Abstract: A method of marking indicia on tab stock used to provide tabs for use with can ends. The method comprises providing the tab stock to a tab press comprising a punch and a die. The punch comprises a set of raised features and the die comprises a respective set of recessed features such that the features cooperate to deboss said indicia on regions of the tab stock within tab forming areas that face outwardly when the tabs are attached to a tab end. The features are such that, when the press is fully closed, the spacing between at least part of each of the raised features and at least part of each of the respective recessed features is less than the thickness of the tab stock in said regions within tab forming areas.

Abstract: An alignment assembly for a press assembly is provided. The alignment assembly includes a number of alignment elements. The alignment elements include a number of moving alignment elements. The moving alignment elements are coupled to an upper tooling assembly that moves between a first and second position. As the upper tooling assembly moves, the moving alignment elements move between a first position and a second position corresponding to the upper tooling assembly first position and a second position. The moving alignment elements are structured to move the shell from the initial alignment position to an intermediate alignment position. Thus, as the upper tooling assembly moves from the first position to the second position, the moving alignment elements contact a shell and move the shell from an initial alignment position to an intermediate alignment position.

Abstract: An open ended cap for an industrial pipe is provided, comprising a flexible tubular body having first and second open ends, the first end having an inwardly-extending radial rim serving as an abutment surface for a pipe when inserted into the end cap, the rim extending in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body of the end cap, and a detachable finger grip member, with the finger grip member being connected to a tear strip extending downwardly along at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the tubular body, the rim having a gap within at least a portion thereof across which the finger grip member extends, and the finger grip member including a gripping portion extending into the interior of the open first end and adjacent to a portion of the rim.

Abstract: An end closure for food and beverage containers is provided. The end closure comprises a score fracture force reduction feature. Thus, less force is required by a user to fracture the score and open the opening in the end closure. In one embodiment, the score fracture force reduction feature is a collapsible form raised above the center panel and having a score line and a coined area.

Abstract: A rotating tab is provided. The tab includes a body having a first end and a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end, a nose portion located at or about the first end of the tab, a lift portion located at or about the second end of the tab, and a rivet receiving portion disposed proximate the nose portion. The rivet receiving portion includes a rivet hole. A rivet extends through the rivet hole and is staked to fasten the rivet receiving portion of the tab to a can end. The body of the tab is structured to be rotated about the rivet to align a portion of the tab with a secondary scoreline in the can end. A portion of the tab is structured to be depressed to sever the secondary scoreline to vent the can end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container end closure that generally comprises a pour opening and a secondary vent opening which improves venting during emptying of contents from the container. In particular, the present invention relates to an end closure for a container having scores defining a secondary vent opening which may optionally be opened. The secondary vent opening has a significantly larger area then vents of prior art designs and thereby improves pour rate and smoothness of pour. After the pour opening is opened using a pull tab interconnected to the end closure, a consumer may selectively open the secondary vent opening by pulling back on the tab.

Abstract: A table (31) is located in a first position and a second position which is rotated at 90 degrees from the first position. A cover (27) is arranged on a top face of the table (31) and fixed to the table (31) by fixing means (32a, 32b). Cardboards are preliminarily attached to predetermined positions on a rear face of the cover (27), and an outer margin of a predetermined width is formed outside the cardboard. Folding units (35) are arranged on either side of the table (31), and guided by guide rails (34) for reciprocal linear movement in directions toward and away from the table (31). The folding units (35) are located in an outer margin folding position at which said folding units (35) engage with the cover (27) on the table (31) and fold the outer margin of the cover (27) so as to attach the outer margin to the cardboards, and a standby position at which the folding units (35) separate from the cover (27). A control unit controls the table (31) and the folding units (35).

Abstract: An improved drink can with a drink opening and a vent opening are positioned opposite from ouch other with respect to a central portion of a top end of a drink can. The tab is attached to the central portion and can be pulled upward to open the drink opening then pushed back downward to open the vent opening. To aid in opening the vent opening with the tab, the vent opening may have a ridge to provide additional leverage when the tab pushes downward on a score line that defines the vent opening. The tab may be enlarged so that upon breakage of the score line to the vent opening, the tab contacts the top end of the can and does not allow the user's finger to proceed into the vent opening and possibly cut the user's finger.

Abstract: A lid (2) for a can (1) has a general shape defining a main plane (9) and a depression (10) arranged in the lid. The bottom wall of the depression is tilted relative to the main plane of the lid, and to a method for orientating lids.

