Abstract: A pull tab for easy opening containers wherein the pull tab has an intermediate attaching portion in the form of a strap struck from the center of the tab body for securing the tab to the container wall by means of a conventional rivet. A first strap is defined by a cutout in the tab body. There is a second strap portion which is connected to the tab body but which has a longitudinal sliding connection with the rivet. This longitudinally elongated slot opening permits a force applying portion of the tab to shift longitudinally relative to the rivet with a resultant changing in the bending point or pivot point for the tab, thereby reducing prior experienced stresses and permitting the necessary opening force to be applied to the rivet through the pull tab without the customary tab failure problem.

Abstract: This disclosure has to do with an easy opening container end wherein substantially the entire end panel is removed. The removable panel portion has rigidly attached thereto a pull tab which is first utilized as a lever to obtain the initial rupture of the end panel and then as a handle to tear out the removable panel portion. The removable panel portion is provided with a weakening line immediately adjacent the connection between the pull tab and the removable panel portion for the purpose of first venting the interior of a container and then forming a hinge which will permit the necessary pivoting of the pull tab relative to the end panel.

Abstract: Two sheets of deformable material are securely fastened together without the use of adhesives, separate rivets or fasteners by forming a closed end cylindrical projection on the upper surface of the first sheet, placing the second sheet having an aperture over the first sheet, the aperture receiving the projection, and deforming the projection in the aperture to produce a tight friction fit and form a lip which overlaps the exterior rim of the aperture to limit its enlargement. In a preferred embodiment two plates are fastened together to form a rotor by striking the projection with a die having an annular groove forcing one part of the projection into the aperture and forming another part of the projection into the lip.

Abstract: A child resistant pull tab arrangement wherein the pull tab is provided with an upstanding peripheral hem which on the side of the rivet remote from the nose portion of the tab is configurated so as to touch or substantially touch the container wall in the initial position thereof so as to resist lifting by a small child. The tab may have associated with it an upstanding rib formed in the container wall, the rib extends about the lift portion of the tab in closely adjacent relation and makes it even more difficult to engage one's finger beneath the tab so as to effect the required initial lifting.

Abstract: An improved child resistant end closure wherein the pull tab for an easy opening end is mounted within a panel bead; the tab being fastened by the rivet to a tear-out portion of the end panel. The tear-out portion is adapted to be pulled outwardly about a hinge line which intersects the bead. The bead is reduced in depth at the intersection with the hinge line and formed to permit the bead to fold in such manner as to resist sudden flip-out of the tear-out portion which in the previous designs has caused splashing out of the contents in the container.

Abstract: An aluminum food product container or can having an easily opened can end seamed to one end of the can body. The outer surface of the can end member has a score line along which the can end is severed for opening the can and removing an end panel. The score line is located adjacent and above a shoulder in the can body extending inwardly below the seam. A protective double fold is formed in the can end by extending the end metal annularly inwardly in a first layer from the score line, then reversely outwardly in a second layer beneath the first layer to a location circumferentially underlapping the score line location, and then reversely inwardly in a third layer beneath the first two layers into the can end panel portion. The double fold formation presents a dull hazard-free edge to the end panel when torn from the can end member.

Abstract: A method of cold drawing, forming and otherwise cold working a sheet metal blank to form a can end member for seaming to one end of a can body in which the can end has a continuous score line along which the can end is severed for complete removal of an end panel, and in which a protective metal fold is formed in the can end with portions of the fold metal extending to a location circumferentially outward beneath and beyond the score line location to present a dull hazard-free edge on the end panel when torn from the can end member. The metal working procedure includes steps of blanking, drawing, panel forming, curling, redrawing, resizing, coining, scoring, out-folding and embossing, by cold working operations performed on a thin sheet metal blank to produce a can end, accompanied by forming an integral rivet to join a pull tab to the end panel portion of the can end. A can end with a continuous annular three layer fold having a continuous annular score line in the top layer.

Abstract: An improved non-detachable easy-opening end closure wherein the pull tab includes an integral strap member co-operating with the tab attachment rivet to limit the angular displacement of the tab relative to the opening flap, whereby the tab protrusion of the opened end closure is minimized and the tab is more securely attached to the end panel and which also functions to cause the tab and flap to move into the container during opening to a position where it is non-obstructive.

Abstract: An ecological easy-open can end is disclosed. The pull tab cannot be removed from the can end and discarded; rather it is pushed down and snapped in under the can end where its sharp edges cannot cut the user. The pull tab has a hole in it so that when it is down inside the can it does not interfere with the dispensing of the contents of the can.

Abstract: A sheet metal pull tab for easy opening cans of the full panel pull-out type which has a special and coordinated configuration, shape and contour of pull-ring, keyhole-shaped slot, nose and nose-forming walls which serve readily without tab failure to rupture the score line formed in a can end for removal of an end panel defined by the score line. The new pull tab structure imparts unusual overall strength to the pull tab that enables the pull tab either to provide greater strength when formed from the same gauge sheet metal or to provide the same strength when formed from lighter gauge sheet metal as compared with similar prior sheet metal pull tabs having the same outer contour; and also to provide such a pull tab structure which reduces the amount of metal, disregarding gauge, that is required to form the strong pull tab structure.

