Pull tab with raised lift end and related method
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2026510765
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-09-09
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-09
Smart Images
Figure 2026530589000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] [Reference to Related Application] This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 537,633 filed on September 11, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] [Statement on Federally Sponsored Research and Development] Not applicable.
[0003] The present invention relates to a pull tab for a beverage container, and more particularly to a method for manufacturing a pull tab having a raised lift end by using ear-carrying progressive die technology.
Background Art
[0004] Pull tabs have long been an indispensable element in the beverage industry as a mechanism that allows consumers to open beverages quickly and easily. Over the years, their design has been improved repeatedly, mainly driven by the needs for improved user experience, environmental consideration, and cost-effective productivity.
[0005] An important advancement in the design of pull tabs is the adoption of a configuration provided with a lifted lift end, which expands the space for a user to easily insert a finger and simplifies the operation of opening a can. This raised portion of the pull tab is designed to be higher than the main body of the pull tab, so that an extra gap is formed between the tab and the lid of the beverage can.
[0006] While this design offers significant advantages, its common manufacturing methods, particularly nose-carry progressive die technology, present challenges. Converting existing machinery to a nose-carry configuration often requires substantial expense and complex work. Although some lift-end pull tabs employing the nose-carry method exist in the industry, the majority of pull tabs are manufactured using the ear-carry method designed for flat tabs. Switching a conversion press from ear-carry to nose-carry requires extensive modifications, including die reconfiguration and press adjustments to accommodate the new carrier strip position. By adding replacement dies for manufacturing lift-end pull tabs while maintaining the ear-carry configuration, the costs and downtime associated with the conversion can be significantly reduced.
[0007] In the industry, the ear-carry method, which uses a lift to guide the pull tab through the production line, is the mainstream. Therefore, there is a need for a method that combines the ergonomic advantages of a pull tab with a raised lift end with the efficiency and minimal equipment modification advantages of the ear-carry method. Such a necessary invention makes it possible to manufacture pull tabs that improve user operability while utilizing existing machinery and equipment and avoiding the high-cost and complex modifications required for the nose-carry method. This invention achieves these objectives. [Overview of the project]
[0008] This invention relates to a progressive die manufacturing method for producing pull tabs used to open containers such as aluminum beverage cans. This method introduces an innovative approach to manufacturing pull tabs with raised lift ends, ensuring efficient manufacturing while improving user operability.
[0009] The present 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 tab stations, lane dies, bridge guides, or modular lift stations. Furthermore, this process is also applicable to pull tabs that are manufactured on separate machines and later attached to the lids of containers. The method described herein is applicable to both tapered and non-tapered pull tab designs, ensuring flexibility in the application of the described manufacturing process. The lift station is integrated into the tab die through a modification process, in which a replacement die is installed that forms an upward bend for lifting the lift portion of the pull tab. This modification can be carried out within the modification station or at other stations on the tab die, providing flexibility in the manufacturing process. The greatest advantage of this integration is that it allows the use of an existing conversion press system, minimizing costs and downtime by avoiding a complete machine overhaul.
[0010] This process begins with manufacturing at least one tab blank from a carrier sheet in a progressive die stamping process. Each tab blank is secured to the carrier sheet at one or more mounting points via a carrier strip. The carrier strip is secured at one or more mounting points on the upper half of the pull tab. This includes, but is not limited to, the area around the finger holes and the area extending to the top of the lift portion. The upper half of the pull tab refers to the area near the finger holes. The present invention particularly protects a manufacturing method that utilizes the step of attaching the carrier strip to this area. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting points are located on the lift portion of the pull tab near the finger holes. In a progressive manufacturing system, these blanks are formed into pull tabs having specific features. Specifically, these include a nose for applying pressure to a vulnerable area of the container lid, a rivet receiving portion with a rivet opening, a lift portion extending from the nose and terminating at the distal end, and preferably finger holes located near the lift portion.
