SK2672000A3 - Decorative and symbolically shaped pull tab container opening devices and methods of making the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A container opening device, container lid (20), or can top with a decorated feature, or in the case of an opening device, a symbolically shaped pull tab (40) for attachment to a container to perform the dual functions of opening the container and decorating the container for equity, identification or promotional purposes. The pull tab (40) may open the container by acting as a lever which presses against a tear strip (30) in the container top (20) defined by a tear line (31) to separate the tear strip from the container top (20) and open the container (10). The pull tab (40) may perform a decorative and promotional function by having a decoration or a symbolic shape that is to be recognized as a picture, trademark, icon, character, or other symbolic item or logo. The decoration can be enhanced further by applying color, printing, embossing and labels to the pull tab (40), lid (20) or container (10). The pull tab (40) or decoration can take the shape and design of corporate logos, trademarks, icons, etc. In an alternative embodiment, the pull tab (40") may have a weakened portion (44) so that a piece of the pull tab may be removable from the container as a token or memento.

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to decorated substrates, more particularly to container opening devices, to decorated containers, and to methods for their manufacture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,465,204 and 4,530,631 disclose traditional pull-tab opening devices commonly used on container tops and a method for making such tabs. US 289,017 describes the design of a traditional pull tab.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,958,354 describes the placement of a promotional item in a finger opening in a traditional pull tab. US Patent 5,191,695 discloses a method for placing such a promotional item in a finger opening in a pull-out ear.

US Patent 4,322,016 discloses placing a pressure-sensitive label on the underside of the pull tab for advertising purposes.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,363,179 describes the placement of advertising material on a can top under a pull tab.

US Patent 5,416,591 discloses a pull tab for attaching a decorative element to a movable fastener such as a zipper.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The food and beverage industry has not yet used pull-out devices to open containers for container refinement, brand identification, brand marketing support or for information purposes. Most existing models of pull tabs are only intended to allow the consumer to open the can. See, for example, US Patents 4,465,204 and 4,530,631 and Industrial Design 289,017. Pull-out openers were used to advertise the container by placing promotional items in the pull-out hole in the pull-out ear (See US Patents 3,958,354 and 5,191,695) by placing pressure-sensitive labels on the pull-out ear (see US Patent 4,322,016) and by placing promotional materials on the top of the container under the pull tab (see US Patent 4,363,179). However, all of these advertising concepts maintain the traditional shape of the pull tab, as shown in US Patent 4,465,204, in order to minimize the weight of the tab. None of the prior art documents contemplates the use of the top of the pull tab itself as a promotional and decorative element or to provide information to the consumer. None of the prior art documents contemplates using the underside of the pull tab itself as a decorative object or to provide information to the consumer.

Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is a pull-tab device for opening containers, the integral part of which is information, advertising or decorative materials. Another object of the present invention is a device for opening containers with a pull tab having a symbolic shape for advertising or decorative purposes. The invention also relates to methods for producing the pull tabs of the invention.

In accordance with the present invention, the present invention also provides a pull-tab device for opening containers having a new shape for use on a container top. The pull tabs described in the prior art are formed by an open ear structure in which the piercing portion and the circular finger grip portion are secured to the container at the ear connection point. The tab is made of a piece of sheet metal in which holes are punched to form two circles, and the edges are bent under the tab. The embodiments described in the prior art are intended to minimize the weight of the ear and maximize its strength.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the pull tabs of the present invention comprise a gripping portion connected to the piercing part with a connection point lying between the gripping and piercing part. According to the present invention, minimizing the weight of the ear is not particularly important. Therefore, the hook may be a continuous solid plate. In addition, the handle may not have curved edges at the bottom for strength. The handle also need not have the edges bent down to avoid sharp metal edges, since the handle may be made of other materials. In other words, the handle of the present invention may have curved or non-curved edges. Thus, the tab may be a substantially planar element or a flat strip. In one embodiment of the invention, the planar sides of the ear are substantially parallel to each other along the entire ear.

