Abstract:
A method and opener for creating openings in the sidewalls of bead seam containers, such as a pop-top can, to allow air to enter the container when the contents are poured is formed to include a mounting body ( 140 ). A seam engagement element ( 150 ) sized and shaped to fit the bead seam of a container and a piercing element ( 152 ) sufficient to pierce the sidewall of the container are positioned a predetermined distance from each other and in physical association with the mounting body ( 140 ) to pierce above the fill level of the container. The bead seam of a container may be inserted into the engagement element ( 150 ) creating a fulcrum, then rotated to engage the piercing element ( 152 ) to form an opening for air to enter the container when it is poured. These means may be mounted for stationary use ( 134 ) or have a handle attached ( 102 ) for portability. The portable opener with handle ( 102 ) extends a lever body from the mounting body ( 150 ) and is operated by placing the engagement element ( 150 ) on the bead seam of the container and rotating the handle ( 106 ) about the created fulcrum to engage the piercing element ( 152 ). These means have been integrated with examples of known bottle openers and tab lifters ( 20 ) creating an opener that is capable of lifting pop-top can tabs, opening bottles, and creating openings in the sidewalls of pop-top cans.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Nonprovisional application referencing provisional utility patent application No. 61/604,724 filed on Feb. 29, 2012 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    1. Field 
         [0005]    This application relates in general to the opening of containers with a bead seam and, more particularly, a method and apparatus for creating holes in the sidewall of containers with bead seams. 
         [0006]    2. Prior Art 
         [0007]    The disclosed method and invention relate to a tool for the opening of holes in the sidewall of containers with bead seams, such as pop-top beverage cans, and the incorporation of the invention into other beverage opening tools. 
         [0008]    Two of the most popular ways of dispensing individual servings of beverages are in the pop-top beverage cans and capped bottles. A modern pop-top can utilizes a lift tab which is permanently attached to the lid of the can. In lifting the tab, an end of the tab depresses a section of the top of the can which is scored on three sides. The end of the tab presses the scored area inwardly into the can to form an opening in the can. Once the can has been opened the tab is bent back flat and flush against the top of the can allowing the contents to either be poured out or to be removed from the can. While the above described pop-top cans are very convenient, certain individuals have difficulty in opening then and must use some sort of implement assistance in order to lift the tab successfully. 
         [0009]    The design of most pop-top cans create only one opening from which the contents of the container are poured from and which allows air to enter the container as it is emptied. The phenomenon is most commonly encountered when attempting to empty a pop-top can very rapidly and is commonly referred to as “glugging”. The “glugging” causes the stream of contents being poured from the pop-top can to be inconsistent making it more difficult to pour the contents into another container or drinking implement. The “glugging” also slows the flow of contents being emptied from the pop-top can and agitates the contents being poured. 
         [0010]    The prior art shows different means of adding openings to beverage containers to allow the contents to flow more freely by piercing the top of the container as shown in Kirko U.S. Pat. No. 7,096,759 B2. The methods described in the prior art require a long lever arm to create the force necessary to pierce the thicker metal lid of the can making the device difficult to carry in a pocket or handbag, moreover the prior art is focused on emptying all of the contents of the container and not the ease of use or the flow of the contents from the container. 
         [0011]    The prior art also shows methods of piercing the side of the container to allow the contents to flow more freely as shown in Hollander U.S. Pat. No. 4,932,130. The prior art describes a method of piercing a container for venting results in a container that must be emptied once it is pierced and returned to an upright resting position, making it difficult to ventilate the can without spilling some of the contents. 
         [0012]    Individual capped bottles of beverages generally are bottled in either a bottle which has a lift off cap, or a screw off cap which theoretically can be removed by twisting off the top of the bottle. It goes without saying that the caps designed to be removed with an opener or other implement cannot be opened without that implement. Many openers have been designed to remove bottle caps as well as include being able to perform other tasks like lifting the tab of a pop-top can, Tricinella U.S. Pat. No. 4,864,898, or additionally denting the sidewall as a tactile indication of the opening of the can as shown in Lawson U.S. Pat. No. 7,827,884 B2. These devices are capable of performing their respective functions adequately yet both lack the ability to ventilate a pop-top can. 
         [0013]    A variety of openers suitable for removing the caps on bottles, opening pop-top cans, and marking/indicating the location of the opening on pop-top cans and piercing cans are known and used. The combination bottle cap/pop-top openers and markers have little utility in venting cans to reduce “glugging”, and the openers that pierce the pop-top container are difficult to use and not well suited for being carried in a pocket or handbag and may compromise the containers structure so that it is difficult to drink from the container. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0014]    From the above it is evident that there exists a need for a new method and opener which can be used for creating holes in the sidewalls of containers with bead seams. Further it is evident that there exists a need to integrate the opener for creating holes in the sidewalls of containers with other container opening methods and devices for example opening, marking, and a locating the opening for pop-top cans, removing caps from capped bottles, removing corks from bottles, and the like. In view of this it is a broad object this invention to provide for a method and apparatus for piercing the sidewall of containers with bead seams. 
