Improvements in and relating to Sheet Metal Cans, and Means for Opening the same.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 23rd July, 1895-Accepted, 19th Oct., 1895
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Sheet Metal Cans, and Means for
Opening the same.
I OLIN STEPHEN FELLOWS, General Manager, of Middletown, in the County
of Orange, and State of New York, United States of America, do hereby declare
the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed to
be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement and
accompanying drawings:
My improvements relate to sheet metal cans which are designed to be opened by
the removal, in whole or in part, of a stripping portion which is severed from the
can by winding it upon and around the shank of a strip-winding key.
Heretofore these keys have been struck up or otherwise formed out of heavy
sheet metal with a shank slotted to receive the end of the stripping tongue of the
can. This old form of key is objectionable for the reason that the leverage.
exerted by the flat shank as it is rotated during the operation of stripping is
uneven, resulting in a series of jerks or strains which are apt to tear or rupture the
strip if the metal is thin, and rendering the operation of stripping difficult and
uncertain.
My invention consists primarily, in a key formed of comparatively thin sheet
metal which is stamped up and bent over upon itself in such manner as to afford a
shank having a convex exterior surface, preferably cylindrical, so as to render the
strain of the stripping even and uniform throughout. Secondarily, my invention
consists in making such a key as part of the can body itself, it constituting a
continuation of the stripping portion of the can whether said stripping portion be
formed upon the can body or upon one of the end caps.
In the accompanying drawings,
Figure 1, shows an end cap blank and key blank cut from the same sheet of
metal and designed for an exterior flange fitting over the end of the can body;
Figure 2, shows the cap in place with the blank turned up;
Figure 3, the blank after it has been stamped ;
Figure 4, the same after it has been folded;
Figure 5, and 6, are respectively elevations of the key taken at right angles to
each other;
Figure 7, is an end view of the shank of the key;
Figure 8, an elevation showing the parts at the beginning of the stripping
operation;
Figure 9, a similar view showing the exterior flange partially stripped away;
Figure 10, a sectional view of the can body showing the completion of the first
rotation of the key;
Figure 11, is a view similar to Figure 1, excepting that the blank is designed for
an end cap with a flange fitting inside the can body;
Figure 12, shows the key blank struck up or embossed ;
Figure 13, shows the blank folded;
Figure 14, is an elevation of the key in place, showing the adjoining parts in
ection;
Figure 15, is a section of the key and adjoining parts;
Figures 16, 17 and 18, show cross sections of the key shank prior to and during
he stripping operation ;
Figure 19, is an enlarged view showing the incision between the flange and end
late;

page_text: gua sectional elevation mustrating a modification;
Figure 21, is a diagram of the adjoining ends of two can body blanks cut from
the same sheet of metal, showing an economical method of cutting the blanks for
the opening device or key;
Figures 22 and 23, represent respectively the ends of the can bodies shown in
Figure 21 ;
Figure 24, shows the key blank bent over across the stripping tongue ;
Figure 25, the same struck up and ready for bending double;
Figure 26, a side view of Figure 25;
Figure 27, a similar view after the blank has been folded to form the key;
Figure 28, shows the blank cut with a lapping tongue, and Figures 29 and 30,
the use of the lapping tongue ;
Figures 31 and 32, illustrate a modification in the formation of the key and
stripping tongue with relation to the edge of the can body ;.