Abstract: An easy-open metal end and a method for making same, in which a pre-score coining operation is performed, followed by an operation to form a score line. The coining step uses gentle-radius tooling designed not to crack or cut a protective coating on the metal end. Between the coining step and the score line-forming step, a paneling step is performed to pull out the loose metal generated in the coining step, such that end tension can be controlled more easily than in a conventional process. The coining operation thins the metal, so the score line can have less penetration than, and therefore can be narrower than, a conventional score line. Consequently, even if the score line does rust, it will be very small in width and thus relatively unnoticeable.

Abstract: A tooling assembly for scoring a can end is provided. First and second opposing tool members cooperate to create a depression in the can end, and to form a scoreline within the depression. A conversion press for converting a can end shell into a can end, and a method for scoring a can end are also provided. The method includes engaging a first side of the can end with a score knife, supporting at least a portion of a second side of the can end with a score anvil, depressing the can end into a cavity of the score anvil to form the depression, and forming the scoreline within the depression. The depression and scoreline are formed substantially simultaneous within the same tool station of the conversion press. A sealant, which is applied to the scoreline, forms a pool within the depression, thereby completely covering the scoreline.

Abstract: In a method according to the invention for the manufacture of tear notches (22) in can lids (11), the can lid (11) is subjected in the press tool (10) to a laser engraving during which the desired tear notch (22) is generated. The laser ablation process occurs preferably, with the press tool (10) closed, within a time period of less than 30 ms. During this time, the focal spot (27) of the laser beam (26) is moved over the whole desired contour of the tear notch (22) so that an uninterrupted groove-like cavity is formed. With the use of laser engraving in the press tool, the mechanical wear of the press tool and of the press molds can be minimized and in this way the tool operating life can be increased. In particular, the manufacture of can lids with consistently high quality is ensured.

Abstract: A tooling assembly for scoring a can end is provided. First and second opposing tool members cooperate to create a depression in the can end, and to form a scoreline within the depression. A conversion press for converting a can end shell into a can end, and a method for scoring a can end are also provided. The method includes engaging a first side of the can end with a score knife, supporting at least a portion of a second side of the can end with a score anvil, depressing the can end into a cavity of the score anvil to form the depression, and forming the scoreline within the depression. The depression and scoreline are formed substantially simultaneous within the same tool station of the conversion press. A sealant, which is applied to the scoreline, forms a pool within the depression, thereby completely covering the scoreline.

Abstract: The mold apparatus has a pair of upper and lower molds being used for forming a score on one side surface of an easy-opening can end fabricated by a laminated metal sheet. The upper mold has a convex part for forming the score, and the cross sectional shape of the convex part at the portion contacting the laminated metal sheet is composed of a curve having a change rate of inclination of 0.08 or smaller to the upper surface of the facing lower mold, or having the curve and a straight line. The formed score has a maximum width of 0.80 mm or smaller.

Abstract: An improved convenience closure that is adapted for sealing an end of a can includes an end panel having a peripheral score, a rivet formation, a mustache score and a flex line score defined therein. The mustache score may include a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on the end panel relative to the rivet formation. The central portion is preferably curved, with a concave side of the curvature facing the rivet formation. The mustache score also may include first and second preferably symmetrical end portions, each of which is continuous with the central portion. Most of the total length of each of the end portions may be curved away from a nearest portion of the peripheral score, with a convex side of curvature facing the nearest portion of the peripheral score. Tooling for making the convenience closure and a method of making such a convenience disclosure are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved convenience closure that is adapted for sealing an end of a can includes an end panel having a peripheral score, a rivet formation, a mustache score and a flex line score defined therein. The mustache score may include a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on the end panel relative to the rivet formation. The central portion is preferably curved, with a concave side of the curvature facing the rivet formation. The mustache score also may include first and second preferably symmetrical end portions, each of which is continuous with the central portion. Most of the total length of each of the end portions may be curved away from a nearest portion of the peripheral score, with a convex side of curvature facing the nearest portion of the peripheral score. Tooling for making the convenience closure and a method of making such a convenience disclosure are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved convenience closure that is adapted for sealing an end of a can includes an end panel having a peripheral score, a rivet formation, a mustache score and a flex line score defined therein. The mustache score may include a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on the end panel relative to the rivet formation. The central portion is preferably curved, with a concave side of the curvature facing the rivet formation. The mustache score also may include first and second preferably symmetrical end portions, each of which is continuous with the central portion. Most of the total length of each of the end portions may be curved away from a nearest portion of the peripheral score, with a convex side of curvature facing the nearest portion of the peripheral score. Tooling for making the convenience closure and a method of making such a convenience disclosure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tooling assembly for scoring a can end is provided. First and second opposing tool members cooperate to create a depression in the can end, and to form a scoreline within the depression. A conversion press for converting a can end shell into a can end, and a method for scoring a can end are also provided. The method includes engaging a first side of the can end with a score knife, supporting at least a portion of a second side of the can end with a score anvil, depressing the can end into a cavity of the score anvil to form the depression, and forming the scoreline within the depression. The depression and scoreline are formed substantially simultaneous within the same tool station of the conversion press. A sealant, which is applied to the scoreline, forms a pool within the depression, thereby completely covering the scoreline.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming a sheet metal lid. At least one projection is formed twice. First, the projection is shaped from a panel of the sheet metal lid, the pre-form being located near an attaching portion of a tab, but at a distance from the mounting place. Second, at least a front edge of the pre-form of the at least one projection is re-formed. No score line is provided in the panel, neither during shaping, nor during re-forming. An improved blocking for an outer edge portion of the attaching portion is thus obtained, the outer edge portion being associated with the front edge.