[0011] A key innovation in this method is the use of a lift station. This station bends and deforms the pull tab so that the lift portion is raised relative to the top surface of the pull tab. The top surface of the pull tab refers to the highest continuous surface extending along the length from the nose to the lift portion before deformation or bending occurs. These structural deformations are intentionally designed to protrude from the top surface, improving user operability by causing the lift portion to protrude. This bending process creates a raised lift end. Subsequently, the carrier strip is cut from the mounting point of each pull tab, separating the finished pull tabs from the carrier sheet. Each pull tab is then secured to the container lid, and the lid is then secured to the container.
[0012] This method offers several functional options. Lift stations can be integrated into reforming stations, tab stations, lane dies, and bridge guides, or designed as modular, interchangeable, or standalone systems to enhance manufacturing flexibility. The lift stations are modular and interchangeable, allowing for the transfer of replacement dies between reforming stations and other stations within the tab die system. This modularity is achieved through a simple modification process. Interchangeable dies are designed to accommodate high-speed manufacturing while maintaining the precision required for bending pull tabs. The ease of installing alternative lift stations ensures flexibility in the manufacturing process. Bending angles range from 1 to 80 degrees, preferably 40 to 50 degrees. This range ensures optimal die lifespan and manufacturability. Sharper angles can lead to faster die wear within the forming press, potentially reducing manufacturing speed and efficiency. By adjusting the angle within the optimal range, this method enables the production of raised lift tabs while maintaining the die over long production cycles, thereby supporting high-speed manufacturing. The bending angle can be set to a specific distance (usually between 1 mm and 10 mm) from the distal end of the lift section, thereby optimizing user operability and structural strength.
[0013] In some embodiments, the lift station bends the pull tab, causing deformation on both opposing edges of the finger hole, thereby improving user operability and raising the lift portion above the plane of the pull tab by a sufficient distance (typically 1 mm to 10 mm) to enhance lamination compatibility.
[0014] Other features include the formation of a center bar for the pull tab, positioned between the nose and lift sections. The thickness of the pull tab center bar is preferably at least 1.9 mm. This dimension provides sufficient surface area for applying promotional materials or insignia. The vertical dimension from the top to the bottom of the center bar is large enough for effective stamping, laser etching, or other insignia application techniques. The center bar can be marked with a brand logo, usage instructions, or other relevant information.
[0015] The manufacturing process may involve multiple stations, with carrier sheets and pull tabs moving between tab stations, lift stations, and cutting stations.
[0016] This method uniquely combines the advantages of the "ear-carry method," which maximizes the use of existing progressive die manufacturing methods, with ergonomic improvements achieved by raising the lift end. As a result, it enables a pull-tab design that enhances the user experience while minimizing the need for large-scale mechanical modifications in production.
[0017] By leveraging this innovative progressive die manufacturing method, the present invention manufactures pull tabs with improved user operability while utilizing much of the existing machinery and equipment, and avoiding the costly and complex modifications required by other methods. This novel approach not only addresses the ergonomic challenges of conventional pull tabs but also provides a cost-effective solution for manufacturers by seamlessly integrating the improved design into established manufacturing processes. Thus, the present invention represents a significant advance in pull tab manufacturing, achieving a harmonious blend of user-centric design and manufacturing efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0018] [Figure 1]It is a rear top perspective view of a pull tab manufactured by the method of the present invention, showing a state where the pull tab is attached to a container lid of a container. [Figure 2] It is a top view of the pull tab of the present invention, showing a state where the pull tab is punched out from a carrier sheet and connected to the carrier sheet by a pair of carrier strips. [Figure 3] It is a diagram of the method of the present invention, showing how a carrier sheet is formed into a plurality of tab blanks and then formed into pull tabs at various manufacturing stations. [Figure 4] It is a top view of the carrier sheet, showing the plurality of formed pull tabs immediately before the pull tabs are separated from the carrier sheet at attachment points. [Figure 5] It is a front top perspective view of the pull tab after being separated from the carrier sheet. [Figure 6] It is a top view of an embodiment of a pull tab having a center bar provided with printing. [Figure 7] It is a side view of the pull tab in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a stacked view of container lids, showing that the container lids can be efficiently stacked when pull tabs are attached thereto. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the method of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing another embodiment of the method of the present invention. Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0019] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The following description provides specific details for a full understanding and enabling implementation of these embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented without such details. In addition, in order not to unnecessarily complicate the description of the embodiments, illustrations and detailed descriptions of well-known structures and functions are omitted.
