Dual aperture retained tab

• US 5,397,014 A
• Filed: 12/22/1993
• Issued: 03/14/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert Aydt
• Original Assignee: Robert Aydt
• Inventors: Aydt, Robert
• Primary Examiner(s): Elkins, Gary E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): CRONIN, STEPHEN K
• Application Number:
  US08/172,608
• Time in Patent Office: 447 Days
• Field of Search: 220/269, 220/271
• US Class Current: 220/269
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 17/4012 for opening partially by means of a tearing tab
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2517/0002 Location of opening
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2517/0014 pivot tab and push-down tear panel
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2517/0094 formed as a separate opening

Abstract

Non-detachable lever lift tabs for opening a beverage container is improved by changing the fulcrum or pivot point to a central position within the area of the lifting tab. This enables the tab to be utilized twice, once in each direction. The tab now offers a 100% increase in potential utility. This "teeter-totter" action allows the operator to open a diametrically opposed hole. This second aperture ventilates and significantly improves the air flow and pour rate of the contained beverage.

Claims

1. A method for opening a beverage container comprising the steps of raising a first end of a non-detachable lever lift tab attached at a central fulcrum on a top of the beverage container to cause an opposite second end of the tab to break a first scored panel on the container top, so as to open a first aperture in the top;

and raising an opposite second end of the tab to cause the first end to break a diametrically opposed second scored panel on the container top, so as to open a diametrically opposed second aperture in the top;

the tab being manipulated in teeter-totter action about the fulcrum;

the first aperture providing an opening for pouring out the contents of the container; and

the second aperture providing ventilation for air flow into the container for control of the pouring.