Abstract: A non-circular can end for a container having walls which form an opening includes a corner-mounted pull tab opener secured to a severable panel portion by an integral rivet. The corner-mounted opener facilitates easy opening of the can end. A pair of generally parallel bead recesses on either side of the integral rivet stiffen the severable panel portion in order to facilitate bending of the panel aft of the rivet to easily open the can end. The severable panel optionally further includes a mustache-shaped scoreline to reduce the amount of force required to lift the opener. Tooling and a conversion press for converting shells into the non-circular can ends are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for making an easy-opening can end comprising providing an upper die and a lower die, at least one of the upper die and the lower die having a curved surface with a radius of 0.1 to 1 mm at the tip portion thereof, the other die having a flat surface at the tip portion thereof; and press-forming an end panel by using the upper die and the lower die to form a score on the upper surface or the lower surface of the end panel so that the end panel has a thickness of 0.025 to 0.08 mm at the thinnest portion thereof.

Abstract: The disclosed invention describes a container end that can be easily opened and does not rely on a conventional metal tab, riveted onto the end, thereby avoiding the problems and the cost associated with such a tab. The invention utilizes a traditional container end shell with a separate and distinct piece that is formed independently and is inserted into a countersink which is placed on the outer surface of the container end shell. The removal of this separate piece exerts a force or causes a change in the properties of the container wall in the countersink area, initiating and proliferating a discontinuity in the container wall, thereby creating an opening in the container. This change in the properties of the container wall can be mechanical, chemical, thermal or any other modality, which has the ability to influence the integrity of the container wall.

Abstract: An end member for a container. The end member has a central panel, a circumferential chuckwall, and a transition wall. The central panel is centered about a longitudinal axis and has a substantially planar peripheral edge. The curl defines an outer perimeter of the end member. The circumferential chuckwall extends downwardly from the curl to the transition wall. The transition wall connects the chuck wall with the substantially planar peripheral edge of the central panel. The transition wall has a folded portion extending outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method of making an easy-open end for a container includes steps of forming first and second grooves in a panel of a can end blank, the grooves extending below the level of the panel to form inner and outer beads and forming a central bead in the panel between the first and second grooves so that the central bead extends above the panel. A score is then formed along the central bead by simultaneously forming the score and compressing the central bead, so that the depth of the score and the thickness of the central bead are both positively controlled. The inner and outer beads are then forced toward each other and then toward the panel, and the central bead is forced toward the panel. A pull-tab is then fixed to the end. This process permits the score residual to be controlled to a greater tolerance than the conventional processes, and is also more material efficient.

Abstract: An easy open safety end having a central portion and a rim portion separated by a score line. A tab applies a force to the end adjacent the score line so as to shear the score line at opening. A circumferentially extending fold is formed in either the central portion or the rim portion, or both, to protect the user from being cut by the sharp edge the results upon shearing the score line. A first circumferential portion of the fold is tight, whereas a second portion, which is preferably proximate the tab is loose. The fold is displaced below a portion of the end adjacent the score line by a circumferentially extending gap. In the tight portion of the fold, the width of the gap is less than the thickness of the end, and preferably less than one half the thickness, whereas in the loose portion of the fold, the width of the gap is greater than the thickness of the end, and is preferably at least twice the thickness of the end.

