U.S. patent application number 12/682836 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-02 for can covers and cans having the same.
Invention is credited to Jong-Gap NA.
Application Number | 20100219187 12/682836 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40762879 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100219187 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NA; Jong-Gap |
September 2, 2010 |
CAN COVERS AND CANS HAVING THE SAME
Abstract
A can cover comprising: a top panel having an opening portion
with a score line engraved on the top panel; a rotational tab
rotatably installed on the top panel; and a severance initializing
means for connecting the rotational tab and an area adjacent to the
score line of the top panel to initialize a severance of the score
line at a start point when the rotational tab is rotated.
Inventors: |
NA; Jong-Gap; (Seoul,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STEIN MCEWEN, LLP
1400 EYE STREET, NW, SUITE 300
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Family ID: |
40762879 |
Appl. No.: |
12/682836 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
October 15, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2008/006087 |
371 Date: |
April 13, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/269 ;
220/669 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2517/002 20130101;
B65D 2517/007 20130101; B65D 17/4012 20180101; B65D 2517/0071
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/269 ;
220/669 |
International
Class: |
B65D 17/34 20060101
B65D017/34; B65D 8/00 20060101 B65D008/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 16, 2007 |
KR |
10-2007-0104040 |
Jun 12, 2008 |
KR |
10-2008-0055121 |
Claims
1. A can cover comprising: a top panel having an opening portion
with a score line engraved on the top panel; a rotational tab
rotatably installed on the top panel; and a severance initializing
means for connecting the rotational tab and an area adjacent to the
score line of the top panel to initialize a severance of the score
line at a start point when the rotational tab is rotated.
2. The can cover according to claim 1, wherein the severance
initializing means comprises a severance protrusion provided on a
position where the score line is formed on the top panel to connect
with the rotational tab.
3. The can cover according to claim 2, wherein a severance slot is
formed on the rotational tab to surround the severance
protrusion.
4. The can cover according to claim 3, wherein the severance
protrusion is configured to press the upper surface of the opening
portion when the rotational tab is rotated.
5. The can cover according to claim 2, wherein the score line
surrounds at least portion of the severance protrusion.
6. The can cover according to claim 2, wherein the top panel is
provided with a concave section, and the concave section has a
boundary adjacent to the score line surrounding the severance
protrusion.
7. The can cover according to claim 1, wherein the rotational tab
comprises a driving portion having a handle portion, and a driven
portion opposite the driving portion which includes a push
portion.
8. The can cover according to claim 1, wherein the score line
comprises: a main score line engraved along the boundary between
the opening portion and the top panel; and an auxiliary score line
extending in the opposite direction of the main score line.
9. The can cover according to claim 8, further comprising a
separation score line for separating the severance protrusion from
the top panel during the progress of severance of the score
line.
10. The can cover according to claim 9, wherein the separation
score line extends in parallel to the auxiliary score line to lead
to the main score line.
11. The can cover according to claim 2, wherein the top panel is
provided with an embossment to be pressed by the severance
protrusion.
12. A can comprising: a cylindrical shaped body for containing a
beverage; and a can cover having the configuration of claim 1, to
be fastened on the top of the body.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of PCT International
Patent Application No. PCT/KR2008/006087, filed Oct. 15, 2008,
Korean Patent Application No. 10-2008-0055121, filed Jun. 12, 2008
and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2007-0104040, filed Oct. 16,
2007, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures
of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a can cover and a can, more
particularly to a can cover and a can which enables easy opening of
a lid by rotational movement.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] FIG. 1 is a view showing a lid of the conventional cans. As
shown in the drawing, the can has a cylindrical shaped body 1 and a
lid 2 which is fastened on the top of the body 1.
[0006] The lid 2 is provided with an easily openable means for
opening a discharge portion of the can. That is, a roughly circular
shaped score line 3 is engraved on the lid 2 along the discharge
portion, and a handle tab 4 is provided on the lid 2 for pressing a
discharge portion with the score line 3. The handle tab 4 is fixed
on the lid 2 by a rivet at the center portion thereof.
[0007] With the above configuration, when one end of the handle tab
4 is lifted, the other end of the handle tab 4 presses the
discharge portion by a leverage to sever the score line 3. As the
handle tab 4 is lifted more, the score line 3 continues to be
severed so that the discharge portion is opened.
[0008] In the conventional cans, a user should lift the handle tab
4 by one hand while holding the can by the other hand.
