Abstract:
A beverage container includes a can body having a side wall, a neck portion of reduced diameter, a closure lid and an anchor structure on the closure lid. The anchor structure is offset with respect to the center of the lid. A pull tab has a mounting hole which fits onto the anchor structure. One end of the pull tab has a grip handle, and the other end has a puncturing nose. The pull tab is turnable on the anchor structure, and thus also turnable with respect to the closure lid. The pull tab is of a length whereby it normally just fits between the opposite locations of a peripheral groove on the closure lid. The pull tab can be manually turned from a first position overlying the closure lid, to a second position wherein it overhangs one part of the peripheral groove. The construction thus provides an extended handle length to permit the user to more easily grasp and raise the pull tab, and open the container, for use. The pull tab remains captive with the open container, for anti-litter and recycling purposes.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Parent Application Ser. No. 60/854,294, having a filing date of Oct. 26, 2006, in the name of Charles Chang, and the said Provisional application being incorporated herein in its entirety, by specific reference thereto. 
     
    
     STATEMENT AS TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Research and development of the present invention and application have not been Federally-sponsored, and no rights are given under any Federal program. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0003]    This invention relates generally to aluminum cans of the type commonly used to dispense beverages for consumption, including beer, soda, syrups and the like. More particularly the invention incorporates improvements to container structures of the type having pull tabs that are held captive following opening of the container, to minimize litter and effect automatic re-cycling of the captive pull tab with the can, per se. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART INCLUDING INFORMATION DISCLOSED UNDER 37 CFR 1.97-1.99 
       [0004]    Two-piece aluminum beverage cans have experienced many changes over the last several decades, aimed at reduction of cost through improved manufacturing methods, reduction in the actual quantity of aluminum that is required for a particular can volume, and more specifically improvements relating to retaining all parts of the opening mechanism with the remainder of the can and lid, for environmental reasons. Not only has this reduced the litter arising from loose ‘pop tops’; in addition, the former ‘pop tops’ are now held captive in the can so that when recycling occurs, all parts of the can, including its opening mechanism which was also aluminum, were recycled together. Elimination of ‘pop tops’ has thus been achievable throughout most of the countries of the world. An early attempt at reducing the amount of aluminum required for a particular can involved a slight reduction in the size of the can lid. Previously the lid was generally of the same diameter as that of the can body. Now, slightly tapered necks are provided on many cans, by a process known in the technology as ‘necking’. This was done after the can has been extruded, but prior to crimping of the lid onto the can itself. 
         [0005]    While this saved some aluminum, the ‘necking’ process currently employed as of the present date, involves a multi-step process of drawing the neck inwardly in small steps. This has been necessary because care had to be exercised in bending the walls of the can, especially since tolerances involved with the extrusion made the can walls somewhat susceptible to inadvertent rupture from the possibility that the multi-step ‘necking’ procedure was not precisely carried out. 
         [0006]    The savings which occurred from the can neck reduction described above were enormous. The annular usage of the 2-piece aluminum can in the United States is currently around 200 billion pieces. A saving of $1.00 per thousand pieces converts to an annual saving of approximately $200 million. 
         [0007]    The current effort to reduce the lid size is currently approaching the range of glass bottle neck size. 
         [0008]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a typical can, incorporating the neck reduction noted above. Difficulties have arisen from the mere attempt to make a smaller lid size, as will be explained further hereinbelow. 
         [0009]    Meanwhile, the following patents are hereby made of record and are believed to constitute a sampling of existing prior art in the field to which the invention relates: 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,967,754 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,795,340 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,858,754 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,014,455 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,550,851 
         [0015]    U. S. Patent Application Publication Nos.:
       2002/0139800   2004/0056032       
 
         [0018]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,967,754 discloses a can lid construction having a pull tab which has an end portion that normally interlocks with an upstanding abutment on the can lid. The object is to prevent inadvertent turning of the tab to a position wherein it would have portions extending above the plane of the can lid bead, and possibly be subjected to impact as the can ran through automatic assembly equipment. The effect of this possible inadvertent touching of an overly high pull tab with parts of automated machinery, has branded the name of such cans as, being “rockers”. 
