Easy-open container end

Abstract

The invention, relating to an easy-open metal container end, places a portion of the metal of the tear panel, in the region where a score stop otherwise would be located, under compression by forming a short coined depression or bead in the tear panel, preferably in the public side, close to the score line at least at the end of the vent region opposite from the inner hook, which is located at the radially inward end of the tear panel score line. During initial opening or venting action, as the rivet is lifted by initial tab motion, separation proceeds along the score line, beneath the nose of the tab. 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. Further separation of the tear panel can proceed under control of continued raising tab motion and resulting opening force. By providing such a coined vent bead, the score stop may be made considerable less deep leaving adequate residual metal along score line 15, or the score stop can be entirely eliminated in some cases, thereby making it possible to achieve consistent and proper venting in ends made of thinner metals, e.g. in the order of 0.009-0.008 inch.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.