Ecology tab, can end, tooling and method

Abstract

To provide an ecology tab and a can end of a container such as a beer or beverage can.SOLUTION: A reduced-length ecology tab is provided for a can end. The can end includes an end panel and a rivet affixing the tab to the end panel. The tab includes a body having first and second opposing ends, and a length measured by the distance between the first end and the second end. A nose portion is disposed at or near the first end, and a lift portion is disposed at or near the second end. The length of the tab is less than 0.985 inch.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a non-provisional application of and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 022,608, entitled "ECOLOGY TAB, CAN END, TOOLING AND METHOD," filed May 11, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] <Technical field> The disclosed concepts relate generally to containers, and more particularly to ecological tabs and can ends for containers such as beer and beverage cans. The disclosed concepts also relate to tooling and related methods for the manufacture of ecological tabs and can ends. [Background technology]

[0003] Metal containers (e.g., cans) containing products such as liquids, beverages, or food products are typically provided with easy-open can ends in which an opening mechanism, such as a pull tab, is attached (e.g., but not limited to, by riveting) to a tear strip or a severable panel. The tear strip is typically defined by a score line on the exterior surface (e.g., the public side) of the can end. The pull tab, commonly referred to simply as a "tab," is configured to sever the score line and flex the tear strip to create an opening for accessing the can's contents when lifted, pulled, and / or rotated.

[0004] When a can end is made, it begins as a can end shell, which is formed from a sheet metal product (e.g., but not limited to, sheet aluminum or sheet steel). The shell is then transported to a conversion press having several successive tool stations. As the shell advances from one tool station to the next, conversion operations such as, but not limited to, rivet forming, paneling, scoring, embossing, tab forming, tab fixing, and tab staking are performed until the shell is fully converted into the desired can end and ejected from the press. Typically, the tooling at each tool station of a conversion press includes an upper tool member configured to be advanced toward a lower tool member by actuation of a press ram. The upper and lower tool members cooperate to perform several operations, as described above. Upon completion of a given operation, the press ram retracts the upper tool member, and the partially converted shell or tab is moved to the next successive tool station, or tooling is changed within the same station to perform the next conversion operation.

[0005] In the can manufacturing industry, there is a constant desire to reduce the amount of metal required to manufacture containers or their components (e.g., can ends; tabs; can bodies). In addition to cost reduction, minimizing the amount of metal required has a positive ecological impact on the environment. Previous proposals to address these issues have various drawbacks, including the complexity of tab and / or can end design and considerations related to the strength and operating mechanics of the tab and / or can end. As a result, some known designs that attempt to conserve metal are too expensive to manufacture, impractical, or do not achieve the desired results. Many known designs are also undesirable because they require significant modifications or a complete redesign of the tab, can end, or both, which requires entirely new tooling and forming methods.

[0006] Therefore, there is room for improvement in tabs and ends for containers such as beer and beverage cans, and their associated tooling and methods. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] The disclosed concepts can be better understood from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a tab according to one embodiment of the disclosed concepts. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is another top perspective view of the tab. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the tab. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is another bottom perspective view of the tab. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the tab. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the tab. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a lateral side view of the tab. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front side view of the tab. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a rear side view of the tab. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A is a top perspective view of a can end and tab according to an embodiment of the disclosed concepts. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a top perspective view of the can end of FIG. 11A, shown without the tab. [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A is another top perspective view of the can end and tab of FIG. 11A. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is another top perspective view of the can end of FIG. 11B. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the underside of the can end. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is another bottom perspective view of the can end of FIG. [Figure 15A] FIG. 15A is a plan view of the can end and tab of FIG. 11A. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is a plan view of the can end of FIG. 11B. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the can end. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a lateral side view of the can end. [Figure 18A] FIG. 18A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18A-18A shown in FIG. 15A. [Figure 18B] FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18B-18B shown in FIG. 15B. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of tooling according to one embodiment of the disclosed concepts. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the tooling of FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a plan view illustrating the differences between a novel tab and a conventional tab in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed concepts. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a plan view illustrating the differences between a novel tab and a conventional tab in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed concepts. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a plan view showing the public side (ie, the outside or exterior) of a conventional can end and tab. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a plan view showing the public side of a new can end and tab according to an embodiment of the disclosed concepts. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a bottom view showing the product side (i.e., the inside or interior) of the conventional can end and tab of FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a bottom view of the novel can end and tab of FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a plan view of a portion of a conventional conversion press apparatus for forming the conventional can ends and tabs of FIGS. 23 and 25, with portions of the conversion press shown in phantom lines for simplification. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a plan view of a portion of the conversion press apparatus that forms the novel can ends and tabs of FIGS. 24 and 26, with portions of the conversion press shown in phantom for simplicity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] For purposes of explanation, embodiments of the disclosed concepts are described as applied to tabs and can ends for beverage / beer cans, but it will be apparent that they may also be employed with other contents, such as, but not limited to, cans for liquids other than beer and beverages, food cans, etc.