         [0019]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,795,340 relates to a can lid arrangement wherein the pull tab is normally stored in a partially swiveled position. The nose of the tab, which is the part that effects the rupturing of the lid along a score line thereof, is thereby held in a position away from the starting end of the score line, and thus cannot inadvertently rupture the can lid and open the can. To open the can, the tab is first lifted slightly and swiveled to the position of  FIG. 2  of the patent. The nose is then aligned with the beginning of the score line of the lid, and can thus be used in the usual manner to open the can. 
         [0020]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,858,754 shows still another arrangement of can construction, incorporating a pull tab and a convex shaped can lid incorporating a transverse crease (L), which the inventors allege, reduce the tendency for the lid to bulge under increased pressures which are apt to occur during handling or inadvertent shaking of filled cans. The tab is located so that all parts are disposed below the plane of the lid bead. 
         [0021]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,934,750 illustrates and describes a can lid structure incorporating a domed closure piece which is initially integral with the remainder of the can lid, and a pull tab disposed so as to force the dome downwardly into the container when the tab is initially lifted. A metal hinge part between the dome and the tab prevents inadvertent separation of the tab from the can, for environmental and safety concerns. 
         [0022]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,014,455 discloses a lid construction incorporating a pull tab, and one or more upstanding posts on the lid surface, which occupy the hole in the pull tab and prevent inadvertent lifting of the tab and opening of the can during storage, shipping or other occasions involving handling. The posts can be by-passed by a gentle pull of the user, to open the can in the usual manner. 
         [0023]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,550,851 relates to a can lid containing a pull tab having an elongate groove, the tab being carried on the usual rivet in the lid. The rivet is centered on the lid, and the groove permits limited sliding, or swiveling movement of a pull tab. The tab can thus be shifted between a first, closed position wherein it is prevented from contacting the break or score line of the lid, to a second, use position. Under the latter circumstance, the nose of the tab is brought over the rupturable area of the can lid. Forcible raising of the tab thereby effects opening of the can. U. S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0056032 involves a beverage container construction purportedly incorporating improvements relating to easier opening by virtue of the requirement of less force applied to the pull tab, and improved resistance to inadvertent opening, during handling or shipping. The pull tab has a round opening for engagement by the fingers, and also features an asymmetrical leg configuration wherein one leg is longer than the other, and wherein this longer leg is arranged to engage the start portion of the score line in the can lid. 
         [0024]    Finally, U. S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0139800 relates to a can construction and lid incorporating a widened pull tab, so located with respect to the score areas of the lid, as to enable the user to break open two score holes with the single tab. The larger of the score holes is intended to facilitate drinking of the beverage contained in the can, whereas the smaller of the holes is an ‘air’ return passage to avoid momentary vacuums inside the can as the contents flow out. 
         [0025]    A typical, currently-available beverage can arrangement is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The can side wall is designated  202 , the lid per se is indicated  301 , and the outermost rim or outer periphery of the can lid is indicated by the numeral  101 . This frequently takes the form of a crimping connection or bead, as is well known in the field. 
         [0026]    The prior art can lid  301  has an area of weakness defined by a score line  304 , together with a pull tab  302  which has a free end  305  and a front or puncturing nose portion  306 . The pull tab  302  is fastened to the can lid by means of an anchor or rivet  303  disposed in the center of the lid  301 . When the end  305  of the pull tab  302  is lifted by the fingers of the consumer, the nose portion  306  of the pull tab  302  punctures and depresses the area of weakness defined by the score line  304 , thus producing the usual dispensing opening. 
         [0027]    In this prior art design, there is always a gap L 4  ( FIG. 1 ) between the end  305  of the pull tab  302  and the inside of the rim  101  of the can lid  301 , to enable the consumer to place a finger nail under the end  305  of the pull tab  302  and lift it up. Referring to  FIG. 1 , the current design of the lid requires a minimum inside diameter for the can rim  101  to be the total of the distances L 1 +L 2 +L 3 +L 4 . Because the pull tab  302  is already quite short, and the room for the puncture area defined by the score line  304  is already considered marginal, efforts to further reduce the overall lid size have been restricted by those limitations. The effort to significantly reduce the amount of aluminum that was required has thus been largely for naught. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]    Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved beverage can construction which features a significantly reduced neck/lid surface which results in an important savings in aluminum and consequent reduction in overall cost. 
         [0029]    A related object of the invention is to provide an improved beverage can construction as above set forth, wherein existing capping equipment can be utilized to assemble the can lids to the can, thus minimizing the need for changing existing fixtures or assembly equipment. 
