Abstract: A container adapted to contain a beverage or other goods is provided with an easy open top by a disk juxtaposed to a hole in the container lid and welded to the container lid by a ring weld circumscribing the hole. Access to the contents of the container is attained by pushing the disk into the container whereby the disk tears along the weld and does not separate from the lid.

Abstract: A container wall is disclosed having vent means in it for forming an opening in the container wall by digital force to release the pressure in a container which includes such wall. The force required to actuate the pressure release is not significantly affected by the internal pressure in the container due to the particular construction of the container wall as including two outwardly projecting hollow embossments separated by an inwardly projecting hollow rib with a score line across the rib near its middle. Each embossment has a top wall and a side wall therearound connecting the top wall to the adjacent portion of the container wall and with the side wall at both ends of the rib being generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the rib. The apex of the rib is generally coplanar with the general plane of the container wall adjacent to the embossment and the side wall of each embossment is preferably thinner than the material in the adjacent container wall.

Abstract: An easy-open container having a wall in which an openable member is integrally formed and defined by a selectively separable region. The openable member has an opening tab which is raised outwardly from the container wall, with the opening tab having a flange which overhangs at least part of the separable region. Finger pressure applied inwardly onto the opening tab toward the container wall causes the separable region to become ruptured, allowing the openable member to move inwardly with respect to the wall. Inward movement of the openable member is limited by the overhanging flange which contacts the periphery of the opening. In some embodiments, the separated opening member is retained on the container wall and is then displaced to reveal an opening in the container wall for access to the contents of the container. In other embodiments, the opening member becomes detachable from the container wall. Several openable members are disclosed which can reclose the opened container.

Abstract: An improved easy-opening end closure wherein the end panel is formed with a number of intersecting, straight score lines which define a number of interconnected non-detachable openable segments adapted to be pushed inwardly to open the closure. An opening member is provided, adapted to effect opening of the closure pursuant to a panelwardly directed application of digital pressure on the nose portion thereof, and having a number of camming surfaces for fracturing the score lines and for urging the segments inwardly.

Abstract: A can lid includes a pushdown gate formed in a panel portion below a narrow, underfolded rim at the opening in the lid. The outline of the gate is a disruptible score cut in the panel portion underneath the rim. This structure is essentially the same as that disclosed in the Klein-Harper U.S. Pat. No. 3,334,775. However, the score cut defining the outline of the gate is at the upper surface of the panel portion instead of being at the undersurface. A method of drawing and folding the lid material permits the score line to be cut before the underfolded rim is formed over the score cut.

Abstract: An easy-open container having a wall in which an openable member is defined by a selectably separable region. A separate opening tab member is secured to the openable member to receive manual opening force and fracture the separable region. A flange on the opening tab member overlies at least part of the separable region to prevent the opening tab member and the attached openable member from freely entering the container. The openable member is nondetachably retained on the container by the configuration of the separated openable member, or by a pivotable connection between the opening tab member and the container.

Abstract: A sheet metal can end or cover comprises a largely or wholly removable panel bounded by a peripheral tear line, and an integral closure within the panel, the closure being defined by a generally arcuate groove or depression formed at one side thereof with a coterminous, rupturable weakening line having a mid-locality extending nearer to but spaced from the panel tear line to provide a lifting lip therefor and a deflectable tongue portion extending toward the center of the panel. The weakening line and the tear line are preferably of the fractured but integral type fully disclosed in our U.S. Pat. No. 3,881,630 and extend on opposite sides of the panel. On depressing the locality of the mentioned weakening line with a tool, such as the tip of a spoon, the closure opens then permitting the tip to bear upwardly on the inside of the lifting lip as the bowl of the spoon is pivoted upon the tongue portion.

Abstract: An improved method of forming and construction for a tabless, digitally openable sheet metal container component including at least two inwardly displaceable, adjacently disposed opening panels. The opening panels are substantially rigid and are located within an integral deflectable portion projecting outwardly from the general plane of the surface wall of the container component and having a common deflectable surface between the opening panels in the form of a raised bridge of metal therebetween designed to respond to digitally applied pressure creating stress sufficient to initiate substantially simultaneous fracture of frangible webs which define the loci of separation of the opening panels. The container component is formed by opposed die sets which, in a single operation, extrude metal from between opposing die surfaces to produce a thin residual of metal in the frangible web around each opening panel and form the deflectable portions around the opening panels.

Abstract: A tabless container opening device of work hardened metal having at least one substantially rigid inwardly displaceable opening panel bounded by a weakening line which includes a fracturable web and having an outwardly projecting deflectable portion in the container wall adjacent the weakening line around the opening panel is formed between first and second die members which displace metal in a container wall to form the weakening line and additionally coin the container wall along a zone adjacent one side of the weakening line.