[0020] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout this specification and the claims, the words "comprise", "include" and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including but not limited to". Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words "herein", "above", "below" and words of similar import used in this application refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the word "or" is used to refer to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list. Where the word "each" is used to refer to an element that has been previously introduced as existing in at least one instance, the word "each" does not necessarily mean that there are a plurality of such elements, and can also mean a single element.
[0021] Figures 1 to 3 show a progressive die manufacturing method 10 for manufacturing a pull tab 20 for opening a container 30 of the type having a weakened region 45 of a container lid 40 and a rivet 35 adjacent to the weakened region 45 (Figure 8). As shown in Figure 3, the method 10 comprises, in a first die pressing step 80, manufacturing at least one tab blank 60 from a carrier sheet 70. Each tab blank 60 is secured to one or more carrier strips 75 of the carrier sheet 70 at one or more attachment points 65 on the pull tab 20 (Figures 2 and 4). The attachment point 65 is located at the nose portion or between the nose portion and a side edge 143 in front of a lift portion. The carrier sheet 70 and associated tab blank 60 are typically manufactured from aluminum, tin, or steel, with the most common grades being aluminum 5182-H19 or H32. These materials are selected for a balance of durability and manufacturability, although other grades of aluminum, tin, or steel can be used depending on the specific requirements of the manufacturing process.
[0022] In the subsequent tab station 90, each tab blank 60 is formed into a pull tab 100 having a nose 120 configured to apply downward pressure to a vulnerable area 45 of the container lid 40, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Such a pull tab 100 has a rivet receiving portion 130 adjacent to the nose 120, which is provided with a through-rivet opening 135. A lift portion 110 is positioned distal to the nose 120 and terminates at the distal end 148 of the pull tab 100. Each lid 40 may further include a recess 27 (Figure 8) that aligns with the lift portion 110 during assembly, thereby providing additional space for the fingers to grasp the pull tab 100.
[0023] In the lift station 160, the pull tab 100 is bent in such a way that deformation occurs at the opposing side edges 143 of the pull tab 100, so that the lift section 110 can be lifted by a distance D1, preferably 1 mm to 4 mm, relative to the top surface P1 of the pull tab 100 (Figure 7), or by a distance of preferably 1 mm to 6 mm, relative to the bottom surface P2 of the pull tab 100, or by a distance sufficient to improve user operability while maintaining stackability, as shown in Figure 8. Stackability refers to the ability of the container lids 40 to be stacked tightly together without creating "sponge-like gaps" between them during the manufacturing, transport, and storage processes. The rim 42 of the container lid 40 must be in close contact with the container lid 40 stacked below it. Proper stacking ensures that the stacked container lids 40 occupy minimal space within the sleeve (not shown) used for transport and manufacturing, preventing storage and transport problems.
[0024] Next, the carrier strip 75 is cut from one or more mounting points 65 of each pull tab 100, separating each pull tab 100 from the carrier sheet 70. The pull tabs 100 can be separated from the carrier strip 75 using a cutting station 200. Figure 3 shows the separated pull tabs 100 being collected in a bin, but as is well known to those skilled in the art, such separated pull tabs 100 can also be immediately aligned and riveted to the container lid 40 using an additional manufacturing station.
[0025] The tab station 90 may further have finger holes 150 formed near the lift portion 110 of each pull tab 100. Such finger holes 150 make it easier for the user to operate the pull tabs 100 while reducing the material required for each pull tab 100.
[0026] In the lift station 160, when the pull tab 100 is bent upward, the lift section 110 is lifted above the upper surface P1 of the pull tab 100 by bending the pull tab 100 and creating deformed or bent portions 170 on the two opposing side edges 143 of the pull tab 100. The lift station 160 may be integrated into a conversion press system, a reform station, or a tab station 90 (not shown). This integration allows for a more compact manufacturing process. A conversion press system refers to a manufacturing machine used in tab dies 90, etc., to punch metal into a specific shape through multiple processes. These systems are crucial in the manufacture of pull tabs, lids, and cans. This system uses a progressive die to form the pull tab 100 in several stages, creating a specific shape for the pull tab 100 at each stage, and processing continues until the final product is completed.
