Assembly for bending a TAB for a container

Abstract

An assembly and method to bend a tab for a container. The assembly is configured to either bend a tab that is already attached to a container or to bend a tab prior to the tab being attached to the container. The assembly includes a base with a center line, fingers are mounted to the base and are radially movable relative to the center line, and a cam member mounted to the base and having slots that are each engaged with one of the fingers. The cam member is rotatable relative to the base between a first rotational position and a second rotational position to move the fingers towards and away from the center line.

Description

[0001]8115-003 ASSEMBLY FOR BENDING A TAB FOR A CONTAINER RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.63 / 633,207, filed on April 12, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates generally to the field of bending a tab that is used to open a sealed container and, more specifically, to assemblies configured to bend a tab that is either attached to a container or prior to being attached to a container. BACKGROUND Many containers such as those for food, sports equipment, industrial products, and others are stored in a sealed container. The container includes an opening that is sealed with a plug. A tab is attached to the container at the opening to engage the plug and unseal the opening. The tab has a relatively elongated shape with a first end that is positioned away from the opening and a second that is positioned over the plug in the opening. During use, a user positions the tip of their finger under the first end of the tab. A force is applied by the user causing the first end to move away from the container and the second end to move into contact with the plug. This movement causes the plug to unseal from the opening to allow the contents to be removed from the container. An issue with these types of containers is the difficulty for a user to insert their finger under the first end of the tab. Many containers include the opening positioned on a flat side. Further, the tab is also flat and may be aligned parallel to and directly over the flat side. The distance between the underside of the tab and the flat side of the container is small making it difficult for the user to insert their finger. This can cause the user to become frustrated in their inability to perform a simple task needed to access the contents of the container. This can also cause the user to chip or bend their fingernail which is uncomfortable and can be painful. SUMMARY One aspect is directed to an assembly to bend a tab that is used with a container. The assembly includes a base with a center line. Fingers are mounted to the base and are radially movable relative to the center line. A cam member is mounted to the base and includes slots that are each engaged with one of the fingers. The cam member is rotatable relative to the base between a first rotational position and a second rotational position. In 8115-003 the first rotational position the fingers are positioned at a first end of the slots with the fingers radially outward a first distance away from the center line of the base. In the second rotational position, the fingers are positioned at a second end of the slots that positions the fingers at a second distance away from the center line that is in closer proximity to the center line of the base to contact and bend the tab. In another aspect, the fingers comprise an inner edge comprising a ramp shape. In another aspect, each of the fingers comprises a knob that extends outward from a first side and with the knob engaged within one of the slots of the cam member. In another aspect, each of the fingers comprises a wedge shape with a shorter inner edge and a longer outer edge. In another aspect, the base comprises an opening at the center line and the cam member comprises a post that extends through the opening and is configured to contact against the tab. In another aspect, slots in the base extend radially outward from the opening and with the fingers mounted to the base in the slots. In another aspect, the fingers comprise a head section positioned on a first side of the base, a foot section positioned on a second side of the base, and a neck that extends between the head section and the foot section with the neck comprising a narrower width than the head section and the foot section to fit within the slots. In another aspect, an actuator is connected to the cam member with the actuator configured to rotate the cam member between the first rotational position and the second rotational position. One aspect is directed to a n assembly to bend a tab that is used with a container. The assembly comprises a base comprising a first side and a second side and with a convergence point. Fingers are mounted to the base and spaced around the convergence point with the fingers movable relative to the base radially towards and away from the convergence point and with each of the plurality of fingers comprising an inner edge with a ramped shape. A cam member is mounted to the first side of the base and configured to rotate relative to the base. The cam member is further mounted to the fingers with rotation of the cam member causing movement of the fingers relative to the base. The assembly is configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The open position comprises the cam member at a first rotational position relative to the base and the fingers positioned with the inner edges spaced a first radial distance away from the convergence point. The closed position comprises the cam member at a second rotational position relative to the base and the fingers positioned with the inner edges spaced a second radial distance away from the convergence point with the second radial distance being smaller than the first radial distance. 