The tabs of the present invention may be made of any material capable of serving as a pull tab on a container, including aluminum, steel, plastic, or any natural, synthetic, mixed or other suitable material. The person skilled in the art is fully able to select suitable materials. The ears may also include at least one finger opening. The person skilled in the art is able to construct suitable pull tabs according to the present invention.

The tabs of the present invention may be riveted or otherwise attached to the lid of the container at the ear attachment point. The handle acts as a lever with a pivot axis at the coupling point, so that lifting the gripping portion causes the piercing portion to push the lid of the container and open the pull-out portion on the lid.

The piercing portion may be constructed as known in the art to effectively open the tear strip.

One object of the present invention is a decorative handle. The term decorative handle means a pull-out handle, the integral part of which is information, advertising or decorative materials. Information, advertising or decorative materials include, but are not limited to, any word, number, name, symbol, color, pattern or image, and these materials will be referred to as ear decoration below. The decorative loop of the present invention may have at least one finger opening, but a preferred embodiment of the invention is a decorative closed loop design. The closed ear design provides additional space to accommodate ear decorations.

Accordingly, one object of the invention is to provide a decorative loop with a closed design and with ear decorations. One embodiment of the invention is a decorative ear with ear decorations embossed, pressed, etched or inscribed therein. Another embodiment of the invention is a decorative ear to which the ear decorations are applied or glued. The application or pasting of the ear decorations can be accomplished by any technological process, including, but not limited to, inks, paints, screen printing, glues or adhesives. Another embodiment of the invention is a decorative handle with an anodized surface, an organic coating or other coating applied to its surface. The decorative handle can then be used as such, or printed, printed, inscribed, etched, applied or glued ear decorations can be formed on the handle. A further embodiment of the invention is a multilayer decorative handle which can be mechanically or chemically treated so that the ears are decorated with ears of different colors or shades.

Various coatings may be used. Suitable coatings include those commonly used in the field of beverage containers. Alcoa offers a semi-finished product with suitable coatings supplied by Dexter, Valspar, BASF and others. The type of coating is not limited to an epoxy, vinyl or anodized coating. It may be advantageous to use a coating which contrasts with the color of the underlying material, which may be aluminum, other materials, or another coating layer. In addition, multiple layers of contrast coatings may be used so that a multicolored pattern may appear by selective layer removal.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a decorative ear with a coating and ear decorations formed thereon by a laser or other optical device. One embodiment of the invention is a decorative handle with an uncoated surface, an anodized surface, or a coated surface, or with multiple layers of such surfaces, which is then treated with at least one optical device to provide substantially stable ear decoration thereon. A further embodiment of the invention is a decorative handle with an organic coating on the surface, which is then treated with at least one optical device which forms a substantially permanent handle decoration thereon. Yet another embodiment of the invention is a decorative multi-layer handle that can be machined by at least one optical device that forms a substantially permanent handle of more than one color or shade thereon.

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It is a further object of the invention to provide a decorative loop consisting of a material or materials capable of forming (or therein) decoration ears when processed by at least one optical device.

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Another object of the invention is a symbolic handle. Symbolic handle means a device with a pull-out handle for opening containers which has a symbolic shape which allows it to serve simultaneously as a container opener and a promotional or decorative object. Symbolic shape means that the pull tab is shaped to be perceived as an image, trademark, pictogram, emblem or other symbolic element. Examples include a pull tab with the symbolic shape of a corporate emblem, trademark, emblem, Christmas tree, football helmet, fruit, etc. Thus, the tab can be used to advertise a product, to provide a memory item to a consumer. To create a symbolic shape, the pull tab has a different shape from the pull tabs described in the prior art.

