Abstract: An end structure for an easy opening container includes a rivet formed in a pour panel defined by a non-continuous scoreline. Upon rupture of the scoreline by a tab, which is affixed to the panel by the rivet, both the tab and pour panel are retained on the end wall. The scoreline may include a region of minimal residual in the region which is initially popped and regions of increased residual along the length of the scoreline in the direction of the fracture. The scoreline forward and adjacent to the rivet is of a configuration which includes changes of direction rather than being a smooth continuous curve and cooperates with the stepped scoreline to reduce blow-off. Also provided is a coined region radially outward of the rivet and the panel radius to create slack such that when the container is pressurized, the lifting end of the tab is forced downwardly.

Abstract: A tab for easy opening ends including a lifting end and an opening end and spaced side legs is improved by the use of finger means extending from the opening end towards the lifting end, the finger means including flanges which stiffen the finger. The lifting end is formed of a smooth unbroken curl of sheet material.

Abstract: When the improved tab is lifted by its lifting end, its opening end ruptures a scored line defining a panel, and this opens the container. The tab is retained to the container by a flap extending from the opening end toward the lifting end and including an affixing portion which is riveted to the container. After the container has been opened, the lifting end of the tab is depressed toward the end of the container. In prior art tabs, flexing of the flap occurred at a first bending region adjacent the affixing portion during both the lifting and depressing motions. In contrast, in the present invention the flap is shaped to provide a second bending region adjacent the opening end, in addition to the first bending region adjacent the affixing portion. When the lifting end is lifted, the improved tab flexes in the first bending region, and when the lifting end is depressed, the improved tab flexes in the second bending region. In this manner the flexing is shared between the first and the second bending regions.

Abstract: An improved easy-opening end structure for use with a container includes a retained tab and a captured panel which is also retained. The end structure includes a scoreline of an improved pinched score variety, defining a pour opening formed by fracture of the scoreline to release the panel formed by the scoreline. Preferably, the panel is retained on the end. The tab is affixed to the end, other than to the panel and includes an opening end positioned over the panel, but not secured thereto, and a lifting end spaced from the panel which is preferably downwardly dished and generally circular in shape.

Abstract: An improved easy-opening end structure includes a retained tab and a captured, retained panel, the latter defined by a scoreline and forming a pour opening upon fracture of the scoreline. The tab is fixed to the end wall, other than to the panel, and includes an opening end positioned over the panel and a lifting end spaced from the panel. The panel is connected by a retaining strip to the end wall, the retaining strip being formed between scoreline segments which are laterally located relative to the rivet. The rivet is surrounded by a rivet well of reduced thickness of material, a portion of the scoreline passing through the rivet well, while a coined formation defining a transition zone extends laterally of the rivet and overlies the portion of the scoreline located laterally of the rivet. The panel includes a depression formed therein forward of the retaining strip and located between the ends of a bead which is formed in the panel.

Abstract: An improved easy-opening end structure for use with a container includes a retained tab and a captured panel which is also retained. The end structure includes a scoreline of defining a pour opening formed by fracture of the scoreline to release a downwardly dished panel formed by the scoreline. The tab is affixed to the end, other than to the dished panel and includes an opening end positioned over a bead on the panel, and a lifting end spaced from the panel. As the lifting end is raised, the portion of the scoreline between the opening end of the tab and the attachment is popped and thereafter the opening end bears against the panel as the tab is raised further to complete progressive rupture of the scoreline by essentially a class 1 lever action and to push the panel downwardly and laterally through the formed opening. The panel may be hinged or fall free into the container.

Abstract: An easy opening container wall comprising a container wall of sheet material having a line of weakness therein defining a tear portion at least partially removable from the container wall. Removal of the tear portion provides a relatively sharp edge along the tear portion. A guard is provided along the periphery of the tear portion to protect the consumer from injury. The guard is interrupted adjacent the location at which the line of score is initially ruptured to facilitate such initial rupture. The outer periphery of the guard and the score line are configured and positioned relative to each other to minimize interference by the guard during the opening operation.

Abstract: An easy opening ecology end having retained vent and pour tear strips is formed by an end wall having two lines of weaknesses. One line of weakness defines a vent opening while the other line of weakness defines a pour opening. Attached to each of the tear strips is a tab including a body member and end portions, the tab being attached to the respective tear strips by rivets. Each line of weakness terminates in a reversing curl to prevent continued complete separation of the tear strip. The lines of weakness, the reversing curves and the relative position and radii of the reversing curves cooperate to form a hinge line about which the ruptured tear strips are folded such that the tear strips are retained and folded back against the end wall.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an easy-opening container wall having a wall segment at least partially removable therefrom. A tab is secured to the container wall for initiating severance of the wall segment from the container wall. A rupturable scoreline is formed in the container wall adjacent the tab and rupturable in response to movement of the tab to initiate severance of the wall segment from the container wall.

Abstract: When the improved tab is lifted by its lifting end, its opening end ruptures a scored line defining a panel, and this opens the container. The tab is retained to the container by a flap extending from the opening end toward the lifting end and including an affixing portion which is riveted to the container. After the container has been opened, the lifting end of the tab is depressed toward the end of the container. In prior art tabs, flexing of the flap occurred at a first bending region adjacent the affixing portion during both the lifting and depressing motions. In contrast, in the present invention the flap is shaped to provide a second bending region adjacent the openind end, in addition to the first bending region adjacent the affixing portion. When the lifting end is lifted, the improved tab flexes in the first bending region, and when the lifting end is depressed, the improved tab flexes in the second bending region. In this manner the flexing is shared between the first and the second bending regions.