Pulls with raised lift end and related methods

Abstract

A progressive die manufacturing method for producing a pull tab with a raised lift end for a beverage container utilizes an ear carrier process that produces a pull tab blank from a carrier sheet that is secured by a carrier strip at an attachment point. At the pull tab station, the blank is formed as a pull tab having specific features including a nose portion, a rivet receiving portion, a lifting portion, and preferably a finger hole. The lifting station produces a deformation that raises the lifting portion relative to the highest continuous surface of the pull tab prior to any deformation or bending. The carrier strip is then cut to release the completed pull tab. Optional improvements include integrated or modular lifting stations, specific bending angles and distances, and center rods for marking application. The method combines the benefits of the ear carrier process with improved ergonomics, thereby enhancing the user experience while minimizing mechanical modifications.

Description

[0001] Inventors: M. Everts and A. Hogenkamp

[0002] Cross-reference to related applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 829,257, filed September 9, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 537,633, filed September 11, 2023, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] Statement on federally funded research and development

[0005] not applicable. Technical Field

[0006] This invention relates to pull tabs for beverage containers, and more specifically to a method for manufacturing pull tabs with raised lifting ends using an ear-carrier progressive die technique. Background Technology

[0007] Pull-a-bread remains an integral part of the beverage industry, providing consumers with a quick and direct way to access their drinks. Over the years, its design has undergone several revisions, primarily driven by the need to enhance the user experience, environmental considerations, and cost-effective production.

[0008] A key advancement in pull tab design is the inclusion of a raised lift section, which provides users with more space to insert their fingers, simplifying the can-opening experience. This raised section of the pull tab is designed to be higher than its body, creating an additional gap between the pull tab and the beverage can lid.

[0009] While this design offers significant benefits, its typical manufacturing methods, particularly the nose carrier progressive die technology, present challenges. In particular, retrofitting current machines for the nose carrier method often proves expensive and complex. Although some existing pull tabs using the nose carrier method exist in industry, most pull tabs are produced using ear carriers, which are used for flat pull tabs. Converting a press from an ear carrier to a nose carrier requires significant process improvements, involving reconfiguring the die and adjusting the press for the new carrier position. By retaining the ear carrier and adding changeover tools to produce pull tabs with an elevated nose carrier, the costs and downtime associated with refurbishment are significantly reduced.

[0010] Considering the primary industrial use of ear carrier processes (which utilize the rear or lifting portion of the pull tab to convey it through the production line), a method is needed that combines the ergonomic advantages of an elevated pull tab with the efficiency and minimal refurbishment requirements of ear carrier manufacturing methods. This desired invention would allow for the production of pull tabs with enhanced user accessibility while utilizing existing machinery, thus avoiding the expensive and complex modifications required by nose carrier methods. This invention achieves these objectives. Summary of the Invention

[0011] This invention relates to a progressive die manufacturing method, for example, for producing pull tabs used in open containers (such as aluminum beverage cans). These methods introduce an innovative approach to forming pull tabs with raised lifting ends, thereby improving user accessibility while ensuring efficient manufacturability.

[0012] This invention relates to a method for manufacturing pull tabs for beverage containers using various components of a conversion press system, including but not limited to a pull tab station, a sprue, a bridge guide, or a modular lifting station. Furthermore, this process can be applied to pull tabs produced on a separate machine and subsequently attached to the lid of the container. The method described herein is applicable to both tapered and non-tapered pull tab designs, thereby ensuring flexibility in the application of the manufacturing process. The lifting station is integrated into the pull tab mold through a refurbishment process, wherein a replacement tool is installed to create an upward bend that raises the lifting portion of the pull tab. This refurbishment can be implemented within a reforming station or other station of the pull tab mold, thus providing flexibility in the manufacturing process. A major advantage of this integration is the ability to utilize existing conversion press systems, thereby minimizing costs and downtime by avoiding complete overhauls of the machinery.