[0009] Also, the gap between the handle tab 4 and the top panel of
the can is very small and therefore the hooking of the finger is
not favorable, and thus a user sometimes have to use a nail or
other instrument for lifting the handle tab 4.
[0010] Further, lifting the handle tab 4 and pressing the discharge
portion may results in an injury in fingers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention is designed to solve the above
problems of the prior art. It is an object of the invention to
provide a can cover in which a lid is easily openable by a
rotational movement instead of the conventional push-and-up method
which opens the lid by lifting and pressing the handle tab.
[0012] Also, another object of the present invention is to provide
a can having the above can cover.
[0013] In order to accomplish the above object, the present
invention provides a can cover comprising: a top panel having an
opening portion with a score line S engraved on the top panel; a
rotational tab rotatably installed on the top panel; and a
severance initializing means for connecting the rotational tab and
an area adjacent to the score line S of the top panel to initialize
a severance of the score line S at a start point P.sub.o when the
rotational tab is rotated.
[0014] Preferably, the severance initializing means comprises a
severance protrusion provided on a position where the score line S
is formed on the top panel to connect with the rotational tab.
[0015] More preferably, a severance slot is formed on the
rotational tab to surround the severance protrusion, and the
severance protrusion is configured to press the upper surface of
the opening portion when the rotational tab is rotated.
[0016] Also, the score line S surrounds at least portion of the
severance protrusion.
[0017] According to the invention, the top panel is provided with a
concave section, and the concave section has a boundary adjacent to
the score line S surrounding the severance protrusion.
[0018] Preferably, the rotational tab comprises a driving portion
having a handle portion, and a driven portion opposite the driving
portion which includes a push portion.
[0019] The score line S may comprise a main score line S.sub.m
engraved along the boundary between the opening portion and the top
panel; and an auxiliary score line S.sub.a extending in the
opposite direction of the main score line S.sub.m.
[0020] Preferably, the invention may have a separation score line
S.sub.s for separating the severance protrusion from the top panel
during the progress of severance of the score line S.
[0021] More preferably, the separation score line S.sub.s extends
in parallel to the auxiliary score line S.sub.a to lead to the main
score line S.sub.m.
[0022] Also, the top panel may be provided with an embossment to be
pressed by the severance protrusion.
[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a can comprising: a cylindrical shaped body for
containing a beverage; and a can cover having the above
configuration, to be fastened on the top of the body.
[0024] According to the present invention, a discharge portion of a
can is easily opened by a simple action, i.e., rotating a
rotational tab not by lifting and pressing the handle tab in the
conventional can.
[0025] Also, since opening a discharge portion of the present
invention does not require an excessive force and pressure, an
injury resulting from the conventional can is prevented.
[0026] Additional aspects and/or advantages of the invention will
be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part,
will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice
of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] These and/or other aspects and advantages of the invention
will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the
following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings of which:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a partially perspective view showing a lid portion
of the conventional can;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a partially perspective view schematically showing
a lid portion of a can according to the preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a partially perspective view schematically showing
a lid portion of FIG. 2 in which a rotational tab is omitted;
[0031] FIG. 4 is a plan view of FIG. 3;
[0032] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line A-A' of FIG.
2;
[0033] FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line B-B' of FIG.
2;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing a
rotational tab provided in a can according to the preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line a-a' of FIG.
7;
[0036] FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line b-b' of FIG.
7;
[0037] FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line c-c' of
FIG. 7;
[0038] FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line d-d' of
FIG. 7;
[0039] FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line e-e' of
FIG. 7;
[0040] FIGS. 13 and 14 are plan views schematically showing a
rotational tab provided in a can according to another preferred
embodiment of the present invention, respectively;
[0041] FIG. 15 is a plan view schematically showing a lid portion
of a can according to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 16 is a view showing a state in which a severance
protrusion is bent in the operation of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 17 is a partially perspective view schematically
showing a rotational tab provided in a can according to still
another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
respectively;
[0044] FIG. 18 is a partially perspective view schematically
showing a rotational tab provided in a can according to still yet
another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
respectively;
[0045] FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along the line g-g' of
FIG. 18;
[0046] FIG. 20 is a partially perspective view schematically
showing a rotational tab provided in a can according to a further
preferred embodiment of the present invention, respectively;
[0047] FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken along the line n-n' of
FIG. 20 in which a severance protrusion is shown;
[0048] FIG. 22 is a plan view schematically showing a lid portion
of a can according to still yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0049] FIG. 23 is a plan view schematically showing a lid portion
of a can according to a further embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0050] Reference will now be made in detail to the present
embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference
numerals refer to the like elements throughout. The embodiments are
described below in order to explain the present invention by
referring to the figures.
