END CAP WITH CHILD RESISTANT OPENING TAB AND METHOD THEREFOR

Abstract

An assembly including an end cap having a score line defining a flap, wherein the score line is configured to be torn along its length to enable the flap to pivot about a hinge area. The assembly includes a tab having a first rivet opening and a second rivet opening, wherein at least part of the tab is spaced away from the flap. The assembly further includes a first rivet extending through the first rivet opening and coupling the tab to the end cap at a location spaced away from the flap, and a second rivet extending through the second rivet opening and coupling the tab to the end cap at a location spaced away from the flap.

Claims

1. An assembly comprising: an end cap having a score line defining a flap, wherein the score line is configured to be torn along its length to enable the flap to pivot about a hinge area; a tab having a first rivet opening and a second rivet opening, wherein at least part of the tab is spaced away from the flap; a first rivet extending through the first rivet opening and coupling the tab to the end cap at a location spaced away from the flap; and a second rivet extending through the second rivet opening and coupling the tab to the end cap at a location spaced away from the flap.

2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the second rivet and the second rivet opening are configured such that the tab is releasable from the second rivet, after which the tab is pivotable about the first rivet such that an end of the tab is pressable into the flap to cause the score line to tear along its length.

3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the assembly is configured such that the tab is releasable from the second rivet by the second rivet passing through the second rivet opening when a predetermined force is applied to the tab.

4. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the assembly is configured such that the tab is releasable from the second rivet when a force of greater than 3 lbs. is applied to the tab in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the end cap.

5. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the second rivet opening has a closed outer perimeter that extends 360 degrees, wherein the tab lacks any score lines that intersect the second rivet opening, and wherein the assembly is configured such that an entirety of portions of the tab positioned below the second rivet, when the tab is coupled to the second rivet, are not positioned below the second rivet after the tab is released from the second rivet.

6. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the assembly is configured such that portions of the tab positioned below the second rivet when the tab is coupled to the second rivet, are deformed when a predetermined force is applied to the tab to enable the second rivet to pass through the second rivet opening to thereby release the tab from the second rivet.

7. The assembly of claim 2 where the tab is sufficiently stiff and/or strong such that when a upward lifting force is applied to the tab urging the tab upwardly away from the end cap when the tab is coupled to the second rivet, the upward lifting force is sufficiently transmitted to portions of the tab below the second rivet to cause the portions of the tab below the second rivet to be deformed, and/or to cause the second rivet to be deformed, to enable the second rivet to pass through the second rivet opening to thereby release the tab from the second rivet.

8. The assembly of claim 1 wherein a head of the second rivet at least partially overlaps with part of the tab to couple the tab to the end cap.

9. The assembly of claim 8 wherein at least another part of the head of the second rivet does not overlap with the tab.

10. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the assembly is configured such wherein the tab is releasable from the second rivet with a lesser force than is required to release the tab from the first rivet.

11. (canceled)

12. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the second rivet opening is elongated.

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the tab includes a supplemental second rivet opening, and wherein the assembly further includes a supplemental second rivet extending through the supplemental second rivet opening and coupling the tab to the end cap.

16. (canceled)

17. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the first rivet is positioned at a geometric center of the end cap, and the second rivet is spaced away from the geometric center of the end cap.

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the score line is in the shape of a generally, but not entirely, closed loop, wherein at least part of the tab is positioned above at least part of the flap, wherein another at least part of the tab is not positioned above the flap, wherein the end cap is circular in top view, and wherein the end cap is coupled to a cylindrical container configured to store liquid therein.

21. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the assembly is configured such that portions of the tab at least ninety degrees around the second rivet opening are directly coupled to an outer edge of the tab, with no openings therebetween.

22. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the assembly is configured such that portions of the tab at least about ninety degrees about the second rivet opening are directly coupled to an outer edge of the tab, without traversing a score line.

23. An assembly comprising: an end cap; a score line positioned in the end cap and defining a flap, wherein the score line is configured to be torn along its length to enable the flap to pivot about a hinge area, wherein the score line is in a shape of a generally, but not entirely, closed loop; and a tab coupled to the end cap by a first rivet and a second rivet at locations spaced away from the flap.

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

26. A method for making an assembly comprising: accessing an end cap having a score line therein and defining a flap, wherein the score line is configured to be torn along its length to enable the flap to pivot about a hinge area; accessing a tab having a first rivet opening and a second rivet opening; passing a first rivet through the first rivet opening to thereby couple the tab to the end cap at a location spaced away from the flap; and passing a second rivet through the second rivet opening to thereby couple the tab to the end cap at a location spaced away from the flap.