[0013] The process begins with the production of at least one pull tab blank from a carrier sheet during progressive die stamping. Each pull tab blank is secured to the carrier sheet via a carrier strip at one or more attachment points. The carrier strip is secured to one or more attachment points located within the upper half of the pull tab, said upper half including, but not limited to, a region surrounding the finger hole and extending to the highest point of the lifting portion. The upper half of the pull tab is defined as a region adjacent to the finger hole. The invention particularly protects a manufacturing method that utilizes the process of attaching the carrier strip in this region. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment point is included in the lifting portion of the pull tab, adjacent to the finger hole. In a progressive manufacturing system, these blanks are formed as pull tabs with specific features: a nose for applying pressure to a vulnerable area of ​​the container cap; a rivet receiving portion with a hole; a lifting portion that extends from the nose and terminates at a distal end; and preferably, a finger hole adjacent to the lifting portion.

[0014] A key innovation of this method is the use of a lifting station, in which the pull tab is bent to create deformation, causing the lifting portion to rise relative to the top plane of the pull tab. The top plane of the pull tab refers to the highest continuous surface extending along the length of the pull tab from the nose to the lifting portion before any deformation or bending. These structural deformations are intentional features that protrude on the top plane to raise the lifting portion, thereby improving user interaction. This bending process creates the raised lifting end. The carrier strip is then cut from the attachment point of each pull tab to release the completed pull tab from the carrier sheet. Subsequently, each pull tab is secured to a container lid, and then the container lid is secured to the container.

[0015] This method offers several optional enhancements. The lifting station can be integrated within a reforming station, a sheet-pulling station, a runner die, a bridge guide, or designed as a modular, interchangeable, or separate system to achieve manufacturing flexibility. The lifting station is modular and interchangeable, allowing for tool changes to be transferred between the reforming station and other stations within the sheet-pulling die. This modularity is achieved through a simple refurbishment process, where interchangeable tools are designed for high-speed manufacturing while maintaining the necessary precision for producing upward bending in the sheet-pulling. By enabling the direct installation of alternative lifting stations, this method ensures manufacturing process flexibility. The bending angle is between 1 degree and 80 degrees, preferably between 40 and 50 degrees. This range allows for optimal tool life and manufacturability. At sharper angles, tools in the conversion press experience faster wear, which can reduce manufacturing speed and efficiency. By adjusting the angle to the optimal range, this method allows for the production of raised, lifted sheets while maintaining machining over long production runs, thus supporting high-speed manufacturing. The bending angle can be located at a specific distance from the far end of the lifting section, typically between 1mm and 10mm, thereby optimizing user interaction and structural integrity.

[0016] In some embodiments, the lifting station bends the pull tab to create deformation at two opposite sides of the finger hole, thereby raising the lifting portion above the plane of the pull tab by a distance sufficient to enhance user accessibility and stacking compatibility, typically between 1 mm and 10 mm.

[0017] Additional features may include a central bar forming the pull tab, positioned between the nose and the lifting portion. The central bar has a preferred thickness of at least 1.9 mm. This dimension ensures sufficient surface area on the central bar for applying promotional material or markings. The central bar provides a sufficiently large vertical dimension from its highest to lowest point for effective embossing, laser etching, or other marking applications. Markings, including branding, indications, or other relevant information, may be applied to the central bar.

[0018] The manufacturing process may include multiple stations, in which carrier sheets and pull sheets move between a pull sheet station, a lifting station, and a cutting station.

[0019] This method uniquely combines the advantages of the ear carrier process, which utilizes many existing progressive die facilities, with improved ergonomics for the raised lifting end. The result is a pull tab design that enhances the user experience while minimizing the need for extensive machine modifications in production.