Abstract: An easy opening end closure is formed with annular, double folded band adjacent the chuck wall. A weakening line defining a removable panel portion is formed in the center segment of the fold so that the folded edges of the single band provide smooth protective surfaces on both the ledge and the removable panel portion.This disclosure also relates to a method for forming the above described easy-opening end closure wherein the weakening line is formed in the end panel prior to complete formation of the folded band.

Abstract: An improved easy-opening end closure of the full panel pull-out type, wherein the pull tab includes an integral tether cooperating with the tab attachment rivet to redistribute the opening stresses impressed on the pull tab during opening, whereby tearing of the pull tab is prevented.

Abstract: A child resistant safety closure for an easy-open can has a tether which restrains movement of the pull tab. The tether is integral with the tab and extends into the interior of the tab ring. The distal end of the tether is removably attached to an auxiliary rivet formed in the end panel. Opening the container requires application of sufficient force to cause disengagement of the tether from the auxiliary rivet. This is beyond the experience or physical capabilities of small children.

Abstract: An improved easy-open end closure pull tab comprising a double folded rivet panel having a lower portion which is carried beyond the outer periphery of the tab ring to form a nose. The panel fold functions as a spring to bias the tab away from the end panel of an end closure after assembly and raises the tab above the end panel so that the tab is springy which increases its abuse resistance. The double folded rivet panel construction allows machining the tab from thin sheet stock.

Abstract: Relates to easy opening container tops in which there is a tear strip which remains attached to the container after opening. The tear strip has an elongated U-shape, with a ring tab attached at the end of the loop which is near the outer border of the container top. The inner end of the tear strip has an unscored section which serves to hold the strip attached to the top after opening. Stiffening, such as ribbing, is provided in the tear strip to keep it fairly flat during and after opening, and to provide protection against the sharp edges. A cavity is provided in the top into which the strip partially folds to be out of the user's way. Small ribe alongside the rivet that attaches the pull ring, and in the unscored attachment section, serve to prevent the material of the top at these points from bending too sharply, and possibly breaking off. The inner end of the opening may curve to one side so the strip in the opened position will clear the user's nose when drinking from the container.

Abstract: A container end closure includes an end wall having a removable panel defined therein by a rupturable peripheral score, and a pull tab having a nose portion at one end, a handle portion at its opposite end, and marginal edge portions which extend generally toward the end wall and terminate short of the outer end of its nose portion. At least one depressed section is formed in the removable panel of the end wall to accommodate the terminal ends of the marginal portions of the tab, upon pivoting of the tab when the handle portion is raised. This construction ensures that initial contact with the panel is made by the outer end of the nose portion of the tab, thereby maximizing the effectiveness of force applied for score rupture initiation.

Abstract: A convenience closure having a removable central panel. A convenience closure is attached to a can end to seal the can. The closure includes a removable central panel; a panel fold with an endless severing line formed in its upper surface; a chuck wall fold which has a nose portion that extends radially inwardly farther than the severing line and overlies the severing line; and a pull tab, attached to the central panel, which has a nose portion that extends to the severing line. The panel fold includes a nose portion that extends to a position adjacent to and under the severing line. To remove the central panel, the pull tab nose is depressed to break the severing line. Then, the pull tab is moved upwardly to complete the breaking of the severing line and remove the central panel. Breaking the severing line forms two sharp raw edges; one lies under the nose of the chuck wall fold and is thus protected. The other raw edge is formed adjacent the nose of the panel wall fold.

Abstract: A pull tab comprises a tab body, a tang and a portion connecting the tang to the tab body. In the pull tab, which is attachable to an easy-open end container wall, the tang projects from the tab body such that upon attaching the tang to the container wall, the tang holds the pull tab against a central portion of the container wall to prevent excessive lifting of the tab body therefrom when the central portion is outwardly domed as a result of pressure in the container.

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: An improved easy open end closure, characterized by the provision of improved pull tab positioning means for maintaining the pull tab in a desired orientation relative to the flap-defining score line, regardless of doming of the end panel. The finger ring portion of the tab is nested within a recess formed in the end panel. A protrusion, formed interior to this recess, abuts the interior periphery of the finger ring, serving as an anti-rotation abutment. The tab rivet panel is formed at an angle to the plane of the tab, inclining 4.degree.-6.degree. away from the end panel center, whereby a panelward bias is imparted to the finger ring portion of the tab by the tab attachment rivet. This bias serves to retain the finger ring within the recess.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a easy open end of the type that has a tab connection thereto by an integral rivet. The invention resides in an improved method for forming a weakened area or frangible connection between the permanent section of the panel and the removable section. The frangible connection in the panel is formed in such a manner that the removable section is relieved of any compressive forces that may have developed during the formation of the frangible connection. In addition, the removable section of the panel incorporates a further area of reduced cross-section that allows the tab and rivet to be pivoted relative to the removable panel section during initiation of rupture of the frangible connection and provides a vent for the inside of the container prior to the rupture of the fangible connection.