         [0030]    Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved beverage can construction in accordance with the foregoing, which is easy for the consumer to use by virtue of a reduction in the absolute pull force required to effect initial opening of the can construction. 
         [0031]    A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved beverage can construction as described above, which is environmentally friendly by virtue of the arrangement wherein the opening structure is held captive with the remainder of the can after the latter is opened. Thus, not only is there eliminated the hazard presented by scattered ‘pop’ top closures lying on sidewalks and streets, but also, the aluminum represented by the opening structure is capable of being recycled automatically with the remainder of the can. 
         [0032]    Yet another object of the invention is to provide an improved beverage can construction of the kind characterized above, which features convenient handling by automated equipment, as a consequence of its opening structure being essentially entirely below the plane of the periphery of the lid, thereby eliminating the problem noted previously with cans that were characterized as ‘rockers’. 
         [0033]    Still a further object of the invention is to provide an improved beverage can construction as above described, which can accommodate container blanks having a stepped or graduated neck configuration, thus saving on the amount of aluminum that is required for dispensing a given volume of a particular beverage. 
         [0034]    The above objects are provided by a beverage container, comprising in combination a tubular can body having a neck portion of reduced diameter with respect to the remainder of the body, a circular closure lid carried by the neck portion, anchor means on the closure lid, and a pull tab turnably movable on the anchor means. The anchor means is disposed off center or asymmetrically with respect to the circular closure lid. The pull tab has opposite ends, one of which constitutes a finger-engageable grip handle by which the user can raise this end, and the other of which constitutes a puncturing nose that is capable of rupturing a portion of the can lid when the first end of the pull tab is raised. In the storage condition of the can, the pull tab is disposed entirely within the confines of a peripheral groove on the lid, whereas prior to opening the can, the pull tab can be swung roughly one-half of a circle, about the anchor means, wherein the grip grip handle extends outwardly past this groove, so as to be readily grasped by the user. While disposed in this position, has its puncture nose overlying the area of weakness of the lid, to permit break-through of the area when the grip handle is lifted, and subsequently opening of the can. The advantage of the invention is that with a reduced size neck, and elongated pull tab, less aluminum is utilized than is the case with containers of existing design. 
         [0035]    Specifically, as a consequence of the invention the outer diameter of a can lid can be reduced to approximately half of the outer diameter found on existing cans of current design. In other words, the surface area of the improved lid of the invention can be reduced by about 75%. This represents a cost saving for aluminum of $3.00-$5.00 per thousand lids, which converts to an annual cost savings of $600 million to $1 billion. 
         [0036]    In a preferred environment, the stepped neck construction of  FIG. 4  is to be utilized, and has been found to yield adequate strength without the need for switching to thicker wall aluminum for the side of the can. 
         [0037]    Other features and advantages will hereinafter appear. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0038]    In the accompanying drawings illustrating several embodiments of the invention: 
           [0039]      FIG. 1  is a top plan view of a prior art container, illustrating a conventional closure lid having the usual pull tab mechanism anchored thereto, and showing a typical score area adapted to be ruptured when it is desired to open the container. 
           [0040]      FIG. 2  is a front elevation of the prior art container of  FIG. 1 , showing a rim in the form of a circumferential leak-proof crimp connection that joins the lid and can body. 
           [0041]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of a new and improved beverage container embodying principles of the present invention, taken on the line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 4  is a front elevation of the improved beverage container of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 5   a  is a top plan view of the closure lid per se, of the beverage can of the invention, showing a pull tab occupying a position thereon corresponding to storage, and prior to handling of the container for use. The view is taken on the line  5   a - 5   a  of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 5   b  is a top plan view of the closure lid per se of the improved beverage can of  FIG. 5   a , illustrating the pull tab as having been shifted 180 degrees from the position of  FIG. 5   a , in readiness for opening of the can by the consumer. 
           [0045]      FIG. 5   c  is a fragmentary axial section taken on the line  5   c - 5   c  of  FIG. 5   a.    
           [0046]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view similar to  FIG. 5   b , except showing the pull tab in phantom, to illustrate the configuration of the remainder of the closure lid. 
           [0047]      FIG. 7   a  is a top plan view of a modified closure lid per se, and illustrating a modified pull tab configuration for use with the container of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0048]      FIG. 7   b  is an axial section taken on the line  7   b - 7   b  of  FIG. 7   a.    