[0010] It will be understood that the specific elements illustrated in the drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concepts and are offered as non-limiting examples for purposes of illustration only. As such, specific dimensions, orientations, and other physical characteristics of the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the disclosed concepts.

[0011] Directional terms used herein, such as left, right, front, back, up, down, above, below, and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements as shown and do not limit the claims unless expressly stated in the claims.

[0012] As used herein, the terms "can" and "container" are used substantially interchangeably to refer to any known or suitable container configured to contain contents (e.g., but not limited to, liquids, food, or other suitable substances), and expressly include, but are not limited to, beverage cans such as beer cans and soda cans, as well as food cans.

[0013] As used herein, the term "can end" means a lid or closure configured to be joined to a can to seal the can.

[0014] As used herein, the term "can end shell" is used substantially interchangeably with the term "can end." A "can end shell" or simply a "shell" is a member that is acted upon (e.g., but not limited to, formed) and transformed by the disclosed tooling to provide a desired can end.

[0015] As used herein, the expression "coupled" to two or more components means that the components are either directly coupled or coupled via one or more intermediate components.

[0016] As used herein, the term "several" means one or an integer greater than one (ie, a plurality).

[0017] Figures 1-10 and 21 illustrate a tab 2 in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concepts. The tab 2 includes a body 4 having opposed first and second ends 6 and 8. A nose portion 10 is located at or near the first end 6 (i.e., the front) of the tab 2, and a lift portion 12 is located at or near the second end 8 (i.e., the rear) of the tab 2. As shown in Figures 1-6 and 21, a rivet receiver 14 is located proximate to the nose portion 10 and includes a rivet hole 16.

[0018] The non-limiting example tab 2 shown and described herein is a shortened length ecological tab for use with an easy-open beer / beverage can end 200 (see, for example, but not by way of limitation, FIGS. 11-18 and 24; see also tab 200' in FIG. 26). In one non-limiting example, it will be appreciated that a conventional tab 102 (see, for example, FIG. 22) has a length 150 of approximately 0.985 inches, while a shortened length ecological tab 2 in accordance with the disclosed concepts (see, for example, FIG. 21) has a length 50 of 0.810 to 0.950 inches, preferably approximately 0.860 inches. With continued reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, it will be appreciated that the width 52 of the shortened length ecological tab 2, measured at the widest portion of the tab 2 as shown in FIG. 21, is generally the same as the width 152 of the conventional tab 150, measured at the widest portion of the tab 102 as shown in FIG. 22. In one non-limiting example embodiment, conventional tab 150 may have a width 152 of approximately 0.620 inches, and reduced length ecology tab 2 may have a width 52 of approximately 0.616 inches. However, it will be understood that in other embodiments (not shown), the tabs (e.g., tab 2, tab 102) may have the same width (e.g., width 52, width 152) without departing from the scope of the present invention. Additionally, the thickness of reduced length ecology tab 2 is preferably substantially the same as the thickness of a conventional tab (e.g., but not limited to, tab 102 of FIG. 22).

[0019] The aspect ratio (length divided by width) of the tab 2 is also distinctive. That is, the aspect ratio is preferably between 1.5:1 and 1.30:1, and more preferably about 1.396:1. In contrast, the aspect ratio of the conventional tab 102 of FIG. 22 is 1.589:1. It will therefore be appreciated that the length 50 of the tab 2 is preferably 0.035 to 0.175 inches shorter than a conventional tab, and more preferably about 0.125 inches shorter than a conventional tab (see, for example, FIGS. 27 and 28 side-by-side for a comparison of the new reduced-length ecological tab 2 against the conventional tab 102).

