Patent Publication Number: US-6709125-B2

Title: Easy open device for beverage cans

Description:
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is generally related to the dispenser opening arts and, in particular, to a novel handle design for opening most beverage cans and other containers. 
     Devices to assist with the opening of pull tab cans have been shown in the art. 
     It is an object of the present invention to improve upon such devices by utilizing features which enhance safety and ease of use. 
     It is a further object of the invention to set forth a support element so the opener can be more easily accessed and stored. 
     It is also an object of the invention to demonstrate an opening device with improved non-slip grip handle means. 
     The device further includes formed strengthening means located at an end portion thereof. 
     The design further includes a rounded and coated end cap for more comfort for the user. 
     The device reduces broken finger nails and other injuries and is of great assistance for arthritis sufferers. 
     A lighted glow strip or equivalent lighting means may be included in the device for use in low-lighting environments. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be appreciated by those of skill in the art from the description which follows. 
     PRIOR ART PATENTS AND DESIGNS 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,277,083 and 6,311,580 show can opening designs which are related to the present invention. 
     The invention disclosed herein includes added safety and storage features which are not shown in the prior art. 
     The invention further includes formed strengthening means and lighting elements for ease of use in darkened locations. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The pull tab opening handle is formed of copper tubing approximately four inches in length. 
     A plug is inserted into the upper end of the opener and the upper end is coated with a non-slip grip solution comprising, for example, a rubber type coating. 
     The lower end of the opener is crimped into a flat and open shape to fit over a standard-sized pull tab of a beverage container. 
     Strengthening ridges are formed at the sides of the end of the opener. 
     Lighting materials may be included at the lower end of the opener. 
     A lower stand is included with the invention and is fabricated of plastic or equivalent materials. The stand provides for easy storage of and easy access to the handle. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
     FIG. 1 shows the opening handle  10  as applied to a beverage container C having a pull tab T on top thereof. 
     FIG. 2 is a side view of the opening handle  10  in a position mounted on top of a lower plastic support base. 
     FIG. 3 is a side view of the lower support base having an upwardly extending element for receipt of the opening handle. 
     FIG. 4 is an end view of the opening handle and indicates the strengthening ridges and lighting elements which are a part thereof. 
    
    
     FULL DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to the drawing figures, FIG. 1 shows the easy opening handle  10  as used in combination with a typical beverage can C having a pull tab type opener T. 
     In the side view of FIG. 2, the handle  10  has an upper body portion  11  and an end cap or plug  12 . 
     The upper body portion  11  is coated with a non-slip grip coating  13  which comprises a rubber compound. The non-slip coating  13  extends to a line  13   a  of the upper body portion  11 . 
     A crimp is formed at line  14  on a lower portion of the handle  10  such that a flattened area  15  is provided at a lower end of the opener in order to grasp a tab T. 
     A lighting element  17  may be included on the lowest point of the opener  10 . The lighting element may comprise glow-type lighting or other equivalent means. 
     As further shown in FIG. 2, the lower portion of opening handle  10 , i.e. at flattened area  15 , is placed onto a stand  20  having a vertically extending element  21 . 
     The stand  20  and attached vertical element  21  are comprised of plastic or other durable materials. 
     The stand  20  is a significant aspect of the over-all invention since it provides for convenient storage and easy access to the opening handle  10 . 
     A side view of the support stand  20  is shown in FIG.  3 . Vertical element  21  is again shown. 
     The support stand  20  may include at least two anti-skid attachments  22   a  and  22   b  affixed to the bottom of stand  20 . 
     FIG. 4 shows an end view of the lower portion of handle  10 . As previously described, the lower end  15  is flattened and sized so as to fit over a standard pull tab element. 
     As further shown in FIG. 4, the side portions of opening  15  are completely flattened together as indicated at numerals  16   a  and  16   b.  Such edge strengthening at  16   a  and  16   b  provides for enhanced strength and long life for the overall unit in its usage to open pull tab elements. 
     The end view of FIG. 4 also shows the lighting means  17  which are useful for display purposes and also for usage in darkened environments. 
     The method steps used in making the device include: 
     a) cutting a copper tube to a four inch length, 
     b) flattening an end section  15  of said tubing such that strengthening edges  16   a  and  16   b  are formed thereon, 
     c) adding a plug  12  to an upper end of the unit. 
     d) dipping the upper end of the unit into a rubber compound solution to provide a gripping area  13 , 
     e) adding lighting elements to a lower end of the unit, 
     f) placing the opener  10  on a stand  20  having a piece  21  for receiving the lower end  15 . 
     From the previous description, it will be appreciated that a high quality and long-life pull tab opener has been demonstrated. 
     The utility and safety features include: 
     a) the non-slip grip handle for safer use, 
     b) strengthening means  16   a,    16   b  at the end of the opener, 
     c) lighting means for darker environments, 
     d) a storage base  20  for ease of access to the opener when needed. 
     The invention is further defined by the claims appended hereto. 
     While particular materials and product dimensions have been shown and described, it is intended in this specification to broadly cover all equivalent structures and methods which would reasonably occur to those of skill in the art.