           [0049]      FIG. 8  is a plan view of the pull tab component of  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b , and further illustrating its construction. 
           [0050]      FIG. 9   a  is a perspective view of the pull tab of  FIG. 8  per se, shown flat, in the position it occupies on the closure lid. 
           [0051]      FIG. 9   b  is another perspective view like  FIG. 9   a , except illustrating the initial movement of part of the pull tab per se, in readiness for opening the container. 
           [0052]      FIG. 9   c  is still another perspective view, illustrating the subsequent movement of the pull tab per se, just prior to opening of the container. 
           [0053]      FIG. 9   d  is yet another perspective view, and illustrating the final configuration of the pull tab per se, after the container has been opened. 
           [0054]      FIG. 10  is a plan view of a modified pull tab for use with the beverage container of  FIG. 4  or alternately with the container of  FIG. 14 . 
           [0055]      FIG. 11  is a plan view of a further modified pull tab for use with the containers of  FIGS. 4  or  14 . 
           [0056]      FIG. 12  is a plan view of a still further modified pull tab for use with the containers of  FIGS. 4  or  14 . 
           [0057]      FIG. 13  is a top plan view of the pull tab of  FIG. 12 , as it appears when secured in position on the top of one of the containers of  FIGS. 4  or  14 , and 
           [0058]      FIG. 14  is a front elevation of a modified beverage container for optional use with the various pull tabs to be described hereinbelow. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0059]    Referring first to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  5   a ,  5   b ,  5   c  and  6 , and in accordance with the present invention there is provided a novel and improved beverage container generally designated by the numeral  10 , which is especially adapted for use with a container body style having a tubular configuration for a portion of its length, and a reduced neck diameter which enables a substantial savings in the quantity of metal or aluminum that is required for a particular volume of liquid in the container. 
         [0060]      FIG. 4  illustrates a container having a body  12  and rim  22 . Preferably a stepped neck  16  is provided. By the invention, a novel and improved space-saving opening mechanism is provided on the container closure lid  14 ,  FIG. 3 , comprising an anchor means  18  and a pull tab  20 . The anchor means is preferably formed as an upwardly extending stem on the closure lid, headed over as shown in  FIG. 5   c , to provide a leakproof seal of the closure lid. The lid  14  has a peripheral groove  24 , extending completely around it.  FIG. 5   c  illustrates the rim  22  as being a crimp connection between the container neck  16  and the closure lid  14 . This crimp connection is air-tight, and thus also leak-proof. The pull tab  20  has a grip handle  26 , and a puncture or puncturing nose  28 , which overlies a portion of the closure lid  14  during storage of the container  10  and prior to its being used. 
         [0061]    By the invention, the anchor means  18  is disposed off-center or asymmetrically with respect to the closure lid  14 . The hole  32  in the pull tab,  FIG. 5   c , receives the stem of the anchor means  18  with a snug fit. However, the fit is not so tight as to prevent the pull tab  20  from turning about the pivot provided by the anchor means  18 , from a first, or nesting location shown particularly in  FIG. 5   a , to a second, or operational location illustrated in  FIG. 5   b  and  FIG. 6 . In the first position and by the invention, the pull tab is as long as possible, and its puncture nose  28  lies closely adjacent to the inner diameter  44  of the peripheral groove  24  at the one location thereon, as in  FIG. 5   c . Similarly, the grip handle  26  of the long pull tab lies closely adjacent to the inner surface of the peripheral groove  24  at the other location thereon, which latter is diametrically disposed with respect to the first location, or stated differently, 180 degrees away therefrom. The pull tab  20  is of similar length as that of the pull tab  302  of conventional can lids, such as that of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 5   c  illustrates two recesses in the lid. Recess  34  provides a space for the fingernail of the user as he reaches through the grip handle&#39;s hole of the pull tab. As the grip handle is lifted, and assuming the pull tab is fairly rigid, the stem of the anchor means  18  acts as a fulcrum and pivots the undercurl formation of the nose  28  downward, toward the can lid. The second recess  30  is incorporated in order to provide a space to receive the undercurl of the nose  28  during the initial lifting of the pull tab. The recess is deep in its center, as in  FIG. 5   c , and becomes shallower at near its opposite ends, one of said ends being shown and designated  30   a , eventually merging into the plane of the closure lid. By this arrangement, the force required to initially begin the lifting of the pull tab grip handle is reduced, since the undercurl can drop freely into the recess  30 . As the pull tab is turned, the undercurl can merely ride up the recess part  30   a , which latter is in the nature of a ramp. This construction renders the pull tab easier to manipulate initially, as can now be readily understood. 
