US3425591A - Container with tear out closure - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 4, 1969 w. A. PUGH, sR 3,425,591 Y CONTAINER WITH TEAR OUT cLosuRE Filed April 27, 1967 sheet or Will/bm A. Pug/1, Sr

` INVEN'TOR.

BY WM 5mm v Filed April 27; 1967 Feb. 4, 1969 w. A. PUGH, sR y 3,425,591

CONTAINER WITH TEAR OUI` CLOSURE Fig. 4

WIW/'am A. Pugh, Sr INVENTOR.

mmh A BY gym/nf M@ Feb. 4, 1969 w. A. PUGH, sR 3,425,591

CONTAINER WITH TEAR CUT CLOSUHE Filed April 27. 196'/ Sheet v Fig. /7 26 \\\\\\Yowv/'Ibm A. Pugh, sf f INVENTOR.

WFM Hm United States Patent O 3,425,591 CONTAINER WITH TEAR OUT CLGSURE Wiliiam A. Pugh, Sr., 5200 S. Harper Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60615 Filed Apr. 27, 1967, Ser. No. 634,146 U.S. Cl. 220--54 Int. Cl. B651! 17/20, 17/24, 7/04 14 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention generally relates to a container with a tear out closure and represents certain improvements and variations in that structure disclosed in my prior Patents Nos. 3,263,855, issued Aug. 2, 1966 for Metal Container With Tear Out Metal Tab and Straw and 3,295,715, issued Jan. 3, 1967 for Metal Container With Central Plastic Straw.

An object of the present invention is to provi-:le -a container with a tear out closure employing a ring-type handle attached to the closure by the use of a depressed cup-like recess formed in the closure and a plurality of depending and laterally extending wings on the handle with the wings and cupshaped member bein-g riveted together by a flattening operation so that the wings are securely fixed within the confines of the laterally flattened cupshaped member for secure anchoring of the handle to the closure member without the closure member itself being perforated as is the case when a brad type rivet is employed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a container in which the tear out closure is in the form of a tear out tab or plug which is surrounded by `a peripheral bead and which tapers downwardly toward the peripheral bead of the can lid with a score line disposed immediately interiorly of the bead so that the bead reinforces the portion of the lid adjacent the tear out closure member and forms a rounded surface for contact with the upper lip of a person drinking directly from the container.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a container in which the tear out closure is in the form of a peripheral tear strip extending completely about the lid so that the complete lid is removed by removing the tear strip in which the tear strip is provided with -a peripheral bead at the inner periphery thereof and a track or groove at both the inner and outer periphery of the tear strip with the score line being at the bottom of each groove.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a container in which the tear out closure is the complete lid defined by a peripheral score line and a bead immediately inwardly thereof together 'with a handle attached to the tear out lid intermediate the ends of the peripheral bead and provided with pointed members or legs serving to initially break through the score line.

Yet another important object of the present invention is to provide a container with a tear out closure in which the closure is provided Iwith a score line peripherally thereof. The score line is defined by an upper and lower score line disposed in opposed relationship to each other to facilitate break through thereof.

Still another important feature of the present invention is to provide a container with a tear out closure which adapts itself for many uses and embodiments and is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and enables the closure lid to be opened and removed by persons having various degrees of physical strength capabilities, without possible injury.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE l is a perspective view of a container with the tear out closure of the present invention incorporated therein in which the tear out closure is in the form of a tab extending from the central area of the container lid toward the peripheral bead thereof;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the container of FIGURE 1 with the closure member and handle therefor removed;

FIGURE 3 is a top plan view, on an enlarged scale, of the construction of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially upon a plan passing along section line 4-4 of FIGURE 3 illustrating the orientation of the ring-type handle, the connection between the handle and the tear out tab and the particular construction of the tear out tab and the manner in which it is inclined or tapered downwardly toward the peripheral bead of the container;

FIGURE 5 is `a sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 5-5 of FIGURE 3 illustrating further structural details of the tear out closure including the orientation of the arms on the tear out handle in relation to the peripheral bead surrounding the tear out tab;

lFIGURE 6 is a plan view of the tear out handle prior to its connection with the tear out tab;

FIGURE 7 is a plan View of the container after the tear out tab has been removed;

FIGURE 8 is a fragmental bottom perspective view, on an enlarged scale, illustrating the construction of the wings on the tear out handle;

FIGURE 9 is a detailed sectional View, on an enlarged scale, illustrating the construction of the riveted connection between the handle and tear out tab;