Abstract: A can lid of the fully-open type has a disk-shaped panel, a score notched endlessly in a surface of the panel along an outer circumferential edge of the panel, for forming an opening in the panel, and a tab fixed to the panel by a rivet. The tab is attached in a direction substantially perpendicular to an initial tear-off line of the score. The surface of the panel which is concealed from view by the tab is printed with a circular mark representing a rolling direction in which the material of the panel has been rolled. The score is defined such that the rolling direction extends substantially at a right angle to the initial tear-off line of the score. The panel has an auxiliary score defined in the surface thereof near the rivet and positioned across the rivet from the initial tear-off line substantially parallel to the initial tear-off line and separate therefrom.

Abstract: An end member for a container. The end member has a central panel, a circumferential chuckwall, and a transition wall. The central panel is centered about a longitudinal axis and has a substantially planar peripheral edge. The curl defines an outer perimeter of the end member. The circumferential chuckwall extends downwardly from the curl to the transition wall. The transition wall connects the chuck wall with the substantially planar peripheral edge of the central panel. The transition wall has a folded portion extending outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An easy-opening can end comprises: an end panel; a score which is formed on the upper surface or the lower surface of the end panel; the score having a cross section of a curved surface; and a tab having a finger grasping portion. The tab is attached to the can end panel and is rotatable around tab-fastening device. The tab-fastening device is positioned offset.

Abstract: An easy opening can end is provided whose can end panel is made of steel sheet having both sides coated with resin layers which each include at least one type of thermoplastic resin and which have elongation after break of 100% or more, tensile strength of 10 kg/mm2 or more, Young modulus of 100 kg/mm2 or more and a thickness in range of 10 to 100 &mgr;m. A score is formed on at least one of a front or a back side of the can end panel so as to be capable of breakage for opening the can end. The score has a bottom cross-section in a shape of an arc having a radius in a range of 0.10 to 1.0 mm, and a thinnest section of the score has a thickness t in a range of 0.025 to 0.080 mm. The easy opening can end has no problem of resin layer damage when the score is formed and has excellent can openability to such an extent that children and the aged may easily open the can end, so that the easy opening can end is most suitable for a can end of a beverage can and a food can.

Abstract: A method of making a safety easy-open end for a container includes forming a safety fold that includes an intermediate panel that overlies an end panel of a can end blank and is connected to the end panel by a first bead, a top panel that overlies the intermediate panel and that is connected to the intermediate panel by a second, safety bead, and a transition region connecting the top panel to the double-seam area of the end. Advantageously, the top panel and the intermediate panel are both angled radially outwardly and upwardly with respect to the end panel, which increases the resistance of the safety easy-open end against pressure-induced failure.

Abstract: A container end is provided so that upon opening, a generally triangular vent region is formed with an apex pointing rearwardly toward the head space to vent the container, e.g. during pouring. A container is provided that achieves a fast and smooth pour with a relatively small increase (relative to certain previous configurations) in the opening area and achieves a superior pour without increased bursting, buckling or opening failures associated with relatively larger openings.

Abstract: A method of coining the score line of container end panels having displaceable portions includes holding a portion of the end panel and coining the score line area thereof between the tapered peripheral edges of the ends of a coining punch and a coining die while controlling the flow of material from the coined area. The apparatus includes a pressure sleeve for engaging a portion of the end panel against the top of the coining die, a control die for supporting the remainder of the end panel and a coining punch for engaging the end panel in the area to be scored. The coining punch and coining die are provided with tapered or beveled shoulders which cooperate to coin the metal therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention provides an end closure for a container having a central panel wall with a displaceable opening panel defined by a frangible score and a non-frangible hinge segment. A tab is attached to the panel wall by a rivet, the tab having a nose extending over a first area of the opening panel, the remainder of the opening panel which is exposed from the tab defining the second area of the opening panel. A deboss bead resides in the opening panel, formed in the second area. The deboss bead being curvilinear in shape, formed as a narrow channel in the opening panel. The narrow channel preferably being formed as a U-shaped bead with a first wall and a generally opposed second wall, with the first and second wall being joined by an arcuate intermediate segment. The end closure further has a deboss panel residing in a plane below the remainder of the panel, the deboss bead extending below the plane of the deboss panel.