To improve the symbolic shape, any of the methods mentioned in connection with the decorative ears may be used to decorate the symbolic handle. Thus, one aspect of the invention is to provide a decorative-symbolic handle. For example, an image can be attached to the symbolic handle. The image may be attached to the ear by any technological process including printing, embossing, screen printing, laser etching, or any other suitable method. Any type of image may be attached to the symbolic ear, including photographs, trademarks, holograms, barcodes, or any other suitable image. The handle can be simply made of a pigmented, colored blank to obtain a specific image. Alternatively, the tab may be made of a blank and subsequently embellished by printing, dyeing or other suitable logic process including printing, extrusion, embossing, screen printing, laser etching, or any other suitable method. Any type of image may be attached to the symbolic ear, including photographs, trademarks, holograms, barcodes, or any other suitable image. The handle can be simply made of a pigmented, colored blank to obtain a specific image. Alternatively, the handle may be made of a blank and subsequently embellished by printing, dyeing or other suitable logic process including printing, embossing, extrusion, screen printing, laser etching, or any other suitable method. Any type of image may be attached to the symbolic ear, including photographs, trademarks, holograms, barcodes, or any suitable images. The handle can be simply made of a pigmented, colored blank to obtain a specific image. Alternatively, the ear can be made from a clean blank, followed by printing, dyeing or other suitable method. In addition, a sticker may be attached to the ear.

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A further object of the invention is the pressing surface of the conversion press provided such that the pressing and shaping steps of the production of the pull tab result in the above described pull tab according to the present invention. The loop can be formed from a narrower or wider loop blank as used in traditional manufacturing methods. Subsequent shaping of the gripping portion may eject or otherwise shape the gripping portion and also cut a finger opening into it. The piercing portion may be shaped in a traditional manner known in the art. Riveting or attaching the ears to the lids of the containers may be accomplished by any method generally known in the art.

The present invention also relates to a method of making the decorative ears described above. The loops may be shaped by a conversion press and molded and shaped by a molded press surface according to the present invention. The ear decorations may be applied to a monolithic ear blanks, to a shaped stripe blanks or to the ears upon exit from a conversion press. Mechanical or computerized resolution systems can be used to ensure the accuracy and uniformity of application of ear decorations. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one laser is provided for etching the ear-ear decorations. The laser may be positioned at any point or location to etch the preform ear prior to its first entry into the conversion press, to etch the preformed web of the preform after the exit from the forming and bending matrices of the conversion press, or to etch the ears after forming and exit the conversion press

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a container comprising a pull tab device for opening containers according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the container of Figure 1.

Figures 3A to 3D are cross-sections along the ΠΙ-III line in Figure 2. These figures show the steps of using a pull tab to open a container.

Figure 4 is a cross-section similar to that of Figure 3A and shows an embodiment comprising a sticker affixed to the pull tab.

Figure 5 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the pull tab is attached to the container, wherein almost the entire lid of the container can be detached together with the pull tab.

Figure 6 is a cross-section similar to that of Figure 3A and shows an alternative embodiment in which the pull tab is formed of two parts such that the parts are separable from each other.

Figure 7 is a plan view of an embodiment of a pullout ear making device according to the present invention.

Figure 8 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a pullout ear making device according to the present invention.

Figure 9 is a plan view of another alternative embodiment of the pullout ear making device of the present invention.

Figure 10 shows a plan view of a can top according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 shows a bottle cap with a laser etched decoration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 shows a multilayer structure according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The characteristic pull-tab device for opening containers of the present invention is generally referred to as 40 In a first preferred embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 2 and 3A-D, the pull-tab is attached to the container 10. The pull-tab 40 comprises a piercing portion 41 and gripping portion 43. The container comprises a lid 20. The lid comprises a tear strip 30 bounded by a tear line 31 and a break of the tear line 32.

The pull tab 40 has a connection point 42 connected to the container lid 20 by a thread 50. such that the piercing portion 41 of the pull tab 40 is opposite the pull tab 30. As shown in Figures 2A-2D, the pull tab 40 acts as a lever with the pivot axis in the link point 42 thereby opening the tear strip 30. When the consumer lifts the gripping portion 43, the piercing portion 41 exerts a downward force on the tear strip 30, causing the tear strip 30 to separate from the container top 20 along the tear line 31. The tear line break 32 holds the tear strip 30 on the container 20 and prevent it from falling into the container. After using the pull tab 40 to open the lid of the container 20, the pull tab 40 may be bent back to its original position as shown in Figure 3D.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 2 and 3A to D, the pull tab 40 has a symbolic shape to decorate the container. The figures show a symbolic ear having the symbolic shape of a pineapple. To improve the symbolic shape, ear decorations such as a pineapple structure can be printed on the ear and / or pineapple colors can be printed on the ear. Of course, it is possible to envision other symbolic shapes of the pull tab, including, but not limited to, corporate emblems, trademarks, signs, pictograms, etc. It is also conceivable to imagine other ear decorations on the ear.

