WO2016138933A1

WO2016138933A1 - Reliable opening can end for reclosing can

Info

Publication number: WO2016138933A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/054328
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erwin Vanderstraeten
Original assignee: E.V.D.S. Bvba
Priority date: 2015-03-02
Filing date: 2015-03-02
Publication date: 2016-09-09

Abstract

A can end (2) is described for a metal beverage can, optionally for carbonated drinks, the can end including a cap top (3), arranged in connection to a pull tab (4) configured to remove the cap top from the can end along a pre-defined groove (9), to thereby create a drinking or pouring aperture; and a shut-off valve (6), configured to seal the drinking or pouring aperture after drinking or pouring; wherein the cap top (3) is configured to remain located, after the removal, on top of the shut-off valve (6); and wherein the pre-defined groove (9) includes a stop (21-24) for arresting, in a pre-defined location (25) of the pre-defined groove, propagation of a tear along the pre-defined groove during the removal. Further, a can including such a can end and a method for opening such a can are described, as well as a method for producing such a can.

Description

[DESCRIPTION]

RELIABLE OPENING CAN END FOR RECLOSING CAN FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a container such as a can for a food product, especially a beverage, as well as a method of manufacturing the container or can. The container or can is especially suitable for carbonated beverages or drinks. The container or can can be provided with means for easily reclosing after the first opening.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Metal beverage cans usually have a pull tab (working as a lever mechanism) to allow for the opening of the can along a pre-determined shallow groove or score. This design allows venting the excess pressure in the can when it is opened. As the tab is lifted, first a vent score is severed, allowing the gases in the can to be released, and then the aperture score is ruptured, which defines an aperture through which the contents of the beverage can may be dispensed. The groove has the shape of a non-closed loop, so that when pressure is applied by the lever to rip the metal along the groove, the metal tab that is ripped off remains attached to the top of the can, even when the lever is returned to its original position.

With existing cans, a permanent opening is formed by these manipulations, so that the contents of the can may be drunk, but on the other hand carbon dioxide may escape and spills may occur. WO 2012/028694 A1 discloses a reclosing can for a food product, i.e. a can wherein the drinking or pouring aperture can be reclosed after the can is opened for the first time. WO 2014/124992 A1 discloses an intermediate element that may be used in the reclosing can of WO 2012/028694 A1 .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an alternative container, e.g. a can for food products, especially beverages such as carbonated drinks. The container according to the present invention comprises improvements over the container disclosed in WO 2012/028694, "Reclosing can for food product", which is included herein by reference, in its entirety. An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is their high reliability.

Preferred embodiments of a can end in accordance with the present invention include an improved embodiment of the pre-defined groove disclosed in WO 2012/028694.

One advantage of a container or can according to the invention is that it can easily be produced, and that it is suitable for mass production. In comparison with a traditional can, only the can end is different. Thus, a traditional production line of cans can be modified to produce the container or can, e.g. by replacing the production steps for the traditional can end by the production steps for the can end according to the invention; e.g. by adaptation of the tooling for the production line. The production steps and tooling for the can body and for attaching the can end to the can body can remain unchanged. Moreover, a can end in accordance with the invention requires only a small number of parts.

Another advantage is that embodiments of the invention can easily and successfully be applied to different types and sizes of can ends as known in the art, such as so-called SuperEnd (SE) can ends, Container Development Limited (CDL) can ends, etc. Embodiments of the invention can easily and successfully be applied to small can ends and to small can ends having large drinking apertures. All embodiments shown in the drawings were tested successfully. Yet another advantage is the very good pourability and drinkability of the contents of the can.

The present invention provides in one embodiment a can end for a metal beverage can optionally for carbonated drinks, the can end comprising:

- a cap top, arranged in connection to a pull tab configured to remove the cap top from the can end along a pre-defined groove, to thereby create a drinking or pouring aperture;

- a shut-off valve, configured to seal the drinking or pouring aperture after drinking or pouring;

wherein the cap top is configured to remain located, after the removal, on top of the shut-off valve; and

wherein the pre-defined groove comprises means for arresting, in a pre-defined location of the pre-defined groove, propagation of a tear along the pre-defined groove during the removal.

The means for arresting the propagation of the tear along the pre-defined groove may be configured for arresting the propagation of the tear in a clockwise sense of rotation or in a counter-clockwise sense of rotation along the predefined groove.

The means for arresting the propagation of the tear along the pre-defined groove may comprise an endpoint of the pre-defined groove or an abrupt change of direction of the pre-defined groove.

