Abstract: A can having a closure defined at least in part by a rupturable weakening line is provided with a finger-movable tab-like tool for safely opening the closure. The tool is a sheet metal lever pivotally attached to a can end in which the closure is deflectible and preferably non-severable. A depressor portion of the lever is raised from its prone or inoperative position and, in part, twisted about 90.degree. to locate its pressure-directing beak adjacent to a point along the weakening line, whereupon downward finger pressure on the depressor portion disrupts the line and deflects the closure inwardly. The lever is so shaped that depression of the twistable portion is limited by engagement therewith of an edge of the opening thus barring finger entry into the can opening as a safety measure. The lever may be provided at its opposite end with a handle whereby, when the closure has been opened as explained, the lever may be swung to clear the depressed end portion substantially from the can opening.

Abstract: The method of stiffening a selected area of a shoe component of flexible sheet material in which a layer of molten synthetic polymeric material is coated on the area to be stiffened, rigid, preferably heat-softenable, granules are applied to the coating layer while the coating material is soft to cause the granules to adhere, and the shoe component is pressed against a second flexible shoe component with the coating and granules between the parts and with the coating in heat softened condition to force the coating material through openings between the granules and into wetting engagement with the second shoe component. The assembled shoe components may then be shaped and the polymeric material cooled to form a layer of hardened polymeric material with the granules locked in it as reinforcing stiffening bodies.

Abstract: A hand-held, one-piece tool of single stamping design is adapted to be fulcrumed on the chime or rim of a container having an end closure, especially a closure defined by a weakening line. Relative upward pivotal operating movement of a handle portion about a first fulcrum portion acting on an outside wall of the container concentrates initial opening by a cam end portion of the tool bearing on the closure adjacent to its weakening line, and further movement of the handle shifts its fulcrum to a second fulcrum portion of the tool acting on the closure rim whereby the cam end portion bears progressively on the closure and away from its rim to rupture the weakening line and easily deflect the closure relatively inwardly of the container.