WO2007081349A1

WO2007081349A1 - Easy-pull bottle cap

Info

Publication number: WO2007081349A1
Application number: PCT/US2006/002421
Authority: WO
Inventors: Abe Frishman
Original assignee: Abe Frishman
Priority date: 2006-01-13
Filing date: 2006-01-24
Publication date: 2007-07-19

Abstract

A crown 1 for a bottle, the crown 1 comprised of pull tab ring 2 and pull tab 3 secured to crown 1 by rivet 4 and one or more cut lines 6 between rivet 4 and rim 7. The depth of at least one of the cut lines 6 varies to form a tearing groove.

Description

EASY-PULL BOTTLE CAP

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present disclosure incorporates by reference and claims priority from provisional patent application Serial Number , filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office

January 13, 2006, by United States Express Mail, Express Mail Label #ED 954422942 US, and entitled EASY-PULL BOTTLE CAP, by the present inventor.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates to caps for pressurized beverage bottles, and in particular, to a manual pull-to-open bottle cap.

BACKGROUND

[0003] A beverage bottle that opens manually with relative ease, . without the use of a bottle opener, has been a long-felt need for beverage providers. Bottle caps must be tightly secured to the bottle opening to prevent spillage of the contents, loss of pressure, and to maintain the hygienic conditions of the contents. The tight seal makes it difficult to open a bottle by hand. [0004] Caps, also referred to as crowns, are secured to the bottle opening by pressing the crown in a series of concave arcs around the circumference of the cap. The arcs create sharp convex points between each concave arc. The arcs and points are often referred to by those skilled in art as "angels."

[0005] The advent of the familiar twist-off bottle cap was a significant advance for manual bottle opening, but all too frequently one has to grip the cap so hard to twist the cap free that the points of the cap angels inflict pain on the hands or fingers. To protect the hands from injury, it is a common practice to wrap the bottle cap in the tail of a shirt or in a cloth before twisting the cap. [0006] Bottle caps adapted with pull tabs, similar to those used for beverage cans, have been known in China and other territories of Asia for some time. Such pull tab bottle caps, however, are notoriously difficult to open because they require the exertion of an uncomfortable amount of force to break the seal and then pull the tab back (tearing the metal) to remove the cap. See, for example, International Patent Application PCT/CN00/00040 by Liu, priority date March 4, 1999, International Publication No. WOOO/51906.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The detailed description that follows, by way of non- limiting examples of embodiments, makes reference to the noted drawings in which reference numerals represent the same parts throughout the several views of the drawings, and in which: [0008] Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a top view of a specific exemplary embodiment of a bottle cap of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2A is a diagrammatic representation of a side view vertical cross-section of a specific exemplary embodiment of a bottle cap of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2B is a diagrammatic representation of a side view vertical cross-section of an alternative specific exemplary embodiment of the bottle cap of Fig. Ik.

[0011] Figure 3A is a diagrammatic representation of a side view vertical cross-section of an alternative specific exemplary embodiment of a bottle cap of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3B is a diagrammatic representation of a side view vertical cross-section of an alternative specific exemplary embodiment of the bottle cap of Fig. 3A.

[0013] Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a side view vertical cross-section of an alternative specific exemplary embodiment of a bottle cap of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 5 is a diagrammatic illustration of a side view cross- section of an alternative embodiment of a crown of the present disclosure. [0015] Figure 6 is α diagrammatic illustration of a side view cross- section of yet another alternative embodiment of a crown of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of a side view cross- section of an alternative embodiment of a crown of Fig. 6. [0017] Figure 8 is a diagrammatic illustration of a side view cross- section of another alternative embodiment of a crown of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of a side view cross- section of still another alternative embodiment of a crown of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 10 is a diagrammatic illustration of a top view of a further alternative embodiment of a crown of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In view of the foregoing, through one or more various aspects, embodiments and/or specific features or sub-components, the present disclosure is thus intended to bring out one or more of the advantages that will be evident from the description. The present disclosure makes reference to one or more specific embodiments by way of illustration and example. It is understood, therefore, that the terminology, examples, drawings and embodiments are illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The terms "crown" and "cap" may be used interchangeably in the description that follows.