         [0015]    It is an additional object of this invention to provide for an opener for creating holes in the sidewall of containers with bead seams with elements that are easily integrated with known container opening and beverage key methods and devices, as described above and in the prior art, to create improved beverage keys and openers. Preferably the openings are above the content level of the container to allow the container to remain upright without spilling the contents. 
         [0016]    Further it is an object of this invention to provide embodiments that show different manufacturing methods for producing the new opener and integrated openers described above. Preferably the new and integrated openers are formed of unibody construction and of a metallic component, such as stainless steel or other suitable material. A still further object is to provide embodiments that are constructed of a plurality of elements made of a plurality of materials that are assembled in few simple operations. 
         [0017]    These and other objects will become evident from the remainder of this specification are achieved in a method and apparatus for creating holes in the sidewalls of bead seam containers and embodiments showing its integration with a plurality of methods and devices of known container openers and beverage keys. 
         [0018]    With the foregoing objects outlined and with other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists in novel features hereinafter described in detail, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and more particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    This invention can be better understood when taken in conjunction with the figures wherein like elements are numbered alike: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1   a  is a perspective view of a stationary sheet metal embodiment of a container opener of the present invention for being mounted to a vertical surface; 
           [0021]      FIG. 1   b  is a perspective view of a portable sheet metal embodiment of a container opener of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2   a  is a perspective view of the embodiment in  FIG. 1  of the present invention mounted to a vertical surface being used to pierce a typical bead seam container; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2   b  is a side view indicating the section line IV-IV through  FIG. 2   a;    
           [0024]      FIG. 2   c  is a section view about the line IV-IV showing the piercing means of the embodiment in  FIG. 1   b  of the present invention going through the container sidewall; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3   a  is an exploded isometric view of an improved beverage key of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3   b  is a side view of an improved beverage key of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3   c  is a sectional view about the line I-I of  FIG. 3   b;    
           [0028]      FIG. 3   d  is a sectional view about the line II-II of  FIG. 3   b;    
           [0029]      FIG. 4   a  is a perspective view of the embodiment in  FIG. 3   a  of the present invention being used to ventilate a typical bead seam container; 
           [0030]      FIG. 4   b  a top view indicating the section line III-III through  FIG. 4   a;    
           [0031]      FIG. 4   c  is a section view about the line III-III showing the piercing means of the embodiment in  FIG. 3   a  of the present invention going through the container can sidewall; 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the embodiment in  FIG. 3  of the present invention showing the use of the tab lifting means of the present invention to lift the tab of a typical bead seam container; 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the embodiment in  FIG. 3  of the present invention showing the use of the opener in removing a bottle cap from a capped bottle; 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a unibody embodiment of an improved beverage key of the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a flat embodiment of an improved beverage key of the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 9   a  is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of an improved beverage key of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 9   b  is a side view showing hidden edges of the embodiment in  FIG. 9   a  of the present invention being used to ventilate a typical bead seam container; 
           [0038]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a church key style embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 11   a  is a perspective view of the embodiment in  FIG. 10  of the present invention being used to ventilate a typical bead seam container; 
           [0040]      FIG. 11   b  is a perspective view of the embodiment in  FIG. 10  of the present invention showing the use of the tab lifting means of the present invention to lift the tab of a typical bead seam container; 
           [0041]      FIG. 11   c  is a perspective view of the embodiment in  FIG. 10  of the present invention showing the use of the opener in removing a bottle cap from a capped bottle; and 
           [0042]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a stamped metal embodiment of an improved beverage key of the present invention with a combined bottle opener and can piercing element; and 
           [0043]      FIG. 13   a  is a perspective view of the embodiment in  FIG. 12  of the present invention being used to ventilate a typical bead seam container; 
           [0044]      FIG. 13   b  is a perspective view of the embodiment in  FIG. 12  of the present invention showing the use of the tab lifting means of the present invention to lift the tab of a typical bead seam container; 
           [0045]      FIG. 13   c  is a perspective view of the embodiment in  FIG. 12  of the present invention showing the use of the opener in removing a bottle cap from a capped bottle; and 
           [0046]      FIGS. 14   a - f  are side views of prior art beverage keys and various openers. 
       
    
    
       [0047]    This invention utilizes certain principals and/or concepts as are set forth in the claim appended hereto. Those skilled in the package and utensil arts will realize that these principles and/or concepts are capable of being utilized by embodiments which may differ from the exact embodiment used for illustrative purposes herein. For this reason this invention is not to be construed as being limited solely to the illustrative embodiments, but should only be construed in view of the claims appended hereto. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0048]    A detailed description of several embodiments of the disclosed invention and methods are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to  FIGS. 1-13   
         [0049]      FIG. 14   a  illustrates one end of a widely used bottle cap opener. This opener is formed on one end of a steel implement which may include a can opener in its other end. A tang is punched from the center of the implement and bent inward from the plane of the implement. This opener features no means for engaging a pop-top can lift tab let alone a reliable means for marking the location of its spout and venting a can. Further, this opener can rust and may not be carried on a key ring or easily in a pocket. 