8115-003 In another aspect, the convergence point is positioned at a center of the base. In another aspect, slots are in the cam member with each of the slots having a first end and a second end, knobs extend from the fingers and are positioned in the slots, and wherein the fingers are positioned at the first ends of the slots in the open position and the fingers are positioned at the second ends of the slots in the closed position. In another aspect, the inner edges of the fingers comprise a rounded shape with the inner edges forming a substantially circular shape around the convergence point. In another aspect, the fingers comprise a wedge shape with the inner edge being smaller than an outer edge and with gaps formed between the fingers with the gaps being larger in the open position and smaller in the closed position. One aspect is directed to a method of bending a tab for use on a container with the tab initially being flat and comprising a first end, a second end, and an intermediate section. The method comprises: moving an assembly relative to the tab and contacting the assembly against the intermediate section of the tab; rotating a cam member of the assembly in a first direction and moving fingers of the assembly that extend around the tab radially inward and contacting and bending the first end of the tab with the fingers; after bending the tab, rotating the cam member in an opposing second direction and moving the fingers radially outward away from the tab; and moving the assembly away from the tab. In another aspect, the method includes bending the tab while the tab is connected to a sealed container. In another aspect, the method further comprises contacting the intermediate section of the tab with the assembly and preventing the second end of the tab from moving while bending the first end of the tab. In another aspect, the method further comprises preventing the second end of the tab from unsealing the container while bending the tab. In another aspect, the method further comprises positioning the fingers a first radial distance away from a center line of the assembly and moving the assembly into contact with the intermediate section and subsequently moving the fingers inward to a second radial distance away from the center line and bending the tab with the fingers. In another aspect, the method further comprises rotating the cam member and moving knobs on the fingers along slots in the cam member and radially moving the fingers into contact with the tab. In another aspect, the method further comprises rotating the cam member and simultaneously maintaining a rotational position of a base of the assembly that supports the fingers. In another aspect, the method further comprises moving the fingers along slots in the base while bending the first end of the tab. 8115-003 In another aspect, the method includes bending the tab and then attaching the bent tab to a container. The features, functions and advantages that have been discussed can be achieved independently in various aspects or may be combined in yet other aspects further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an assembly positioned in proximity to a tab that is mounted on a sealed container. Figure 2A is a top isometric view of a base. Figure 2B is a bottom isometric view of the base of Figure 2A. Figure 3 is a top isometric view of a finger. Figure 3A is a top view of the finger of Figure 3. Figure 4 is a bottom isometric view of a cam member. Figure 5 is a top isometric view of an assembly. Figure 6 is a bottom isometric view of the assembly of Figure 5. Figure 7 is a schematic side view of a post contacting against a tab and a finger positioned along a lateral edge of the tab. Figure 8 is a schematic side view of an assembly mounted to an actuator and positioned above a tab. Figure 9 is a flowchart diagram of a method of bending a tab. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present application is directed to an assembly configured to bend a tab for a container. The assembly is configured to either bend a tab that is already attached to a container or to bend a tab prior to the tab being attached to the container. Figure 1 illustrates an assembly 10 configured to bend a tab 110. The assembly 10 includes a base 20 and a cam member 40 that are configured to bend the tab 110. In this example, the tab 110 is connected to a container 100. In other examples, the tab 110 is not connected to a container. The assembly 10 is configured to be moved axially along a longitudinal axis A into contact with the tab 110. The cam member 40 is moved relative to the base 20 causing fingers 30 on the base 20 to engage with and bend the tab 110. During the bending process, the assembly 100 contacts against the tab 110 and prevents its movement that could unseal the opening 101 of the container 100. Figures 2A and 2B illustrate the base 20. The base 20 includes a body 29 with a central opening 28. Slots 27 in the body 29 are spaced around the opening 28 and are aligned radially outward from opposing sides of the opening 28. In this example, four slots 8115-003 27 extend outward from the opening 28. Other examples can include fewer or more slots 27. The opening 28 being a convergence point that is intersected by each of the slots 27. Fingers 30 are positioned in each of the slots 27 and configured to move along the length of the slots 27. As illustrated in Figure 3, the fingers 30 include a head section 35, a foot section 36, and an intermediate neck 33. The head section 35 is configured to be positioned on the top side 26 of the base 20. The head section 35 includes a knob 31 that engages with the cam member 40. The foot section 36 is positioned on the bottom side 25 of the base 20. The neck 33 extends through the slot 27 in the base 20. The neck 33 has a smaller width than the head section 35 and the foot section 36. This allows the neck 33 to move along the slot 27 and to prevent the finger 30 from escaping outward from the top side 26 or bottom side 25 of the base 20. As illustrated in Figure 3 and 3A, the foot section 36 has a wedge shape with an inner edge 32 that is smaller than an outer edge 34. The inner edge 32 has a curved shape providing for the combined inner edges 32 to form substantially a circle that extends around the opening 28. The inner edge 32 also has a ramped shape as best illustrated in Figure 3. This ramped shape enables the edge 32 to be inserted underneath the tab 110. Radial movement of the finger 30 towards the opening 28 causes the tab 110 to slide along the ramped shape and apply a bending force that bends the tab 110. The cam member 40 is mounted to the base 20. Figure 4 illustrates a cam member 40 that includes a body 41 sized and shaped to engage with the base 20. In some examples, the body 41 has a substantially circular shape that fits into a recess 24 formed in the top side 26 of the base 20 (See Fig.2A). A post 43 extends outward from a bottom side 48 of the body 41. The post 43 has a length to extend through the opening 28 in the base 20 and contact against the tab 110 during bending. The cam member 40 also includes slots 42 that extend through the body 41 and are sized to receive the knobs 31 on the fingers 