Figures 33, 34 and 35, another modification thereof;
Figures 36 and 37, illustrate the application of my invention to the stripping
off of a band of metal from the body of the can instead of the edge thereof;
Figure 38, shows the key blank as struck from the same sheet with the can body,
but projecting beyond the outline thereof;
Figures 39, to 44, inclusive show my improved key in its simplest form, and steps
in its manufacture;
Figures 45, to 49, show the same key having overlapping lugs which reinforce
the end of the shank ;
Figures 50, 51 and 52, illustrate the key as formed with an overlapping tongue
on the handle ;
Figures 53 to 58, inclusive illustrate the formation of the key with a flat handle
or finger piece ;
Figures 59 and 60, illustrate the use of the key ;
Figures 61 to 64, inclusive show the shank of the key formed with opposed
flanges or webs which prevent the overlapping of the edges of the metal ;
Figures 65 and 66, shows a form in which the lugs are made to overlap to bind
the parts together;
Figures 67 and 68, show the upsetting of the edges of the slot which receives
the end of the stripping tongue ;
Figures 69, 70 and 71, show the lugs or flanges for preventing the overlapping
of the edges of the metal arranged inside the shank, with exterior overlapping
tongues;
Figures 72, 73 and 74, show a modification in the form of handle or finger
piece;
Figures 75 and 76, show the handle or finger piece strengthened by doubling
and folding the metal;
Figure 77, shows the key with overlapping tongues binding both shank and
handle ends;
Figures 78, 79, 80 and 81, inclusive illustrate the construction and use of the key
with but a single slot for receiving the end of the stripping tongue ;
Figures 82 and 83; shows a form of key corrugated.
The can body C, or end cap A, are cut or stamped out of sheet metal in the
usual manner except that the blank B, for the stripping key, is formed in one
piece therewith when it is desired to attach it directly to the can. Where it is
desired to make my improved form of key as a separate device the blank B, is
stamped out of a separate piece of sheet metal or out of a portion of the waste
result from the stamping out of the end cap.
In either case the blank is embossed, or stamped, or drawn up so that when bent
over upon itself a shank b, of convex exterior will be formed, the concavity
imparted to the opposed inner surfaces being preferably such as to render the
shank, cylindrical in cross section as shown in the drawings, although a perfectly.
cylindrical shank is not absolutely essential, Where the key K is attached to the

page_text: can body, C, the blank B, may be so cut that when the key is shaped and bent up
its shank b, will immediately adjoin the edge of the can body, but I prefer to leave
a portion of the metal T, equivalent to the old form of stripping tongue, between
the edge of the can body C, and the side of the shank by which the key is attached
to the body. By this means the ends of the two halves of the blank will be
thoroughly bound together by the connecting tongue T, during the first turn of the
key in starting to strip, and before the severing of the strip is begun, thereby
insuring and preserving the cylindrical shape of the shank, as well as reinforcing it
against the sudden strain to which it is subjected in first overcoming the resistance
of the metal to the stripping action.
The usual circuitous incision or other reduction in thickness i, is formed on a
line with the inner edge of the tongue T, when the edge of the can body is to be
stripped off; or where a strip is to be removed from the can body beyond the edge,
as in Figures 36 and 37, two such incisions or reductions in thickness are made so
tbat in either case the tongue T, encounters the line of least resistance and the
stripping is effected rapidly and evenly, the cylindrical form of the key shank
contributing to this result.
It is to be noted that where the key blank is cut within the line of the can body
and bent over the tongue T, as in all but Figure 38, of the drawings a fold is
formed which strengthens the end of the key shank and renders it less liable to
exert a transverse strain upon the tongue.
Where the key K, is formed in one piece with the end cap the usual circuitous
incision i, is formed therein either on the flange f, or the end plate A, adjoining it;
and an incision or reduction in thickness e, may be also formed transversely across
the flange f, adjoining the shank b, of the key to insure an easy clean start in the
stripping operation. Where the metal of which the end cap is composed is
sufficiently thin the circuitous incision i, may be omitted, since the flange f, will
then be severable from the end plate A, with the exertion of comparatively
slight force.
As will be seen by the drawings my invention is equally adapted to both
exterior and interior form of flange, the construction and operation being
essentially the same in both cases.
The blank B, from which the key is made is formed with the central portion k,
having extensions of less width, which eventually constitute the shank b, while
the intermediate wider portion k, constitutes the finger piece or head h, when the
blank is folded.