Abstract: An improved pull tab for a child-resistant self-opening end closure of the type wherein the tab is nested between end panel protrusions which shield and obstruct access to the tab ring and prevent grasping and lifting of the tab and opening of the closure. The tab is formed with a short nose portion with a piercing member, and a bulged fulcrum which provide adequate clearance between the tab and the end panel to permit depressing the nose portion of the tab causing the ring portion to tilt upwardly to clear the shield and permit the ring to be grasped and pulled to open the container.

Abstract: An improved child-resistant self-opening end closure of the type wherein the tab is nested between end panel protrusions which obstruct access to the tab ring and prevent grasping and lifting of the tab to open the container. The end panel is formed with a recess beneath the nose portion of the tab which provides maximum clearance between the tab and the end panel, whereby depressing the nose portion of the tab causes the ring portion to tilt upwardly sufficiently to permit it to be grasped.

Abstract: An improved pull tab mounting arrangement for an easy open end closure member, characterized by the provision of improved pull tab positioning means for maintaining the pull tab in a desired orientation relative to the panel-defining score line and minimizing tab protrusion from the end closure member. A depression is formed in the end panel and a pierced hole forming a protrusion with a jagged edge is incorporated in the tab nose portion above the depression, between the free extremity of the tab and the rivet means that secures the tab to the end panel member. The jagged protruding edge of the protrusion is driven into the base portion of the depression during the staking operation, thereby providing an anti-rotation interlock between the tab and the end panel. The depression serves as a detent positively restraining rotation of the tab and displacement of the nose relative to the score line.

Abstract: An improved easy-open end closure has a generally C-shaped ancillary scoreline in the end panel closely adjacent a rivet which is positioned between a piercing portion of a tab to which it is attached and at least a portion of the rupturable ancillary scoreline. The peculiar shape of the scoreline, with its inwardly looped ends, facilitates movement of the handle portion of the tab away from the end panel by rendering the adjacent portion of the end panel more flexible and minimizes tear out of the flexing portion of the panel by substantially eliminating areas of stress concentration.

Abstract: A sanitary drinking spout interiorly attached to a liquid container and extendable therefrom. The container includes a top wall with an aperture sealed by a tear tab. The spout includes a pair of flanges integrally attached together and spaced apart by a flexible center portion. The flanges are interiorly mounted to the top wall on opposite sides of the sealed aperture. The center portion of the spout is projectable when the aperture is opened by tearing the tab sealing the aperture closed. In one embodiment, a finger is mounted interiorly to the tear tab with the spout projecting between the finger and tear tab. Upon removal of the tear tab from the can, the finger forces the spout outwardly through the aperture. In another embodiment, a second aperture is provided on the top wall of the can for allowing air to enter the can facilitating pouring through the spout.

Abstract: A structure is provided in a container having a fluent material, such as a liquid or powder, to be selectively dispensed therefrom, and a simple, quick opening means for the container which may be effected without the need for special tooling such as a can opener.In one form, an opening is provided in the wall of a metal, plastic or paperboard container through which the contents thereof may be dispensed. Simple closure means is provided in the form of a short plastic or metal strip which is sealed to the container around the opening to close off same. The strip contains an unsealed tab portion at one end thereof which normally lies flat against the container wall and may be easily lifted by hand and pulled to break the seal with the wall of the container and to expose the opening.

Abstract: An embossed can end construction for full opening, easy opening metal cans used for food products that are heat-processed in the closed cans. The can end has an embossed formation in the removable panel of the can end defined by an endless generally annular score line, either with or without a protective fold at the peripheral edge of the removed panel. A ring pull tab is riveted to the removable panel portion having a nose with an offset tip which engages the can end adjacent the score line to initiate rupture of the can end at the score line when the ring of the tab is raised and the nose tip moves down. The embossed formation has a general modified heart-shape in contour with a depressed groove defining the heart-shape. The embossed formation imparts great stiffness to the can end metal. The stiffness maintains a planar shape for the can end which resists doming or bulging when the end is subjected to pressure inside the can different than atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An improved easy-open end closure which maintains close contact between a tab and container end panel prior to opening, regardless of doming of the end panel. An integral rivet is formed on the end panel inclined off-center 10.degree.-20.degree. toward the end panel center, the rivet securing the pull tab thereto whereby the tab converges with the end panel toward the periphery thereof.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONWhen easy-open containers employing integral off-center rivets are subjected to excessive internal pressure the end closure bulges outwardly and exerts an upward force on the tab. Occassionally the tab is rotated upwardly about the rivet and retains this displacement after the internal pressure has been reduced and the end panel bulging has subsided. Tab displacement of this sort detracts from the appearance of the container.

Abstract: A frangible element or weakened line in sheet material, especially tinplate, which is useful in opening means for containers. A method and apparatus for making the line is described. The frangible element lies between two portions of the sheet of greater thickness than the frangible element, to which it is joined by rounded steps or other rounded formations, and a hollow indentation, e.g., a bead, lies in one of the portions. By using a series of indentations, these can be arranged so that the opening of a tear-open panel in the container wall can be controlled more easily.