         [0050]      FIG. 14   b  illustrates a combination bottle opener and pop-top can tab lifter formed of unibody construction that is designed to be used as a key ring. This opener is typically formed of anodized aluminum as such does not rust as does the above opener; however, because it is made from aluminum the edges of the steel bottle caps it is used to remove soon degrade it, rendering it useless as well as potentially dangerous. Further, this opener features no means for a reliable means for marking the location of its spout or venting a can. 
         [0051]      FIG. 14   c  illustrates a combination bottle opener and pop-top can tab lifter not formed of unibody construction that is designed to be used on a key ring. The function of the this opener addresses the wear issues of the device in  FIG. 14   b  by making the bottle cap gripping means out of a different harder material less prone to wear. The device in  FIG. 14   c  does not provide a reliable means for marking the location of the pop-top cans spout or venting a can for easier pouring of the contents. 
         [0052]      FIG. 14   d  illustrates a combination pop-top can opener and opening location marker and bottle opener formed of unibody construction and is capable of opening and marking the opening location of a pop-top can and removing the cap from a capped bottle. This opener does not provide a reliable means venting a can for easier pouring of the contents. 
         [0053]      FIG. 14   e  illustrates an opener for gripping the bottom of a pop-top can while simultaneously allowing piercing of the pop-top can body. This opener only provides a means to ventilate a pop-top can to allow the contents to flow freely. Use of the opener in  FIG. 14   e  does not allow for the contents of the pop-top can to remain in the container when it is upright once it has been used to ventilate the can, making it difficult to use the opener without spilling the contents of the pop-top can. 
         [0054]      FIG. 14   f  illustrates a flip-top can opener for creating an additional hole in the top of the can end to allow the contents to be poured without restriction. Puncturing of the top of the pop-top can may be difficult due to the thickness of the can end. This opener is made in the church key style and may not be carried on a key ring nor easily in a pocket. This opener features reliable means for marking the location of its spout and venting a can. 
         [0055]      FIG. 1   a  shows a stationary embodiment of a container opener  134  of the invention for piercing the sidewall of bead seam containers. The body  140  of the stationary embodiment of the opener  134  may be formed as a unified structure from a suitable material or a plurality of structures and materials. Preferably it is formed of a metal which is strong and stiff and is incapable of bending or breaking during use and capable of piercing the sidewall of a container. Suitable for forming the body  140  would be a metal as, for instance, stainless steel. Many commercial methods for creating the body  140  by being cut from a flat sheet and formed suitably are available, as for instance, stamping. 
         [0056]    Further describing  FIG. 1   a , the body  140  of the opener  134  has a base area  136  which may be integrated with a surface of another object such as a cellular phone case or mounted to the surface of another object by means of adhesive attachment, mechanical attachment or the like to allow the object or surface, such as a wall, refrigerator or the like, to be used to pierce bead seam containers. 
         [0057]    Further describing  FIG. 1   a , extending a predetermined distance from the base  136  is an engagement piercing means  138  wherein a bead seam engagement means  150  and a container sidewall piercing means  152 , connected by a sidewall  108 , are positioned at a predetermined distance to allow the engagement piercing means  138  to engaging the bead seam of a container to create a fulcrum or pivot thereby engaging a container sidewall piercing means  152  when the container is rotated about the fulcrum or pivot. The engagement means  150  comprising of a generally planar engaging surface  158  surface to engage the bead seam. The piercing means  138  comprising of a generally planar piercing area  156  ending in a piercing element  154 , comprising a point or a plurality of points that is sufficiently sharp to pierce the sidewall of the container, is used for piercing the sidewall of a bead seam container. 
         [0058]      FIG. 2   a  shows the opener  134  of  FIG. 1   a  attached to a vertical surface  142  in operation to create a hole in a bead seam container  44 . The arrow indicates the general direction of rotation of the container  44  to engage the engagement piercing means  138  to pierce the container sidewall  76 .  FIG. 2   b  shows the line about which  FIG. 2   a  is sectioned about the line IV-IV and shown in  FIG. 2   c  which shows in detail the bead seam engagement means  150  engaging the engagement surface  158  with the container bead seam  38  thereby creating a fulcrum  144  about which the container  44  is rotated to engage the piercing means  152  to create a hole in the sidewall  76  of the container  44 . The container  44  is removed from the opener  134  by reversing the direction of rotation thereby disengaging the seam engagement means  150 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 1   b  shows a portable embodiment of a container opener  102  of the invention for piercing the sidewall of bead seam containers. The body  104  of the portable embodiment of the opener  102  may be formed as a unified structure from a suitable material or a plurality of structures and materials. Preferably it is formed of a metal which is strong and stiff and is incapable of bending or breaking during use and capable of piercing the sidewall of a container. Suitable for forming the body  104  would be a metal as, for instance, stainless steel. Many commercial methods for creating the body  104  by being cut from a flat sheet and formed suitably are available, as for instance, stamping. 