FIGURE 10 is a plan view of a container having a peripheral tear strip for removing the entire lid in which the initial portion of the tear strip extends diametrically of the lid;

FIGURE 11 is a detailed sectional View taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 11-11 of FIGURE l0 illustrating further structural details of this embodiment of the invention and particularly the concave construction of the strip and the orientation of the grooves or tracks defining the inner and outer periphery of the tear out strip;

FIGURE 12 is a plan view of a structure in which the entire lid is removed with the score line being disposed immediately inwardly of the peripheral bead of the container;

FIGURE 13 is a top plan view of a tear out tab embodiment of the invention in which the handle overlies the tab;

FIGURE 14 is a plan view of another embodiment of the invention in which the entire lid is removed with the score line being disposed intermediate the peripheral bead of the container and a peripheral bead spaced inwardly therefrom;

FIGURE 15 is a plan view of another embodiment of the invention in which the handle is disposed to one side of the container lid leaving the major portion of the lid thereof free of obstructions for receiving identification markings and the like;

FIGURE 16 is a plan view of another embodiment of the invention; and

FIGURE 17 is a detailed sectional view, on an enlarged scale, illustrating the structure of each score line illustrating the upper score and lower score disposed in opposed relation to each other.

Referring now specically to the drawings, the container is generally designated by the numeral 20 and may be of any conventional size and configuration and provided with the usual bottom closure 22 and a peripheral wall 24. The upper end of the container 20 is provided with a closure lid or top 26 secured to the peripheral wall 24 in a conventional manner in which a peripheral bead 28 is formed which sealingly and rigidly aftixes the lid or top 26 to the peripheral wall 24. To this extent, the container 20 is of conventional construction and the lid or top 26 is provided with the usual slight degree of convexity. In FIGURES 4 and 5 of the drawings, the t connection between the lid 26 and the container peripheral wall 24 has been rather schematically illustrated but it will be understood that this connection is conventional and forms no particular part of the present invention and may actually vary depending upon the materials being .y

employed as well as the thicknesses and other physical characteristics of the container.

The container lid or top 26 is provided with a tear out tab 30 which is dened by a peripheral score line 32 and a raised bead 34 which is disposed immediately outwardly of the score line 32 and rigidies the portion of the lid 26 from which the tab 30 is removed. As illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 7, the bead 34 extends completely about the periphery of the tab 30 except for the end portion thereof adjacent the center Of the lid. As illustrated in FIGURE 4, the tear out tab is inclined downwardly toward the distal end or the end adjacent the bead 28 so that the bead 34 has a slightly greater depth at the distal end as compared with the proximal end inasmuch as this area of the bead 34 will be engaged by the lip of a person consuming a liquid directly from the container.

FIGURE 17 illustrates the specific construction of the score line 32 in that it includes an upper score 36 which is generally V-shaped in configuration and a lower score 38 in alignment therewith and formed in the undersurrface of the lid 26 to provide for easier break through of the score line while yet retaining the tear out tab in sealed condition and fixedly attached to the lid. The scores 36 and 38 are directly opposite each other and enable the I material from which the container lid is constructed to be easily separated or torn without pulling metal upwardly from the lid which would provide a roughened and possibly sharp edge surface as the tear out is removed. By scoring both the top and undersurface of the lid, the tear out tab will leave a smooth edge which will not be deformed upwardly. In addition to leaving such an edge, the upper and lower score surfaces will enable easier initial break through and easier tear out of the tab thereby enabling persons having a limited degree of physical strength to easily manipulate the closure.

Attached to the closure tab 30 is a ring-type handle assembly generally designated by the numeral 40 and which includes an annular ring 42 having a laterally extending connecting portion 44 integral therewith and which includes a connecting ring 46 also integral therewith which is directly connected t0 the proximal end of the tear out tab 30.

The tab 30 is provided with a depressed cup-like depression 48 at the proximal end thereof which is disposed adjacent the center of the lid 26. The cup-like depression 48 is provided with a centrally disposed upwardly extending hillock 50 which provides an outwardly inclined upper surface for engagement by the inner ends of a plurality of wings or tongues 52 formed in the attaching ring 46 by a plurality of radially extending slits 54. The inner ends of the tongues or wings 52 are slightly spaced from each other as illustrated in FIGURE 8 and when the attaching ring 46 is assembled with the tab 30, the wings 52 are disposed in a downwardly extending direction so that their lower ends will engage the outwardly inclined upper surface of the hillock 50 and be deflected laterally outwardly when the cup-shaped depression 48 is flattened into the condition illustrated in FIGURES 4, 5 and 9 so that the wings 52 are securely gripped between the bottom surface of the depressed area 48 and the top folded portion thereof.