The means for arresting the propagation of the tear along the pre-defined groove may comprise a level difference of the pre-defined groove.

The can end may comprise means for preventing propagation of the tear outside of the pre-defined groove. The means for preventing propagation of the tear outside of the pre-defined groove may comprise an elevation difference and/or an additional groove.

The cap top may comprise a second groove for decreasing an opening force during the removal of the cap top.

The can end may comprise a center point and a fixing device such as a rivet for attaching the pull tab to the can end, wherein the fixing device has a center and wherein the center point of the fixing device is at a nonzero distance from the center point of the can end.

The present invention also includes a metal beverage can optionally for carbonated drinks comprising a can body and a can end in accordance with the invention.

The present invention further includes a method for producing a can, embodiments of the method comprising producing a can end in accordance with the invention, producing a can body, and attaching the can end to the can body. Embodiments of the present invention also include a method for opening a reclosing metal beverage can, optionally for carbonated drinks, said can comprising a can body and a can end, the method comprising:

- actuating a pull tab of said can end, thereby initiating a tear in a pre-defined groove of said can end, wherein said pre-defined groove delimits a cap top; - arresting in a pre-defined location said tear propagating in a first sense of rotation along said pre-defined groove;

- further actuating said pull tab, thereby propagating said tear in a second sense of rotation along said pre-defined groove, wherein said second sense of rotation is opposite to said first sense of rotation;

- still further actuating said pull tab, thereby removing said cap top from said can end and thus creating a drinking or pouring aperture; - opening, by said actuating said pull tab, a shut-off valve of said can end, wherein said shut-off valve is configured to close and seal said drinking or pouring aperture after drinking or pouring;

wherein said removed cap top remains located on top of said shut-off valve.

In an embodiment of the method, the first sense of rotation is a clockwise sense of rotation and the second sense of rotation is a counter-clockwise sense of rotation. In another embodiment of the method, the first sense of rotation is a counterclockwise sense of rotation and the second sense of rotation is a clockwise sense of rotation.

The arresting of the tear propagating along the pre-defined groove may comprise arresting propagation of the tear at an abrupt change of direction of the pre-defined groove.

The arresting of the tear propagating along the pre-defined groove may comprise arresting propagation of the tear at an endpoint of the pre-defined groove.

The arresting the tear propagating along the pre-defined groove may comprise arresting propagation of the tear at a level difference of the pre-defined groove. The method may comprise initiating and propagating a second tear along a second groove of the cap top, by actuating the pull tab.

The container or can will be described below especially when used for beverages, particularly carbonated drinks. It will be clear from the description however that the can may also be used for other food products, such as instant soup, instant coffee, oil, honey, sauces, dairy products such as milk or yoghurt, et cetera. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of a can end, based on a SuperEnd can end;

Fig. 2 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 , wherein the pull tab is omitted for clarity;

Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of a portion of Fig. 2;

Figs. 4a and 4b show 3D views of an embodiment of a can end including a shut-off valve; the can end is seen from the top in Fig. 4a and from the bottom in Fig. 4b;

Fig. 5 shows a detailed view of a portion of another embodiment of a can end, wherein the pull tab is omitted;

Fig. 6 shows a detailed view of a portion of yet another embodiment of a can end, wherein the pull tab is omitted;

Fig. 7 shows a detailed view of a portion of still another embodiment of a can end, wherein the pull tab is omitted and wherein the can end includes a level difference;

Fig. 8 shows a detailed view of a portion of Fig. 7, wherein the cap top is omitted for clarity;

Fig. 9 shows a detailed view of a portion of another embodiment of a can end, wherein the pull tab is omitted and wherein the can end includes another embodiment of a level difference;

Fig. 10 shows a detailed view of a portion of Fig. 9, wherein the cap top is omitted for clarity;

Fig. 1 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of a can end, based on a CDL can end;

Fig. 12 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 1 , wherein the pull tab is omitted for clarity;

Fig. 13 shows a detailed view of a portion of Fig. 12; Figs. 14, 1 5, 1 6 and 1 7 each show a detailed view of a portion of other embodiments of a can end, wherein the pull tab is omitted;

Fig. 1 8 shows a top view of an embodiment of a can end, based on a so-called vented can end;

Fig. 1 9 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 8, wherein the pull tab is omitted for clarity;

Fig. 20 shows a top view of an embodiment of a can end wherein the cap top is positioned asymmetrically;

