Pull tab arrangement for an easy open end

Claim 1

End closure means for a container, comprising a. a metal end closure member having a generally planar base portion containing a scoreline that defines a removable panel portion; b. pull tab means for rupturing said scoreline and for at least partially removing said panel portion from said metal end member, said pull tab means including 1. a rigid pull tab member having integral nose, intermediate and finger grip portions, said pull tab member being arranged adjacent and generally parallel with said base portion opposite said removable panel portion; and 2. rivet means connecting said pull tab intermediate portion with said removable panel portion, said rivet means being so arranged relative to said scoreline that when said pull tab member is in a given position relative to said scoreline, the free extremity of said nose portion is directly opposite the corresponding portion of said scoreline; and c. retaining means arranged solely between the axis of said rivet means and the free extremity of said nose portion for preventing rotation of said pull tab member about said rivet means from said given position relative to said end member not only during the initial opening period when the finger grip portion is elevated aNd said nose portion is depressed to rupture the adjacent scoreline portion, but also during the subsequent period when the finger grip portion is subjected to a pulling force to tear the scoreline to remove said panel portion from said end member, said retaining means comprising dimple means defined on one of said removable panel and nose portions for cooperation with a corresponding recess contained in the other of said panel and nose portions.