[0020] By utilizing this innovative progressive die technology, this invention produces pull tabs with enhanced user accessibility while leveraging many existing mechanical facilities, thus avoiding the costly and complex modifications required by alternative methods. This novel approach not only solves the ergonomic problems of traditional pull tabs but also provides manufacturers with a cost-effective solution that seamlessly integrates improved design with established production processes. Therefore, this invention represents a significant advancement in pull tab manufacturing, offering a harmonious blend of user-centric design and manufacturing efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a top perspective view of a pull tab produced by the method of the present invention, shown as being fixed to the container lid of a container; Figure 2 This is a top view of the pull tab of the present invention, which is shown as being stamped from a carrier sheet and connected to the carrier sheet by a pair of carrier strips; Figure 3 This is a diagram of the method of the present invention, which shows a carrier sheet being formed into multiple sheet blanks at different manufacturing stations and then into sheets; Figure 4 This is a top view of the carrier sheet, showing multiple pull tabs formed just before they are cut from the carrier sheet at the attachment point of the pull tab. Figure 5 It is a top-down perspective view of the pull sheet once it has been cut from the carrier sheet. Figure 6 This is a top view of an embodiment of a pull tab with a central rod having markings applied thereon; Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Side view of the pull tab; Figure 8 It shows the stacking of container lids, demonstrating how container lids can be nested efficiently when the pull tab is secured to them; Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the method of the present invention; and Figure 10This is a flowchart illustrating an alternative embodiment of the method of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below. The following description provides specific details to provide a thorough understanding and implementation of these embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the invention can be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

[0023] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” etc., shall be interpreted as inclusive, not exclusive or exhaustive; that is, meaning “including but not limited to.” The use of singular or plural terms shall also include the plural or singular, respectively. Furthermore, when used in this application, the words “in this document,” “above,” “below,” and terms with similar meanings shall refer to the application as a whole, and not to any particular part of the application. When a claim uses the word “or” when referring to a list of two or more items, the word covers all of the following interpretations: any item in the list; all items in the list; and any combination of items in the list. When the word “each” is used to refer to an element previously introduced as having a quantity of at least one, the word “each” does not necessarily imply multiple elements, but may also mean a single element.

[0024] Figures 1 to 3 A progressive die manufacturing method 10 is shown for producing a pull tab 20 for opening a container 30 having a vulnerable area 45 of a container lid 40 and rivets 35 adjacent to the vulnerable area 45. Figure 8 Method 10 includes producing at least one sheet blank 60 from carrier sheet 70 in a first die stamping process 80, such as... Figure 3 As shown. Each sheet blank 60 is secured to one or more attachment points 65 on the sheet 20 by one or more carrier strips 75 of carrier sheet 70. Figure 2 and Figure 4 The carrier sheet 70 and the associated sheet blank 60 are typically made of aluminum, tin, or steel, with the most common grades being aluminum 5182-H19 or H32. These materials are chosen for their balance of durability and manufacturability, but other grades of aluminum, tin, or steel may be used depending on the specific requirements of the manufacturing process.

[0025] At the subsequent sheet-pulling station 90, each sheet-pulling blank 60 is formed into a sheet-pulling piece 100 having a nose 120, which is configured to apply downward pressure on the vulnerable area 45 of the container cap 40, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown. Such a pull tab 100 also includes a rivet receiving portion 130 adjacent to the nose 120, the rivet receiving portion 130 including a rivet hole 135 passing through it. A lifting portion 110 is positioned away from the nose 120 and terminates at the distal end 148 of the pull tab 100. Each cover 40 may also include a recessed area 27 aligned with the lifting portion 110 during assembly. Figure 8 The recessed area 27 provides more space for the user's fingers to grip the pull tab 100.

[0026] At the lifting station 160, the pull tab 100 is bent to deform at the opposite side 143 of the pull tab 100, such that the lifting portion 110 is relative to the top plane P1 of the pull tab 100. Figure 7 The distance D1 is preferably raised by 1 mm to 4 mm, or the distance P2 relative to the bottom surface P2 of the pull tab 100 is preferably raised by 1 mm to 6 mm, or at least raised by a distance sufficient to enhance user access while maintaining stacking compatibility, such as... Figure 8 As shown. Stacking compatibility refers to the ability of container lids 40 to be tightly stacked on top of each other during manufacturing, transportation, and storage without creating a "sponge" between the stacked lids. The edges 42 of the container lids 40 must nest tightly with those container lids 40 stacked below them. Proper stacking ensures that the stacked container lids 40 occupy minimal space within the sleeve (not shown) used for transportation and manufacturing, thus preventing problems during storage and transportation.

[0027] The carrier strip 75 is then cut from one or more attachment points 65 of each pull tab 100 to release each pull tab 100 from the carrier sheet 70. The cutting station 200 can be used to cut the pull tab 100 off the carrier strip 75. Figure 3 A separate pull tab 100 collected in a hopper is shown, but such a separate pull tab 100 can also be immediately aligned with and riveted to the container lid 40 via an additional manufacturing station, as is known in the art.