27. The method of claim 26 wherein the first and second rivets are coupled to the end cap before and after both passing steps, and wherein after both coupling steps at least part of the tab is spaced away from the flap.

28. An assembly comprising: an end cap; a score line positioned in the end cap and defining a flap, wherein the score line is configured to be torn along its length to enable the flap to pivot about a hinge area, the score line having a pair of spaced-apart ends defining a landed area therebetween; a first rivet coupled to the end cap at a location spaced away from the flap, the first rivet being configured to be received through a first rivet opening of a tab; and a second rivet coupled to the end cap at a location spaced away from the flap, the second rivet being configured to be received through a second rivet opening of the tab.

29. The assembly of claim 28 further comprising the tab, the tab having the first rivet opening and the second rivet opening, wherein the first rivet is received through the first rivet opening and the second rivet is received through the second rivet opening, and wherein said assembly is configured such that the tab is releasable from the second rivet, after which the tab is pivotable about the first rivet such that an end of the tab is pressable into the flap to cause the score line to tear along its length.

30. (canceled)

31. A system including a tab, the tab including: a generally oval tab body having a front portion and a back portion, the tab body being made of a piece of relatively thin, sheet-like material, the front portion including a front opening formed therein with a peninsula positioned therein; a first rivet positioned in the peninsula, wherein the first rivet opening is configured to receive a first rivet therethrough to couple the tab to an end cap at a center thereof; and a second rivet positioned on an opposite side of the peninsula along a length of the tab, wherein the second rivet opening is configured to receive a second rivet therethrough to couple the tab to the end cap, wherein the second rivet opening is positioned between the first rivet opening and a back tip of the tab along a length of the tab, wherein the second rivet opening has a closed outer perimeter that extends 360 degrees, and wherein portions of the tab at least ninety degrees around the second rivet opening are directly coupled to an outer edge of the tab in a radial direction, with no openings therebetween.

32. The system of claim 31 further including the end cap, wherein the end cap is made of a relatively thin metal material and has a score line defining a flap, wherein the score line is configured to be torn along its length to enable the flap to pivot about a hinge area, wherein the system further includes a first rivet received through the first rivet opening and coupling the tab to a center of the end cap, and a second rivet received through the second rivet opening and coupling the tab to the end cap.

33. The system of claim 32 wherein the first rivet opening is circular, the second rivet opening is elongated, and wherein the tab is configured such that the tab is releasable from the second rivet, after which the tab is pivotable about the first rivet such that the front portion of the tab is pressable into the flap to cause the score line to tear along its length.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of a closed container, with the tab in a locked position;

[0006] FIG. 2 shows the container of FIG. 1, with the tab in a released position;

[0007] FIG. 3 shows the container of FIG. 2, with the tab further raised to open the flap of the container;

[0008] FIG. 4 is a top view of the end cap of the container of FIG. 1;

[0009] FIG. 5 is a cross section of the end cap of FIG. 4, taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

[0010] FIG. 6 shows the end cap of FIG. 4, with the tab removed;

[0011] FIG. 7 is a top view of the tab of FIG. 4;

[0012] FIG. 8 is detail view of the area indicated in FIG. 5;

[0013] FIG. 9 is shows the end cap of FIG. 5, with the tab in the released position and the flap initially opened;

[0014] FIG. 10 is a detail view of the area indicted in FIG. 9;

[0015] FIG. 11 is top view of an alternative tab; and

[0016] FIG. 12 is a top view of yet another alternative tab, with two secondary rivets extending therethrough.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a container 10, such as a can or the like, having a tubular (cylindrical in one case) body or main portion 12, with a circular lid or end cap 14 coupled thereto. In one case the end cap 14 is formed separately (see e.g. FIGS. 4 and 5) and coupled to the main portion 12 of the container 10 such that the end cap 14 is coupled to and/or forms part of the container 10, as will be described in greater detail below. The end cap 14 can include or be made of an end cap body 16 made of a relatively flat, thin piece of sheet-like material, including metals such as aluminum, steel, aluminum alloys, steel alloys and the like. The end cap 14/end cap body 16 can be relatively thin and planar, in one case having a thickness of between about 7/1000 and 10/1000 in one case, and more specifically between about 8/1000 and about 8.5/1000 in another case. The end cap 14/end cap body 16 can be generally circular in top view so that the end cap 14 can be coupled to the generally cylindrical main portion 12 of the container 10, but can have other shapes as desired.