To facilitate the symbolic shape of the ear, the ear may be formed by a continuous integral label. There may be no holes in the ear. In the illustrated embodiment, the integral label is a substantially planar structural member having a planar top side 45 and a planar bottom side 46 that are substantially parallel to each other.

In other words, the tab is made of a substantially flat sheet of material having substantially the same thickness over its entire length. However, the symbolic shape may also be formed in an embodiment in which the pull tab is not formed by a continuous integral label, has openings, is not a planar structural member, and is not a substantially flat sheet of material. The loop is preferably shaped to be perceived as an image, trademark, pictograph, emblem or other symbolic object.

Figure 4 shows a second preferred embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, an ear decoration comprising a label 60 is attached to the ear 40 to further enhance the symbolic shape of the ear for advertising purposes. The sticker may be attached to any part of the pull tab. The pull tab has a symbolic shape as described above when analyzing Figures 1 to 2 and 3A to 3D.

Figure 5 shows a third preferred embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the pull tab 40 'has the same elements and symbolic shape as the pull tab 40 described above and is attached to the container top 20' by threads 50 '. But in this embodiment, the tear strip 30 'surrounds almost the entire lid of the container 20' without interruption. The tear line 3 'extends along the lid of the container 20' without any interruption. In this embodiment, the consumer lifts the pull tab grip portion 43 'causing the punch pull tab portion 41' to tear the pull tab 30 'along the tear line 3Γ. The consumer then pulls the pull tab 40 'to the opposite side of the container to completely remove the pull tab 40' and the tear strip 30 'from the container. In this embodiment, the pull tab 40 'has the same symbolic shape as the pull tab mentioned in the analysis of Figures 1-4. The consumer then pulls the pull tab 40' to the opposite side of the container to completely remove the pull tab 40 'and the pull tab 301 from the container. In this embodiment, the pull tab 40 'has the same symbolic shape as the pull tab mentioned in the analysis of Figures 1 to 4.

Figure 6 shows a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the pull tab 40 is formed in two parts such that the grip portion 43 is detachable from the piercing portion 41. The pull tab 40 is made with a weakened portion 44 such as an engraved line or perforation. The weakened portion extends at an angle between the gripping portion 43 and the piercing portion 41 so that the consumer can lift the gripping portion 43 thereby moving the piercing portion 41 against the tear strip 30 without detaching the gripping portion 43 from the piercing portion 41. After opening the pull tab 30, the gripping portion 41 can be detached from the piercing portion 43 by applying pressure in the direction of the weakened portion 44. The pull tab 40 has the same symbolic shape as the pull tab 40 mentioned in the analysis of Figures 1 to 4. by pulling the ear by allowing the consumer to retain a portion of the ear as a memorial or commemorative gift.

An exemplary pull tab tool according to the invention is shown in Figures 7 to 9. In a first embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the apparatus comprises a modified conversion press 70. A typical conversion press for the production of pull tabs known in the art is commercially available from such as Burderer or Minister. The modified press 70 includes a container and a conveyor belt 71 for transporting the container tops through the press 70. The conveyor belt 61 enters the container through the inlet receptacle 72 for receiving the container tops and exits through the outlet 73 through which the container tops with the handle can be collected. The conveyor belt 71 transports the container tops from the inlet 72 through the entire press to the outlet 73 where the container tops with the ears can be removed.