Previous to folding the extensions s, of the blank, where the key is made
independently of the can, the extensions s, of the blank B, are slotted as at S, to
receive the end of the stripping tongue T (see Figures 60 and 61) and are embossed
or drawn into such shape as to constitute the shank b, when the blank is folded
upon itself. It is obvious that an elliptical or other curved form in cross section
would be more or less effective as compared with the cylindrical form, the essential
feature of my invention in this respect consisting of the formation of the shank
with a convex exterior surface.
When made of a separate piece both extensions s, s, may be formed with
slots S, S, coinciding one with the other, or a single slot S, may be used as
illustrated in Figure 80, in which case the protrusion of a stripping tongue T, is
avoided, and a perfect cylindrical surface is presented to the stripping portion.
The edges of the slot may be upset or turned inward as at S', Figures 67 and 68,
to stiffen them against the strain or resistance afforded by the end T, of a stripping
tongue during the operation of opening a can.
As the edges of the extensions s, after the blank has been stamped and folded
come together, it is desirable, where comparatively thin metal is used, to prevent
their overlapping each other and thus impairing the form of the shank in cross
section, and this 1 accomplish by the formation of lateral lugs l, which by opposing
cach other, broaden the contact and hold the two halves of the blank apart. In
this connection the lugs 1, may be formed with overlapping tongues L, or such

page_text: tongues L, may be formed in either one or both of the extensions s, s, and made to
overlap the opposed parts externally when the blank is folded. Thus in Figures 45
to 48, the ends of the extensions s, are bound together by such tongues L; in
Figures 50 and 51, the blank B, is held in its folded position by a binding tongue g,
on the handle h; while in Figure 77, both methods are resorted to, as is desirable
where thin tin is used. The blank is preferably stamped with offsets s¹, as shown
in Figures 47, and 48, for the reception of the binding tongues L, so as to afford a
continuous flush surface upon the exterior of the key K, although this is not
essential as will be seen by reference to Figures 50 and 51. In Figure 69, the
spacing lugs 1, are bent inward so as to form internal surfaces of considerable
extension on both sides and beyond the slot S, thus materially stiffening the shank
at and adjoining the point of severest strain.
The head or handle h, of the key may be formed and stiffened in various ways.
Where the metal is comparatively heavy a simple fold, as in Figures 53 to 58, will
be sufficient presenting a flat broad surface for contact with the fingers of the user.
With thinner metal it is desirable to reinforce and stiffen the handle h, and this
may be done by simply stamping and bending the central portion of the blank B,
into substantially cylindrical form; corrugating it as in Figures 82 and 83; or
using more metal and folding it transversely similar to the manner shown in
Figure 76.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
1st. A sheet metal can in which the portion to be stripped off to open the can
has a strip-winding key forming an integral part thereof, substantially in the
manner and for the purpose described.
2nd. A sheet metal can in which the portion to be stripped off to open the can
has a strip-winding key forming an integral part thereof, said key consisting of
a sheet of metal doubled upon itself to strengthen it and to form a blank around
which the stripping portion of the can may be wound to open the can, substantially
in the manner and for the purpose described.
3rd. A sheet metal can in which the portion to be stripped off to open the can
has a strip-winding key formed in oue piece therewith, consisting of a portion of
the sheet metal doubled upon itself to strengthen it and to form a convex shauk
around which the said stripping portion of the can may be wound to open the can,
substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.
4th. A sheet metal can in which the portion to be stripped off to open the can
has a strip winding key formed in one piece therewith, consisting of a portion of
the sheet metal doubled upon itself to strengthen it and to form a transverse handle
with a hollow cylindrical shank around which latter the said stripping portion may
be wound to open the can, substantially in the manner and for the purpose
described.
5th. A sheet metal can in which the portion to be stripped off to open the can
consists of the flange of an end plate having a strip-winding key formed integral
therewith substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.
6th. A sheet metal can in which the can body is formed with a stripping portion
having a strip-winding key integral therewith, around the shank of which key
portion the said stripping portion may be wound to open the can, substantially in
the manner and for the purpose described.