[0028] The pull tab station 90 can also form a finger hole 150 in each pull tab 100, which is close to the lifting portion 110. Such a finger hole 150 facilitates the interaction between the user and the pull tab 20, while reducing the material required for each pull tab 100.

[0029] At the lifting station 160, when the pull tab 100 is bent upwards, the pull tab 100 can be bent to create deformation or bending 170 at two opposite sides 143 of the pull tab 100, such that the lifting portion 110 is raised above the top plane P1 of the pull tab 100. The lifting station 160 can be integrated into a conversion press system, a reforming station, or a pull tab station 90 (not shown). This integration allows for a more compact manufacturing process. A conversion press system refers to a manufacturing machine used to press metal into a specific shape through multiple stages, such as in the pull tab die 90. These systems are critical in the production of pull tabs, caps, and cans. This system uses a progressive die to form the pull tab 100 in several steps, each step producing a specific feature of the pull tab 100, until the final product is formed.

[0030] Alternatively, lifting station 160 can be a modular lifting station that is interchangeable with alternative lifting stations. This modularity provides flexibility in the manufacturing process to accommodate different pull tab designs.

[0031] At the lifting station 160, when the pull tab 100 is bent upward, the pull tab 100 can be bent upward at an angle α, which is sufficient to achieve the desired rise of the lifting section 110. Depending on the intended use, such an angle α can be between 1 degree and 80 degrees, but for the aluminum beverage container 30, it is preferably between 40 degrees and 50 degrees.

[0032] The lifting station 160 can create a bend 170 in the pull tab 20 at a position that ensures optimal stacking and user accessibility. This position can be at a distance D2 between 1 mm and 10 mm from the distal end 148 of the lifting portion 110 of the pull tab 20. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The total length L1 of the pull tab 100 is preferably between 20 mm and 25 mm.

[0033] At the sheet-pulling station 90, when each sheet-pulling blank 60 is formed into a sheet 100, a center rod 180 of the sheet 20 can be additionally formed. This center rod 180 is disposed between the nose 120 and the lifting portion 110, and preferably has a thickness T1 of at least 1.9 mm. (Mark 190) Figure 6 A mark 190 can be applied to the center rod 180 of the pull tab 20. Such a mark 190 may include trademarks, indications, or other relevant information. Promotional materials or markings 190 can be applied to the center rod 180 using methods such as stamping or laser etching. These processes are typically integrated into the manufacturing process at a stamping station (not shown) within a conversion press or at an additional laser etching station. This ensures that the mark 190 is consistently applied to the center rod 180 without interrupting the high-speed manufacturing process.

[0034] The manufacturing process may include additional steps: moving the carrier sheet 70 and at least one blank 60 to a subsequent sheet-pulling station 90; moving the carrier sheet 70 and the sheet 100 to a lifting station 160; and moving the carrier sheet 70 and the sheet 100 to a cutting station. Figure 9 and Figure 10 These movements can be achieved using progressive die manufacturing processes and other methods known in the art.

[0035] The design of the pull tab 20 (with its raised lift portion 110) enhances user accessibility while ensuring effective manufacturability. This "ear carrier" method 10 (utilizing a carrier strip 75 at the attachment point 65 of the lift portion 110) allows the production of the pull tab 20 with the raised lift portion 110 using many existing progressive die facilities, thereby minimizing the need for extensive machine modifications. Positioning the attachment point 65 at or near the lift portion 110 further reduces any consumer interaction when the consumer opens the beverage container 30. The carrier strip 75 remains attached to the carrier sheet 70 ( Figure 6 After the pull sheet 100 is stamped out from the carrier sheet 70, the remaining sheet material can be recycled. The greater the amount of material remaining attached to the carrier sheet 70 after the pull sheet 100 is cut, the more efficient the recycling process becomes. This remaining material (often referred to as waste) is collected and sent for recycling for reuse in the future, thereby reducing waste in the manufacturing process.

[0036] While specific forms of the invention have been described and illustrated, it will be apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited in any way except as described in the appended claims.

