Abstract: A progressive die manufacturing method produces a pull tab for opening container lids with frangible regions. The method creates a tapered pull tab body with a nose portion and an elevated lift portion. The body's tapering angle is optimized for stackability and support. At least one bend elevates the lift portion, creating a vertical distance between top and bottom planes. The entire lift portion is elevated and extends between opposing sides for improved user interaction. Specialized tooling assemblies in a lift or reform station create precise bends at specific locations and maintain tight tolerances. This method produces pull tabs with enhanced accessibility and opening comfort while maintaining compatibility with existing container lid designs, including those with shadow beads, and stacking requirements. The invention balances material flexibility, structural integrity, and manufacturability, representing a significant advancement over prior art in ergonomics and production efficiency.

Abstract: A progressive die manufacturing method for producing pull tabs with raised lift ends for beverage containers utilizes an ear carry process, producing tab blanks from a carrier sheet fixed by carrier strips at attachment points. At a tab station, blanks are formed into pull tabs with specific features including a nose, rivet receiving portion, lift portion, and preferably a finger hole. A lift station creates deformations elevating the lift portion relative to a highest continuous surface of the pull tab, prior to any deformations or bends. The carrier strips are then cut to release the finished pull tabs. Optional enhancements include an integrated or modular lift station, specific bending angles and distances, and a center bar for indicia application. This method combines the benefits of the ear carry process with improved ergonomics, enhancing user experience while minimizing machinery modifications.

Abstract: A progressive die manufacturing method for producing pull tabs with raised lift ends for beverage containers utilizes an ear carry process, producing tab blanks from a carrier sheet fixed by carrier strips at attachment points. At a tab station, blanks are formed into pull tabs with specific features including a nose, rivet receiving portion, lift portion, and preferably a finger hole. A lift station creates deformations elevating the lift portion relative to a highest continuous surface of the pull tab, prior to any deformations or bends. The carrier strips are then cut to release the finished pull tabs. Optional enhancements include an integrated or modular lift station, specific bending angles and distances, and a center bar for indicia application. This method combines the benefits of the ear carry process with improved ergonomics, enhancing user experience while minimizing machinery modifications.

Abstract: A pull tab for opening a container with a lidded frangible region and rivet is disclosed. The pull tab comprises a tapered body with a nose portion, lift portion, and opposing sides. A rivet island aperture defines a rivet island with a rivet aperture for lid attachment. The tab features two bends: one between the nose and lift portions, another between the rearward end and the first bend. The entire lift portion is elevated above the container lid, improving finger access. Total height from the bottom of the nose portion to the top of the lift portion ranges from 1 to 4 millimeters, allowing better lid stacking while maintaining usability. Various angles and bend positions optimize flexibility, durability, and ergonomics. An optional third bend creates an ergonomic contour. The tab's dimensions accommodate different lid sizes and user preferences, balancing comfort, opening efficiency, and compatibility with various container lid types.

Abstract: A pull tab for a container lid includes a nose configured to apply downward pressure on a frangible region of the container lid, a rivet receiving portion adjacent to the nose that includes a rivet aperture therethrough, a lift portion located distally from the nose, and a finger hole located in proximity to the lift portion. Side edges of the finger hole include one or more upward bends, placed such that the lift portion is elevated relative to a bottom plane of the pull tab, thereby facilitating user actuation of the pull tab and enabling efficient stacking of a plurality of the container lids during manufacturing thereof to facilitate shipment and storage thereof. An indentation formed in the container lid cooperative with the lift portion provides additional grasping space. Novel methods of manufacturing are also disclosed.