Fig. 21 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 20, wherein the pull tab is omitted for clarity;

Fig. 22 shows a detailed view of a portion of Fig. 21 ;

Fig. 23 shows a top view of an embodiment of a can end wherein the cap top is slightly asymmetrical ;

Fig. 24 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 23, wherein the pull tab is omitted for clarity;

Fig. 25 shows a detailed view of a portion of Fig. 24;

Fig. 26 shows a top view of an embodiment of a can end, based on a CDL can end with a circular drinking aperture;

Fig. 27 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 26, wherein the pull tab is omitted for clarity;

Fig. 28 shows a detailed view of a portion of Fig. 27;

Fig. 29 shows a top view of an embodiment of a can end, wherein the pull tab is positioned asymmetrically;

Fig. 30 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 29, wherein the pull tab is omitted for clarity;

Fig. 31 shows a detailed view of a portion of Fig. 30;

Fig. 32 shows a top view of an embodiment of a can end, wherein the can end includes an embodiment of an elevation difference;

Fig. 33 shows a detailed view of a portion of Fig. 32, wherein the pull tab is omitted for clarity;

Fig. 34 shows a top view of an embodiment of a can end, based on a can end with a so-called Love drinking aperture; Fig. 35 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 34, wherein the pull tab is omitted for clarity;

Fig. 36 shows a detailed view of a portion of Fig. 35;

Fig. 37 shows a top view of an embodiment of a can end, based on a can end with a so-called Tulip drinking aperture;

Fig. 38 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 37, wherein the pull tab is omitted for clarity;

Fig. 39 shows a detailed view of a portion of Fig. 38;

Fig. 40 shows a top view of an embodiment of a can end, wherein the can end includes an embodiment of an additional groove;

Fig. 41 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 40, wherein the pull tab is omitted for clarity;

Fig. 42 shows a detailed view of a portion of Fig. 41 ;

Fig. 43 shows a top view of an embodiment of a can end, wherein the can end includes another embodiment of an additional groove;

Fig. 44 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 43, wherein the pull tab is omitted for clarity;

Fig. 45 shows a detailed view of a portion of Fig. 44;

Fig. 46 shows a top view of an embodiment of a can end, wherein the can end includes another embodiment of an elevation difference;

Fig. 47 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 46, wherein the pull tab is omitted for clarity;

Fig. 48 shows a detailed view of a portion of Fig. 47;

Fig. 49 shows a detailed view of a portion of Fig. 48, wherein the cap top is omitted for clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non- limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention. Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

It is to be noticed that the term "comprising", used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device comprising means A and B" should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.

Figs. 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of a can end and Figs. 4a and 4b illustrate another embodiment of a can end. Referring to Fig. 4a, the central part of the can end 2 has a tear panel or cap top 3, that can be torn off along a pre-formed shallow groove 9 or other form of mechanical weakness, by pulling at the pull tab 4, which works as a lever. Pull tab 4 is attached to can end 2 by a fixing device 10 such as a rivet. As disclosed in WO 2012/028694, "Reclosing can for food product" (mentioned hereinbefore), the cap top 3 is torn completely from the can end, i.e. removed from the can end, along the pre-defined groove 9, thus creating a drinking or pouring aperture. After tearing off the cap top 3, the cap top 3 remains located on top of a shut-off valve 6 (shown in Fig. 4b), which is configured to seal the drinking or pouring aperture after drinking or pouring. The embodiment of the can end illustrated in Fig. 4b further comprises an intermediate element 80 to which the shut-off valve 6 is attached. For more details on possible embodiments of a reclosing can, we refer to WO 2012/028694 and WO 2014/124992. The can end shown in Fig.4a further comprises a second groove 1 1 , which is discussed further below, with reference to Fig. 1 1 . The embodiment of the pre-defined groove 9 shown in Figs. 4a and 4b comprises means 21 for arresting propagation of a tear along pre-defined groove 9 during the removal of cap top 3, when the can is opened for the first time; this will now be discussed, referring to Figs. 1 to 3. It should be noted that in Fig. 1 the shown embodiment of the can end 2 comprises a first embossed ridge 1 6 and a second embossed ridge 17; both ridges protrude above the plane of the can end, as known in the art.