[0051] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a lid portion of a can
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0052] Referring to the drawing, a can of the invention comprises a
cylindrical shaped body 10 with a can bottom for containing, for
example, a beverage, and a lid 20 fastened on the top of the body
10 in which a discharge portion is opened by an opening means.
[0053] As well known, the body 10 is made of metal or plastic. The
lid 20 is made of metal such as aluminum, steel and alloy thereof.
The top portion of the body 10 gets wound together with the
circumference of the lid 20 by a mechanical device to thereby
connect each other, which is well know in the art and detailed
description will be omitted.
[0054] The lid 20 of the invention comprises a top panel 21, and a
rotational tab 30 which is rotatably installed in the top panel 21.
FIGS. 3 and 4 show the lid in which the rotational tab 30 is
removed.
[0055] As shown in the drawing, a score line S is engraved on the
surface of the top panel 21 to thereby form an opening portion 23.
As well known, the score line S is a severed line to facilitate
opening of the opening portion 23, and the score line S has a
circular shape except for a partial line.
[0056] The score line S may have a various curvature which
facilitates a severance of the score line upon rotating the
rotational tab 30.
[0057] Preferably, the score line S may have a pair of lines one of
which is an outer score line that is engraved relatively deep so as
to sever, and the other of which is an inner score line having a
small depth just to assist the outer score in easily severing. To
make it simple, the score line is denoted as a single line.
[0058] A rotational axis 24 is protruded at the center portion of
the top panel 21 where the score line S is not formed, and the
rotational tab 30 is connected with the rotational axis 24.
[0059] Specifically, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 showing a sectional
view taken along the lines A-A' and B-B' of FIG. 4, respectively,
the rotational axis 24 integrally protruding from the top panel 21
of the lid 20 inserts into a rotational hole (see 31 in FIG. 7)
formed on the rotational tab 30 and is riveted at the end to be
fixed to the rotational tab 30 by a jaw portion (see 24a in FIG.
5).
[0060] A concave section 25 is formed on the top panel 21
underneath the rotational tab 30 where a finger may be easily
inserted. Also, reinforcement ribs 26 may be formed on the opening
portion 23 or other appropriate area to strengthen the lid 20.
[0061] According to the present invention, the concave section 25
has a boundary adjacent to the score line S surrounding the
severance protrusion 27. In this case, stress may be concentrated
on the circumference of the severance protrusion 27 when rotating
the rotational tab 30 so that the score line is easily cut.
[0062] Here, the rotational axis 24 and the rotational tab 30 may
be connected each other in various way.
[0063] FIG. 7 shows the rotational tab, and FIGS. 8 through 12 are
sectional views taken along the line a-a', b-b', c-c-', d-d' and
e-e' of FIG. 7, respectively. Here, FIG. 10 illustrates a sectional
view in connection with the severance protrusion 27.
[0064] Referring to the drawings, the rotational tab 30 has a
rotational hole 31 through which the rotational axis 24 is
inserted. Also, the rotational tab 30 is provided with a driving
portion 30a that is rotated by a finger and a driven portion 30b
opposite the driving portion with respect to the rotational hole
31.
[0065] Preferably, the driving portion 30a is longer than the
driven portion 30b to have a leverage effect, but not limited to
this configuration.
[0066] The rotational tab 30 is preferably made of hard metal such
as steel, aluminum and alloy thereof. A handle portion 32 is formed
to be bent upward on the driving portion 30a of the rotational tab
30 so that hooking of finger is easy for rotation.
[0067] Preferably, a push portion 33 is provided on the driven
portion 30b opposite the handle portion 32 to enable a user to push
by fingers. For example, the push portion 33 may be formed by
bending the edge of the rotational tab 30 as shown in FIG. 12.
[0068] With the above configuration, a user hooks the handle
portion 32 by his thumb and pushes the push portion 33 by his index
finger to thereby rotate the rotational tab 30 in the direction of
the arrow in FIG. 2. In this case, since the rotational tab 30 is
biased at both ends at the same time, it may be easily rotated.
[0069] Reference numeral 34 denotes a reinforcement hole to
strengthen the rotational tab 30 in FIG. 7.