[0018] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 5, the end cap 14/end cap body 16 can in one case have a main panel 18, a tapered countersink groove 20 extending about an outer perimeter thereof, and an outer curl portion 22 configured to fit about and be coupled to an upper flange 24 of the main portion 12 of the container 10. The end cap 14/end cap body 16 can further have a deboss panel or depressed area 26, defined by a downwardly angled chamfer portion or edge 28.

[0019] With reference to FIG. 6, the end cap 14 can have a main score line 30 and an anti-fracture score line 32 formed therein. The main score line 30 can extend in a nearly closed loop shape in top view, having a generally oval shape in the illustrated embodiment and defining a flap or flap area 34 therein. The flap 34 can also include a debossed section, or down bead 36, located in a center area of the flap 34 to provide increased stiffness to the flap 34.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment the main score line 30 does not form a complete loop but leaves a gap, landed area or hinge area 38 through which the main score line 30 does not extend. The main score line 30 has a first end 40 and a second end 42 that are spaced apart to define the hinge area 38 about which the flap 34 is pivotable. The main score line 30 in one case extends circumferentially between about 330 to about 350, such that the hinge area 38 in one case extends circumferentially between about 10 and about 30. Thus the main score line 30 can be in the shape of a generally, but not entirely, closed loop.

[0021] The main score line 30 can be a cut or area of displaced/deformed/removed material formed in the thickness of the end cap 14. The main score line 30 can have a generally constant depth, but in some cases, the main score line 30 can have a shallower depth (and greater/thicker residual) in certain areas, for example in one case to define a check slot region (not shown) which slows the propagation of the tearing of the main score line 30, and can also have varying depths at other areas. In one case, where the end cap 14/end cap body 16 has a thickness of between about 8/1000 and about 8.5/1000, the main score line 30 can have an average and/or median depth of between about 3/1000 in one case, or 4/1000 in another case, on the lower end, and about 6/1000, on the upper end. The main score line 30 can in one case, extend an average and/or median depth between about 50% and about 75% of a thickness of the end cap 14/end cap body 16, in that case leaving a residual thickness of between about 25% and about 50%.

[0022] The anti-fracture score line 32 is formed in the end cap 14/end cap body 16, and can extend parallel or generally parallel to the main score line 30 in top view. In the illustrated embodiment the anti-fracture score line 32 is positioned radially inside the main score line 30, but in other cases the anti-fracture score line 32 can be located radially outside the main score line 30. In yet another case anti-fracture score lines 32 can be located both radially inside and radially outside the main score line 30. The anti-fracture score line(s) 32 is, in one case, maintained a generally constant distance from the main score line 30 to be parallel to the main score line 30 and not intersect the main score line 30. The main score line 30 and anti-fracture score line 32 can extend to a score loop 44, and join/meet at an intersection point 46.

[0023] The anti-fracture score line 32 can be a cut or area of displaced, deformed or removed material formed in the thickness of the end cap 14. The anti-fracture score line 32 can be formed at the same time as formation of the main score line 30, and can be provided to reduce stresses in the end cap 14 and/or main score line 30 during formation of the main score line 30. In one case, the anti-fracture score line 32 has a lesser depth (and thus greater residual thickness) than the main score line 30, and in one case extends (average and/or median) between about 40% and about 60% of a thickness of the end cap 14/end cap body 16, leaving a residual thickness of between about 40% and about 60%.

[0024] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, the container 10 and/or end cap 14 can have a generally oval-shaped tab 48 having a tab body with a front end/tip 50 and an opposed back end/tip 52. With reference to FIG. 8, the tab 48 can include a rolled portion 54 about an outer perimeter thereof to provide stiffening to the tab 48 and reduce exposure of sharp edges of the tab 48. The front end/tip 50 of the tab 48 can be positioned above and/or in contact with the flap 34. At least part of the tab 48 (e.g. including the back end 52) may be spaced away from and/or positioned outside of/not positioned above the flap 34 and/or main score line 30. The tab 48 can be made of or include a relatively flat, sheet-like thin piece of sheet-like material, including metals such as aluminum and aluminum alloys, or steel and steel alloys and the like, and can have a thickness of between about 9/1000 and about 9.5/1000 in one case, or less than about 10.5/1000 in one case, or less than about 11/1000 in yet another case and/or greater than about 8.5/1000 in another case.