[0037] Certain terms used in describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be construed as implying that such terms are redefined herein as limited to any particular specific feature, characteristic, or aspect of the invention associated with that term. Generally, terms used in the following claims should not be interpreted as limiting the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless such terms are expressly defined in the detailed description section above. Therefore, the actual scope of the invention includes not only the disclosed embodiments but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention.

[0038] The above detailed description of embodiments of the present invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed above or to the specific fields of use mentioned in this disclosure. While specific embodiments and examples of the invention have been described above for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will recognize that various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily those described above. Elements and actions of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.

[0039] All the foregoing patents and applications, as well as other references (including any references that may be listed in the accompanying filings), are incorporated herein by reference. If necessary, aspects of the invention may be modified to incorporate the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references cited above, thereby providing yet another embodiment of the invention.

[0040] Based on the above "Detailed Description," modifications can be made to the present invention. While the foregoing description details certain embodiments of the invention and describes the contemplated best mode, the invention can be practiced in many ways, however detailed the foregoing may be. Therefore, considerable variations in implementation details are possible while still encompassing the invention disclosed herein. As noted above, specific terms used in describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be construed as implying that such terms are redefined herein as limited to any particular specific feature, characteristic, or aspect of the invention associated with that term.

[0041] While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in the form of certain claims, the inventors contemplate various aspects of the invention in the form of any number of claims. Therefore, the inventors reserve the right to add appended claims after the filing of this application to pursue such appended claim forms for other aspects of the invention.

Claims

1. A progressive die manufacturing method of producing a tab for opening a beverage container of the type having a frangible region of a container lid and a rivet hole adjacent to the frangible region, the method comprising the steps of: producing at least one tab blank from a carrier sheet, each tab blank being secured to one or more carrier strips of the carrier sheet at one or more attachment points on the tab; at a tab station, forming each tab blank into a tab having: a nose portion configured to apply downward pressure on the frangible region of the container lid; a rivet receiving portion adjacent to the nose portion, the rivet receiving portion including a rivet hole therethrough; and a lift portion disposed away from the nose portion and terminating at a distal end of the tab, each attachment point being proximate to the lift portion; at a lift station, bending the tab to create a deformation such that the lift portion is elevated relative to a top plane of the tab; and cutting the carrier strips from the one or more attachment points proximate to the lift portion of each tab to release each tab from the carrier sheet.

2. The progressive die manufacturing method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: at the tab station, additionally forming a finger hole in each tab proximate to the lift portion when forming each tab blank into the tab.

3. The progressive die manufacturing method of claim 2, further comprising the step of: at the lift station, bending the tab to create a deformation at two opposing sides of the finger hole such that the lift portion is elevated above the top plane of the tab by a distance sufficient to enhance user accessibility and stack compatibility when bending the tab upward.

4. The progressive die manufacturing method of claim 2, further comprising the step of: at the lift station, bending the tab to create a deformation when bending the tab upward such that an apex of the lift portion is elevated above a bottom plane of the tab by a distance of no more than 6 mm. the lift station is integrated within a converting press system.

5. The progressive die manufacturing method of claim 1, wherein, the lift station is a modular lift station that is interchangeable with alternative lift stations.

6. The progressive die manufacturing method of claim 1, wherein, 7. The progressive die manufacturing method of claim 1, comprising the step of: at the lift station, bending the tab upward at an angle sufficient to achieve a desired elevation of the lift portion when bending the tab upward.

8. The progressive die manufacturing method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: at the lift station, bending the tab upward at an angle between 1 degree and 80 degrees when bending the tab upward.

9. The progressive die manufacturing method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: the lift station creates a bend in the tab at a location on the lift portion that ensures optimal stacking and user accessibility.

10. The progressive die manufacturing method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: ​ The lift station creates a bend in the tab between 1 mm and 10 mm from the distal end of the lift portion of the tab.

11. The progressive die manufacturing method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: At the tab station, when each tab blank is formed into the tab, a center stem of the tab is additionally formed, the center stem being disposed between the nose and the lift portion, having a thickness of at least 1.9 mm; and Applying a mark to the center stem of the tab.