The wings or tongues 52 are roughened as by employing stippling 56, corrugations or the like and the portions of the depression 48 which engage the wings or tongues 52 may also be provided with corrugations, stippling or other roughened surfaces for securely mechanically gripping and securing the tongues 52 in rigidly clamped relation to the tab 30 as illustrated in FIGURE 9. A quantity of sealing material 58 in the form of a hot melt plastic or the like is disposed within the depression 48 and serves to completely fill the voids between the wings or tongues 52 and further facilitate the gripping engagement between the flattened depression 48 and the tongues 52 on the attaching ring 46. This material also precludes entry of debris or other foreign material during normal handling of the container.

The connecting portion 44 between the attaching ring 46 and the lift ring 42 is disposed against the upper surface of the tab 30 and extends against the upper surface of the container between the ends of the bead 34 as illustrated in FIGURE 4 so that this portion of the handle 40 overlies the proximal end of the score line 32 and it will be noted in FIGURE 4 that the outer periphery of the fiattened depressed portion 48 is substantially in alignment with the proximal end of the score line 32 so that as upward movement of the proximal end of the depressed portion 48 occurs, it will initially break the score line. The lid 26 immediately outwardly of the score line at the proximal end thereof is depressed or recessed as at 60 to receive the portion of the ring 42 which is integral with the connecting portion 44 and the depression 68 is circular t0 receive the ring 42 and at the distal end of the depression 60, there is an enlarged depressed area 62 to enable the tip end of the finger to be inserted under the ring 42 in o-rder to lift the ring 42 in the normal opening procedure.

To facilitate fulcruming of the riveted area formed by the depressed portion 48, the attaching ring 46 and the tongues 52, the handle assembly 40 is provided with a pair of arcuate legs 64 having a transverse cross-sectional configuration approximating that of the ends of the bead 34 with the legs 64 riding over and engaging the terminal end portions of the bead 34 as illustrated in FIGURE 5. The portion of the ring 42 and the outer edge portion of the legs 64 are interconnected by a web member 66 integral with the connecting portion 44. Thus, as the lift ring 46 is elevated, the fulcruming action of the handle will be exerted on the riveted end portion of the tab thus lifting the proximal end of the attened depressed portion 48 for initially breaking the score line at the proximal end of the tear out ta-b 30.

The placement of the hot melt material 58 serves not only to assist in rigidifying the connection between the handle and the pull out tab but also serves to lubricate the wings or tongues 52 as they are folded laterally outwardly and slide along the surfaces of the depression 48 as the depression is tiattened during formation. This material may be either a hot melt material or a suitable epoxy material which will set and harden to provide a rigid connection between the handle and the pull out tab. The lift ring is illustrated as a hollow member but actually may be rolled from a piece of material in flattened form rigidity with the entire handle assembly being of one piece construction and, of course, the entire lid being of one piece construction so that when the handle is attached to the lid, the lid is not perforated at all but is retained in its one piece construction to eliminate any possibility of leakage.

In removing the tear out tab 30, the pull ring I42 is lifted by inserting the linger interiorly of the ring and downwardly into the depression 62. The initial upward movement of the ring 42 will exert a corresponding downward pressure on the free ends of the legs -64 and an upward pressure on the flattened portion of the depressed area 48 at the proximal end of the score line thus breaking through the score line as continued upward pressure is exerted on the pull ring 42 due to the fulcruming point formed by the ends of the arms or legs 64 which engage over the bead 34 and which can slide slightly along the bead 34 during the fulcruming action. After the initial break through, the pull tab 30 is of course completely removed by continued upward and laterally outwardly directed force being exerted on the pull ring 42. The contents may then be poured from the container or consumed directly from the container with the bead 34 serving not only to rigidity the container lid While the tab 30 is being removed but also to provide a smooth rounded projecting bead for engagement by the lip and possibly tongue of the person drinking the contents directly from the container thereby orienting the tear edge defining the opening in the container lid below the top surface of the bead 34 thus protecting the lips and tongue of the person consuming the material directly from the container.

FIGURES and l1 illustrate a modified form of the invention generally designated by the numeral 70 and which includes a container Wall 72 having a closure lid 74 associated therewith in a conventional manner by providing the usual bead 76 at the outer periphery thereof which sealingly and mechanically connects the lid to the peripheral wall 72.