Abstract: A container end is provided so that upon opening, a generally triangular vent region is formed with an apex pointing rearwardly toward the head space to vent the container, e.g. during pouring. A container is provided that achieves a fast and smooth pour with a relatively small increase (relative to certain previous configurations) in the opening area and achieves a superior pour without increased bursting, buckling or opening failures associated with relatively larger openings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming weakenings in a metal plate (8), comprising of: deforming the metal plate to a predetermined depth to form a weakening thinned portion along at least one line; and bending the metal plate along the line, characterized by displacing relative to each other the metal plate and at least one tool deforming the metal plate along the line and over at least one surface of the metal plate with a force directed substantially transversely of the metal plate and sufficient to deform the metal plate. The invention also relates to a device for performing thereof.

Abstract: A process for forming an easy open lid comprising a central panel having a score strip with a score thereon, a crimping edge and a ring enabling the lid to be opened by perforation of the score. The score on the lid is formed from a metal lid outline supported by an anvil by displacing a punch of angle alpha thereover and causing an asymmetrical flow of metal between the punch and the anvil during the displacing. This reduces the risk of crack formation in the metal at the bottom portion of the score or beneath the score.

Abstract: A die tool monitor and analysis system identifies tooling changes and maintains tooling in an optimal position, thus maintaining the quality of the manufactured product within a desired tolerance band. A die tool force monitor and analysis system identifies changes in the operational conditions within a press. These identified changes are indicative of tooling changes and in conjunction with a thermal control system, facilitate the thermally induced expansion and contraction of a tooling support structure. The expansion and contraction of the supporting structure displaces the tooling member relative to its counterpart tooling member.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for scoring a metallic container wall, which facilitates scoring thin gauge, hard temper metal such as coated or uncoated aluminum to reduced score residuals wherein the scoring tool has a secondary antifracture score indenter on one or both sides of a primary indenter and in which the outboard secondary indenter has an outboard face angled about 30 to 40 degrees to vertical.

Abstract: A method for cutting a vertical incision in a plastic cap for containers. The plastic cap includes a flat top, a casing emanating from the flat top, and a guarantee area provided in an edge zone of the casing. The guarantee area has at least one holding section on a surface of the guarantee area.

Abstract: A metal easy open can lid, and a process for producing the same, wherein the can openability is improved and the occurrence of defects in the resin film at the time of shaping is eliminated whereby repair coating of the inner and outer surfaces are made unnecessary by making the cross-sectional shape of the opening guide groove of the easy open can lid an S-shape are provided, wherein, when forming the opening piece for easy manual opening in the metal lid, the properties of the resin film on the metal sheet, the shape and dimensions of the shoulder portions of the punch and die, the clearance, the residual thickness of the opening guide groove, the degree of the push-back processing, etc. are specified so as to achieve a superior can openability without breakage of the resin film by forming an opening guide groove with an S-shaped cross-section.

Abstract: The invention, relating to an easy-open metal container end, places a portion of the metal of the tear panel (12), in the region where a score stop otherwise would be located, under compression by forming a short coined depression or bead (40) in the tear panel, preferably in the public side, close to the score line (15) at least at the end of the vent region (35) opposite from the inner hook (16), which is located at the radially inward end of the tear panel score line. During initial opening or venting action, as the rivet (25) is lifted by initial tab motion, separation proceeds along the score line, beneath the nose (28) of the tab (27). The metal adjacent and in this coined depression tends to move partially underneath the metal on the opposite side of the score line from the coined vent bead. This action provides sufficient disruption or retarding of the score line separation or rupture, during venting, to confine such separation to the vent region until internal pressure is vented.

Abstract: Scoreline, profiling and reinforcing features are provided for an easy-access sheet metal end closure (20) and an integral opener (44). An endwall panel (28) is formed so as to substantially eliminate flexing of the sheet metal during rupture of residual metal of scoreline means defining a U-shaped tear strip (30). Such tear strip is oriented with its arcuately-shaped closed end (32) contiguous to the periphery of such endwall panel -with scoreline legs (34, 35) directed toward a portion at its geometric center (26). The opener is fabricated with a chisel-point (92) at its working end (66) to initiate puncture of such arcuate-shaped scoreline by Class I lever action. Rupturing of the scoreline is followed by pivoting of the opener about a pair of fulcrum points, (82, 83) which contact the panel one each external to a, side of opening 62, with movement of the opening about such fulcrum points rupturing the scoreline legs by Class; II lever action.