[0020] In accordance with one aspect of the disclosed concepts, tab 2 was strategically designed with respect to a feed length 702 that would allow for relatively easy retrofitting to an existing machine 700 (for example, but not limited to, a 1.1500 inch tab progressive Tetrad machine (partially shown in simplified form in FIG. 28 )). More specifically, it is generally well known in the art of progressive die stamping that "progression length" refers to the distance or pitch between die stations. Thus, it is generally understood that changing the feed length necessarily requires extensive and costly modifications to the associated tooling. Among other unique improvements, the reduced length ecological tab 2 has a significantly reduced length 50 (FIGS. 7, 8, and 21) compared to the length 150 (FIG. 22) of the conventional tab 102 (FIG. 22), and through extensive research and design efforts, a unique feed length 702 (FIG. 28) different from the feed length 602 (FIG. 27) of the prior art tooling 600 (FIG. 27) has been discovered and implemented, and further, the novel tab 2 can be retrofitted or incorporated into existing machines (such as, but not limited to, the prior art conversion press 600 of FIG. 27). In the example shown and described in FIGS. 27 and 28, the existing tab die feed length 602 of the prior art conversion press 600 has been reduced from 1.1500 inches to a tab die feed length 702 of preferably 1.0857 inches to 0.8857 inches, and more preferably, the tab die feed length 702 is about 0.9857 inches.

[0021] For example, with reference to FIGS. 1-5, in another aspect of the disclosed concept, a reduced length ecological tab 2 utilizes the same shape and known technology in the front half or front portion of the tab 2 (see segment 60 of tab 2 in FIG. 5, i.e., the aforementioned "nose portion" 10). Accordingly, the aforementioned reduced tab length 50 results entirely from the rear half or rear portion of the tab 2 (see segment 70 of tab 2 in FIG. 5, i.e., the aforementioned "lift portion" 12 or finger hole area 18). That is, a key feature of the disclosed tab 2 is the small finger hole 18 and, therefore, the short overall tab length 50. It will be appreciated that this reduced tab length 50, due to the increased opening force, presents the greatest technical challenge and greatest obstacle to customer acceptance.

[0022] A significant advantage of the disclosed reduced-length ecological tabs 2 is metal savings. That is, the amount of metal (e.g., but not limited to, aluminum) required per tab 2 can be significantly reduced. This can result in significant tab cost savings over time. Another advantage of the disclosed reduced-length ecological tabs 2 is the enhanced finger access provided by the smaller diameter can end 200 (see FIGS. 11A-18B; also see can end 200' in FIGS. 24 and 26). For example, but not limited to, the diameter 200 and smaller can end 200 do not allow sufficient finger access when using a standard-length conventional tab (e.g., tab 102 in FIG. 22). For example, as shown in FIG. 15A, this is because there is relatively little space available in the center panel 202 of the can end 200. That is, the diameter 204 of the center panel 202 of a conventional 200 diameter can end 200 typically ranges from about 1.650 inches to about 1.780 inches, leaving relatively little space remaining for tab 2, tear panel 206 and other features.

[0023] Thus, among other distinct features and advantages, the reduced length (e.g., but not limited to, 0.9857 inches) Ecology Tab 2 has the following unique features: 1. The same nose portion 10 (e.g., segment 60 in FIG. 5), hence the same performance advantages as known tabs; 2. Smaller finger holes 18 (FIGS. 1-5) and improved finger access; 3. Reduced overall length 50; 4. Tab thickness approximately the same as conventional standard tabs; and / or 5. Improved metal efficiency and economy (e.g. metal reduction).

[0024] It will be understood that the reduced length ecological tab 2 according to alternative embodiments (not shown) of the disclosed concepts can have different dimensions and characteristics (not shown), different sizes, shapes, or geometries (not shown) without departing from the scope of the disclosed concepts. For example, but not by way of limitation, the tab 2 may be made from a material (such as, but not by way of limitation, aluminum) having a reduced gauge (i.e., thinner). Additionally or alternatively, for example, but not by way of limitation, the reduced length concepts can be employed in tabs having a solid lift portion (i.e., no finger hole), commonly known as "promotional" or "promo" tabs.

[0025] As best seen in the cross-sectional view of Figure 18A, the rivet hole 16 is configured to receive a rivet 214, which is crimped to secure the rivet receiving portion 14 of the tab 2 to the can end 200. See Figure 15A.