30. The slots 42 include a length measured between opposing ends. In some examples, the slots 42 are straight and aligned at a tangent to the post 43. In some examples, each of the slots 42 includes the same shape and size. In other examples, the slots 42 include different shapes and / or sizes and / orientations. In some examples, one or more handles extend outward from an outer edge of the body 41 and provide for a user to apply a rotational force to the cam member 40. Figure 5 illustrates the assembly 10 together with the base 20, fingers 30, and cam member 40 stacked together. The cam member 40 is positioned on the top side 26 of the base 20. The knobs 31 on the fingers 30 extend into the slots 42 in the cam member 40. Figure 6 illustrates the bottom of the assembly 10. The post 43 of the cam member 40 extends through the opening 28 of the base 20. The foot sections 36 of the fingers 30 are positioned on the bottom side of the 25 of the base 20. The fingers 30 are radially 8115-003 movable relative to the base 20 between an open position away from the opening 28 and a closed position at the opening 28. The assembly 10 is positionable between the open and closed positions based on the rotational position of the cam member 40 relative to the base 20. Figure 6 illustrates the assembly 10 in the open position. The cam member 40 is at a rotational position with the knobs 31 of the fingers 30 positioned at a first end of the slots 42. This positions the fingers 30 radially outward away from the opening 28 and away from the post 43 that is positioned in the opening 28. In the closed position, the cam member 40 is at a second rotational position with the knobs 31 of the fingers 30 positioned at the second end of the slots 42. This causes the fingers 30 to converge at the opening 28. During use, movement of the fingers 30 towards the opening 28 causes one or more of the inner edges 32 that have a ramped shape to move under the tab. Continued radial movement of the fingers 30 causes a bending force to bend the tab 110. In the open position as illustrated in Figure 6, the pie-shaped foot sections 36 of the fingers 30 are spaced apart by gaps. The size of the gaps can vary. In the closed position, the size of the gaps is smaller. In some examples, the lateral edges of the foot sections 36 contact together in the closed position. In other examples, the lateral edges remain spaced apart with a relatively small gap. During use, the assembly 10 is positioned in the open position and positioned axially above the tab 110. The tab 110 can be alone (i.e., not connected to a container) or can be connected to a container. The assembly 10 is moved axially into contact with the tab 110. In some examples, the contact includes the post 43 contacting against the tab 110. Figure 7 schematically illustrates the contact between the assembly 10 and the tab 110. In this example, the assembly 10 is moved as indicated by arrow Y and the post 43 contacts against the tab 110. Specifically, the tab 110 contacts against an intermediate section 113 of the tab 110 that is positioned between the ends 111, 112. Once in contact, the fingers 30 are moved radially inward as indicated by arrow X. This movement results in at least one or more of the fingers 30 moving underneath the exposed first end 111 of the tab 110. The continued radial movement of the one or more fingers 30 causes the first end 111 of the tab 110 to bend. In some examples, the tab 110 is bent where the post 43 contacts against the intermediate section 113. After bending, the fingers 30 are moved radially outward away from the tab 110. The assembly 10 can then be moved axially away from the tab 110. In examples with the bending of the tab 110 occurring while the tab 110 is connected to a sealed container 100, the post 43 prevents the forces applied to the tab 110 from causing the second end 112 to break the seal of the opening 101. In some examples, the rotation of the cam member 40 occurs by a user applying a force to the one or more handles 44. In other examples as illustrated in Figure 8, an 8115-003 actuator 60 is connected to the assembly 10. In one example, the actuator 60 includes a key that engages with the cam member 40. The actuator 60 applies the rotational force to rotate the cam member 40 relative to the base 20. In some examples, the actuator 60 includes a motor that drives a gear train that engages with the assembly 10. In other examples, the actuator is pneumatic powered. In some examples, the base 20 and cam member 40 are mounted together by a mount. The frame 80 extends around one or more sides of the assembly 10 to secure the relative positions of the base 20 and cam member 40. Figure 9 illustrates a method of bending a tab 110 that is initially flat. The method includes moving the assembly 10 relative to the tab 110 and contacting the assembly 10 against the intermediate section 113 of the tab 110 (block 200). The cam member 40 is rotated in a first direction that moves the fingers 30 that extend around the tab 100 radially inward to contact and bend the first end 111 of the tab 110 (block 202). After bending the tab 110, the cam member 40 is rotated in an opposing second direction to move the fingers 30 radially outward away from the tab 110 (block 204). The assembly 10 is then moved away from the tab 110 (block 206). By the term “substantially” with reference to the various aspects, it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly. Rather, deviations or variations, including, for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations, and other factors known to those skilled in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect that the characteristic was intended to provide. Spatially relative terms such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, and the like, are used for ease of description to explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element. These terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to different orientations than those depicted in the figures. Further, terms such as “first”, “second”, and the like, are also used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc. and are also not intended to be limiting. Like terms refer to like elements throughout the description. As used herein, the terms “having”, “containing”, “including”, “comprising” and the like are second ended terms that indicate the presence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additional elements or features. The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