[0025] The tab 48 can include an arcuate front opening 56 formed therethrough, and a hemispherical peninsula 58 positioned in/adjacent to the front opening 56. A first rivet opening 60 can be positioned in the peninsula 58. The first rivet opening 60 is circular or generally circular in one case, positioned at (and/or at least partially overlapping with) a geometric center A of the end cap 14 in one case (FIG. 4).

[0026] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 8, the container 10/end cap 14 can include a first rivet 62 that extends through/is received through the first rivet opening 60 to thereby couple the tab 48 to the end cap 14/end cap body 16. In one case the first rivet 62 is integrally/unitarily/seamlessly formed with the end cap 14/end cap body 16. The first rivet 62 can have a (cylindrical, in one case) hollow shaft 64 extending upwardly from the end cap body 16 and forming a majority of a length/height of the first rivet 62, and a (circular/cylindrical, in one case) head 66 at an upper (distal) axial end thereof that extends radially outwardly from the shaft 64.

[0027] In one case, the first rivet opening 60 has a size/diameter slightly smaller (e.g. between about 0.1% and about 1% smaller) than the shaft 64 of the first rivet 62 to form an interference fit therebetween. However, this configuration can be varied as desired such that the first rivet opening 60 is the same size as, or larger than, the shaft 64 of the first rivet 62. In addition, the first rivet opening 60 can have a size/diameter that is smaller (between about 0.1 and 5% smaller in one case, or between about 1% and about 5% smaller in another case) than the largest dimension (diameter) of the rivet head 66, to enable the first rivet 62 retain the tab 48 in place. In one case, the first rivet opening 60 has a diameter of between about 0.1290 and about 0.1295 inches in one case, or between about 0.1290 and about 0.130 inches in another case, or about 0.130 inches in yet another case; the shaft 64 of first rivet 62 has a diameter of about 0.130 inches in one case, or about 0.1290 inches in another case; and the head 66 of the first rivet 62 has a diameter of between about 0.145 inches and about 0.152 inches.

[0028] The tab 48 can include a recessed area/landed area 70 at or adjacent to its back end 52 thereof, and a second rivet opening 72 positioned therein. The landed area 70 can be made of the same materials and/or have the same thickness as the other portions of the tab 48 as described above. In one case the landed area 70 is unitary, continuous and seamless, and lacks any scores, score lines, perforation lines, tear guidelines, areas of weakness etc. (together, termed score lines).

[0029] The container 10/end cap 14 can include a second rivet 74 that is, in one case, integrally/unitarily/seamlessly formed with the end cap 14/end cap body 16. The second rivet 74 can extend through/is received through the second rivet opening 72 to thereby further couple the tab 48 to the end cap 14/end cap body 16. The second rivet 74 can have a hollow shaft 76 (FIG. 8) extending upwardly from the end cap body 16 and forming a majority of a length/height of the second rivet 74, and a head 78 at an upper (distal) axial end thereof that extends radially outwardly from the shaft 76.

[0030] In one case the first rivet 62/first rivet opening 60 are configured to be coupled to a center A of the container 10/end cap 14. In the illustrated embodiment as shown for example in FIG. 7, the second rivet 74/second rivet opening 72 are spaced away from the geometric center A of the container 10/end cap 14 and/or are spaced from the first rivet opening 60. Thus the second the second rivet 74/second rivet opening 72 can be located closer to the back end 52 of the tab 48 along its length, and/or further from the front tip end 50 of the tab 48, as compared to the first rivet 62/first rivet opening 60. In one case the first rivet 62/first rivet opening 60 are located on a front half of the tab 48 and the second rivet 74/second rivet opening 72 are located on a back half of the tab 48. In another case the second rivet 74/second rivet opening 72 are located between the first rivet 62/first rivet opening 60 and the back end 52 of the tab 48. The first rivet 62, first rivet opening 60, second rivet 74 and second rivet opening 72 in one case are all aligned and centered in a lateral (left-to-right) direction on the tab 48. In another case the front opening 56/peninsula 58 are located between the second rivet 74/second rivet opening 72 and the first rivet 62/first rivet opening 60 along a length of the tab 48. The second rivet 74 and/or second rivet opening 72 can be spaced away from, not connected to and/or not be positioned on or over the flap 34/main score line 30, when the tab 48 is in is flat/retracted position shown for example in FIG. 1.

