of a second embodiment of the present invention. In this second embodiment, a handle 30 that is detachably attached to a can container 80 is provided with an opening function part 31.

[0055] The handle 30 is not particularly limited in material, and may be integrally formed from resin, metal, or a combination of resin and metal. By attaching the handle 30 to the can container 80, which is a full open-end can, the entire can can be used as a mug.

[0056] The opening function unit 31 shown in Figures 11(A) and (B) is configured in the same manner as the opening function unit 11 of Example 1 (Figures 2(A) to (D)), and is configured to include a locking claw portion 32 that is inserted into the finger hook portion of the pull tab of the can lid, a locking shaft portion 33 that is housed in the finger hook portion with the locking claw portion 32 inserted into the finger hook portion, and a fulcrum portion 34 that is located on the opposite side of the locking shaft portion 33 from the locking claw portion 32. The opening function unit 31 also has a detachment prevention portion 35 that prevents the can lid, which has been separated from the can container, from detaching from the handle 30 and flying away. The functions of each portion are the same as in Example 1, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0057] 10 and 11(B), the handle 30 is formed in a substantially U-shape in side view, and has an upper engagement portion 41 that engages with the upper edge of the can container 80, and a lower engagement portion 42 that engages with the lower edge of the can container. The handle 30 also has an upper contact portion 43 and a lower contact portion 44 that contact the side surface 80s of the can container 80.

[0058] 10 and 11(B), handle 30 has a vertical gripping portion 45 for grasping with the hand, an upper arm portion 46 extending horizontally from the upper end of gripping portion 45, and a lower arm portion 47 extending horizontally from the lower end of gripping portion 45. Further, opener 31 is formed on the outside of corner 47, which is the connection between gripping portion 45 and upper arm portion 46.

[0059] In the above configuration, as shown in Figure 12, when opening the cap, the handle 30 is turned upside down so that the opening function part 31 is on the bottom, the locking claw part 32 is inserted into the ring hole 84a of the pull tab 84, and the finger hook part 84b is pulled up with the locking claw part 32 to open the lid body 81.

[0060] The arrangement and configuration of the opening function portion 31 are designed so that the upper engagement portion 41 of the handle 30 does not interfere with the upper edge 80f of the can container 80 when the locking claw portion 32 is inserted into the ring hole 84a of the pull tab 84.

[0061] As described above, by providing the cap opening function portion 31 on a part of the handle 30 as in this second embodiment, it is possible to give the handle 30 the function of an opener, thereby realizing a multi-functional handle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1. Opener 11 Opening function part 12 Locking claw 12a Horizontal section 12b Inclined section 12c Bend part 12p point of action 13 Locking shaft part 13c center 13y Longitudinal side 14 Fulcrum 14b Both ends 14c bottom edge 14p fulcrum 15 Prevention part 16 Plate-shaped area 21 Handle 21c axis center 21p emphasis 80 cans 80a Container body 81 Can lid 81c score line 81p Panel section 82 Lid body 82c Rivet part 82m center position 82n Unexpected Area 84 pull tab 84a Ring Hole 84b Finger rest 84x center axis 84y Longitudinal inner surface X first direction Xn diagonal direction Y Second direction Yk Tilt direction Ys Insertion direction Z third direction

Claims

1. A structure of an opening function part used to open a can lid, a locking claw portion that is inserted into a finger hook portion of the pull tab of the can lid; a locking shaft portion that is accommodated in the finger hook portion in a state in which the locking claw portion is inserted into the finger hook portion; a fulcrum portion disposed on the opposite side of the locking pawl portion with the locking shaft portion interposed therebetween, Structure of the opening function part.

2. The locking shaft is configured to be angled relative to the finger grip. The structure of the cap opening function part according to claim 1 .

3. The locking claw portion is disposed so as to face the locking claw portion. a detachment prevention portion that forms a gap between the locking claw portion and the finger hook portion, The structure of the cap opening function part according to claim 2.

4. The structure of the opening function part according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A handle portion to which the cap opening function portion is fixed at the tip thereof; Opener with.

5. By tilting the handle portion in a direction opposite to the direction in which the locking claw portion is inserted into the finger hook portion, The opener according to claim 4, which is capable of opening the can lid.

6. A handle having the structure of the cap opening function part according to any one of claims 1 to 3, an upper engagement portion that engages with the upper edge of the can container; a lower engagement portion that engages with the lower edge of the can container; and a grip portion for gripping by hand; and A handle that can be attached to the can container after opening with the opening function portion, allowing the entire container to be used in the form of a mug.

7. By tilting the handle portion in the direction opposite to the direction in which the locking claw portion is inserted into the finger hook portion, 7. The handle of claim 6, which allows a can lid to be opened.

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