Vented easy-open end closure with anti-tear mechanism

An improved easy-open end closure of the type comprising an end panel and a pull tab, said end panel having an opening score line defining an opening flap therein, said flap having a vent score line defining a vent therein, said vent score line including distal end portions spaced apart from said opening score line, said pull tab comprising a body including a nose portion and a grasping portion;

• the improvement comprising force-redirecting attachment means attaching said pull tab to said flap whereby tearing of the end panel portions between said opening score line and said distal end portions is prevented, said attachment means including means including a tether integrally connected to said pull tab intermediate said portions, said tether being folded under said pull tab body and toward said nose portion and secured to said flap by said attachment means, whereby said pull tab body is displaceable prior to rupture of said opening score line to a position relative to said end panel whereat the stress loading on said end panel in the areas immediately adjacent said distal ends of said vent score line is primarily in tension and the stress components thereon normal to said end panel are substantially reduced.