         [0063]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5   b  and  6 , there is illustrated a view showing the pull tab  20  as having been swung by the consumer to the second position, from the first position, wherein the grip handle  26  now overlies both the stepped neck  16  and the side of the can body. Such an arrangement enables the consumer to readily grasp the pull tab  20  by its grip handle  26  and pry upwards. Thus the pull tab  20 , being stiff as noted above, is pivoted about the anchor means stem  18 , and the puncture nose  28  of the pull tab  20  breaks through the closure lid  14  along a score line  36  thereon. The score line  36  has a beginning  38  and an end  40 . Adjacent the end  40  is a hinge formation  42 , by which the resultant cutout defined by the score line  36  is held captive with the closure lid  14 , and merely yields downwardly into the can interior. 
         [0064]    This has two advantages. First, no part of the opening mechanism separates from the can, thus eliminating loose pull tabs, and thereby giving rise to reduced litter and a resultant cleaner environment. Next, since the mechanism remains with the can, it is automatically recycled therewith when the can is returned to an appropriate recycling center. 
         [0065]    Also it is to be noted that in the storage position of  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   c , all parts of the pull tab  20  lie completely below a plane P 1  defined by the rim  22 . Also, the pull tab does not extend past the rim  22 . Instead, the parts  26  and  28  of the pull tab  20  lie closely adjacent to the inner diameter wall  44  of the peripheral groove  24 . By this construction, closure lid  14  can have a relatively smaller diameter compared to corresponding parts of existing containers. Also, since there is no interference from upstanding parts of the pull tab  20 , the disclosed arrangement avoids possible jamming when being handled by automatic equipment. The problem noted above, with cans known as ‘rockers’, is completely circumvented. 
         [0066]    Accordingly, it is believed that the arrangement just described constitutes a breakthrough in the container field, since considerably less aluminum is required by virtue of the reduced closure lid diameter, and at the same time, no compromise in convenience is introduced as far as the consumer is concerned, since a simple twist and lift operation is all that is required to open the container. 
         [0067]    Another embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 7   a ,  7   b ,  8 , and  9   a - 9   d . As in the previous embodiment, the arrangement is preferably applicable to containers having reduced neck size, and of a configuration similar to that shown in  FIGS. 4  or  14 . Referring to  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b , the container&#39;s reduced neck  16  is connected in both mechanical and sealing relation to a closure lid  50  by means of the usual crimp. The crimp has an outer surface, constituting a rim  52 , and the rim  52  lies in a horizontal plane P 2 . All parts of the opening mechanism to be described are disposed below said plane P 2  and rim  52 . As in the first embodiment, the closure lid  50  has an anchor means  54  which is disposed off center with respect to a pull tab, designated  56 . The latter can be of generally circular shape as shown in  FIG. 8 , normally overlying the container closure lid  50  in the storage position of  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b , and prior to use. 
         [0068]    The closure lid  50  has a peripheral groove  58  with an outer diameter (no number) and an inner diameter  60 . As shown, maximum use is made of the reduced area of the closure lid  50  by virtue of having the pull tab  56  formed as shown. The periphery of the tab  56  is disposed closely adjacent to the inner diameter  60  of the peripheral groove  58  in the lid. In contrast to the first embodiment, a sliding or turnable connection between the pull tab  56  and the anchor means  54  is not necessary. 