In this embodiment of the invention, a peripheral tear strip 78 is provided with the initial portion of the tear strip 80 extending across the central portion of the lid defined by the inner periphery of the peripheral tear strip 78 as illustrated in FIGUREIO.

FIGURE 11 illustrates the construction of the tear strip 78 in that it is provided with a transversely concave top surface for rigidity and the distal periphery is defined by a depressed channel, groove or track 82 while the proximal periphery of the tear strip 78 is defined by a similar depressed channel, track or groove 84 which is slightly greater in depth than the track 82 in view of the normal convexity of the container lid 74. The bottom of each of the tracks 82 and 84 is Hat and aligned and provided With a score line 86 which is also constructed in the manner as illustrated in FIGURE 17. Inwardly of the proximal track 84 the lid '74 is provided with a raised bead 88 which rigidies the lid 74 and provides for a clean tear edge at the lower edge of the inner or proximal track 84. The peripheral bead 76 on the lid 74 serves to rigidfy the outerrperiphery of the lid 74 when the tear strip 78 is being removed.

The initial portion of the tear strip 80 has a pair of beads 90 alongside thereof with one bead 90 merging with and joining the peripheral bead 88 and the other bead 90 being spaced from but closely adjacent the terminal end of the bead 88 as illustrated in FIGURE 10. The proximal score line 86 is continuous around the inner surface of the bead 90 which is continuous with the bead 88 whereas the distal score line 86 curves across the tear strip 80y as at 92 and extends in a score line 94 along the inner surface of the bead 90 which is spaced slightly from the terminal end of the peripheral bead 88. The proximal end of the initial portion 80 of the tear strip 78 is attached to a handle assembly 96 which is substantially the same as the handle assembly 40 defined in FIGURES 1-9 except that the lift ring 918 is not recessed in the lid but overlies a portion of the tear strip 78 so that the concave upper surface of the tear strip 78 will provide for insertion of the finger through and under the lift ring 98 for elevation thereof so that the proximal end of the initial portion S0 of the tear strip 78 may be initially broken away from the lid 74 in the same manner as described in conjunction with FIGURES l-9.

After the initial portion of the tear strip has been broken loose, it lwill be torn along the score lines 94 and the extension of the score line 86, across the tear strip 78 and along the tracks 82 and 84. Where the score line 82 crosses the tear strip 78, a reinforcing bead 100 may be provided to assure that the score line will be properly torn from the central portion of the lid 74 to the outer periphery thereof and then around the outer periphery so that the total lid Will be removed interiorly of the distal score line 86 at the bottom of the channel or track 82.

In FIGURE :12, the embodiment of the invention is generally designated by the numeral y and the lid 1-12 is provided with the usual bead 114 at the periphery thereof and a peripheral score line 11l6 is provided inwardly of the bead 114 and adjacent thereto. The handle assembly is generally designated by the numeral 1-18 and includes a pull ring and projecting pointed legs 122 which terminate coincidental with the score line 116. Extending inwardly of the ring 120 is a connecting portion 124 having a connecting ring and. tongue assembly 126 integral therewith which is connected to the lid 112 in the same manner in which the handle 40 is attached to the tab 30. With this construction, upward lifting of the ring 120 will cause downward fulcruming of the pointed legs 122 which serve to break through the score line 116 and continued upward force exerted on the ring 120 will lift the entire lid 112 upwardly along the score line -1-16.

FIGURE 13 illustrates another embodiment of the invention generally designated by the numeral in which the lid 132 is provided with a tear out tab `134 encircled by a peripheral bead 136 with a score line immediately inwardly thereof. The handle assembly includes a lift ring 138 having an integral laterally extending connecting portion 140 connected to the tab 134 by the tongue and depression assembly 142 similar to the manner in which the handle 40 is attached to the tab 30 in FIGURES 1-9. The terminal end of the connecting portion 140 is provided with a plurality of points 144 which are arranged arcuately and are disposed in overlying relation to the score line. Thus, as the pull ring 138 is lifted, the handle will fulcrum with the points 144 sequentially moving downwardly to initially break through the score line and compeltely break through the distal end of the tear out tab 134. This construction, in effect, provides the handle assembly and the tear out tab in overlapping relation for leaving a substantial portion of the lid 132 unchanged or smooth for printing advertising indicia, identifying indicia or the like thereon.