[0021] Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a top view of a specific exemplary embodiment of a bottle cap of the present disclosure. The lever-type, easy-opening cap shown in Fig. 1 may have crown 1 , pull tab ring 2, pull tab 3, rivet 4, and lever 5. Cutting lines 6 may form a horizontal angle of approximately 30 degrees may be provided at the back of the crown cap 1. Not shown in this view is that, in vertical cross section, cutting lines 6 of the prior art are substantially horizontal. A plurality of angels 7 may be formed by crimping cap 1 around a circular bottle opening. [0022] Crown or cap 1 may be connected to pull tab 3 by lever

5. Lever 5 and pull tab 3 may be joined to make a single unit. Likewise, pull tab 3 and pull tab ring 2 may be a unitary piece. The other end of pull tab 3 may be riveted to the approximate center of the surface on the body of the cap of crown cap 1 by rivet 4. [0023] Figure 2A is a diagrammatic representation of a side view vertical cross-section of a specific exemplary embodiment of a bottle cap of the present disclosure. Cutting line 6 tapers downward from angel 7 at the rim of cap 1 toward the approximate center of cap 1 to provide a tapered tearing groove. For example, the depth of the tapered groove may graduate from a depth in the range of approximately 0.03 to 0.02mm near the rim of cap 1 to a depth in the range of approximately 0.10 to 0.08 mm by rivet 4 near the center of cap 1.

[0024] Figure 2B is a diagrammatic representation of a side view vertical cross-section of an alternative specific exemplary embodiment of the bottle cap of Fig. 2A. The embodiment of Fig. 2B lacks threads 8 and is thus adapted to be opened manually using the easy-pull tab as described above. Also shown is rim or rim area 7a, which may be considered the portion of crown 1 that may be crimped over the opening of a bottle, forming the angels, to secure the crown onto the bottle. Rim 7a may be considered to extend from approximately the portion of crown 1 that begins to curve over a bottle opening, or slightly interior to that portion, to the terminus of angel 7. [0025] While terminus 9 of the tearing groove near the center of cap 1 is depicted in Figures 2A and 2B as being substantially vertical, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a selected profile or dimensions of the tearing groove employed in a specific embodiment of a bottle cap of the present disclosure are a question of design and engineering choice, and as such the present disclosure should not be read as limiting in such regards. For instance, the present disclosure contemplates that terminus 9 may be curved, slanted, or otherwise shaped consistent with aims of the present disclosure. [0026] Figure 3A is a diagrammatic representation of a side view vertical cross-section of an alternative specific exemplary embodiment of α bottle cap of the present disclosure. In the embodiment of Fig. 3A, cutting line 6 tapers downward from the approximate center of cap 1 toward angel 7 at the rim of cap 1 to provide a tapered tearing groove. By tapering the groove along cutting line 6 such that the thickness of cap 1 decreases toward the rim, an alternative tearing groove may be provided so that only a reasonable amount of force is called upon to manually tear open cap 1.

[0027] Figure 3B is a diagrammatic representation of a side view vertical cross-section of an alternative specific exemplary embodiment of the bottle cap of Fig. 3A. The embodiment of Fig. 3B lacks threads 8 and is thus adapted to be opened manually using the easy-pull tab as described above.

[0028] By varying the depth of the groove along cutting line 6, as in either of the embodiments of Figures 2A, 2B, 3A, or 3B, cap 1 provides a tearing groove which makes it more likely that only a reasonable amount of manual force is called upon to tear open crown 1. [0029] In operation, a person grasps ring 2 near tab 3 so as to pivot ring 2 on lever 5 while pulling up and back along cutting line 6. Lever 5 and rivet 4 may act in concert to tear open cap 1 while manual force continues tearing cap 1 until cap 1 is substantially split apart so that cap 1 may be removed from a bottle. The tapered or tearing groove of cutting line 6 facilitates manually splitting open cap 1. [0030] Advantageously, the embodiments of Figures 2A and 3A may be provided with mating threads 8 along the interior of angels 7 such that crown 1 is adapted to alternatively be opened by twisting or unscrewing crown 1 from a bottle. Also alternatively, cap 1 may be removed using a bottle opener or other means to pop the cap off of the bottle.

[0031] Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a side view vertical cross-section of an alternative specific exemplary embodiment of a bottle cap of the present disclosure. Alternatively or additionally to threads 8, crown 1 may be formed, as shown in Fig. A₁ having an elongated rim 7b relative to rim 7a of Figure 2. Securing a standard crown over a threaded bottle opening may be problematic because the threads add surface area to the exterior of the bottle opening. A standard crown may not be big enough to extend over the extra surface area of a threaded bottle. Elongated rim 7b may be an advantageous alternative embodiment that allows crown 1 to be crimped over a threaded bottle opening to provide elongated angel 7c. A further advantage is that a crown of Fig 4 may be twisted off of a threaded bottle without the crown itself being threaded such as depicted in Fig. 3.