         [0060]    Further describing  FIG. 1   b , the body  104  of the opener  102  has a handle area  106  which includes an eye  30  allowing for attachment of the opener to a ring, a chain or the like to assist in maintaining the opener  102  easily accessible or easily stored by the user. 
         [0061]    Further describing  FIG. 1   b , extending a predetermined distance from the handle  106  is an engagement piercing means  138  wherein a bead seam engagement means  150  and a container sidewall piercing means  152  are positioned at a predetermined distance to allow the engagement piercing means  138  to engaging the bead seam of a container to create a fulcrum or pivot thereby engaging a container sidewall piercing means  152  when the handle  106  is rotated about the fulcrum or pivot. The engagement means  150  comprising of a generally planar engaging surface  158  surface to engage the bead seam. The piercing means  138  comprising of a generally planar piercing area  156  ending in a piercing element  154 , wherein a point or a plurality of points that is sufficiently sharp to pierce the sidewall of the container, is used for piercing the sidewall of a bead seam container. 
         [0062]    The container opener  102  may be sized for use with pop-top containers and integrated with functions of known beverage keys and openers, including lifting the tab of a pop-top can, removing caps from capped bottles, creating indicium for identification and orientation of a pop-top can opening, removing the cork from bottles and the like. 
         [0063]      FIG. 3   a  shows a perspective exploded view of an improved beverage key  20  of the invention capable of lifting the tab of a pop-top can, creating indicium for can identification and opening location orientation of a pop-top can, creating an opening in the sidewall of a pop-top can, and removing the cap from a capped bottle. The beverage key  20  is generally formed in three separate structures of two separate materials. It includes a body  22  an edge gripper plate  24  and a piercing plate  26 . In  FIG. 3   a  the edge gripper plate  24  and the piercing plate  26  are shown exploded away from the remainder of the body  22 . 
         [0064]    Further describing  FIG. 3   a , the body  22  is formed as a unified structure from a suitable material. Preferably it is formed of a polymeric material which when polymerized is strong and stiff and is incapable of bending or breaking during use. Suitable for forming the body  22  would be a polyamide as, for instance a nylon. This material is improved by incorporating fibers in the material for added strength against flexure. Thus, preferred for forming the body  22  would be a glass fiber filled nylon. Many commercial formulations of such fiber filled polymeric materials are available for use with common molding machines, as for instance, injection molding machines. 
         [0065]    Further describing  FIG. 3   a , the edge gripper plate  24  and piercing plate  26  are preferably formed of a metal. Most useful because of its properties would be stainless steel. By utilizing stainless steel for forming the edge gripper plate  24  and the piercing plate  26 , not only will the edge gripper plate  24  and the piercing plate  26  not rust, but both will be essentially impervious to deformation. Many prior bottle openers are formed either of regular steel which tends to rust with use or of aluminum which is abraded by the edges of the bottle caps and thus limits the lifetime of such an aluminum bottle opener. 
         [0066]    Still further describing  FIG. 3   a , the body  22  of the beverage key  20  has a handle portion  28  which includes an eye  30  allowing for attachment of the beverage key to a key ring, a chain or the like to assist in maintaining the beverage key  20  easily accessible to the user. 
         [0067]    Still further describing  FIG. 3   a , extending from the handle  28  is a lift and fulcrum means  46 . The lift and fulcrum means  46  includes a tab lifting means  32  including a wedge surface  34  on its end capable of being slid underneath the tab of a pop-top can. Extending from the same handle  28  on the opposite side of the wedge surface  34  is a bead seam engagement means  36  and a pop-top can piercing means  40 , including a sidewall piercing plate foundation area  66  and a piercing plate  26 , that are positioned at a predetermined distance to allow the engagement means  36  to engaging the bead seam of a container to create a fulcrum or pivot thereby engaging the can piercing means  40  when the handle  28  is rotated about the fulcrum or pivot. The engagement means  36  comprising of a generally planar engaging surface  160  to engage the bead seam. The piercing plate  26  comprising of a generally planar piercing area  78  ending in a piercing element  162 , wherein a point or a plurality of points that is sufficiently sharp to pierce the sidewall of the container, is used for piercing the sidewall pop-top can thereby ventilating the can. 