         [0069]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , the pull tab  56  has a first crescent shaped cutout  64  which is defined by a grip handle  66  of the pull tab  56 , and a second crescent shaped cutout  68  which faces the first. Adjacent the second cutout is an anchor hole  79  that receives the anchor means  54  of the lid. Taken together, the two cutouts  64 ,  68  surround the location of the anchor hole  79 . The pull tab  56  has a metal base strip  83  and a pair of substantially divergent metal strips  74 ,  76  which are integral with the base strip  83  and integral with one another. The pull tab  56  also has a puncturing nose  70 . In the first or normal position of  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b , the pull tab  56  lies substantially flat on the closure lid  50 . Connecting the grip handle  66  to the puncturing nose  70  are the above noted metal strips  74 ,  76  and intermediate connector strips  78 ,  80 , respectively, as well as a connector strip  77 ,  FIG. 8 . These strips transmit force that is applied by the grip handle  66  to the puncturing nose  70 . The strips  78 ,  80  and puncturing nose  70  together define a metal yoke portion  85  of the pull tab, which yoke portion joins the non-adjacent regions of the metal strips  74 ,  76 , and holds them in fixed relation. The anchor hole  79  is disposed in this yoke portion  85 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . With such an arrangement, the puncturing nose  70  is disposed between the hole  79  (which is affixed to the anchor means  54  of the lid), and the base strip  83  of the grip handle  66 . 
         [0070]    In  FIG. 7   b , the pull tab  56  is flat, and lies completely below the plane P 2  of the rim  52 . In addition, with respect to  FIG. 7   b , all parts of the pull tab  56  lie within the inner diameter  60  of the peripheral groove  58 , as in the previous arrangement. 
         [0071]    The opening sequence is illustrated progressively in  FIGS. 9   a - 9   d , respectively. In  FIG. 9   b , there is illustrated the position of the grip handle  66  as it is initially lifted by the consumer. The large arrow  86  shows the direction of the force exerted by him. A recess  88 ,  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b , in the closure lid  50  enables the user to insert his fingernail under the grip handle  66  through the crescent shaped cutout  64 .  FIG. 9   c  shows a further step, wherein the grip handle  66  has been raised to a vertical position, and the pivoting action of the anchor means  54  forces the puncturing nose  70  to break through the closure lid  50  at the score line  92 ,  FIG. 7   a . Finally, the grip handle  66  can be pulled back completely on itself as in  FIG. 9   d , such that it is out of the way of the opening formed by the broken score line  92 ,  FIG. 7   a.    
         [0072]    In  FIG. 9   c , the arrow  94  indicates the continual force applied to the grip handle  66 , whereas the arrow  96  illustrates the force of the puncturing nose  70  on the area of weakness on the closure lid  50 , defined by the score line  92 . Arrows  98  show the force applied by the strips  74 ,  76  respectively, and arrow  100  shows the direction of the force applied by the user as he bends back the grip handle  66  fully, in  FIG. 9   d.    
         [0073]    Another embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIG. 10 , wherein reference numerals with the suffix ‘b’ have been added to parts of the construction corresponding to the embodiment of  FIGS. 7   a ,  7   b  and  8 . In particular, the pull tab  56   b  includes a grip handle  66   b  that comprises a metal base strip  83   b  to which there are connected divergent metal strips  74   b  and  76   b . The remote ends of these latter strips are connected by additional strips  78   b  and  80   b , constituting a yoke portion  85   b  of the pull tab  56   b . The yoke portion  85   b  further includes a puncturing nose  70   b  and an anchor hole  79   b , as in the previous instance. In place of the strip  77  of  FIG. 8 , there is provided a slot  81  in the pull tab. Functioning of this embodiment is believed to be comparable to that of the prior embodiment, as to the opening steps which were outlined previously. 
         [0074]    Yet another embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIG. 11 . The pull tab  102  is seen to include a grip handle  104  comprising a central metal strip  105 , and divergent strips  106  and  107  integral with the metal strip  105 . Again, there is provided a yoke portion  85   c  comprising a puncturing nose  110  and anchor hole  112 . The yoke portion  85   c  holds the ends of the strips  106  and  107  together and in fixed relation with respect to one another, prior to opening of the can. The opening sequence is considered to be similar to that of the previously described embodiments. 
         [0075]    Still another embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 .  FIG. 12  illustrates a modified pull tab  116 , having a grip handle  118  constituted as a central metal strip  119 , and a pair of divergent metal strips  120 ,  122  that are integral with the central metal strip  119 . A yoke portion  126  is provided, connecting the non-adjacent ends of the divergent strips  120 ,  122 . The yoke portion  126  comprises a puncturing nose  130  and a hole  131  for the anchor means  54  of the can lid. In  FIG. 13 , the can closure lid is designated  140 . A small recess  142  underlies the central metal strip  119  of the grip handle  118 , as in the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , indicated in that figure by the reference numeral  88 . 