8115-003 CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An assembly to bend a tab that is used with a container, the assembly comprising: a base with a center line; fingers mounted to the base and being radially movable relative to the center line; a cam member mounted to the base, the cam member comprising slots that engage with the fingers; wherein the cam member is rotatable relative to the base between a first rotational position and a second rotational position; wherein the first rotational position comprises the fingers positioned at a first point in the slots and located radially outward a first distance away from the center line of the base; and wherein the second rotational position comprises the fingers positioned at a second point in the slots and located closer to the center line to contact and bend the tab.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the fingers include an inner edge with a ramped shape that is positioned to contact against the tab in the second rotational position.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein each of the fingers comprises a wedge shape with a shorter inner edge and a longer outer edge.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the fingers comprises a knob that extends into one of the slots of the cam member.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the base comprises an opening at the center line and the cam member comprises a post that extends through the opening and is configured to contact against the tab.

6. The assembly of claim 5, further comprising base slots in the base that extend radially outward from the opening and with each of the fingers mounted to the base in one of the slots.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the fingers comprise: a head section positioned on a first side of the base; a foot section positioned on a second side of the base; and8115-003 a neck that extends between the head section and the foot section with the neck comprising a narrower width than the head section and the foot section to extend through the base.

8. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising an actuator connected to the cam member with the actuator configured to rotate the cam member between the first rotational position and the second rotational position.

9. An assembly to bend a tab that is used with a container, the assembly comprising: a base comprising a first side and a second side and with a convergence point; fingers comprising an inner edge and a ramped shape, the fingers being mounted to the base and spaced around the convergence point with the fingers movable relative to the base radially towards and away from the convergence point; a cam member mounted to the first side of the base and configured to rotate relative to the base, the cam member further mounted to the fingers with rotation of the cam member causing movement of the fingers relative to the base; wherein the assembly is configured to move between an open position and a closed position; wherein the open position comprises the cam member at a first rotational position relative to the base and the fingers positioned with the inner edges spaced a first radial distance away from the convergence point; and wherein the closed position comprises the cam member at a second rotational position relative to the base and the fingers positioned with the inner edges spaced a second radial distance away from the convergence point with the second radial distance being smaller than the first radial distance.

10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the convergence point is positioned at a center of the base.

11. The assembly of claim 9, further comprising: slots positioned in the cam member with each of the slots having a first end and a second end; knobs that extend from the fingers and are positioned in the slots; and wherein the fingers are positioned at the first ends of the slots in the open position and the fingers are positioned at the second ends of the slots in the closed position.8115-003 12. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the inner edges of the fingers comprise a rounded shape with the inner edges forming a substantially circular shape around the convergence point.

13. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the fingers comprise a wedge shape with the inner edge being smaller than an outer edge and with gaps formed between the fingers with the gaps being larger in the open position and smaller in the closed position.

14. A method of bending a tab for use on a container with the tab initially being flat and comprising a first end, a second end, and an intermediate section, the method comprising: moving an assembly relative to the tab and contacting the assembly against the intermediate section of the tab; rotating a cam member of the assembly in a first direction and moving fingers of the assembly that extend around the tab radially inward and contacting and bending the first end of the tab with the fingers; and after bending the tab, rotating the cam member in an opposing second direction and moving the fingers radially outward away from the tab; and moving the assembly away from the tab.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising bending the tab while the tab is connected to a sealed container.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising contacting the intermediate section of the tab with the assembly and preventing the second end of the tab from moving while bending the first end of the tab.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising preventing the second end of the tab from unsealing the container while bending the tab.

18. The method of claim 14, further comprising positioning the fingers a first radial distance away from a center line of the assembly and moving the assembly into contact with the intermediate section and subsequently moving the fingers inward to a second radial distance away from the center line and bending the tab with the fingers.

19. The method of claim 14, further comprising rotating the cam member and moving knobs on the fingers along slots in the cam member and radially moving the fingers into contact with the tab.8115-003 20. The method of claim 14, further comprising rotating the cam member and simultaneously maintaining a rotational position of a base of the assembly that supports the fingers.

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