         [0068]    Further describing  FIG. 3   a , for ventilating cans, in combination with the seam engagement means  36 , the body  22  of the beverage key includes a piercing plate foundation area  66 . The foundation area  66  is formed as a projection of the body  22  which extends away from the body  22  which extends away from the elongated axis of the body  22 .  FIG. 3   b  shows the line II-II about which the beverage key  20  is sectioned through the piercing plate foundation area  66  in  FIG. 3   d .  FIG. 3   d  shows the piercing plate foundation area  66  including a lower lip  68  which is spaced away from an upper lip  70  with a central web  72  located and extending between the lips  66  and  68 . 
         [0069]    Further describing  FIG. 3   a , for opening bottles, in combination with the fulcrum means  46 , the body  22  of the beverage key  20  includes an edge gripping plate foundation area  50 . The foundation area  50  is formed as a projection of the body  22  which extends away from the body  22 , on the opposite side as the piercing plate foundation area  66 , which extends away from the elongated axis of the body  22 . The area  50  shown in  FIG. 3   c , a section view about line I-I of  FIG. 3   b , includes a bottom lip  52  which is spaced away from a top lip  54  with a central web  56  located and extending between the lips  52  and  54 . 
         [0070]    Still further describing  FIG. 3   a , the edge gripping plate  24  is formed with a cutout  58  which is sized and shaped to be slightly undersized with respect to the thickness of the central web  56 . The thickness of the edge gripping plate  24  is essentially the same as that between the top and bottom lips  52  and  54 . The edge gripping plate  24  can be inserted over the central web  56  and forced onto the central web  56 . Because the body  22  is made of a polymeric material there is a certain cold flow of this material allowing for positioning and locking of the cutout  58  on the edge gripping plate  24  over the central web  56  to permanently adhere the edge gripping plate  24  to the body  22 . 
         [0071]    Still further describing  FIG. 3   a , the piercing plate  26  is formed with a cutout  74  which is sized and shaped to be slightly undersized with respect to the thickness of the central web  72 . The thickness of the piercing plate  26  is essentially the same as that between the top and bottom lips  66  and  68 . The piercing point  40  needs only to be sufficiently sharp and shaped to be able to pierce the sidewall  76  of a pop-top can and to not easily cause injury to ones body, clothes or the like. The piercing plate  26  can be inserted over the central web  72  and forced onto the central web  72 . Because the body  22  is made of a polymeric material there is a certain cold flow of this material allowing for positioning and locking of the cutout  74  on the piercing plate  26  over the central web  72  to permanently adhere the piercing plate  26  to the body  22 . 
         [0072]    The embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 3   a  is an improved beverage key that is small in size so it may conveniently be carried in a pocket or purse. Further, said embodiment is able to easily lift the tab and ventilate pop-top cans providing indicium for can identification and opening location orientation of a pop-top can as well as opening capped bottles making it a more convenient and “complete” beverage tool. 
         [0073]    In  FIG. 4   a  the beverage key  20  of the invention is being utilized to ventilate a pop-top can  44 . To do so the bead seam engagement means  36  is placed over the pop-top can end bead seam  38  and the piercing element  162  (not shown) of the piercing plate  26  is in contact or in close proximity to the pop-top can sidewall  76 . Rotation of the beverage key in a normal manor forces the piercing element  162  (not shown) through the sidewall  76  of the pop-top can  44  and enlarges the initial opening with continued rotation thereby creating an opening to ventilate the pop-top can  44 .  FIG. 4   b  shows the section line III-III for the opener  20  and the container  44 .  FIG. 4   c , a section view of about the line III-III of  FIG. 4   b , shows the piercing element  162  and the piercing area  78  of the beverage key  20  through the sidewall  76  after the beverage key has been rotated in the general direction of the arrow thereby ventilating the pop-top can  44 . 
         [0074]    In  FIG. 5  a beverage key  20  of the invention is being utilized to open a pop-top can  44 . To open the can the lift means  32  is slid underneath the lift tab  42  of the can  44 . The wedge surface  34  assists in initially raising the lift tab  42  from the top surface of the can end  48 . Once the lift means  32  is in position under the lift tab  42  the beverage key may be rotated to press against the can end  48  in the general direction indicated by the arrow lifting the lift tab  42  and assisting in opening the pop-top can  44 . If the beverage key does not fully open the can  44  the lift tab  42  will be in a position that is easily operated by the user. Also, because the lift tab  42  is already lifted the user does not have to initially pry the lift tab  42  from the surface of the can end  48  the fingernails of the user are not in jeopardy of being broken and because the opening of the can  44  has already been initiated the force required to fully lift the lift tab  42  is greatly reduced allowing children of other individuals with weak or diseased hands to effectively open the pop-top can  44  with ease. 
         [0075]    In  FIG. 6  the beverage key  20  of the invention is being utilized to remove a cap  60  from a bottle  62 . To do so the edge gripping plate  24  is located under the lip  64  of the cap  60  and the end of the fulcrum means  46  is positioned on top of the cap  60 . Rotation of the beverage key in a normal manner in the general direction indicated by the arrow lifts the cap  60  from the bottle  62 . 
