You can freely build on The Invention of the Modern Soda Can Pull-Tab
This patent expired in 1985. Every claim — 1 independent, 0 dependent — is now unenforceable. Anyone can use, reproduce, manufacture, sell, or offer for sale this technology without a license.
Original assignee
Individual
Patent granted
1967
Expired
1985
Forward citations
28
What this patent covers
This patent describes a one-piece metal tab designed to be attached to a tear strip on a container wall. The tab features a large ring-shaped aperture that acts as a finger handle, allowing a user to pull the strip with sufficient leverage. To prevent the thin metal from bending or snapping under pressure, the design includes stiffening beads—rolled edges—that run along the inner and outer circumference of the ring and extend down the neck of the tab.
What is now free to use
All 1 claims of US 3349949 are in the public domain. Specifically:
Claim 1: A TAB FOR ATTACHMENT TO A TEAR STRIP IN A WALL OF A CONTAINER FOR MANUAL REMOVAL OF THE TEAR STRIP — 1 specific element
The 0 dependent claims add narrowing limitations and are also free.
What is NOT covered
Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.
Does not cover tabs that lack the specific stiffening beads described in the claim.
Does not cover non-ring-shaped opening mechanisms like simple push-buttons.
Does not cover the actual scoring or weakening of the metal container wall itself.
Who is building on this today
Major packaging manufacturers like Ball Corporation and Crown Holdings have refined this basic concept into the modern stay-on-tab designs used globally today.
Products built on expired version of this technology
Classic aluminum soda cans
Beer cans with ring-pull openers
Metal food cans with peel-off lids
How to cite this patent in your documentation
Individual. US Patent 3349949. Ring-shaped tab for tear strips of containers. Granted 1967, expired 1985. Now in the public domain.
Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.
PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.