[0027] Alternatively, the lift station 160 may be a modular lift station that is interchangeable with alternative lift stations. Such modularity provides flexibility in the manufacturing process and can accommodate different pull tab designs.
[0028] When the pull tab 100 is bent upward at the lift station 160, the pull tab 100 is bent upward at an angle α sufficient to achieve the desired height of the lift section 110. This angle α ranges from 1 to 80 degrees depending on the application, but in the case of an aluminum beverage container 30, it is preferably in the range of 40 to 50 degrees.
[0029] The lift station 160 can provide a bent portion 170 on the pull tab 20 at a position that ensures optimal stacking and user operability. Such a position may be at a distance D2 of 1 mm to 10 mm from the distal end 148 of the lift portion 110 of the pull tab 20 (Figures 6 and 7). The total length L1 of the pull tab 100 is preferably between 20 mm and 25 mm.
[0030] At the tab station 90, when each tab blank 60 is formed into a pull tab 100, an additional center bar 180 of the pull tab 20 can be formed. Such a center bar 180 is positioned between the nose 120 and the lift portion 110 and preferably has a thickness T1 of at least 1.9 mm. An imprint 190 (Figure 6) can be applied to the center bar 180 of the pull tab 20. Such an imprint 190 may include a brand name, instructions for use, or other relevant information. Imprints 190, such as promotional materials or emblems, can be applied to the center bar 180 using methods such as stamping or laser etching. These processes are typically incorporated into the manufacturing process at a stamping station (not shown) or an additional laser etching station within a conversion press. This ensures that the imprint 190 is uniformly applied to the entire center bar 180 without interrupting the high-speed manufacturing flow.
[0031] The manufacturing process may include steps of moving the carrier sheet 70 and at least one blank 60 to a subsequent tab station 90, moving the carrier sheet 70 and pull tabs 100 to a lift station 160, and moving the carrier sheet 70 and pull tabs 100 to a cutting station (Figures 9 and 10). These moves can be carried out using a progressive die manufacturing process, as is well known to those skilled in the art.
[0032] The design of the pull tab 20 with a raised lift section 110 improves user operability while ensuring efficient manufacturability. This “nose or side carry” method 10 utilizes a carrier strip 75 located either at the nose section in front of the lift section or at one of the mounting points 65 between the nose section and the side edge 143, enabling the manufacture of pull tabs 20 with a raised lift section 110 using much of the existing progressive die equipment and minimizing the need for extensive machine modifications. The carrier strip 75 remains attached to the carrier sheet 70 (Figure 6). After the pull tab 100 is punched out of the carrier sheet 70, the remaining sheet material is recyclable. The more material that remains attached to the carrier sheet 70 after the pull tab 100 is cut, the more efficient the recycling process becomes. This residue, commonly called scrap, is collected and recycled for future use, thus reducing waste in the manufacturing process.
[0033] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is evident that various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited, except as limited by the appended claims.
[0034] Any specific terms used to describe particular functions or aspects of the Invention should not be construed as being redefined herein to limit the Invention to the specific characteristics, functions, or aspects to which the terms relate. In general, terms used in the following claims should not be construed as limiting the Invention to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, unless expressly defined in the “Detailed Description” section above. Accordingly, the actual scope of the Invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments but also all equivalent ways of practicing or carrying out the Invention.
[0035] The above detailed description of embodiments of the present invention is not exhaustive, and is not intended to limit the present invention to the exact forms disclosed above or to any specific application field mentioned herein. Specific embodiments and examples of the present invention are described above for illustrative purposes, but as those skilled in the art will recognize, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the teachings of the present invention described herein are not necessarily limited to the systems described above, but can be applied to other systems as well. Further embodiments can be provided by combining the components and operations of the various embodiments described above.
[0036] All of the above-mentioned patents and applications, as well as other references including those described in the appendices, are incorporated herein by reference. Further embodiments of the present invention can be provided by modifying aspects of the invention as needed and adopting the systems, functions, and concepts described in the various references above.