7th. A sheet metal can in which the can body is formed with a stripping portion
and with a stripping key consisting of a portion of the metal doubled upon itself
to stiffen it and to form a shank attached to the stripping portion of the can body
by an extension of said stripping portion beyond the edge of the can body whereby
the superposed parts of the key portion constituting the shank will be bound
together by said extension prior to the severing of the strip from the can body,
substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.

page_text: 8th. A key for opening sheet metal cans consisting of a piece of sheet metal
having a middle portion formed with extensions of less width, so that when the
blank is folded double, said middle portion will constitute a transverse head stiffened
by the fold, the extensions of less width constituting a shank formed with
coinciding slots in the superposed ends for the reception of a stripping tongue of a
can, substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.
9th. A key for opening sheet metal cans consisting of a piece of sheet metal
having a middle portion formed with extensions of less width which are embossed
so that when the blank is doubled upon itself the middle portion forms a transverse
head and the extensions form a hollow shank, said shank being slotted to receive
the stripping tongue of a can, substantially in the manner and for the purpose
described.
10th. A key for opening sheet metal cans consisting of a piece of sheet metal
having a middle portion formed with extensions of less width which are stamped
into semi-cylindrical shape, so that when the blank is folded with the concave
surfaces and the extensions opposed to each other a cylindrical shank will be formed,
which shank is slotted to receive the stripping tongue of a can substantially in the
manner and for the purpose described.
11th. A key for opening sheet metal cans consisting of a piece of sheet metal
having a middle portion formed with extensions of less width, said middle portion
being embossed transversely and the extensions being embossed longitudinally, the
blank being folded upon itself with the convex surfaces opposed, and the shank
being slotted to receive the stripping tongue of a sheet metal can, substantially in
the manner described.
12th. A key for opening sheet metal cans, consisting of a piece of sheet metal
having a middle portion formed with extensions of less width which are embossed
longitudinally so that when the blank is doubled upon itself the middle portion
forms a transverse head and the extensions form a hollow shank, said shank being
slotted to receive the stripping tongue of a sheet metal can, and the opposed
portions of the blank being held together as folded by a tongue upon one portion
overlapping the other portion, substantially in the manner and for the purpose
described.
13th. A key for opening sheet metal cans, consisting of a piece of sheet metal
having a middle portion formed with extensions of less width which are embossed
longitudinally so that when the blank is doubled upon itself the middle portion
forms a transverse head and the extensions form a hollow shank, said shank being
slotted to receive the stripping tongue of a sheet metal can, and the opposed
portions of the blank being held together, as folded, by tongues on one portion
overlapping the other portion substantially in the manner and for the purpose
described.
14th. A key for opening sheet metal cans, consisting of a piece of sheet metal
having a middle portion formed with extensions of less width which are formed
with laterally projecting lugs and are embossed longitudinally so that when the
blank is doubled upon itself the middle portion forms a transverse head and the
extensions form a hollow shank the halves of which are held in proper relation to
each other by the said lateral lugs, said shank being slotted to receive the stripping
flange of a sheet metal can, substantially in the manner and for the purpose
described.
15th. A key for opening sheet metal cans consisting of a piece of sheet metal
having a middle portion formed with extensions of less width which are formed
with laterally projecting lugs and are embossed longitudinally, so that when the
blank is folded upon itself the middle portion forms a transverse head and the
extensions form a hollow shank the two halves of which are held in proper relation
to each other by the said lateral lugs and bound together by tongues on one
portion overlapping the other portion, and said shank being slotted to receive the
stripping tongue of a sheet metal can, substantially in the manner and for the
purpose described.

page_text: 16th. A key for opening sheet metal caus consisting of a piece of sheet metal
having a middle portion formed with extensions of less width which are embossed
longitudinally, so that when the blank is doubled upon itself the middle portion
forms a transverse head and the extensions form a hollow shank, said shank being
slotted to receive the stripping tongue of a sheet metal can and having the edges
of the slot upset internally to strengthen them, substantially in the manner and for
the purpose described.
33 1 .
TL 100%
E. K. DUTTON & Co.,
5 John Dalton Street, Manchester, Chartered Patent Agents,
For the Applicant.