[0031] The second rivet opening 72 is eccentric/elongated/non-circular in one case, and is generally oval or elliptical in the illustrated embodiment, for reasons which will be described in greater detail below. The second rivet opening 72 can in one case be an arcuate cutout, with semicircular ends, curving around the center A of the container 10/end cap 14, and/or curving around the first rivet opening 60. The second rivet opening 72 can thus be elongated in/extend in a circumferential or tangential direction with regard to a center A of the end cap 14/end cap body 16.

[0032] With reference to FIG. 7, when the second rivet opening 72 is elongated, the second rivet opening 72 can have a largest dimension/diameter B, extending along a radial line and/or extending along the radial direction of the end cap 14/container 10. The largest dimension/diameter B can also or instead extend along a longest dimension of the tab 48 and/or extend along a line that bisects the tab 48, but in other cases the largest dimension/diameter may not be position along a line that bisects the tab 48. The shaft 76 of the second rivet 74 can have a diameter, or largest dimension, or effective diameter, smaller than the largest dimension B of the second rivet opening 72 such that the shaft 76 passes cleanly through the second rivet opening 72. However in an alternative embodiment the shaft 76 of the second rivet 74 has a diameter, or largest dimension, or effective diameter, that is equal to or larger than the largest dimension B of the second rivet opening 72 to form an interference fit therebetween. As used herein, the term effective diameter can mean, as applied to an eccentric or non-circular component or space, the diameter of a circular component or space that provides the same surface area.

[0033] The head 78 of the second rivet 74 can have a diameter, largest dimension (in the same direction as the largest dimension B of the second rivet opening 72) and/or effective diameter, greater than that of the largest dimension B of the second rivet opening 72 so that the second rivet 74 securely couples the tab 48 to the end cap body 16. In one case, diameter, largest dimension in the same direction as B, and/or effective diameter of the head 78 of the second rivet 74 is between about 1% and about 10% larger than the largest dimension B of the second rivet opening 72 to form an interference fit therebetween. In one case, the largest dimension B of second rivet opening 72 is between about 0.089 inches and about 0.093 inches, the shaft 76 of the second rivet 74 has a diameter of between about 0.088 and about 0.091 inches, and the head 78 of the second rivet 74 has a diameter of between about 0.092 inches and about 0.105 inches.

[0034] As noted above, the second rivet opening 72 can be elongated in top view, and the shaft 76 and head 78 of the second rivet 74 can each be circular in top view. Thus with respect to the configuration and positioning shown in FIG. 4 the second rivet 74 can have a maximum overlap with the tab 48 at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions (e.g. indicated at 75), and can have minimal, or no, overlap with the tab at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions (e.g. indicated at 77). Thus it can be seen that area of overlap between the second rivet 74 and the tab 48, when the tab 48 is positioned below the second rivet 74, can be two crescent-shaped surface areas, centered around the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions 75, respectively. Accordingly in one case at least part of the second rivet 74 overlaps with the tab 48 (e.g. in top view and/or in a view taken along a central axis A) and at least part of the second rivet 74 does not overlap with the tab 48.

[0035] In one case, the overlapping surface area between the second rivet 74 and the tab 48 is between about 0.0002 square inches and about 0.0007 square inches. Of course, the shape and positioning of the overlapping surface areas can vary depending upon the shape of the second rivet 74 and the second rivet opening 72. It should also be noted that, although the second rivet opening 72 is described and shown as being oval/eccentric in one case, the second rivet opening 72 could instead be circular, square, diamond shaped, hexagonal, pentagonal, octagonal, figure 8 shaped (FIG. 11) or have other shapes as desired.

[0036] After the container 10 is filled with fluid and shipped to a distributor/customer, the tab 48 can be secured to the end cap 14/end cap body 16 by the two rivets 62, 74, and is in a locked position, as shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 8. In order to access the inner cavity 80 of the container 10 and access/pour out the contents, a lifting force (such as a manual lifting force in one case) is applied to the back end 52 of tab 48, causing the landed area 70 of the tab 48 and/or the head 78 of the second rivet 74 to deform, until the head 78 of the second rivet 74 passes through the second rivet opening 72, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 9. In some cases, a tool, coin, key, or other foreign object (not shown) may be lodged between the tab 48 and the end cap 14 to apply a leveraging, predetermined force to pass/force the second rivet 74 through the second rivet opening 72.