         [0076]    Still further describing  FIG. 3   a , as so formed and constructed the beverage key of the invention is utilitarian for capable of lifting the tab of a pop-top can, creating indicium for can identification and opening location orientation of a pop-top can, creating an opening in the sidewall of a pop-top can, and removing the cap from a capped bottle. Because the beverage key is formed as a multi-piece opener utilizing separate edge gripping plate  24  and piercing plate  26  from the body  22 , advantages can be taken of both metallic properties for the edge gripping plate  24  and piercing plate  26  for resisting wear in gripping a lip  64  of a cap  60  or piercing a sidewall  76  and with polymeric properties of the materials of the body  22  which are strong, sanitary, and lightweight. 
         [0077]    The improved beverage key  20  is small in size it can conveniently be carried in a pocket or purse. Further, the invention is able to easily open and ventilate pop-top cans providing indicium for can identification and opening location orientation of a pop-top can as well as opening capped bottles making it a more convenient and “complete” beverage opening tool. 
         [0078]      FIG. 7  discloses another exemplary embodiment of the beverage key  80  of the invention formed of unibody construction. The body  86  of the unibody embodiment of the beverage key  80  may be formed as a unified structure from a suitable material. Preferably it is formed of a metal which is strong and stiff and is incapable of bending or breaking during use. Suitable for forming the body  86  would be a metal as, for instance stainless steel. Many commercial methods for creating the body  86  are available, as for instance, 3d printing. 
         [0079]    Referring now to the embodiment of the invention in more detail, in  FIG. 7  the body  86  of the unibody beverage key  80  incorporates the functions of a sidewall piercing means  84  and a bottle cap edge gripping means  82  with the body  86  thereby removing the need for an edge gripping plate  24 , a piercing plate  26  or the associated foundation areas  50 - 56  and  66 - 72  of the body  22  of the beverage key in  FIGS. 3   a - d . Referring again to  FIG. 7 , the unibody beverage key  80  utilizes a bottle cap edge gripping means  82  to remove caps from bottles and a can piercing means  84  with a piercing element  88  and piercing area  90  to ventilate pop-top cans. The embodiment of the beverage key  80 , shown in  FIG. 7 , operates in the same way as the beverage key shown in  FIGS. 4-6  to ventilate pop-top cans, lift the tab of pop-top cans, and remove the cap from capped bottles. 
         [0080]    The embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 7  is an improved beverage key that is small in size so it may conveniently be carried in a pocket or purse. Further, said embodiment is able to easily lift the tab and ventilate pop-top cans providing indicium for can identification and opening location orientation of a pop-top can as well as opening capped bottles making it a more convenient and “complete” beverage tool. 
         [0081]      FIG. 8  discloses another exemplary embodiment of the beverage key  92  formed of a flat unibody construction. The flat body  94  of the flat unibody embodiment of the beverage key  92  may be formed as a unified structure from a suitable material. Preferably it is formed of a metal which is strong and stiff and is incapable of bending or breaking during use. Suitable for forming the body  94  would be a metal as, for instance stainless steel. Many commercial methods for creating the body  94  by being cut from a flat sheet are available, as for instance, laser cutting. 
         [0082]    Referring now to the embodiment of the invention in more detail, in  FIG. 8  The body  94  of the flat unibody beverage key  92  utilizes a can piercing means  96  with a piercing element  98  and piercing area  100  to pierce the sidewall of pop-top cans. The embodiment of the beverage key  92 , shown in  FIG. 8 , operates in the same way as the beverage key shown in  FIGS. 4-6  to ventilate pop-top cans, lift the tab of pop-top cans, and remove the cap from capped bottles. 
         [0083]    The embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 8  is an improved beverage key that is small in size so it may conveniently be carried in a pocket or purse. Further, said embodiment is able to easily lift the tab and ventilate pop-top cans providing indicium for can identification and opening location orientation of a pop-top can as well as opening capped bottles making it a more convenient and “complete” beverage tool. 
         [0084]      FIG. 9   a  discloses another exemplary embodiment of the beverage key  110  which is generally formed in three separate pieces, a body  112 , a piercing plate  26 , and a edge gripping plate  24 , of two separate materials in the same way that the beverage key shown in  FIGS. 3   a - d  has been described previously. The bead seam engagement means  114  and the piercing plate foundation  116  of the beverage key  110  have been rotated along the long axis of the opener body  112  with reference to the description of the beverage key shown in  FIGS. 3   a - d . The beverage key  110  operates in the same way as the beverage key shown in  FIGS. 5-6  to lift the tab of pop-top cans and remove the cap from capped bottles. 