Abstract: An improved non-detachable end closure wherein a pull tab member initiates fracture of the opening score line. The pull tab member is fastened to the end panel with the pull tab nose portion resting on a raised bead formed on the opening flap member immediately adjacent the score line. The tab member is preloaded with a panelward force directed against the flap member, said force serving to reduce the effort required to fracture the score. Opening of the container is accomplished by lifting the tab member to initiate fracture of the score. The flap member remains attached to the end panel and is pushed into the container with finger or thumb pressure.

Abstract: An end structure for an easy open container includes an end wall and a panel defined by a score line. Fold portions, which support the panel in a plane different from the end wall, form an annular shoulder around the score line. A guard ring having portions defining a manually actuatable punch is rotatable on the shoulder between a first position wherein the punch has a distal relationship with the score line and a second position wherein the punch has a proximal relationship with the score line. The guard ring can be set to the first position to inhibit opening of the container and can be moved to the second position to facilitate opening of the container. With the rupturing of the score line and displacement of the panel to open the container, the guard ring displaces slightly to guard the sharp free edge of the ruptured score line and thereby to inhibit lacerations of the user's finger.

Abstract: An easy opening end closure for a container in which the end closure includes a panel having a pre-cut pour opening. The pour opening is sealed by a plastic closure having a portion permanently bonded to the underside of the end. A remaining portion is releasably adhered to the underside so that upon downward pressure on the closure, it is released and hinges about the permanently bonded portion. A tongue integral with the panel projects into the opening along the edge along which the flap hinges and is permanently bonded thereto.

Abstract: A one piece container end member of metallic sheet material having an exterior rim portion for mounting on an open ended container body member; an interior rim portion axially and radially inwardly offset relative to the exterior rim portion; an axially outwardly domed central wall portion surrounded by the interior rim portion and extending generally radially inwardly relative thereto for closing the open end of the container body member; an integral inwardly severable and displaceable tab portion in the central wall portion extending generally radially inwardly from the interior rim portion; the tab portion being hingedly integrally connected at the interior rim portion by a generally arcuately extending hinge portion; the tab portion being defined by at least one continuous score groove extending from arcuately spaced points adjacent the interior rim portion on opposite sides of the hinge portion generally radially inwardly therefrom toward the central axis of the container end member with intermediate sco

Abstract: This device consists primarily of a pivotable tab, which normally rests within a well recessed in the top of a can, the tab being lifted upwards from the well portion, when it is desired to open the can of liquid. The tab portion is provided with nipples, which will enable the tab, when rotated, to align with a scored line on the top of the can, which when cut out by pressing the tab downwards, will enable the liquid to be dispensed from the can.

Abstract: A can lid includes a push-down gate formed in a panel portion below a narrow underfolded rim in the opening in the lid. The outline of the gate at this underfold is a score cut through the panel to permit the gate to swing downwardly and into the can. This structure is essentially the same as in the Klein, Harper Pat. No. 3,334,775; however, the panel portion in the can lid includes a sealant formed of a settable liquid which, through capillary action, extends into the underfolded rim, and through the score cut to plug the opening thereof until the lid is depressed.

Abstract: This specification discloses a can end having push-in closures, one closures being smaller than the other for venting and/or pressure releasing purposes. At least the smaller closure having a supplementary sealant connection about which the closure hinges when it is opened. The supplementary sealant connection acts to prevent the closure becoming detached from the can end in the event that the main hinge for the closure is broken. The supplementary connection is achieved either by extending the sealant to cover an adjacent surface of the closure in a direction away from the connection or by increasing the thickness of the sealant covered in the area of the main hinge.

Abstract: An end closure having a non-detachable flap partially severable from the end panel to provide an opening. The flap is recessed below the remainder of the panel and is broken away by a tab which fits into the recess. The tab is adapted to be pushed inwardly and, after rupturing the score between the end panel and the flap, functions to swing the flap inwardly about a hinge formed by an unscored area of the flap perimeter. The invention is primarily directed to a means of attaching the tab to the flap so as to provide a lost motion enabling the movement of the flap relative to the tab during the inward swing.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved easy open ecological closure member for containers as well as processes and equipment for producing the same. The container closure member is provided with one or more readily depressible and hinged opening tabs or buttons, that do not readily separate from the closure member upon becoming depressed due to the novel structure and arrangement of the buttons, their base portions and their frangible tear line sections all of which contribute to a selective concentration of stresses in the frangible tear line sections during opening.