As shown in Figure 7, the press 70 also includes an inlet for the ears 74 and an outlet for the molded ear band 76. Between the inlet for the ears 74 and the outlet for the molded ear band 76 and the cross over the conveyor belt 71 lies the press area 75. In the prior art, the press part 75 comprises a plurality of cutting and embossing dies (not shown) that mold and shape the materials by pressing them into the desired shape. The press area 75 can machine container tops as they pass through the press area 75 on the conveyor belt 71. According to the present invention, the preform for ears 90 can enter the press 70 through the inlet of the preform for ears 74. As shown in Figure 7, the preform for ears 90 it enters through the inlet 74 and then advances into the press area 75 where it is cut and formed into finished ears. The shaped earstring 91 may then exit the press 70 through the shaped earstring 76 exit.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the press area 75 is a plurality of replaceable cutting and press dies. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the interchangeable parts make it possible to use one press to produce a variety of differently shaped symbolic and decorative handles from a variety of different materials. For example, the dies may be adapted to produce ears without a finger hole by removing or blocking the dies that cut the finger hole. The pressing area may also be adapted to cut the pineapple-shaped ears as shown in Figures 1 and 2 and 3A to D. The pressing area may also be adapted to emboss a pineapple-like texture on the ears. In addition, the pressing region may be adapted such that the gripping portion of the pineapple is adapted to be detachable from the piercing portion. Based on this description, one skilled in the art can propose many other modifications to the press area to create symbolic and decorative ears.

The shaped ear band 91 after leaving the press 70 through the shaped ear band 76 outlet may re-enter the press 70 through the shaped ear band 77 inlet. The shaped ear band then enters the riveting area 78 adjacent to the conveyor belt 71. The molded ear band 91 separates the molded ears and rivets onto the tops of containers that enter the riveting area 78 by the conveyor belt 71. Waste from the molded ear band 92 then exits the riveting area 78 and finally the press 70 through the outlet for the ear plug 79. For example, the containers with riveted ears exiting the riveting area 78 by means of the conveyor belt 71. The conveyor belt finally takes the containers of the ears away from the press 70 through the outlet of the conveyor belt 73 where the container tops can be collected. The remnants of the shaped ear making web 92 exiting through the ear waste outlet 79 can also be collected and subsequently used for other purposes, such as recycling to a new ear stock 90.

According to the invention, the preform for ears 90 may include any material that can be used as a pull-tab device for opening containers. Examples of such materials are aluminum, steel, plastic or other natural, synthetic, blended or other suitable material. Combinations of materials in the form of layers or other forms may also be used. Accordingly, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the adaptation and handling of the press 70 to other materials will be necessary. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the blank for ears 90 comprises aluminum. As shown in Figure 7, the aluminum strips of the blanks blank may have any desired width and length. In general, existing presses are adapted to a blank for a width of 1.9 or 2.8 inches and a thickness of 0.009 to 0.010 inches. According to the present invention, the thickness of the blank can be increased depending on the desired strength and the material used. A preferred embodiment uses an aluminum strip having a width of about 1-3 inches and a thickness of about 0.0125 inches.

According to the present invention, a colored blank for ears 90 can be used if color decoration is desired. Pigmentation during shaping of the ear 90 blank may be used to effect coloring, or the ear 90 blank may be coated with a colored material. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that other colored or coated materials, such as plastics, may be used.

The ear decoration area 100 may be used to further improve the decorative and symbolic capacity of the ears. The ear decoration area may be one portion in the modified press 70, such as the embossing or screen printing location. Alternatively, the decoration area of the ear 100 may be positioned outside the press 70. Although it may be coupled or integral with the press 70. Embossing or other decoration may also be performed in the press area 75.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 7, the decoration area of the ear 100 is in a space where the ear blank 90 may be decorated before entering the ear entrance blank 74. The decoration area of the ear 100 may be part of the feed mechanism handles blank 90 to the handles blank 74: or alternatively, the decoration area of the ear 100 may be located at a point of processing the handles blank 90 that is not part of the location where the press 70 is located. In other words, the handles blank 90 may be first decorated, then brought to the location of the press 70.

Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment of a pullout ear making device according to the present invention. The reference numerals in this figure have the same meaning as in Figure 7, but in this embodiment, the ear decoration area 100 is located outside the press 70. but is coupled to the ear 90 blank so that the shaped ear band 91 exits the press 70 through the ear band exit. 76 and then passes through the ear decoration area 100 before re-entering the press 70,

While it is contemplated that the ear decoration area 100 can perform all decorative functions within the scope of the present invention, regardless of its location, a preferred process is the coupled positioning of the ear decoration area 100, which area is capable of receiving a shaped ear band 91. the ears are already formed into a strip, which can increase the speed and performance of the device through mechanical orientation or computer resolution or in another way to produce substantially the same decoration on each ear. Second, the ear decoration area 100 may be used in conjunction with an actuator (not shown), which may be used to allow the pressing area 75 to operate faster than the ear decoration area 100 can provide.

Figure 9 shows another alternative embodiment of the ear making device according to the present invention. The reference numerals in this figure have the same meaning as in Figures 7 and 8, but the decoration area of the ear 100 is on

Figure 9 is located at the collection point of the lids of the eartags extending on the conveyor belt 71 through the outlet of the conveyor belt 73. In the specific embodiment shown in Figure 9, the decoration area of the ears 100 is typically cylindrical in shape. A cylindrical guide surface 10,1 is disposed in the area of the ear decoration 100 for receiving a plurality of lids for the ear cans. The ear decoration area 100 also has an inner portion 102 surrounded by a cylindrical guide surface 101.

In this embodiment, the lids of the eared containers leave the conveyor belt 71 at the exit of the conveyor belt 73 and are received by the cylindrical guide surface 101 of the ear decoration area 100. The guide surface 101 can rotate in both directions so that the lids of the containers can rotate into or over several positions. With this arrangement, different decorations can be applied to the ears or tops of the containers in different positions. The decoration device may be located in the inner part 102 of the ear decoration area 100 and / or on the outer periphery of the guide surface 101. This embodiment may be advantageous, possibly in combination with previous embodiments, if the decorations are to be applied not only to the ears but also to the lids containers.

The decoration area of the ear 100 of the present invention may be arranged in any manner suitable for applying the decoration of the ear to the preform for the ears, the shaped band of ears, or the ears themselves before or after their attachment to the container. The precise arrangement and adjustment of the ear decoration area may vary according to the decoration methods used and the material to be decorated. The decoration area may comprise a device for embossing, pushing, inscribing or etching the ear decoration or any combination of these methods. Similarly, the ear decoration area may comprise alone or in combination with the aforementioned devices, a printing device, screen printing, painting, gluing, sizing or other placement or creation of ear ear decorations or ear making materials. The ear decoration area may use mechanical orientation or computer controlled resolution systems to ensure that the ear decoration on the final product is substantially the same. It is also within the scope of the present invention to use multiple areas of ear decoration, for example, a combination of Figures 7 to 9.

A preferred device for use in the field of ear decoration is optical.

a device, preferably a laser, capable of forming a substantially permanent decoration on the ear or on the material from which the ear is formed. For example, anodized aluminum or aluminum coated with an organic coating may be used in the manufacture of decorative or decorative-symbolic handles for aluminum containers. Preferably aluminum is used which has an organic coating on at least one surface. Multiple coatings may also be used if a multi-color handle is desired. The anodized or coated aluminum is then laser treated to burn or etch a predetermined decoration to the ear or material of which the ear is formed such that the aluminum is passed through a coating layer or an anodized layer. The laser can also be adjusted to create a texture. If a multilayer coating is used, the laser can be adjusted such that a portion of the topcoat layer is etched to the desired depth (preferably to a depth where the second layer or pure aluminum appears) and the second layer also etched to the desired depth so that Accordingly, one skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications of coatings can be made.

and adjusting the laser to affect the speed of production, the brightness of the decorations, the etching depth, and the desired pattern colors. Currently preferred lasers are high performance lasers or lasers with accurate marking capabilities, such as a 200-watt NDYAG (Neoderium Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) laser or a CO2 laser. The CO2 laser can be 600 watts.