Abstract: An easy open end for food and beverage cans having reduced aluminum content is provided in an end having a metal polymer metal laminate construction. An opening panel as defined in the end body by a pair of first and second spaced apart score lines disposed in the first and second major surfaces, respectively. Each of the first and second score lines define an area of reduced thickness for both the metal layer and the adjacent polymer layer. The opening panel can be displaced from the remainder of the end body to provide an easy opening can by perforating the end body at a point along the first and second score lines.

Abstract: An easy open can end having an anti-missiling score integrally formed thereon, a method of further forming a can end to incorporate the anti-missiling score, and tooling for accomplishing the method.

Abstract: The invention, relating to an easy-open metal container end, places a portion of the metal of the tear panel (12), in the region where a score stop otherwise would be located, under compression by forming a short coined depression or bead (40) in the tear panel, preferably in the public side, close to the score line (15) at least at the end of the vent region (35) opposite from the inner hook (16), which is located at the radially inward end of the tear panel score line. During initial opening or venting action, as the rivet (25) is lifted by initial tab motion, separation proceeds along the score line, beneath the nose (28) of the tab (27). The metal adjacent and in this coined depression tends to move partially underneath the metal on the opposite side of the score line from the coined vent bead. This action provides sufficient disruption or retarding of the score line separation or rupture, during venting, to confine such separation to the vent region until internal pressure is vented.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in chime seam joinder of a sheet metal convenience-feature end closure (133) to a sheet metal can body (153) having a non-cylindrical sidewall. Countersunk panel (112) with unitary chuck wall (100) interfit within an open end of the can body. A peripheral scoreline (102) in the countersunk panel, which contiguous to the chuck wall, defines the separable endwall panel. After that separation, substantially no obstruction to removal of solid-pack contents, as a single piece, remains. Seaming chuck tooling (172) provides continuous backing support peripherally along the inner surface of the chuck wall during chime seam joinder. Cutaway shaping (180) of seaming chuck portions 176, 177 eliminates registry concerns as to whether a single longitudinally-rigid integral opener (148), with its working edge (136) contiguous to the panel peripheral scoreline and the chuck wall, is located at either distal end of a centrally located axis (174) of the end closure.

Abstract: Scoreline, profiling and reinforcing features are provided for an easy-access sheet metal end closure (20) and an integral opener (44). An endwall panel (28) is formed so as to substantially eliminate flexing of the sheet metal during rupture of residual metal of scoreline means defining a U-shaped tear strip (30). Such tear strip is oriented with its arcuately-shaped closed end (32) contiguous to the periphery of such endwall panel with scoreline legs (34,35) directed toward a portion at its geometric center (26). The opener is fabricated with a chisel-point (92) at its working end (66) to initiate puncture of such arcuate-shaped scoreline by Class I lever action. Rupturing of the scoreline is followed by pivoting of the opener about a pair of fulcrum points (82,83) which contact the panel one each external to a side of opening 62, with movement of the opening about such fulcrum points rupturing the scoreline legs by Class II lever action.

Abstract: A pull tab type opening device is formed upon an insert metal strip mounted atop the can's lid. The opening device is affixed to and covers an opening in the can's lid by inter-locking rim portions on the strip and lid. Accordingly, the lid may be formed of a less expensive metal, such as steel, while the metal strip, occupying a small portion of the lid, is formed of the more expensive aluminum. Since the percentage of the dissimilar metal, aluminum, in a can is very small in comparison to steel, a used can may thereby be processed as a single metal, steel.

Abstract: Convenience-feature sheet metal end closure structure and tooling apparatus including a new scoring tool configuration (94) which enables a peripheral scoreline (102), which defines a separable convenience-feature endwall panel (112), to be located contiguous to the end closure chuck wall (100) which interfits about its periphery with the open end of a container side wall. The resulting convenience-feature endwall panel is separated such that substantially no obstruction to removal of solid-pack contents as a single piece remains. The separable panel (112) can be formed with a multiple-layer fold (127) of sheet metal extending along its periphery so as to shield torn residual metal remaining with the panel after severance along such peripheral scoreline.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming a convenience-feature, sheet metal end closure structure (133) for a container body (153) having a non-cylindrical side wall. A new scoring tool (94) configuration enables a peripheral scoreline (102) defining a separable convenience-feature panel (112) to be located contiguous to the closure chuck wall (100) which interfits about its entire periphery with the open end of the side wall of such a container. Separation of such panel leaves substantially no obstruction to removal of solid-pack container. The separable panel (112) is formed with a multiple-layer fold (127) of sheet metal which is nested against the interior periphery of such panel, so as to shield torn residual metal remaining with the panel after severance along such peripheral scoreline.