[0070] The rotational tab of the invention is rotated to open the
cam lid, which is a different characteristic from the prior art so
that the rotational tab may have a various design to facilitate
hooking of finger, pushing and rotation as exampled in FIGS. 13 and
14.
[0071] FIG. 15 is a plan view of a can cover according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention similar to FIG. 4.
Hereinafter, the configuration of the can cover will be described
with reference to FIG. 15.
[0072] According to the present invention, there is provided a
severance initializing means for initializing a severance of the
score line S when the rotational tab 30 is rotated. The severance
initializing means also connects the rotational tab 30 and an area
adjacent to the score line S of the top panel 21 each other.
[0073] It is understood that the severance initializing means may
be modified into various members that connects the rotational tab
30 and the area adjacent to the score line S of the top panel 21 as
set forth below.
[0074] According to the present embodiment, the severance
initializing means comprises a severance protrusion 27 which is
formed on the top panel 21 to insert into a connection hole 35 on
the rotational tab 30.
[0075] Specifically, the connection hole 35 is formed at one side
of the rotational hole (31 of FIG. 7) on the rotational tab 30, and
the severance protrusion 27 fits into the connection hole 35(see
FIGS. 6 and 10).
[0076] Also, a severance slot 36 is formed on the surrounding area
of the severance protrusion 27. The severance slot 36 functions to
promote the easy break of the severance protrusion 27 when the
rotational tab 30 rotates to open the can lid. To do so, the
severance slot 36 is located in the direction of rotation of the
rotational tab 30.
[0077] Preferably, a break groove 37 in FIG. 7 is provided on the
lower surface of the rotational tab 30 to ease the break of the
severance protrusion 27. More preferably, a plurality of
reinforcement protrusions (see 38 in FIGS. 7 and 11) may be formed
on the rotational tab 30 adjacent to the break groove 37.
[0078] The severance protrusion 27 is located adjacent to a
position where the score line S begins to sever. The severance
protrusion 27 is inserted into the connection hole 35 and riveted
at the end to be fixed to the rotational tab 30.
[0079] The severance protrusion 27 breaks in the rotational
direction of the rotational tab 30 to initialize the severance of
the score line S.
[0080] Preferably, the severance protrusion 27 presses down the
upper surface of the opening portion 23 upon the initialization of
severance so that the score line S keeps severing to open the
opening portion 23.
[0081] According to the present invention, the score line S may be
designed in shape and position so as to facilitate the
initialization of severing upon a rotation of the rotational tab 30
and the progress of severance, one example of which is illustrated
in FIG. 15.
[0082] For facilitation of severance a start point P.sub.o of the
score line S is located adjacent to the severance protrusion 27,
and a main score line S.sub.m and an auxiliary score line S.sub.a
extends bilaterally from the start point P.sub.o to surround at
least portion of severance protrusion 27.
[0083] The main score line S.sub.m is engraved along the boundary
between the opening portion 23 and the top panel 21 so that the
opening portion 23 is opened upon the severance of the main score
line S.sub.m. The auxiliary score line S.sub.a extends in the
opposite direction of the main score line S.sub.m to assist in
opening the opening portion 23 and the severance of the auxiliary
score line S.sub.a is relatively retarded compared to the main
score line S.sub.m. To do so, the auxiliary score line S.sub.a has
a smaller depth in partial than the main score line S.sub.m.
[0084] According to the present invention, there is provided a
separation score line S.sub.s for separating the severance
protrusion 27 from the top panel 21 during the progress of
severance of the score line S.
[0085] The separation score line S.sub.s is engraved on the top
plate 21 to surround at least portion of the severance protrusion
27. Preferably, the separation score line S.sub.s extends in
parallel to the auxiliary score line S.sub.a to lead to the main
score line S.sub.m with the separation protrusion 27 located
therebetween.
[0086] According to the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the score lines S may have different depth from one
another. That is, at least portion of the auxiliary score line
S.sub.a may have a depth smaller than the main score line
S.sub.m.
[0087] Accordingly, the score line having a large depth severs
prior to the score line having a small depth when the rotational
tab 30 is rotated. The depth of the score lines would be determined
for the sequence of severance as desired.
[0088] According to the present invention, a facilitation line is
formed on the top panel 21 to ease the severance of the score lines
S. Specifically, a facilitation line 28a is formed at inner side of
the main score line S.sub.m to ease the severance of the main score
line S.sub.m, and other facilitation line 28b is formed on the top
panel 21 between the boundary of the concave section 25 and the
score line S surrounding the severance protrusion.