When opening the can for the first time, pull tab 4 is actuated and initiates a tear in pre-defined groove 9. The tear is initiated in a location near the position where the actuated pull tab touches the cap top, and then, when further actuating the pull tab, the tear propagates (referring to Fig. 3) from this location in a clockwise sense of rotation 42 along pre-defined groove 9 and in a counterclockwise sense of rotation 41 along pre-defined groove 9 (clockwise and counter-clockwise when looking at the top view of the can end, i.e. when viewed from outside the can). However, groove 9 comprises an abrupt change of direction 21 , so that the propagation of the tear in the counter-clockwise sense of rotation 41 along groove 9 is arrested, or stopped, in a pre-defined location 25, which in the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 3 is the location of the abrupt change of direction 21 of groove 9. When further actuating the pull tab, the tear further propagates along groove 9 in the clockwise sense of rotation 42, until pre- defined location 25 is reached, resulting in removal of the cap top 3 from the can end 2.

The abrupt change of direction 21 of pre-defined groove 9, illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3 and also in Fig. 4a, is one embodiment of means for arresting propagation of the tear along the pre-defined groove 9 when opening the can for the first time. An advantage of arresting propagation of the tear in a pre-defined location 25 is reliability, because the process of opening the can is repeatable and is thus well under control. Another embodiment of means for arresting propagation of the tear along the pre-defined groove is a level difference, as discussed further below (a first embodiment is illustrated by Figs. 7 and 8 and a second embodiment is illustrated by Figs. 9 and 10). Still another embodiment of means for arresting propagation of the tear along the pre-defined groove is an endpoint of the pre- defined groove, as discussed further below (the embodiment illustrated by Fig. 16).

Because of the abrupt change of direction 21 of the pre-defined groove 9, propagation of the tear is arrested in a pre-defined location 25. However, due to dimensional tolerances of the groove 9, due to material tolerances, due to differences in speed when actuating the pull tab, ... the tear will not always be arrested exactly in identically the same location when opening a large number (for example one thousand) of cans. That the pre-defined groove 9 comprises an abrupt change of direction 21 means the following in the present document. In a top view of the can end, the groove 9 can be described as a mathematical curve. At the abrupt change of direction 21 , this curve has either a discontinuous first derivative or its first derivative changes so fast that propagation of the tear is arrested in a portion of the pre-defined groove that comprises the pre-defined location and that has a curve length along the predefined groove that is less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 each show a detailed of view different embodiments of a can end (wherein the pull tab is omitted for clarity); in both embodiments the predefined groove comprises an abrupt change of direction 21 for arresting propagation of the tear in a pre-defined location 25, and the geometry of the abrupt change of direction 21 is different from the one illustrated by Fig. 3.

Fig. 7 shows another embodiment of means for arresting propagation of the tear along the pre-defined groove 9. Groove 9 passes through a level difference 22, that has a shape similar to a wedge-like orange segment. Fig. 8 shows a detailed view of a portion of Fig. 7, wherein the cap top 3 is omitted for clarity. When the tear propagates along the pre-defined groove 9 in the counterclockwise sense of rotation, it is arrested at location 25 where the tear suddenly has to overcome a height difference. The level difference 22 may e.g. have a height of 1 ,5 mm. Instead of a height difference, the level difference may be a depth difference. A height difference is however preferred, because of the shut- off valve beneath the cap top.

In the embodiment illustrated by Figs. 9 and 10, the pre-defined groove also passes through a level difference, but in this embodiment the level difference 23 has a cylindrical shape, with the axis of the cylindrical shape perpendicular to the groove 9.

Fig. 1 1 shows an embodiment wherein the cap top 3 comprises a second groove 1 1 . Because of the presence of the second groove 1 1 , the force that is required to open the can when actuating pull tab 4 is decreased. Such a second groove is often used in traditional, non-reclosing cans with smaller drinking apertures, where the groove comprises sharper curves. The invention can also be applied to such can ends; different embodiments of a pre-defined groove 9 and a second groove 1 1 that were tested successfully are shown in Figs. 1 2 to 17. In Fig. 14, pre-defined groove 9 is located at a very small distance from edge 1 5 of the central panel of the can end (compare Fig. 14 to Fig. 1 3). Fig. 1 6 illustrates another embodiment of means for arresting propagation of the tear along the pre-defined groove, namely an endpoint 24 of the pre-defined groove 9.

A level difference for arresting propagation of the tear may be combined with an endpoint 24 of the pre-defined groove 9 for arresting propagation of the tear. A level difference for arresting propagation of the tear may be combined with an abrupt change of direction 21 of the pre-defined groove 9.