[0037] In FIG. 10, deformed portions 82 of the tab 48/landed area 70 after separation/release of the tab 48 are shown. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 9, at this stage the tab 48 is no longer secured to the end cap 14/end cap body 16 via the second rivet 74 (but is secured to the end cap 14/end cap body 16 via the first rivet 62) and can be considered to be in the releasedposition.

[0038] In one case, the deformed portions 82 have a maximum deformation (e.g. at the distal ends) of at least in one case, or at least in another case, of the thickness of the tab 48 and/or landed area 70. In one case, the deformed portions 82 have a maximum deformation of about least 0.0025 inches, or at least about 0.005 inches in another case. Although head 78 of the second rivet 74 may also deform somewhat to enable the release/separation of the tab 48, in one case the container 10/end cap 14 is designed such that the tab 48 deforms more than the head 78 of the second rivet 74.

[0039] After the tab 48 is released from the second rivet 74, the tab 48 can then be further manually raised and thereby pivot the tab 48 about the first rivet 62. During pivoting of the tab 48, the peninsula 58 remains generally flat and co-planar with the end cap 14, and the remainder of the tab 48 is free to pivot as freed by the front opening 56. In this movement the tab 48 is pivoted about an axis parallel to the plane of the end cap body 16, raising/moving/pivoting the tab 48 in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the end cap body 16. This movement pushes or presses the forward tip/end 50 of the tab 48 downwardly into the flap 34, opening the flap 34 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 9. During opening of the flap 34, the main score line 30 is torn along its length in a downstream circumferential direction to enable the flap 34 to pivot about the hinge area 38. Once the main score line 30 is torn along an entirety of its length, the flap 34 is then formed and folded downwardly about the hinge area 38 into the main portion 12 of the container 10, as the main score line 30 tears or fractures along its length, thereby forming an opening through which the contents of the container 10 can be dispensed.

[0040] In this manner the second rivet 74 can provide a secondary connection of the tab 48, which can make it more difficult for a child or minor to open the flap 34 and access the contents of the container 10, but should not be so strong as to prevent an adult user from releasing the tab 48. The force required to move the tab 48 from the secured position to the release position can vary, but in one case is between about 3 lbs. and about 9 lbs., or between about 4 lbs. and 8 lbs. in another case, or less than 9 lbs. in one case and/or greater than 3 lbs. in another case.

[0041] The force required to move the tab 48 from the secured position to the release position can be less than a force required to separate the tab 48 from the first rivet 62, as it is generally not desired to allow the tab 48 to separate from the first rivet 62 to avoid littering, the presentation of sharp edges, etc. More particularly, the force required to separate the tab 48 from the second rivet 74 can be less than 50% in one case, or less than 75% in another case, or less than 100% in yet another case of a force required to separate the tab 48 from the first rivet 62. Because the tab 48 is configured to be released from the second rivet 74 with a force lower than that required to release from the first rivet 62, the second rivet opening 72 and the second rivet 74 can be smaller than the first rivet opening 60 and the first rivet 62, respectively, to provide a cost savings and/or weight reduction, since a less robust connection is required.

[0042] Thus it can be seen that additional steps and/or an addition force are required to move the tab 48 from the locked position to the release position. In this case the second rivet 74 helps to make it more difficult to open the container 10, and can be used with container with contents with restricted or controlled access, particularly for children or minors. In one case, the container 10 shows a child-resistant effectiveness of not less than 85 percent without a demonstration and not less than 80 percent after a demonstration of the proper means of opening such special packaging. Thus the container 10/end cap 14 can be in compliance with the standards set forth in 16 C.F.R. 1700Poison Prevention Packaging, and in particular 16 C.F.R. 1700.15(b)(1) and 16 C.F.R. 1700.20. The entire contents of 16 C.F.R. 1700 Poison Prevention Packaging, and in particular 16 C.F.R. 1700.15(b)(1) and 16 C.F.R. 1700.20, are incorporated by reference herein.

[0043] The container 10/end cap 14 can instead or in additional qualify or be classified as ASTIM Index Type IIIG Child Resistant Packaging (Requires Key Device or Fingernail or Coil or Other Tool to Open), compliant with D3475,17, Standard Classification of Child-Resistant Packages, ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, which standards are entirely incorporated by reference herein.

