Can opening device

Abstract

An opening device of plastics material, which is suitable for closing and re-closing of a metal can end, for example. The opening device has two distinct parts: a base plate ( 10 ) and a tab ( 1 ), which are joined together by an integral rivet ( 14, 15 ). The opening device is used to close an aperture in the metal panel of a can end by fitting the base plate to the underside of the panel and connecting this to the tab on the top of the panel. A sliding action by pulling or retaining the tab actuates movement of the base plate for opening and reclosing of the closure panel.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
   
   
       12 . An opening device capable of closing an aperture in a metal panel, the opening device comprising:
 a base plate located on an underside of the metal panel;   a tab located on a topside of the metal panel, the tab capable of actuation to translate the opening device relative to panel aperture;   at least one of the base plate and the tab including a perpendicularly extending wall, the wall contacting an edge of the panel aperture in an interference or friction fit to form a seal about the perimeter of the panel aperture; and   complementary features for moving the opening device relative to the panel for opening and reclosing.   
   
   
       13 . An opening device according to  claim 12 , wherein the complementary features comprise a first cam profile on the panel and a first cam follower on the base plate. 
   
   
       14 . An opening device according to  claim 12 , wherein the complementary features comprise one or more rails on the panel and one or more grooves on the base plate. 
   
   
       15 . An opening device according to  claim 12 , wherein the complementary features comprise one or more rails on the base plate and one or more grooves on the panel. 
   
   
       16 . An opening device according to  claim 12 , wherein the base plate includes a flange for co-operating with the underside face of the panel and providing sealing, the seal being adapted to be energized when internal pressure builds up when the closure is in its closed position. 
   
   
       17 . An opening device according to  claim 16 , wherein the seal is adapted to be reactivated when the closure is reclosed. 
   
   
       18 . An opening device according to  claim 12 , wherein the base plate includes a button which extends perpendicularly away from the base plate, and the tab includes a rivet hole, such that the tab is fixed to the base plate with the base plate on one side of the panel and the tab on the opposite side, by staking the button in the rivet hole to form a rivet. 
   
   
       19 . An opening device according to  claim 12 , wherein the tab includes a lug which is adapted to extend through a complementary vent hole in the base plate or panel. 
   
   
       20 . An opening device according to  claim 12 , wherein the tab includes one or more hinges for venting and/or re-closing. 
   
   
       21 . An opening device according to  claim 12 , wherein the tab includes a handle and an opposing nose. 
   
   
       22 . A container comprising:
 a container body;   a metal closure coupled to the container body, the metal closure including an aperture formed therein; and   an opening device comprising:   a base plate located on an underside of the metal panel;   a tab located on a topside of the metal, the tab capable of actuation to translate the opening device relative to panel aperture;   at least one of the base plate and the tab including a perpendicularly extending wall, the wall contacting an edge of the panel aperture in an interference or friction fit to form a seal about the perimeter of the panel aperture; and   complementary features for moving the opening device relative to the panel for opening and/or reclosing.   
   
   
       23 . The container of  claim 22 , further comprising a tab profile which has a feature for functioning as a second cam follower and a complementary feature on the closure which functions as a second cam. 
   
   
       24 . The container according to  claim 22 , further comprising a tab profile which has a feature for functioning as a second cam and a complementary feature on the closure which functions as a second cam follower. 
   
   
       25 . The combination of  claim 22 , wherein the closure is a can end having a chuck wall which functions as the second cam.