[0026] Figures 11A, 12A, 15A, and 18A show one example of a can end 200 employing a tab 2 according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concepts. However, it will be understood that a tab 2 according to the disclosed concepts can alternatively be employed in a can end (not shown) having any other known or suitable alternative size (not shown), shape (not shown), and / or feature configuration (e.g., without limitation, shell type, size, and shape; scoreline and / or tear panel size and / or shape; panel size and / or shape) without departing from the scope of the disclosed concepts. For example, without limitation, Figures 24 and 26 show one non-limiting alternative embodiment of a different type of can end 200' employing a tab 2 according to the disclosed concepts.

[0027] 11B, 12B, 15B, and 18B illustrate the aforementioned exemplary can end 200 in accordance with aspects of one non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concepts, but without the tab to better illustrate the unique features of the can end 200. With reference to FIGS. 13, 14, 16, and 17, it will be understood that the product side (i.e., inside, interior, or bottom) and lateral side views of the can end 200 will look the same whether or not the tab 2 (FIGS. 1-10, 11A, 12A, 15A, 18A, 21, 24, and 26) is affixed to the can end 200.

[0028] 15A, for example, among other features, can end 200 includes an end panel, i.e., a center panel 202, and score lines 205 that define a tear panel 206. Thus, when tab 2 is actuated (e.g., without limitation, when lifted and pivoted or rotated), it cuts score lines 205 around the perimeter of tear panel 206 and forces tear panel 206 downward, thereby providing an opening in can end 200 for dispensing the contents of a container or can to which can end 200 is attached.

[0029] In the example shown and described herein, the can end 200 has several additional distinctive features. As best shown in Figures 11B, 12B, and 15B, the end panel 202 includes arcuate beads 216, 218 (see also arcuate beads 216', 218' on panel 202' of can end 200' in Figure 26), which are designed to fit under the reduced-length ecological tab 2 and provide stiffness behind the rivet, thereby improving opening performance. The end panel 202 of the exemplary can end 200 further includes positioning beads 220, 222 (see also positioning beads 220', 222' of the can end 200 in FIG. 26), which function to locate the part when formed by tooling (see tooling 500 in FIGS. 19, 20, and 28) and methods (e.g., but not limited to, progressive die tooling processes as best shown in FIGS. 27 and 28) according to aspects of the disclosed concepts. Linear beads 224, 226 may also be optionally included, as illustrated, for example and without limitation, in the alternative exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 24 and 26. Such linear beads 224, 226 function to further strengthen the end panel 202' of the can end 200'. It will be appreciated that this unique combination of features is significantly different from the prior art end panel 302 shown in FIG. 25, and particularly the bead 304, commonly referred to in the art as a "cent bead."

[0030] Many of the features described above can also be viewed from the product side (eg, interior or inside) of the can end 200, 200', as shown, for example, in FIGS.

[0031] As mentioned above, another unique feature and advantage of the disclosed concept is improved finger access, allowing a user's fingers easier access to lift the tab 2 and open an associated container or can (not shown). More specifically, as best shown in Figures 23-26, in the reduced-length ecological tab 2, the second end 8 of the tab body 4, and therefore the lift portion 12 and finger hole 18, are positioned a greater distance (Figure 24) from the outer edge or periphery 210' (Figure 24) of the can end 200' (Figure 24) than in prior art designs. (See and compare the prior art can end 300 shown in Figures 23 and 25 and the shorter distance 308 between the tab 102 and the outer edge 310 with the new can end 200' shown in Figures 24 and 26. See also the distance 208 between the tab 2 and the outer edge 210 of the can end 200 in Figure 15A.) In the non-limiting exemplary embodiment of Figures 15A and 24, the improved finger access is directly attributable to distance 208 (Figure 15A) and distance 208' (Figure 24), which are preferably 0.325 to 0.500 inches, and more preferably about 0.414 inches, compared to distance 308 (Figure 23), which is less than 0.300 inches. The embodiment of Figures 15A and 24 also includes optional finger recesses or indentations 212 (Figure 15A), 212' (Figure 24) in end panel 202 (Figure 15A), end panel 202' (Figure 24), which allow a user's fingers to reach under lift portion 12 of tab 2, further enhancing finger access for easier operation. The magnitude of this difference can be further appreciated by recognizing that the prior art can end 300 of Figures 23 and 25 is a larger diameter can end (e.g., 202 diameter can end 300) compared to the smaller 200 diameter can ends 200, 200' (Figures 24 and 26) shown and described herein with respect to the reduced length ecological tab 2 of the disclosed concepts. Thus, it will be appreciated that a conventional tab 102 having a standard length 150 (Figure 22) positioned on a smaller diameter can end 200, 200' will provide an even smaller finger access space than the distance 308 shown in Figure 23.