[0089] Such facilitation lines 28 may be formed by engraving the
top panel to the depth smaller than the score lines.
[0090] More preferably, the top panel 21 has an embossment 29 on
the upper surface which is pressed by the severance protrusion 27
in contact so as to bend the opening portion 23 during the rotation
of the rotational tab 30.
[0091] More preferably, the embossment 29 may have hemispheric or
corn shape, but not limited to the shape. Alternatively, a
plurality of embossments 29 may be provided or formed
consecutively.
[0092] Reference numeral 41 denotes a reinforced embossment in FIG.
15.
[0093] The operation of opening the can lid of the present
invention now will be described.
[0094] A user is able to open the can lid by rotating the
rotational tab 30 with a finger while holding the can in one hand.
That is, the rotational tab 30 is rotated in the direction of arrow
of FIG. 2 by hooking the handle portion 32 of the driving portion
30.
[0095] Then, the rotational tab 30 rotates clockwise about the
rotational axis 24. Preferably, the user may rotate the rotational
tab 30 with hooking the handle portion 32 by an index finger and
pushing the push portion 33 by a thumb.
[0096] During the above rotation of the rotational tab 30, the
severance protrusion 27 on the driven portion 30b rotates in the
direction of dotted arrow in FIG. 15 to initialize the severance of
the score lines S.
[0097] Shortly after the rotational tab 30 begins to rotate, the
portion where the severance protrusion is connected collapses
downward due to the severance slot 36 so that the severance
protrusion 27 is bent in the rotated direction.
[0098] In this case, the severance slot 36 functions to decrease
the initial force required to bend the severance protrusion 27.
Once the severance protrusion 27 is bent, the driving force of the
rotational tab 30 is directly transferred to the severance
protrusion 27. At this time, the severance protrusion 27 is
facilitated to be bent due to the break groove 37 on the lower
surface of the rotational tab 30.
[0099] With the above operation, the score lines S surrounding the
severance protrusion 27 begin to sever at the start point P.sub.o.
That is, as shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 16, the start point
P.sub.o of the score lines S begins to sever while the rotational
tab 30 is bent at the position of the break groove 37.
[0100] Such a severance of the score line progresses to the point
P.sub.2 and point P.sub.3 through the main score line S.sub.m and
the auxiliary score line S.sub.a.
[0101] When the severance of the score line progresses to the point
P.sub.3 where the main score line S.sub.m and the separation score
line S.sub.s meet each other during the rotational of the
rotational tab 30, the separation score line S.sub.s begins to
sever from point P.sub.3 to point P.sub.4.
[0102] With the severance of the separation score line S.sub.s, the
severance protrusion 27 is fully bent and presses the opening
portion 23 in contact with the upper surface of the opening portion
23 as shown (c) in FIG. 16. Then, the opening portion 23 begins to
collapse downward.
[0103] Meanwhile, the auxiliary score line S.sub.a from the point
P.sub.2 to point P.sub.8 has a relatively shallow depth, which
guide the severance protrusion 27 to sever toward the inner side of
the can.
[0104] As the rotational tab 30 rotates more, the separation score
line S.sub.s and the main score line S.sub.m sever at the same time
from point P.sub.4 to point P.sub.5 and from point P.sub.3 to point
P.sub.6, respectively.
[0105] Accordingly, the severance protrusion 27 moves in the
direction of the dotted arrow in FIG. 15 while pressing the upper
surface of the opening portion 23. At this time, the severance of
the main score line S.sub.m progresses to the point P.sub.7 along
the circular arc.
[0106] During the severance of the main score line S.sub.m from the
point P.sub.6 to the point P.sub.O7, the auxiliary score line
S.sub.a severs from the point P.sub.2 to the point P.sub.8.
[0107] Such a severance of the auxiliary score line S.sub.a and the
separation score line S.sub.s results in a strip 42 which links the
severance protrusion 27 with the top panel 21.
[0108] When the main score line S.sub.m is severed to the point
P.sub.7 by the rotation of the rotational tab 30, the opening
portion is fully opened due to the pressure of the severance
protrusion 27 with respect to the upper surface of the opening
portion 23, which enables a user to drink beverages or something
like that.