In view of the foregoing, one skilled in the art can appreciate how symbolic-decorative handles for the aluminum containers shown in Figures 1 to 2 and 3A to D can be produced. For example, the aluminum preform for handles 90 may have a first coating layer of green and topcoat. coating layer brown. The coatings may be applied in the first decoration area of the ear 100 positioned adjacent to the inlet of the preform for ears 74 or outside the modified press 70. The preform for ears 90 may enter the modified conversion press, wherein the preform for ears 90 is fed to the press area 75. In a series of cutting and pressing dies, the preform 90 for the ears 90 is transformed into a shaped strip (for making) of the ears 91, on which they are pineapple-shaped ears, and which may also have a printed pineapple-like texture. The shaped ear band 91 may then exit the conversion press 70 and enter the second ear decoration area where mechanical orientation devices or computer controlled recognition devices are used to ensure that the shaped ears are properly positioned to obtain substantially the same ear decoration. The laser or series of lasers then burn or cut a portion of the topcoat, exposing the green layer in the region near the piercing portion that corresponds to the pineapple leaves. The laser or lasers also, simultaneously or sequentially, burn or cut a portion of both coatings to expose the aluminum underneath to form a pineapple pattern. The laser or lasers or also the thickness of the coatings can be adjusted before the process is carried out so that the process results in a pineapple-like texture. The molded tab of ears 91 then re-enter the modified press 70 where the tabs are riveted to the container tops in the riveting region 75. The container tops with the ears then exit the press for further processing in yet another area of ear decoration 100 or can be picked and attached to the main parts of the vessels.

According to a further embodiment, the ear preform can be pre-etched or labeled with a laser or other non-coupled device that is not coupled prior to the forming process. The ears may be etched or otherwise marked off-line after being attached to the can tops. The invention also contemplates laser etched coated or anodized can tops, other can parts, aluminum or metal bottle tops, plastic bottle tops or other parts of beverage containers.

Figure 10 shows the can top 120. The can top 120 and the pull tab can be formed in a conversion press. During the forming process of the can top, various cavities and deformations called "coins" may be formed on the can top to increase its strength. The can top in Figure 10 shows "coins" against distortion 121 The can top also includes an opening cut 122 and a rim of the top 123. The handle 124 is riveted or pinned to the pin 125 on the can top by hammering in a conversion press. Also shown is another "coin" 126. Other deformations 127 may also be present to increase the strength of the notch bounded label 128 that allows access to the contents of the container. The pull tab has a gripping portion 129 that can be lifted to apply pressure through the piercing portion 130 to the label 128 bounded by the notch. Preferably, an ear 131 is provided on the ear to facilitate operation of the ear as a lever with a pin 125 serving as a pivot axis at the coupling point. The gripping portion is preferably a closed handle and the decoration 132 is depicted as a "VALUE MARK logo."

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tab is made of a tab blank that is thicker than 0.01 inches and preferably thicker than 0.0125 inches. The handles blank is coated with an organic coating material and the decoration is made by a laser etching process. The can top itself may also be coated with an organic coating and the decoration 133 may be formed on the can top. Decoration 133 is shown as a "BRAND EQUITY logo. The decoration is preferably formed by means of a laser which removes a portion of one or more layers of the coating to form a pattern.

Figure 11 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention. A container top, such as a bottle top 140, may also have a decoration 141 applied to its surface. The decoration is preferably formed by means of a laser which removes one or more layers of coating material. The decoration in Figure 7 is shown as the "BRAND DECOR" logo.

Figure 12 shows an application technique of a pattern according to the invention. A substrate 150 is provided. According to a preferred embodiment, the substrate may be an aluminum ear or some other material to be embellished or labeled. According to one preferred embodiment, the material is part of a food or beverage container, such as a lid, a lid, a container body or a container bottom. However, any other material may also be tagged. As mentioned above, the base may be made of any suitable material and may form part of the can top, bottle top, container lid, or any other part of the container.