[0032] It will be appreciated that, as shown, the reduced tab length 50 may also advantageously reduce the overall size (e.g., diameter 204 (FIG. 15A)) of the associated can end 200, if desired, resulting in further metal savings.

[0033] 19 and 20 illustrate a non-limiting example of tooling 500 for forming a reduced-length ecological tab 2 in accordance with aspects of the disclosed concepts. Tooling 500 includes an upper tooling assembly 502 and a lower tooling assembly 504, each having a plurality of opposing tools that cooperate to form the features of tab 2. In the non-limiting example of FIGS. 19 and 20, the illustrated tooling 500 is configured to perform the tongue wipe-down, finger hole pre-curl, and panel and coin pre-curl operations associated with forming tab 2. However, it will be understood that additional tooling (e.g., without limitation, one or more additional forming stations (not shown)) may be employed to form a reduced-length ecological tab 2 in accordance with the disclosed concepts.

[0034] As previously explained, Figure 21 illustrates a reduced length tab 2 according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concepts compared to the standard length of a conventional tab 102 illustrated in Figure 22. The dimensions provided are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed concepts, but rather are provided for illustrative purposes only to show non-limiting examples of reduced tab lengths 50 and other features that may be achieved by the disclosed concepts.

[0035] Similarly, Figures 23-26 provide another non-limiting example for purposes of comparing a reduced size can end 200' using a reduced length tab 2 in accordance with aspects of one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concepts with a conventional can end 300 using a conventional tab 102. Specifically, Figures 23 (Prior Art) and 24 show the public side (e.g., outer or exterior) of the can end 200', 300, while Figures 25 (Prior Art) and 26 show the product side (e.g., inner or interior) of the can end 200', 300.

[0036] FIG. 27 illustrates, in simplified phantom, a portion of a conversion press apparatus 600 that forms the conventional can end 300 and tab 102 of FIGS. 23 and 25. Similarly, FIG. 28 illustrates, in simplified phantom, a portion of a conversion press 700 that forms the novel can end 200' and tab 2 of FIGS. 24 and 26. A comparison with FIGS. 27 and 28 will reveal that several dimensions between the components of the prior art conversion press 600 (FIG. 27) and the conversion press 700 (FIG. 28) for forming the novel tab 2 in accordance with the disclosed concepts are similar enough to avoid the need for entirely new lane dies and feeders. More specifically, the previously described unique tab die feed length 702 of the disclosed concepts was extensively researched and developed to achieve dimensions that allow the transport belt centerline dimension 704 (FIG. 28) to remain substantially unchanged from the transport belt centerline dimension 604 (FIG. 27). The lane die feed length 706 (FIG. 28) also preferably remains substantially unchanged from the prior art lane die feed length 606 (FIG. 27). Thus, as noted herein above, a further significant advantage of the disclosed concepts is that the reduced length Ecology Tab 2 can be implemented or retrofitted into existing conversion systems (e.g., 600).

[0037] It will be understood that features of the disclosed concepts may be employed independently without specific other aspects of the features in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed concepts, and that in other embodiments, all of the aforementioned features may be employed in combination. Further, for example, but not by way of limitation, with reference to Figures 23-26, it will be understood that in some cases, the design of the new tab 2 and can end 200' may obviate or eliminate the requirement for features required in prior art designs.

[0038] Thus, the disclosed concepts provide many advantages by providing a reduced length tab 2, and further result in improvements to the can ends 200, 200', tooling 500, 700, and related processes that individually and collectively achieve significant metal savings and ecological benefits.