[0044] The second rivet opening 72 is, in one case, entirely positioned within/defined by the landed area 70 and/or tab 48, and has a closed outer perimeter that extends 360 degrees. In one case the landed area 70 and/or tab 48 lacks any score lines that intersect the second rivet opening 72. In one case the tab 48 lacks any score lines that connect the landed area 70 to a remainder of the tab 48, to ensure lifting forces applied to the tab 48 are properly transmitted to portions of the tab 48 positioned below the second rivet 74.

[0045] The container 10/end cap 14 can be designed and configured such, in one case, any and all of portions of the tab 48 positioned below the second rivet 74 when the tab 48 is coupled to the second rivet 74 (e.g. at positions 75 of FIGS. 4 and 8), are ultimately lifted up and away from the end cap body 16, and pivoted with the tab 48, when the tab 48 is released from the second rivet 74, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 9 and 10. In other words, in one case there is no residual portion of the tab 48 left behind after the tab 48 is released from the second rivet 74.

[0046] The container 10/end cap 14 can also be configured such that all or at least portions of the tab 48 positioned below the second rivet 74 when the tab 48 is coupled to the second rivet 74 (e.g. at positions 75 of FIGS. 4 and 8), are deformed (e.g. at portion 82 of FIG. 10) to enable the tab 48 to be released from the second rivet 74. In other words, the container 10/end cap 14 can be configured such that portions of the tab 48 positioned below the second rivet 74 are not slid laterally (e.g. parallel to the end cap body 16), and do not pass beneath the rivet head 78, when the tab 48 is lifted/opened.

[0047] In addition, in order to ensure that the portions of the tab 48 positioned below the second rivet 74 are pivoted upwardly/outwardly, the portions of the tab 48 positioned below the second rivet 74 (e.g. at positions 75 of FIGS. 4 and 8) can be securely coupled to adjacent portions of the landed area 70/tab 48. Thus, for example, with reference to FIG. 3, in one case, all circumferential areas (e.g. 360 degrees) of/around the second rivet opening 72, in the direction of arrow 79, are directly coupled to the landed area 70 and/or the tab 48, and/or the radially outer edges thereof. In other words, if one were to draw radially extending lines, originating at the second rivet opening 72 and extending radially outwardly to the outer edge of the landed area 70 and/or tab 48, none of those radially extending lines would traverse any (or, more than one) openings, holes, recesses or gaps (collectively termed openings herein), in the tab 48 (except those lines that traverse the front opening 56, which is located quite distant from the second rivet opening 72). In another embodiment, and/or stated differently, all circumferential areas (e.g. 360 degrees) of/around the second rivet opening 72, are rigidly coupled to the outer edge of the tab 48. Alternatively 270 degrees and/or 180 degrees and or 90 degrees of/around the second rivet opening 72, are rigidly coupled to the outer edge of the tab 48. The rigid coupling can mean that there are no score lines located along or intersecting the 360/270/180/90 degrees worth of radial lines. This arrangement ensures that lifting forces applied to the tab 48 are transferred to areas of the tab 48 positioned below the second rivet 74 such that those area are able be lifted and deformed as at areas 82 of FIG. 10.

[0048] In another embodiment, at least 270/180/90 degrees of/around the second rivet opening 72 is directly coupled to an outer edge of the landed area 70 and/or the tab 48, with no openings therebetween. In one case at least 270/180/90 degrees of/around the second rivet opening 72, are rigidly coupled to the outer edge of the tab 48.

[0049] In one embodiment, at least a portion of/around the second rivet opening 72 is directly coupled to an outer edge of the landed area 70 and/or the tab 48, with no score line positioned on a radial line. In other words, if one were to draw radially extending lines (or other lines extending at least partially radially outwardly), originating at the second rivet opening 72 and extending radially outwardly to the outer edge of the landed area 70 and/or tab 48, along the tab 48 where material is present (e.g. where there are no openings), all or at least some of the radial lines would not traverse any score lines. In one case, at least 90 degrees of/around the second rivet opening 72 extend/connect to the outer edge of the landed area 70 and/or the tab 48 without traversing a score line, or at least 180 degrees in another case, or at least 270 degrees in yet another case.

