The ingenious ring on cans, created decades ago, not only makes them easier to open, but also generates millions and offers surprising uses.
Some of the inventions The most successful ones were born from simple ideas, but with great useful potential. These designs, often unexpected, They generate millions in income and become everyday elements. The beverage cans, With their small and functional rings, they are a clear example of how creativity can transform a simple detail into a multipurpose tool.
Those small metal rings that open the cans are more than just a simple opening mechanism. Although they seem insignificant, they hide an interesting history of evolution and adaptation. Initially, they only fulfilled a basic function, but over time they have gained multiple applications.
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How can rings were invented
The first beverage cans did not have a simple opening system. In the 60s, the American engineer Ermal C. Fraze He developed an aluminum handle after a frustrating experience: on a picnic, he forgot his can opener and was forced to open his beer by banging it against the car. “It was at that point that I thought there must be a better solution,” Fraze explained in later interviews.
Its creation was the first “pull-tab”, a tab that was completely torn off to open the can. Although it became very popular, the original design had its drawbacks. The detached piece was often left on the ground, causing both cleanliness and safety problems, especially on beaches and parks. As a result, the industry was forced to come up with an improvement that would avoid this inconvenience.
It was in the 80s when the “Stay-on Tab”a version of the ring that remained attached to the can after opening. This advance, developed by Dan Cudzikpackaging company engineer Reynoldssolved the waste problem. “Getting the ring to stay together was a great achievement,” company representatives commented at the time, noting the positive impact on both user comfort and waste reduction.
What other functions does it have?
Although the original design was intended to facilitate opening the can, today, the rings have other uses. One of the most popular is to use them as support for the straws or straws, preventing them from moving or falling. “By simply turning the ring and placing the straw in the hole, you can drink without hygiene problems,” explain some packaging experts.
In addition, rings have also become useful pieces for crafts and even for fishing. Many people take advantage of their resistance and size to improvise hookso to hang small objects. Some beverage brands have promoted its creative use as a way of recyclingdemonstrating that even the simplest of inventions can have multiple applications in everyday life.
Source: Ambito
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