FIGURE 14 illustrates another embodiment of the invention generally designated by the numeral 150 in which the lid 152 includes the usual bead 154 and an inner bead 156 spaced slightly inwardly therefrom with a score line 1'58 disposed between the beads 156 and 154. The bead 1-56 is not continuous and where it is discontinuous, a handle assembly 160 is attached to the lid 152 and the handle assembly 160 is similar to the handle assembly 40 in FIGURES 1-9 and includes a lift ring 162, a connecting portion 164 and a connecting ring 166 connected to the lid 152 by the tongue and depressed area. The handle assembly includes a pair of legs 168 which overlie raised beads 170 and terminate in pointed ends generally adjacent the score line 158. Also, the connecting portion 1166 terminates in a plurality of pointed teeth 172 which are arcuately arranged and which are disposed generally in alignment with the score line 158 so that upon upward movement of the lift ring 162, the handle assembly 160 fulcrums and breaks the score line 158 in both directions so that upward movement of the handle assembly 1'60 by exerting upward force on the full ring 1162 after initial break through will compeltely remove the lid 152 by tearing the lid along the score line `158 with the bead 156 serving to rigidify the lid 152 to eliminate distortion and deformation thereof while it is being separated along the score line 158.

FIGURE illustrates another embodiment of the invention generally designated by the numeral 176 in which the can lid 178 is provided with the usual bead 180 and a peripheral score line 182. A handle assembly generally designated by the numeral 184 is attached to the lid 178 by the tongue and depressed attaching assembly 186 similar to the manner in which the handle assembly 40 is attached to the tear out tab 30 in FIG- URES 1-9. The handle assembly .184 includes a lift ring `188 and a plurality of pointed teeth 190 which are disposed arcuately along the score line 182 with the pull ring 188 also generally coinciding with the score line 182.

FIGURE 16 illustrates another embodiment of the invention generally designated by reference numeral 194 in which the lid 196 is provided with the usual peripheral bead 198 but in this instance, only a tear out tab 200 is being removed with the tear out tab being defined by a perpiheral score line 202. The lift handle assembly 204 includes a lift ring 206` and laterally projecting pointed legs or arms 208 integral therewith which coincide with a transverse end portion 210 on the score line 202 so that the initial break through of the tear out tab 200 will be at the distal end thereof. Extending inwardly from the ring 206 is a connecting portion 212 having an attaching ring 214 integral therewith and attached to the tear out tab 200 in the same manner as the handle 40 is attached to the tear out tab in FIGURES 1-9. In this construction, the pull ring 206 is elevated and due to the fulcruming atcion, the pointed ends of the legs or arms 208 will be depressed thus causing initial break through along the ends of the transverse distal end 2110 of the score line 202.

In each embodiment -of the invention, the score line or score lines will be as illustrated in FIGURE 17, the connection between the handle and the tear out tab or lid will be as illustrated in FIGURE 9 and in each instance, the connecting portion between the lift ring and the connecting or attaching portion is somewhat flexible to allow the lift ring to be picked up with the lift ring and the arms being substantially rigid to provide better taut for initial break through of the score line. The lift handle is of one `piece construction and may be embedded into the top surface of the lid to provide an uninterrupted surface to eliminate any possible hanging or catching of the components of the container during normal handling thereof. In removing the total lid, the lift handle is `first lifted upwardly and pulled forwardly and then may be pulled rearwardly when removing the entire lid whereas when removing the tear out tab, the direction of movement is continuous and in a single direction. The incorporation of the tear out closure as embodied in the present invention will be substantially equivalent to presently available container lids having a tear out strip either in the form of a tear out tab or a strip for completely removing the lid. Protective coatings such as of an epoxy material may be provided over the entire lid to prevent entry of debris, water or other contaminants into the recesses in the container which possibly could come into contact with the contents of the container during the opening operation. The components of the closure member and the handle assembly may be of any conventional material having the requisite strength requirements depending upon the use of the invention inasmuch as certain commodities of beverages require different strength characteristics than other commodities.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scop'e of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. In a container including a peripheral wall, a lid forming a closure for the peripheral wall, said lid including a tear out closure member integral therewith, handle means attached to said closure member for enabling removal thereof, said handle means including a lift ring having an integral connecting portion, said connecting portion having a plurality of tongues integral therewith, said closure member having a depressed recess therein receiving said tongues, said depressed recess in the closure member being flattened and clampingly engaging the end portions of said tongues therein for securing the lift ring to the closure member, and means forming a portion of the handle means for initially breaking the closure member away from the remainder of the lid, said closure member being connected to the lid by a score line defining an initial `break through point, said closure member |being in the form of a tear out tab extending generally from the central portion of the lid to a point adjacent the periphery thereof, a bead encircling a major portion of the tear out tab with the score line being disposed at the inner edge of the bead, said tear out tab being inclined downwardly and outwardly so that the bead has a greater depth at the distal end las compared with the proximal end to assure that the line of separation between the tear out tab and the lid will be disposed below the top surface of the bead to prevent contact of the lip of a person drinking from the container with the line of separation.

2. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said means on the handle means includes a pair of arms shaped to conform with and disposed in overlying engagement with a portion of the bead adjacent each end thereof and generally in alignment with the connection 'between the handle means and the tear out tab.

3. The structure as defined in claim 2 wherein said pull ring is connected to the connecting portion of the handle means through a flexible neck.

4. In a container including a peripheral wall, a lid forming a closure for the peripheral wall, said lid including a tear out closure member integral therewith, handle means attached to said closure member for enabling removal thereof, said handle means including a lift ring having an integral connecting portion, said connecting portion having a plurality of tongues integral therewith, said closure member having a depressed recess therein receiving said tongues, said depressed recess in the closure member being flattened and clampingly engaging the end Iportions of said tongues therein for securing the lift ring to the closure member, and means forming a portion of the handle means for initially breaking the closure member away from the remainder of the lid, said closure member Ibeing connected to the lid by a score line defining an initial break through point, said closure member including a tear strip extending peripherally of said lid, an initial portion of said strip extending diametrally of the lid and having said handle means attached thereto, said tear strip being transversely concave for rigidity.

5. The structure as defined in claim 4 wherein said tear strip is defined by a pair of concentric channel-shaped grooves in said lid, each of said grooves having a score line in the bottom thereof.

6. The structure as defined in claim 5 wherein the innermost of said -grooves is adjacent a 4peripheral reinforcing bead in the lid to stiffen the lid for enabling removal of the tear strip without deformation of the lid.

7. In a container including a peripheral wall, a lid forming a closure for the peripheral wall, said lid including a tear out closure member integral therewith, handle means attached to said closure member for enabling removal thereof, said handle means including a lift ring having an integral connecting portion, said connecting portion having a plurality of tongues integral there with, said closure member having a depressed recess therein receiving said tongues, said depressed recess in the elo-sure -member being attened and clampingly engaging the end portions of said tongues therein for securing the lift ring to the closure member, and means forming a portion of the handle means for initially breaking the closure member away from the remainder of the lid, said closure member :being connected to the lid by a score line defining an initial break through point, said closure member including the complete lid with the score line extending peripherally thereof, said handle means being attached to the lid at one side thereof, said means forming a portion of said handle means including spaced pointed members aligned with the score line for exerting initial break through downward force on the lid adjacent the score line.

8. The structure as defined in claim 7 wherein said handle means includes a 4pull ring spaced from the pointed members to fulcrum and handle means, said pull ring having a neck portion integral therewith attached to the lid.

9. The structure `as deiined in claim 8 wherein said neck portion extends radially inwardly of the pull ring for lattachment to the lid in underlying relation to the ring.

10. The structure as dened in claim 8 wherein said pull ring is disposed in partially overlying relation t-o the score line thereby leaving a substantial portion of the lid free of obstructions.

11. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said handle means includes a pull ring recessed into a groove in said lid, said lid including a recess therein underlying the pull ring to provide access thereto.

12. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said scores are covered with an air impervious coating to prevent oxidation when the lid is constructed of a metallic material, said depressed recess having a liller of sealant therein to ll the voids between the tongues to exclude foreign material therefrom and securely anchor the tongues in place.

13. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said tongues are roughened by stippling, corrugating or the like, the portions of said depressed recess engaging the tongues also 'being roughened for secure mechanical gripping of the tongues for rigidly clamping the tongues to the lid.

14. The structure as defined in claim 13 wherein said depressed recess is partially Ifilled with a hot melt prior to riveting, said hot melt providing lubricity to the tongues and filling void spaces between the tongues and substantially filling the depressed recess when attened to protect the depressed recess from debris, water, ambient moisture within the changing environment encountered when shipping, storing and refrigerating or cooling fby ice contacted therewith.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,856,543 5/1932 Ericsson 220-48 3,263,855 8/1966 Pugh 220-54 3,295,715 1/1967 Pugh 220-54 3,322,296 5/ 1967 Khoury a 220-48 3,348,726 10/1967 La Cross 22054 GEORGE T. vHALL, Primary Examiner,

Images