[0050] Thus the tab 48 can be sufficiently stiff and/or strong such that when a force, such as a lifting force, is applied to the tab 48 (and more particularly such a force is applied to an outer edge/rolled portions 54 of the tab 48, including the back end 52), urging the tab 48 upwardly away from the end cap 14/end cap body 16, the force is sufficiently transmitted to portions of the tab 48 below the second rivet 74 (e.g. areas indicated at 75), to cause portions of the tab 48 below the second rivet 74 to be deformed and/or to cause deformation of the second rivet 74.

[0051] Such deformation can be sufficient to allow the second rivet 74 to pass through the rivet opening 72, and enable the tab 48 to be released from the second rivet 74.

[0052] The eccentric nature of the second rivet opening 72, when utilized, can facilitate manufacturing of the end cap 14. In particular, during manufacturing the tab 48 may be first secured in place by the first rivet 62, extending through the first rivet opening 60. At this point the tab 48 may be positioned as shown in for example, FIG. 4, where the second rivet opening 72 is centered/aligned with the second rivet 74. However, the end cap 14 may then be moved to a different manufacturing station, or otherwise moved or handled, which can cause the tab 48 to pivot about the first rivet 62 in the direction of arrow D, causing some misalignment between the second rivet opening 72 and the second rivet 74.

[0053] The eccentric nature of the second rivet opening 72 enables the tab 48 to be coupled in place by the second rivet 74 during manufacturing, even when the tab 48 has pivoted somewhat about the first rivet 62 in the direction of arrow D. Thus when the second rivet opening 72 is arcuate in shape and/or extends in the circumferential direction, the arc of the second rivet opening 72 can have a center that is aligned with the first rivet 62 so that the second rivet opening 72 can be aligned with/overlap with second rivet 74 in a variety of rotational positions of the tab 48. In addition, the eccentric nature of the second rivet opening 72 provides a greater tolerance, and requires less precision, when the second rivet 74 is attached during manufacturing, even if the tab 48 has not pivoted about the first rivet 62.

[0054] FIG. 11 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the second rivet opening 72. In this embodiment an outer edge of the second rivet opening 72has somewhat of a figure 8 shape, and/or is shaped as two overlapping circles. Thus the second rivet opening 72can have two opposed curved ends 84, and two opposed, inwardly extending teeth or indents 86 spaced at an midpoint of the length of the opening 72. The curved ends 84 each extend greater than 180 degrees in the illustrated embodiment about centers that are spaced apart, and may extend less than 210 degrees in one case, or less than 200 degrees in one case, or less than 190 degrees in yet another case. Since the ends 84 of the second rivet opening 72extend about the second rivet 74 by a greater extent than the ends of the rivet opening of for example FIG. 7, frictional and/or interference forces between the second rivet opening 72and the second rivet 74 may be increased, when the second rivet 74 is offset in the second opening 72, to enable greater control over the release force that is required to release the tab 48 from the second rivet 74. In addition, in one case the second rivet 74 can be received in the center of the second rivet opening 72, positioned between the two teeth 86. In that case the teeth 86 may bite into the second rivet 74 to create a more secure fit, and the teeth 86 can form/define the deformed portions 82 when the tab 48 is separated/released from the second rivet 74.

[0055] FIG. 12 illustrates another alternate embodiment of the second rivet opening 72, including two spaced apart second rivet opening/second opening portions 72a, 72b. In the illustrated embodiment each second rivet opening 72a, 72b is shaped as a circle. In addition, the second rivet 74 includes two spaced apart second rivets 74/second rivet portions 74a, 74b shaped as circles. Each second rivet 74a, 74b can be received through an associated second rivet opening 72a, 72b in the same or similar manner as described above. In this alternative embodiment the second rivet openings 72a, 72b and second rivets 74a, 74b can have any of wide variety of shapes and configurations, and can be positioned at various locations in the tab 48. In addition, in this embodiment the second rivet opening/second rivet opening portion 72b can be termed a supplemental second rivet opening or a supplemental second rivet opening portion 72b. Similarly, the second rivet/second rivet portion 74b can be termed a supplemental second rivet or a supplemental second rivet portion 74b.

[0056] The use of two second rivet openings 72a, 72b, and two second rivets 74a, 74b can enable each second rivet 74a, 74b to be smaller than in the embodiments described above, providing less interfering surface area with the associated second rivet opening 72a, 72b, but the sum of the two can be sufficient to meet retention force requirements.

[0057] Having described the invention in detail and by reference to certain embodiments, it will be apparent that modifications and variations thereof are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.