Fig. 1 8 shows a top view of another embodiment of a can end with a second groove 1 1 , while Fig. 1 9 shows a top view of this embodiment wherein the pull tab is omitted for clarity.

As discussed above, when opening the can for the first time, after the propagation of the tear is arrested, e.g. in the counter-clockwise sense of rotation, the tear propagates in the opposite sense of rotation, e.g. in the clockwise sense of rotation. Hence, this phase in the opening of the can is asymmetric. The force that has to be exerted on the pull tab can be decreased by positioning the cap top asymmetrically with respect to the pull tab. This is illustrated by Figs. 20 to 22. Fig. 21 shows two axes 31 and 32 of can end 2; it is clear that points 9A and 9B on pre-defined groove 9 have an asymmetric position with respect to axis 31 . The drinking aperture that is used by the customer, i.e. the portion between points 9A and 9B away from the pull tab, is symmetric, but it is positioned asymmetrically with respect to axis 31 . Another embodiment wherein the force on the pull tab is decreased is shown in Figs. 23 to 25; in this embodiment, the drinking aperture that is used by the customer is slightly asymmetric. Of course, an asymmetric drinking aperture and an asymmetric position may be combined.

Instead of arresting the propagation of the tear in the counter-clockwise sense of rotation 41 , as illustrated by Fig. 3, in another embodiment the propagation of the tear may be arrested in the clockwise sense of rotation, by positioning the means 21 for arresting the propagation of the tear in another position, i.e. at the other side of axis 31 when referring to Fig. 21 . Figs. 26 to 28 show an embodiment of a can end, based on a CDL can end with a quasi-circular drinking aperture; the portion of the groove 9 between points 9C and 9D, positioned away from pull tab 4, is circular.

Figs. 29 to 31 show an embodiment wherein the pull tab 4 is not attached to the center point of the can end. The can end has a center point, which is the intersection of its axis 31 and its axis 32. The position 10' on can end 2 where the rivet 10 is attached, is at one side of axis 32 and the cap top 3 is (mainly) at the opposite side of axis 32, or, put otherwise, the rivet 10 has a center, where is attached to the can end, and the center of the rivet 10 is at a nonzero distance from the center point of the can end. An advantage is that the drinking aperture can be very large, which is ideal for beer.

Figs. 32 and 33 illustrate a first embodiment of means for preventing propagation of the tear outside of the pre-defined groove 9. It is not likely that the tear will propagate too far, but especially in the embodiment wherein the means for preventing propagation of the tear comprise an endpoint 24 of the pre-defined groove 9, as illustrated in Fig. 16, it is an advantage to have a safety measure against propagation of the tear outside of the pre-defined groove. In the embodiment of Figs. 32 and 33, the means 27 for preventing propagation of the tear outside of the pre-defined groove 9 comprise a dome- shaped elevation difference 27 located near the abrupt change of direction 21 of the pre-defined groove and protruding above the plane of the can end. If, when opening the can, the tear would propagate further than the pre-defined location 25, it will be stopped by the elevation difference 27.

Instead of protruding above the plane of the can end, in another embodiment the elevation difference may lie below the plane of the can end.

Figs. 34 to 36 show an embodiment of a can end, based on a can end with a so-called Love drinking aperture. Figs. 37 to 39 show an embodiment of a can end, based on a can end with a so-called Tulip drinking aperture.

Figs. 40 to 42 illustrate a second embodiment of means for preventing propagation of the tear outside of the pre-defined groove 9. In this embodiment, the means for preventing propagation of the tear outside of the pre-defined groove comprise an additional groove 28. In Figs. 40 to 42, the additional groove 28 is oriented perpendicularly to the direction of the pre-defined groove 9 in its endpoint 24 which is the means 24 for arresting propagation of the tear. Figs. 43 to 45 illustrate a third embodiment of means for preventing propagation of the tear outside of the pre-defined groove 9, that is very similar to the one shown in Figs. 40 to 42. However, while in the embodiment of Figs. 40 to 42 the additional groove 28 passes through the endpoint 24 of pre-defined groove, in the embodiment of Figs. 43 to 45 the additional groove 28 is positioned at a small distance, of e.g. 1 mm, from endpoint 24.