[0109] Preferably, since the upper surface of the opening portion
23 is provided with an embossment 29 which is pressed by the
severance protrusion 27, the opening portion 23 is effectively
opened with the rotation of the rotational tab 30.
[0110] FIG. 17 shows a rotational tab according to another
preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the
identical elements consequently bear the same reference numerals of
the previous drawings.
[0111] In the present embodiment, bent members 39 are provided at
the break groove 37 on the rotational tab, and openings 39a having
a width larger than that of the bent member are formed between the
bent members 39. Accordingly, the bent members 39 are easily bent
due to the openings 39a upon the rotation of the rotational
tab.
[0112] Additionally, openings 39b are provided adjacent to the push
portion 33 to facilitate the bend of rotational tab.
[0113] FIGS. 18 and 19 show a rotational tab according to still
another preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the
identical elements consequently bear the same reference numerals of
the previous drawings.
[0114] A rotational tab of the resent invention has bent members 39
around the break groove 37, and a portion 40 adjacent to the push
portion 33 with respect to the bent members 39 declines
downward.
[0115] Accordingly, the bent members 39 are easily bent due to the
declined portion 40 during the rotation of the rotational tab.
[0116] Preferably, a plurality of slits 43 are formed on the
declined portion for reinforcement.
[0117] FIGS. 20 and 21 show a rotational tab according to still
another preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the
identical elements consequently bear the same reference numerals of
the previous drawings. FIG. 21 is a view taken along the line n-n'
in FIG. 20, wherein the severance protrusion is provided.
[0118] A rotational tab of the present embodiment comprises an
extended portion 51 extending downward from the body of the
rotational tab, and a connection portion 52 extending horizontally
from the extended portion 51.
[0119] The connection portion 52 is provided with a connection hole
35 in which the severance protrusion 27 inserts as set forth
above.
[0120] Also, the extended portion 51 has a plurality of slits
53.
[0121] When the rotational tab of the present embodiment is rotated
for opening the can, the extended portion 51 is bent to collapse
the severance protrusion 27. At this time, the extended portion 51
is easily bent by a small force because it has a plurality of slits
53. On the contrary, the connection portion 52 is reinforced by
folding the edge thereof.
[0122] The can covers of the present invention may have a various
mechanism of severance depending on the form of score lines. FIG.
22 illustrates score lines according to another preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0123] In the present embodiment, when the rotational tab 30 is
rotated, the severance protrusion 27 collapses in the same manner
as the previous embodiment to initialize the severance of a score
lines S at a start point P.sub.o. Subsequently, a main score line
S.sub.m and an auxiliary score line S.sub.a sever to a point
P.sub.2 and a point P.sub.3, respectively,
[0124] And then, a separation score line S.sub.s begins to sever
from a point P.sub.4 where the main score line S.sub.m and the
separation score line S.sub.s meet each other to a point
P.sub.5.
[0125] As the rotational tab rotates more, the severance of the
main score line S.sub.m progresses from the point P.sub.3 to a
point P.sub.6, and from the point P.sub.2 to a point P.sub.8.
[0126] After that, the main score line severs from the point
P.sub.6 to a point P.sub.9, and the auxiliary score line S.sub.a
severs from the point P.sub.5 to a point P.sub.7. At this time, the
severance protrusion 27 presses the opening portion while it is
linked with the opening portion 23 by means of a strip 42 as the
same as in the previous embodiment.
[0127] FIG. 23 illustrates score lines according to another
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0128] In the present embodiment, a severance protrusion 27
collapses and score lines S begins to sever from a start point
P.sub.o during the rotation of the rotational tab. The severances
of a main score line S.sub.m and an auxiliary score line S.sub.a
progress to a point P.sub.2 and a point P.sub.5, respectively.
[0129] Then, a separation score line S.sub.s severs from a point
P.sub.3 where the main score line S.sub.m and the separation score
line S.sub.s meet each other while the auxiliary score line and the
main score line sever to a point P.sub.4 and a point P.sub.7,
respectively.
[0130] As the rotational tab is rotated more, the separation score
line S.sub.s and the main score line S.sub.m sever to a point
P.sub.8 and a point P.sub.9, respectively. Like the above, the
severance protrusion 27 presses the opening portion 23 in
connection with the opening portion 23 by a strip 42 from the point
P.sub.6 to the pointy P.sub.8.
[0131] The present invention has been described in detail. However,
it should be understood that the detailed description and specific
examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention,
are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and
modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed
description.
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