[0032] Figure 5 is a diagrammatic illustration of a side view cross- section of an alternative embodiment of a crown of the present disclosure. In the embodiment of Fig. 5, lever 5 is omitted such that pull tab ring 2 and pull tab 3 are proximate to the top of crown 1. A crown of the present disclosure may provide divot 10 under pull tab ring 2 to facilitate manual grasping of ring 2. That is, divot 10 may provide a void into a finger tip or a finger nail may fit to exert upward force on ring 2.

[0033] Figure 6 is a diagrammatic illustration of a side view cross- section of yet another alternative embodiment of a crown of the present disclosure. Cut line 6 extends into rim 7a so as to curve downward toward angel 7.

[0034] Figure 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of a side view cross- section of an alternative embodiment of a crown of Rg. 6. Cut line 6 into extends into rim 7a, as with Fig. 6, but the depth of cut line 6 is substantially uniform (e.g., horizontal) along its length rather than having a variable depth.

[0035] Figure 8 is a diagrammatic illustration of a side view cross- section of another alternative embodiment of a crown of the present disclosure. Pull tab ring 2 is twisted 1 1 at one or more portions to facilitate manual grasping of ring 2. Angle 1 1 is shown for illustration purposes only. The angle of twist 1 1 is a matter of design choice for a specific embodiment.

[0036] Figure 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of a side view cross- section of still another alternative embodiment of a crown of the present disclosure. Liner 12 is secured under crown 1 with rivet 4. Cushion 13 is disposed under pull tab ring 2 to facilitate manual grasping of ring 2 and further to provide tactile comfort by reducing metal-to-skin contact when ring 2 is grasped by a person. [0037] Figure 10 is a diagrammatic illustration of a top view of a further alternative embodiment of a crown of the present disclosure. Pull tab ring 2, pull tab 3 and rivet 4 are not shown. Cut lines 6 typically diverge toward rim 7a from imaginary center line 6a. The present disclosure contemplates alternative degrees of divergence 6b (dashed lines), for example, or that cut lines 6c (dotted lines) may converge toward rim 7a. The lines may even be substantially parallel. Convergence or divergence, and the selected degrees or angle separating the lines, is a matter of design choice, as is the number of cut lines, which may be as few as one or even zero. Accordingly, the present invention contemplates all and every permutation of cut lines which may be selected for the engineering design of a particular crown.

[0038] The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural, materials, and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figures are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0039] Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term "invention" merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept if more than one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

[0040] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with

37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

[0041] The description has made reference to several exemplary embodiments. It is understood, however, that the words that have been used are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure in all its aspects. Although description makes reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed; rather, the disclosure extends to all functionally equivalent technologies, structures, methods and uses such as are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

I claim:

1. A crown 1 for a bottle, the crown 1 comprising pull tab ring 2 and pull tab 3 secured to crown 1 by rivet 4; and one or more cut lines 6 between rivet 4 and rim 7, wherein the depth of at least one of the cut lines 6 varies to form a tearing groove.

2. The crown 1 of claim 1 , further comprising lever 5 under pull tab 3 and secured to crown 1 with rivet 4.

3. The crown of claim 1 , further comprising threads 8 under rim 7.

4. The crown of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the cut lines 6 is deeper near rim 7 than near rivet 4.

5. The crown of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the cut lines 6 is deeper near rivet 4 than near rim 7.

6. The crown of claim 1 , further comprising divot 1 1 on rim 7 to facilitate manual crown removal.

7. The crown of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the cut lines 6 extends

8. The crown of claim 1 , wherein one or more portions of pull tab ring 2 are disposed at an angle 11 relative to pull tab 3 to facilitate manual crown removal.

9. The crown of claim 1 , further comprising liner 12 disposed under crown 1.

10. The crown of claim 1 , further comprising cushion 13 on pull tab ring 2.

11. A method for manufacturing the crown of a bottle, the method comprising the steps of: securing pull tab ring 2 by pull tab 3 with rivet 4 to crown 1 ; and forming one or more cut lines 6 on crown 1 such that at least one of the cut lines 6 is deeper at one end than at its opposite end.

12. The method of claim 1 1 , further comprising crimping crown 1 over a bottle opening to form angels 7.

13. The method of claim 11 , further comprising securing lever 5 between pull tab 3 and crown 1 with rivet 4.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising securing liner 13 under crown 1.

15. The method of claim 1 1 , further comprising providing cushion 14 on pull tab ring 2.

16. The method of claim 1 1 , further comprising forming divot 10 on crown 1.

17. The method of claim 1 1 , further comprising forming pull tab ring 2 such that at least a portion of pull tab ring 2 is disposed at an angle 1 1 relative to pull tab 3.