[0039] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and substitutions to those details may be made in light of the overall teachings of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the particular configurations disclosed are intended to be illustrative only and not limiting on the scope of the invention, which is given the full scope of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A tab for a can end, comprising: a body including a first end, a second end disposed distally opposite the first end, and a length measured by the distance between the first end and the second end; a nose portion disposed at or about the first end; a lift portion disposed at or about the second end; It is equipped with The tab has a length of less than 0.985 inches.

2. The tab of claim 1 , wherein the length is between 0.810 inches and 0.950 inches.

3. 3. The tab of claim 2, wherein said length is approximately 0.860 inches.

4. The tab of claim 1 , wherein the tab body further includes a width, the width being approximately 0.616 inches.

5. The tab of claim 1 , wherein the aspect ratio of the tab is between 1.5:1 and 1.30:

1.

6. The tab of claim 1 , wherein the aspect ratio of the tab is 1.396:

1.

7. 2. The tab of claim 1, wherein the nose portion includes a rivet receiving portion, and the body further includes an intermediate portion located approximately midway between the nose portion and the lift portion to define the first tab body segment and the second tab body segment, the first segment extending from the intermediate portion to a first end and the second segment extending from the intermediate portion to the second end.

8. 2. The tab of claim 1, wherein the lift portion includes a finger hole, the finger hole including a symmetrical elongated opening having two opposing parallel segments extending laterally across the width of the lift portion.

9. End panels and Rivets and a tab secured to the end panel by the rivet; It is equipped with The tab a body including a first end, a second end disposed distally opposite the first end, and a length measured by the distance between the first end and the second end; a nose portion disposed at or about the first end; a lift portion disposed at or about the second end; It is equipped with the tab has a length of less than 0.985 inches; Can end.

10. 10. The can end of claim 9, wherein the length is between 0.810 inches and 0.950 inches.

11. 10. The can end of claim 9, wherein the tab has an aspect ratio of 1.5:1 to 1.30:

1.

12. 10. The can end of claim 9, wherein the tab lift portion includes a finger hole, the finger hole including a symmetrical elongated opening having two opposing parallel segments extending laterally across the width of the lift portion.

13. 10. The can end of claim 9, wherein the end panel includes a scoreline defining a tear panel, a first arcuate bead, and a second arcuate bead, the first arcuate bead and the second arcuate bead being disposed below the tab.

14. 14. The can end of claim 13, wherein the first arcuate bead is positioned opposite the second arcuate bead, the end panel includes a first positioning bead and a second positioning bead, the first positioning bead is positioned adjacent to the first arcuate bead, and the second positioning bead is positioned adjacent to the second arcuate bead.

15. 10. The can end according to claim 9, wherein the end panel further comprises a first linear bead and a second linear bead, and the tab body is disposed between the first linear bead and the second linear bead.

16. 10. The can end of claim 9, wherein the end panel further includes a diameter and a perimeter, and the second end of the tab is spaced a distance from the perimeter of the end panel to provide finger access to the lift portion of the tab, the distance being between 0.325 inches and 0.500 inches.

17. 10. The can end of claim 9, wherein the end panel further includes a finger recess, the second end of the tab body being positioned adjacent the finger recess to provide access to the lift portion of the tab.

18. 1. A method of forming a can end including a reduced length tab, comprising: providing a conversion press including at least one tab die and at least one lane die; forming a plurality of can ends from the shells fed through said at least one lane die; forming a plurality of tabs from tab stock fed through said at least one tab die; riveting the plurality of tabs to the plurality of can ends; It contains forming the plurality of tabs includes forming each tab to have a body including a first end, a second end opposite and distally disposed from the first end, and a length measured by a distance between the first end and the second end; The method wherein the tab has a length of less than 0.985 inches.

19. providing a tab die feed length to the at least one tab die; providing a first lane die having a first conveyor belt, a first centerline, and a first lane die feed length; providing a second lane die having a second conveyor belt, a second centerline, and a second lane die feed length that is the same as the first lane die feed length; modifying the conversion press to change from a first configuration in which the tabs are formed to have a first length to a second configuration in which the tabs are formed to have a second length that is less than the first length; It further includes 20. The method of claim 18, wherein modifying the conversion press includes changing the tab die feed length while maintaining a measurement between a first centerline of the first transport belt and a second centerline of the second transport belt substantially the same, and maintaining the first lane die feed length and the second lane die feed length substantially the same.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising providing the at least one tab die with a tab die feed length of approximately 0.9857 inches.

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