         [0085]      FIG. 9   b  shows the orientation and normal operating direction, indicated by the arrow, for the beverage key  110  to ventilate a pop-top can  44 . To do so the bead seam engagement means  114  is placed over the pop-top can end bead seam  38  and the piercing element  162  of the piercing plate  26  is in contact or in close proximity to the pop-top can sidewall  76 . Rotation of the beverage key in the general direction indicated by the forces the piercing element  162  through the sidewall  76  of the pop-top can  44  and enlarges the initial opening with continued rotation thereby creating an opening to ventilate the pop-top can  44 .  FIG. 9   b  shows the piercing element  162  and the piercing area  78  of the beverage key  110  through the sidewall  76  after the beverage key has been rotated in the general direction of the arrow thereby ventilating the pop-top can  44   
         [0086]      FIG. 10  discloses another exemplary embodiment of an improved beverage key  118  formed of a church key style unibody construction. The body  120  of the church key style unibody embodiment of the beverage key  118  may be formed as a unified structure from a suitable material. Preferably it is formed of a metal which is strong and stiff and is incapable of bending or breaking during use. Suitable for forming the body  120  would be a metal as, for instance stainless steel. Many commercial methods for creating the body  120  by being cut and formed from a flat sheet are available, as for instance, stamping. 
         [0087]    Further describing  FIG. 10 , the body  120  of the beverage key  118  has a handle portion  164  which includes an eye  30  allowing for attachment of the beverage key  118  to a key ring, a chain or the like to assist in maintain the beverage key  118  easily accessible to the user. 
         [0088]    Still further describing  FIG. 10 , extending from the handle  164  is an edge gripping and fulcrum means  128 . The edge gripping and fulcrum means  128  includes a wedge surface  130  on one exterior edge. Extending from the same handle  164  on the opposite side of the edge gripping and fulcrum means  128  is a bead seam engagement means  132  for the bead seam of the pop-top can  38  to fit in to create a fulcrum or pivot to engage the can piercing element  124  wherein a point or a plurality of points that is sufficiently sharp to pierce the sidewall of the container, is used for piercing the sidewall of a bead seam container. 
         [0089]    Even further describing  FIG. 10 , the body  120  of the beverage key is formed of an essentially elongated lever with a edge gripping and fulcrum means  128  with a wedged surface  130  on one side and ending in another elongated structure consisting of the bead seam engagement means  132 , cutting surface  126 , and the piercing means  122 . As such the wedge surface  130  is formed as an elongated smooth surface which is capable of being slid underneath the lift tab of a pop-top can. 
         [0090]    Though the embodiment of the beverage key  118  illustrated in  FIG. 10  is shaped very differently than the other embodiments of the beverage key  118  provides means to mark and ventilate pop-top cans, lift pop-top can tabs, and open capped bottles.  FIG. 11   a  illustrates the operation of the beverage key  118 , shown in  FIG. 10 , using the same principals as the opener  110  in  FIG. 9   b  to ventilate cans. To do so the bead seam engagement means  132  is placed over the pop-top can end bead seam  38  and the piercing element  124  (not shown) of the piercing means  122  is in contact or in close proximity to the pop-top can sidewall  76 . Rotation of the beverage key in a normal manor, as indicated by the arrow forces the piercing element  124  (not shown) through the sidewall  76  of the pop-top can  44  and enlarges the initial opening with continued rotation thereby creating an opening to ventilate the pop-top can  44 . 
         [0091]      FIG. 11   b  illustrates the use of the beverage key  118  of  FIG. 10  to lift the tab  42  of a pop-top can  44 . To open the can the lift means  32  is slid underneath the lift tab  42  of the can  44 . The wedge surface  34  assists in initially raising the lift tab  42  from the top surface of the can end  48 . Once the lift means  32  is in position under the lift tab  42  the beverage key may be rotated, in the general direction indicated by the arrow, to press against the can end  48  lifting the lift tab  42  and assisting in opening the pop-top can  44 . If the beverage key does not fully open the can  44  the lift tab  42  will be in a position that is easily operated by the user. Also, because the lift tab  42  is already lifted the user does not have to initially pry the lift tab  42  from the surface of the can end  48  the fingernails of the user are not in jeopardy of being broken and because the opening of the can  44  has already been initiated the force required to fully lift the lift tab  42  is greatly reduced allowing children or other individuals with weak or diseased hands to effectively open the pop-top can  44  with ease. 
         [0092]      FIG. 11   c  illustrates the operation of the beverage key  118 , shown in  FIG. 10 , to remove a cap  60  from a capped bottle  62 . To do so the edge gripping and fulcrum means  128  is oriented so that one edge is located under the lip  64  of the cap  60  and the other edge of the gripping and fulcrum means  128  is positioned on top of the cap  60 . Rotation of the beverage key in a normal manner in the general direction indicated by the arrow lifts the cap  60  from the bottle  62 . 
         [0093]    The embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 10  is an improved beverage key that is small in size so it may conveniently be carried in a pocket or purse. Further, said embodiment is able to easily lift the tab and ventilate pop-top cans providing indicium for can identification and opening location orientation of a pop-top can as well as opening capped bottles making it a more convenient and “complete” beverage tool. 
