Abstract: An easy open ecology end is disclosed herein and includes an end panel that has a removable section defined by a weakened score line. A tab is secured to the removable section and the tab and removable section are designed so that both remain captive with respect to the end panel when the weakened score line is severed. The weakened score line is produced by a unique three step process and has an area of reduced residual which is first severed when a force is applied to the tab so that the container is vented before the remainder of the residual is severed. The tab is designed to produce a localized initial pressure to initially sever the area of reduced residual and then sever the remainder of the score line.

Abstract: An end panel for a container is specifically configured to be able to substantially reduce the metal thickness without sacrificing resistance to bulging and buckling of the panel when subjected to high internal pressures. The end panel consists of a central portion that has an outwardly directed annular bead around the periphery thereof which is connected to a countersink or inwardly directed bead along a flat first wall portion. The outer end of the countersink or inwardly directed bead has a second flat wall portion, the outer end of which is connected to a peripheral curl by a third flat wall portion and the curl is adapted for seaming the end panel to a container body. The first and third flat wall portions of the panel define small acute angles with respect to a vertical plane that extends perpendicular to the central panel portion while the second flat wall portion defines an angle of less than 4.degree. with respect to the vertical plane.

Abstract: A split punch tool for cooperating with a die block to form the wall of a drawn and ironed container is disclosed herein. The split punch or cooperating die includes a female portion that has a peripheral lip that can be placed in overhanging relation to the periphery of the die block and the female portion has a peripheral ledge which extends perpendicular to the direction of movement of the die block and die with respect to each other and also an inclined surface extending from the inner edge of the ledge or inwardly directed surface. The surfaces are adapted to engage mating surfaces defined on the end of a cylindrical member that forms part of the cooperating die so that the ledge defines a perpendicular support for the cylindrical member.

Abstract: Cup feeding means for feeding cups to a drawing and ironing machine having a generally elongated horizontal opening defined by ironing rings and a ram axially aligned with said opening is disclosed herein. The cup feeding mechanism consists of guide means for continuously supplying cups to a station adjacent the opening and an arm pivoted below the guide means and the opening. The arm has an arcuate surface for receiving cups from the guide means and is driven between first and second positions for moving the cups from the guide means into alignment with the opening of the drawing and ironing machine. The cup feeding means also includes stop means located adjacent the opening with the stop means also having an arcuate surface that generally defines an extension of the arcuate surface on the arm so that the cups are positively gripped between the arcuate surfaces when the arm is moved to the second position.