The base may be coated with one or more contrasting layers. Figure 12 shows four layers of coatings, which may be of any suitable color, or preferably a green-blue layer 151. a purple layer 152. a yellow layer 153 and a black layer 154. If aluminum is the base, remove all four layers as in area 155. reveals the natural color of aluminum. Area 156 represents an area from which three layers have been removed to reveal a green-blue color. Area 157 represents the area from which two layers have been removed to expose the magenta color. Area 158 represents the area from which one layer has been removed to reveal a yellow color. In the case shown in the illustration, all areas from which no layer has been removed remain black. In this way, virtually any color can be created.

It will be understood that many modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. The following claims determine the scope of the present invention.

Claims (21)

PATENT CLAIMS A method for manufacturing a container opening device, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - forming a portion of the ear blank having a substantially stable coating layer applied to at least one side thereof, - decorating said ear blank with ear decorations localized by removing said coating layer by means of a laser, shaping said preform for the ears to at least one pull tab, said pull tab can be attached to the lid of the container. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that said decorating step is carried out before said shaping step. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that said decorating step is carried out after said shaping step. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of attaching said pull tab to said container lid, said joining step being performed prior to said decorating step. The method of claim 1, wherein said preform for ears comprises a material selected from the group consisting of metal, plastic, composite material, natural material and synthetic material. The method of claim 1, wherein said material has a plurality of layers of substantially stable coatings at least on the top side. Method according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that said coating material is an organic material. The method of claim 6, wherein the decorating step comprises contacting said coated earsheet blank to remove at least a portion of the topcoat layer to expose the bottomcoat layer and also to remove a portion of the bottomcoat layer to exposed the surface of said pull tab. The method of claim 1, wherein the shaping step comprises contacting said bead blank with the conversion press. The method of claim 1, wherein the shaping step comprises shaping said blank for a pull tab with a symbolic shape. 11. The method of claim 1 wherein said pull tab is in the form of a closed tab. The method of claim 1, wherein the decorating step further comprises extruding, embossing, inscribing, or etching the ear decoration onto said ear blank. 13. Apparatus for opening containers, comprising: a pull tab, which is a substantially planar component with a connection point for attachment to the container, with a closed grip portion facing one side of the connection point and a piercing portion facing the opposite side of said connection point; a substantially stable coating layer disposed on said pull tab; - an image placed on said pull tab, said image being formed by localized removal of said coating layer to expose the uncovered surface of said pull tab. The container opening device of claim 13, further comprising two or more laser etched coating layers disposed on said pull tab. The container opening apparatus of claim 13, wherein said pull tab further comprises a weakened portion between the gripping portion and the piercing portion such that the gripping portion can be detached from the piercing portion. 16. Apparatus for opening containers, comprising: - a pull tab comprising a substantially planar structural element generating a symbolic shape having a connection point for attachment to said container, a substantially stable coating layer disposed on said pull tab; - an image placed on said pull tab, said image being formed by locally removing said coating layer by a laser to expose the uncovered surface of said pull tab. The container opening device of claim 16, further comprising a weakened portion on the pull tab between the gripping portion and the piercing portion such that the gripping portion can be detached from the piercing portion. A container comprising - container top; a tear strip on the container lid to open the container lid; - a pull tab comprising a substantially planar member having a connection point attached to the container lid, said pull tab being positioned against the pull tab such that the pull tab can be moved to open the pull tab, a substantially stable coating layer disposed on said pull tab; - an image positioned on said pull-out ear, said image being formed by localizing the removal of said coating layer with a laser so as to expose the uncovered surface of said pull-out ear. The container of claim 18, wherein said pull tab further comprises a symbolic shape. The container of claim 19, further comprising a weakened portion on the pull tab between the gripping portion and the piercing portion such that the gripping portion can be detached from the piercing portion. A container according to claim 20, wherein the tear strip comprises almost the entire container top and is bounded by a continuous, continuous tear line in the container top forming a closed geometric shape such that the entire tear strip can be detached from the container top after the pull tab separates the tear strip from the container lid to open the container.