         [0094]      FIG. 12  discloses another embodiment of an improved beverage key  166  formed of a church key style unibody construction. The body  168  of the church key style unibody embodiment of the beverage key  166  may be formed as a unified structure from a suitable material. Preferably it is formed of a metal which is strong and stiff and is incapable of bending or breaking during use. Suitable for forming the body  168  would be a metal as, for instance stainless steel. Many commercial methods for creating the body  168  by being cut and formed from a flat sheet are available, as for instance, stamping. 
         [0095]    Further describing  FIG. 12 , the body  168  of the beverage key  166  has a handle portion  170  which includes an eye  30  allowing for attachment of the beverage key  166  to a key ring, a chain or the like to assist in maintain the beverage key  166  easily accessible to the user. 
         [0096]    Still further describing  FIG. 12 , extending from the handle  164  is a combined cap fulcrum and can piercing element  174 . Extending from the same handle  164  on the same side of the combined fulcrum and can piercing element  174  is a combined edge gripping, bead seam fulcrum means, and bead seam engagement means  172  for the bead seam of the pop-top can  38  to fit in to create a fulcrum or pivot to engage the combination cap fulcrum and can piercing means  174 . Wherein a point or a plurality of points that is sufficiently sharp to pierce the sidewall of the container, creating a piercing element  178  is used for piercing the sidewall of a bead seam container. The combined gripping, fulcrum and engagement means  172  is also capable of gripping the edge of a bottle cap for removal. 
         [0097]    Further describing  FIG. 12 , the body  168  of the beverage key is formed of an essentially elongated lever with a combined fulcrum and can piercing means  174  continuing to a combined gripping, fulcrum, and engagement means  172  ending in a lifting surface  176 . As such the lifting surface  176  is formed as an elongated smooth surface which is capable of being slid underneath the lift tab of a pop-top can. 
         [0098]    Though the embodiment of the beverage key  166  illustrated in  FIG. 12  is shaped very differently than the other embodiments of the beverage key  166  provides means to mark and ventilate pop-top cans, lift pop-top can tabs, and open capped bottles.  FIG. 13   a  illustrates the operation of the beverage key  166 , shown in  FIG. 12 , using the same principals as the opener  110  in  FIG. 9   b  to ventilate cans. To do so the combination gripping, fulcrum, and engagement means  172  is placed over the pop-top can end bead seam  38  and the piercing element  178  (not shown) of the combination piercing and fulcrum means  174  is in contact or in close proximity to the pop-top can sidewall  76 . Rotation of the beverage key in a normal manor, as indicated by the arrow forces the piercing element  178  (not shown) through the sidewall  76  of the pop-top can  44  and enlarges the initial opening with continued rotation thereby creating an opening to ventilate the pop-top can  44 . 
         [0099]      FIG. 13   b  illustrates the use of the beverage key  166  of  FIG. 12  to lift the tab  42  of a pop-top can  44 . To open the can the lift surface  176  is slid underneath the lift tab  42  of the can  44 . The lift surface  176  assists in initially raising the lift tab  42  from the top surface of the can end  48 . Once the lift surface  176  is in position under the lift tab  42  the beverage key may be rotated, in the general direction indicated by the arrow, to press against the can end  48  lifting the lift tab  42  and assisting in opening the pop-top can  44 . If the beverage key does not fully open the can  44  the lift tab  42  will be in a position that is easily operated by the user. Also, because the lift tab  42  is already lifted the user does not have to initially pry the lift tab  42  from the surface of the can end  48  the fingernails of the user are not in jeopardy of being broken and because the opening of the can  44  has already been initiated the force required to fully lift the lift tab  42  is greatly reduced allowing children or other individuals with weak or diseased hands to effectively open the pop-top can  44  with ease. 
         [0100]      FIG. 13   c  illustrates the operation of the beverage key  166 , shown in  FIG. 12 , to remove a cap  60  from a capped bottle  62 . To do so the combination gripping, fulcrum, and engagement means  172  is oriented so that one edge is located under the lip  64  of the cap  60  and the piercing and fulcrum means  174  is positioned on top of the cap  60 . Rotation of the beverage key in a normal manner in the general direction indicated by the arrow lifts the cap  60  from the bottle  62 . 
         [0101]    The embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 12  is an improved beverage key that is small in size so it may conveniently be carried in a pocket or purse. Further, said embodiment is able to easily lift the tab and ventilate pop-top cans providing indicium for can identification and opening location orientation of a pop-top can as well as opening capped bottles making it a more convenient and “complete” beverage tool. 
         [0102]    In broad embodiment, the present invention is a method and container opener for creating openings in the sidewalls of containers with bead seams that uses an engagement means to create a fulcrum about which the opener or container may be rotated to engage a piercing means to create said opening. Further the opener may be integrated with elements and means of other known beverage keys, container openers and the like to create beverage keys and container openers capable of piercing the sidewall of a container with a bead seam. 
         [0103]    While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.