Abstract: A lid construction for a liquid containing can or container. The lid is provided with a pouring opening which is normally enclosed by a tab that is integrally connected to the lid by a hinge section. The tab is adapted to be pushed inwardly to an open position by downward pressure. Located radially inward of the pouring opening is a smaller vent opening which is enclosed by a vent tab, and the vent tab is integrally connected to the lid by the same hinge section that connects the pouring tab to the lid. To open the container, the consumer presses downwardly on the vent tab to vent pressure from the container and thereafter pushes downwardly on the pouring tab to expose the pouring opening.

Abstract: Improved easy opening means for containers. Especially adapted to those used for liquids, including carbonated beverages, and permitting drinking from the container or pouring out contents. An important feature is attachment of closure to container after opening to avoid litter. Another feature is lift tab for easy opening, and with closure sealed by either a frangible adhesive sealant or by membrane sealing means. Lift tab initiates rupture of sealant, and then is pushed below container top with means to hold tab below opening so there is no interference when drinking from the can. Another closure has a small end for initial pressure release, and then whole closure hinges inwardly. Still another means comprises a slide gate with frangible membrane for sealing and for very easy opening. Optionally a pressure release button is provided to release the internal pressure before pulling the slide gate.

Abstract: An improved can lid of the type including a gate structure defining a normally closed aperture so as to facilitate removal of the contents of the can is disclosed. The lid is constructed from a continuous blank of a sheet metal member which is drawn and shaped to provide an aperture in the surface of the member as well as a gate panel underneath the aperture normally closing same. The surface of the sheet metal member is underfolded about only a portion of the periphery of the aperture as a 180.degree. outward underfold to form a narrow spacer strip at the underside of the lid about the underfolded portion of the periphery of the aperture. The sheet metal member is then infolded about the outer edge of the spacer strip as a 180.degree. inward underfold to continuously merge into the metal sheet portion constituting the gate panel. In conventional fashion, a score line is cut about the edge of the gate panel adjacent to the 180.degree.

Abstract: This specification discloses improvements in easy-opening closures of the push-in type in which the closure member at least partly overlaps with the aperture surround to define the easy-opening closure. The improvement comprises forming the free edge of the closure member and the aperture surround with interengaging portions which at least substantially inhibit the movement of the closure member relative to the aperture surround. In one preferred form of interengagement the closure member is formed with an upstanding lip and the aperture surround is downwardly turned about said lip. In another form both the aperture surround and the closure member are formed with interengaging lips. In another form the aperture surround is grooved and the lip on the closure member engages the groove. In the last form the aperture surround is formed with a lip which is stamped into the closure member to key the two parts together.

Abstract: A container end panel having a non-detachable flap portion partially severable from the panel to provide an opening. The flap portion is recessed below the remainder of the panel and is broken away by a fitment which fits into the recess. The fitment is adapted to be pushed inwardly and after rupturing the score between the panel and the flap functions to swing the flap inwardly about a hinge formed by the unscored metal connecting the flap to the panel. The fitment is pressed into the opening and snaps within the opening and provides a guard shielding the users finger from the raw edges at the tear edge about the opening. The invention is also directed to a formation of the inner edge of the ring to facilitate rupturing the score and thereafter swinging the panel inwardly.

Abstract: An improved non-detachable end closure has an outwardly facing dome-shaped opening flap. Non-detachable end closures, wherein the rivet for tab attachment is located in the center of the opening flap, may evidence low panel distortion under internal pressure. Forming the opening flap as an outwardly-facing dome provides increased distortion resistance and making the tab ring-shaped permits nesting of the ring in shielded location to prevent accidental opening. The arrangement of a dome within a well, which nests the ring tab, permits locating an expandable securing lug for the tab to the non-detachable dome panel within an upwardly widening space between the dome and interior of the ring tab. The structure makes the ring tab relatively inaccessible and inhibits the tendency of users who are familiar with current detachable ring pull tabs from pulling the tab off and encourages the user to push the tab inwardly.

Abstract: This specification discloses an easy-opening closure for a can end which comprises an opening formed by partially severing a portion from the can end to leave the portion attached thereto by an integral neck, and a closure member formed from said severed portion and which is larger than said opening. The sheet metal adjacent the free edge of the opening is downwardly turned while the sheet metal adjacent the free edge of the closure member is upwardly turned, said free edges being in contact with or in close proximity to each other. A sealant is applied at least in the region of the free edges if required by the purpose for which the can end is to be used.

Abstract: This specification discloses an easy-opening closure for a can end which comprises an opening formed by partially severing a portion from the can end to leave the portion attached thereto by an integral neck, and a closure member formed from said severed portion and which is larger than said opening. The sheet metal adjacent the free edge of the opening is downwardly turned while the sheet metal adjacent the free edge of the closure member is upwardly turned, said free edges being in contact with or in close proximity to each other. A sealant is applied at least in the region of the free edges if required by the purpose for which the can end is to be used.