12. A progressive die manufacturing method of producing tabs for opening beverage containers of the type having a fragile region of a container lid and a rivet hole adjacent the fragile region, the method comprising the steps of: Producing at least one tab blank from a carrier sheet, each tab blank being secured to the carrier sheet at one or more attachment points on the tab; At a tab station, forming each tab blank into a tab having: a nose configured to apply downward pressure on the fragile region of the container lid; a rivet receiving portion adjacent the nose, the rivet receiving portion including a rivet hole therethrough; a lift portion disposed away from the nose and terminating at a distal end of the tab; and a finger hole proximate the lift portion, each carrier strip being secured to the tab at one or more attachment points proximate the finger hole; The tab station forms a center stem of the tab, the center stem being disposed between the nose and the lift portion, having a thickness sufficient to ensure structural integrity; At a lift station, bending the tab to create a deformation that raises the lift portion relative to a highest continuous surface extending along a length of the tab from the nose to the lift portion; And Cutting the carrier strip from the one or more attachment points of the lift portion of each tab to release each tab from the carrier sheet.

13. The progressive die manufacturing method of claim 12, further comprising the steps of: At the lift station, when bending the tab to create a deformation that raises the lift portion, the tab is bent to create a deformation such that the lift portion is raised a distance of 1 mm to 10 mm above a bottom plane of the tab.

14. The progressive die manufacturing method of claim 12, wherein: At the lift station, the tab is bent upward an angle of between 1 degree and 80 degrees when each bend is created in the tab at an angle sufficient to achieve a desired lift of the lift portion.

15. The progressive die manufacturing method of claim 12, wherein: The lift station creates a bend in the tab between 1 mm and 10 mm from the distal end of the lift portion of the tab.

16. The progressive die manufacturing method of claim 12, further comprising the steps of: Moving the carrier sheet and the at least one blank to a tab station; ​ ​ The carrier sheet and the pull sheet are moved to the lifting station; and Move the carrier sheet and the pull sheet to the cutting station.

17. A method for manufacturing a progressive die for opening a pull tab of a container having a vulnerable area of ​​a container lid and rivet holes adjacent to the vulnerable area, the method comprising the steps of: At least one sheet drawing blank is produced from a carrier sheet, and each sheet drawing blank is fixed to the carrier sheet at one or more attachment points on the sheet. The carrier sheet and the at least one sheet-pulling blank are moved through the sheet-pulling station; At the sheet-pulling station, each sheet blank is formed into a sheet, the sheet having: a nose configured to apply downward pressure to a vulnerable area of ​​the container cap; and a rivet receiving portion adjacent to the nose, the rivet receiving portion including a rivet hole through the rivet receiving portion. The lifting portion is arranged away from the nose and terminates at the distal end of the pull tab; And a finger hole, the finger hole being close to the lifting portion, each carrier strip being fixed to the pull tab at one or more attachment points on the lifting portion; The pulling station forms the central rod of the pulling piece, which is arranged between the nose and the lifting part and has a thickness sufficient to ensure structural integrity. Move the carrier sheet and the pull sheet to the lifting station; At the lifting station, the pull tab is bent to create deformation, which raises the lifting portion relative to the top plane of the pull tab, wherein: The lifting station is integrated within the sheet pulling station; The lifting station in the pull tab produces each bend at an angle sufficient to achieve the desired rise of the lifting section; and The lifting station bends at a position in the pull tab, on the lifting section, to ensure optimal stacking and user accessibility; The carrier sheet and the pull sheet are moved to the cutting station; and At the cutting station, the carrier strip is cut from one or more attachment points of each pull tab in order to release each pull tab from the carrier sheet.

18. The progressive die manufacturing method according to claim 17, further comprising the following steps: At the lifting station, when the pull tab is bent to produce a deformation that raises the lifting portion, the pull tab is bent to produce a deformation that raises the lifting portion to a distance of 1 mm to 4 mm above the top plane of the pull tab.

19. The progressive die manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein: At the lifting station, when each bend is generated in the pull tab at an angle sufficient to achieve the desired rise of the lifting section, the pull tab is bent upward at an angle between 1 degree and 80 degrees.

20. The progressive die manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein: The lifting station bends in the pull piece at a position between 1 mm and 10 mm from the far end of the lifting portion of the pull piece.

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