GB1375678A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1375678 Easy-open container ends NATIONAL CAN CORP 24 Jan 1973 [27 Jan 1972 (2)] 3585/73 Heading B8D A can end panel 14 comprises a weakening line 20 defining a generally key-hole shaped tear strip having an enlarged leading portion 28 and a relatively reduced-in-width trailing portion 30, and a pull tab 40 riveted to the enlarged portion and having a reduced width, e.g. recesses 56, intermediate the piercing and handle ends 52 and 50 of the tab engageable with the edges of the formed panel opening to maintain the tear strip and a portion of the tab on the inner side of the panel after severing of the weakening line. The tab is formed from sheet metal with a central dishing 62 and curled or rolled-under reinforced edges along its sides and hand portion, Figs. 9-11 (not shown). The piercing end is formed by a cut-away depending flange 72 and provided with a V-shaped deformation. The distance Y between the rivet 42 and the recesses is less than the distance X between the rivet and the tear strip end so that on subsequent depression of the tab through the enlarged opening formed on raising the tab, the tear strip is elastically stretched, and thus acts to draw the tab towards its final position, Fig. 6 (not shown). In a modification, Fig. 13 (not shown), the piercing tab end and enlarged leading tear strip portion are V- shaped. In another embodiment, Figs. 14-21 (not shown), the tab has a handle ring at one end and deflectable fingers 240 which project laterally and can be resiliently forced past the edges of the enlarged portion of the tear stripdefined opening on raising the tab. The tear strip is provided with transverse ribs 270, 272, which permit the strip to be folded to a concertina configuration. In a modification, Fig. 22 (not shown), the tab is dimensioned to lie within the confines of the container rim 216.