Abstract: A metal easy open can end adapted for closing a metal can body is proposed. The can end has a score (27) defining a removable panel (26) and a tab (23), located at an edge region of the panel, for applying a force to the panel to allow the panel to be removed in a tear direction. The panel (26) has at least one embossed and/or debossed rib (25 a-c) extending substantially in said tear direction from a location or locations proximal to said tab to a location or locations proximal to an end of the panel opposite to said edge region. The rib(s) have a depth or height of at least 0.6 mm relative to surrounding panel regions along at least a part of the rib extent.

Abstract: Apparatus for decorating a can body. The apparatus comprises a can body conveying mechanism (1) for conveying can bodies (2) to a printing zone (3), a blanket wheel (4) comprising a plurality of blanket segments (6) and, affixed to each blanket segment, a blanket (7) having a printing surface, the blanket wheel being configured to bring blanket printing surfaces into contact with can bodies within said printing zone, and a plurality of ink stations (5) each comprising a printing plate (31) configured to contact the printing surfaces of passing blankets in order to impart an ink image to the printing surfaces, such that a composite ink image is formed on each blanket printing surface and is printed onto a can body upon contact of the blanket printing surface and the can body within the printing zone.

Abstract: Apparatus for decorating a can body. The apparatus comprises a can body conveying mechanism (1) for conveying can bodies (2) to a printing zone (3), a blanket wheel (4) comprising a plurality of blanket segments (6) and, affixed to each blanket segment, a blanket (7) having a printing surface, the blanket wheel being configured to bring blanket printing surfaces into contact with can bodies within said printing zone, and a plurality of ink stations (5) each comprising a printing plate (31) configured to contact the printing surfaces of passing blankets in order to impart an ink image to the printing surfaces, such that a composite ink image is formed on each blanket printing surface and is printed onto a can body upon contact of the blanket printing surface and the can body within the printing zone.