Figs. 46 to 49 illustrate a fourth embodiment of means 29 for preventing propagation of the tear outside of the pre-defined groove 9. In this embodiment, the means for preventing propagation of the tear outside of the pre-defined groove comprise an elevation difference 29 that has a shape similar to a wedge-like orange segment. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

[CLAIMS]

1 . A can end (2) for a metal beverage can optionally for carbonated drinks, said can end comprising:

- a cap top (3), arranged in connection to a pull tab (4) configured to remove said cap top from said can end along a pre-defined groove (9), to thereby create a drinking or pouring aperture; and

- a shut-off valve (6), configured to seal the drinking or pouring aperture after drinking or pouring;

wherein said cap top (3) is configured to remain located, after said removal, on top of said shut-off valve (6);

characterized in that said pre-defined groove (9) comprises means (21 -24) for arresting, in a pre-defined location (25) of said pre-defined groove, propagation of a tear along said pre-defined groove during said removal.

2. Can end according to claim 1 wherein said means for arresting said propagation of said tear are configured for arresting said propagation of said tear in a clockwise sense of rotation (42) along said pre-defined groove.

3. Can end according to claim 1 wherein said means for arresting said propagation of said tear are configured for arresting said propagation of said tear in a counter-clockwise sense of rotation (41 ) along said predefined groove.

4. Can end according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said means for arresting said propagation of said tear comprise an abrupt change of direction (21 ) of said pre-defined groove.

5. Can end according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said means for arresting said propagation of said tear comprise an endpoint (24) of said pre-defined groove.

6. Can end according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said means for arresting said propagation of said tear comprise a level difference (22,23) of said pre-defined groove.

7. Can end according to any one of claims 1 to 6 further comprising means (27-29) for preventing propagation of said tear outside of said pre-defined groove (9).

8. Can end according to claim 7 wherein said means for preventing propagation of said tear outside of said pre-defined groove comprise an elevation difference (27,29).

9. Can end according to claim 7 or claim 8 wherein said means for preventing propagation of said tear outside of said pre-defined groove comprise an additional groove (28).

10. Can end according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein said cap top (3) comprises a second groove (1 1 ) for decreasing an opening force during said removal of said cap top.

1 1 . Can end according to any one of claims 1 to 10 further comprising a center point and a fixing device (10) for attaching said pull tab (4) to said can end (2), wherein said fixing device has a center and wherein said center of said fixing device is at a nonzero distance from said center point of said can end.

12. A metal beverage can optionally for carbonated drinks, comprising a can body and a can end according to any one of claims 1 to 1 1 .

13. A method for producing the can according to claim 12, the method comprising the steps of:

- producing a can end according to any one of claims 1 to 1 1 ;

- producing the can body;

- attaching the can end to the can body.

14. A method for opening a reclosing metal beverage can, optionally for carbonated drinks, said can comprising a can body and a can end (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 1 1 , the method comprising the steps of:

- actuating a pull tab (4) of said can end (2), thereby initiating a tear in a pre-defined groove (9) of said can end (2), wherein said pre-defined groove delimits a cap top (3);

- arresting in a pre-defined location (25) said tear propagating in a first sense of rotation (41 ) along said pre-defined groove;

- further actuating said pull tab, thereby propagating said tear in a second sense of rotation (42) along said pre-defined groove, wherein said second sense of rotation (42) is opposite to said first sense of rotation (41 );

- still further actuating said pull tab, thereby removing said cap top (3) from said can end (2) and thus creating a drinking or pouring aperture;

- opening, by said actuating said pull tab, a shut-off valve (9) that is configured to close and seal said drinking or pouring aperture after drinking or pouring;

wherein said removed cap top (3) remains located on top of said shut-off valve (9).

15. Method according to claim 14 wherein said first sense of rotation is a clockwise sense of rotation and said second sense of rotation is a counterclockwise sense of rotation.

16. Method according to claim 14 wherein said first sense of rotation is a counter-clockwise sense of rotation and said second sense of rotation is a clockwise sense of rotation.

17. Method according to any one of claims 14 to 1 6 wherein said arresting said propagation of said tear comprises arresting said propagation of said tear at an abrupt change of direction (21 ) of said pre-defined groove.

18. Method according to any one of claims 14 to 1 6 wherein said arresting said propagation of said tear comprises arresting said propagation of said tear at an endpoint (24) of said pre-defined groove.

19. Method according to any one of claims 14 to 18 wherein said arresting said propagation of said tear comprises arresting said propagation of said tear at a level difference (22,23) of said pre-defined groove.

20. Method according to any one of claims 14 to 19 further comprising initiating and propagating a second tear along a second groove (1 1 ) of said cap top, by said actuating said pull tab.