         [0076]    In connection with the embodiments of the added forms of pull tab shown respectively in  FIGS. 10 ,  11  and  12 , it is intended that the pull tab structures therein be capable of being utilized with the reduced-diameter lid of a beverage can of the type shown in either  FIG. 4 , in particular having a stepped neck, or a can of the type shown in  FIG. 14  and designated  124 , where the neck  127  is of non-uniform width, and has a gradual taper. The rim of the can in  FIG. 14  is designated  129 . 
         [0077]    It is understood that adaptive neck structures between a can body and a lid are not intended to be restricted to those shown. On the contrary, other shapes of beverage cans could be utilized, with equally good results. Those configurations depicted in the present set of drawings are considered to be illustrative only. 
         [0078]    In summary, the can lid outer diameter can be reduced by approximately half of the current outer diameter. Hence the surface area of the lid can be reduced by about  75 %. Also, by virtue of the reduced lid diameter, a lighter gauge aluminum sheet stock can be utilized for its fabrication. The net result represents a cost saving of aluminum of $3.00-$5.00 per thousand lids, or an annular savings of from $600 million to $1 billion. 
         [0079]    The retention of the respective pull tab  20 ,  56 ,  102  or  116 , at all times by the closure lid  14 ,  50  or  140  respectively, circumvents problems with loss of the pull tab, which might otherwise fall on the ground and possibly constitute a hazard to personnel inadvertently stepping on it and suffering a cut foot or toe. Furthermore, since the pull tab is held captive even after use of the container, recycling of the pull tab is automatic, as when the can is returned to an appropriate store or recycling center. 
         [0080]    From the above it can be seen that I have provided novel and improved beverage containers that are both simple in their structure, reliable in operation, and which result in a substantial reduction in the amount of aluminum required, with its attendant cost. 
         [0081]    The opening mechanisms are largely self-explanatory, and thus no confusion results on the part of the user. 
         [0082]    The disclosed arrangements are thus seen to represent a distinct advance and improvement in the field of liquid containers. 
         [0083]    Each and every one of the appended claims defines an aspect of the invention which is separate and distinct from all others, and accordingly it is intended that each claim be treated as such in any determination of novelty or validity. 
         [0084]    Variations and modification are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention, and portions of the improvement may be used without others. 
       LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       [0000]    
       
           10 ,  124  Beverage container 
           12  Container body 
           14 ,  50 ,  140  Closure lid 
           16  Stepped neck 
           18 ,  54  Anchor means or anchor stem 
           20 ,  56 ,  56   b ,  102 ,  116  Pull tab 
           22 ,  52  Outer periphery of lid, or rim 
           24 ,  58  Peripheral groove in lid 
           26 ,  66 ,  66   b ,  104 ,  118  Grip handle 
           28 ,  70 ,  70   b ,  110 ,  130  Puncturing nose 
           30  Recess in lid 
           30   a  End of recess  30   
           32 ,  79 ,  79   b ,  112 ,  131  Anchor hole in pull tab 
           34  Arcuate recess in lid 
           34   a  Trailing portion of arcuate recess  34   
           36 ,  92  Score line 
           38  Beginning of score line 
           40  End of score line 
           42  Hinge formation 
           22 ,  52 ,  129  Outer periphery of lid 
           44 ,  60  Inner diameter of peripheral groove 
           64  Crescent shaped cutout 
           68  Crescent shaped cutout 
           74 ,  74   b ,  106 ,  120  Strip 
           76 ,  76   b ,  107 ,  122  Strip 
           77  Connector strip 
           78 ,  78   b  Strip 
           80 ,  80   b  Strip 
           81  Slot 
           83 ,  83   b ,  105 ,  119  Metal base strip 
           85 ,  85   b ,  85   c ,  126  Yoke portion 
           86  Arrow 
           88 ,  142  Recess 
           94  Arrow 
           96  Arrow 
           98  Arrows 
           100  Arrow 
           106 ,  107  Divergent metal strip 
           120 ,  122  Divergent metal strip 
           127  Smooth, tapered neck of beverage can 
           101  Prior art, can rim construction 
           202  Prior art, can side wall construction 
           301  Prior art, can lid 
           302  Prior art, pull tab 
           303  Prior art, anchor 
           304  Prior art, score line 
           305  Prior art, end of pull tab 
           306  Prior art, nose or front of pull tab