[0037] The present invention may be modified in accordance with the above "Detailed Description." While the above description details specific embodiments of the invention and describes the best possible embodiment, the invention can be carried out in many ways, no matter how detailed the above description may seem. Therefore, the details of implementation may vary considerably, while still falling within the scope of the invention disclosed herein. As stated above, any specific terms used to describe specific features or aspects of the invention should not be construed as suggesting that such terms are redefined herein to be limited to the specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention to which they relate.
[0038] While certain aspects of the present invention are presented below in the form of specific claims, the inventors envision various aspects of the present invention in any number of claims. Accordingly, the inventors reserve the right to add additional claims after filing in order to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the present invention.
Claims
1. A progressive die manufacturing method for producing a pull tab for opening a beverage container of the type having a weak area and a rivet opening adjacent to the weak area in the container lid, A step of manufacturing at least one tab blank from a carrier sheet, wherein each tab blank is fixed to one or more carrier strips of the carrier sheet at one or more mounting points on the pull tab, In a tab station, each tab blank is formed into a pull tab having a nose portion configured to apply downward pressure to the vulnerable area of the container lid, a rivet receiving portion adjacent to the nose portion and including a rivet opening that penetrates it, and a lift portion located distal to the nose portion and terminating at the distal end of the pull tab, with each mounting point located near the lift portion. In a lift station, the lift section is raised above the upper surface of the pull tab by bending and deforming the pull tab, A progressive die manufacturing method comprising the steps of cutting the carrier strip from one or more mounting points near the lift portion of each pull tab, thereby separating each pull tab from the carrier sheet.
2. The progressive die manufacturing method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of forming an additional finger hole in a position adjacent to the lift portion of each pull tab when forming each tab blank into the pull tab at the tab station.
3. The progressive die manufacturing method according to claim 2, further comprising the step of bending the pull tab upward at the lift station, causing deformation on both opposing sides of the finger hole, so that the lift portion can be lifted above the upper surface of the pull tab by a distance sufficient to improve user operability and lamination compatibility.
4. The progressive die manufacturing method according to claim 2, further comprising the step of bending the pull tab upward at the lift station, causing deformation of the pull tab so that the uppermost part of the lift section rises by a distance not exceeding 6 mm above the bottom surface of the pull tab.
5. The progressive die manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the lift station is integrated into a conversion press system.
6. The lift station is a modular lift station that can be replaced with an alternative lift station, and the progressive die manufacturing method according to claim 1.
7. The progressive die manufacturing method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of bending the pull tab upward at a lift station at an angle sufficient to achieve a desired height of the lift section.
8. The progressive die manufacturing method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of bending the pull tab upward at an angle of 1 to 80 degrees when bending the pull tab upward at the lift station.
9. The progressive die manufacturing method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of bending the pull tab at a predetermined position in the lift section of the lift station so as to ensure optimal stacking and user operability.
10. The progressive die manufacturing method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of bending the pull tab at a position 1 mm to 10 mm from the distal end of the lift portion of the pull tab.
11. The progressive die manufacturing method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of forming an additional center bar of the pull tab, which is positioned between the nose portion and the lift portion and has a thickness of at least 1.9 mm, when forming each tab blank into the pull tab at the tab station, and printing on the center bar of the pull tab.
12. A progressive die manufacturing method for producing a pull tab for opening a beverage container of the type having a weak area and a rivet opening adjacent to the weak area in the container lid, A step of manufacturing at least one tab blank from a carrier sheet, wherein each tab blank is fixed to the carrier sheet at one or more mounting points on the pull tab, The tab station has a nose portion configured to apply downward pressure to the vulnerable area of the container lid, a rivet receiving portion adjacent to and penetrating the nose portion including the rivet opening, a lift portion located distal to the nose portion and terminating at the distal end of the pull tab, and a finger hole located near the lift portion, and each carrier strip is fixed to the pull tab at one or more mounting points located near the finger hole, In the tab station, the step of forming a center bar of the pull tab, which is positioned between the nose portion and the lift portion, having a thickness sufficient to ensure structural safety, In a lift station, the step of bending the pull tab to cause deformation such that the lift portion is raised on the highest continuous surface extending along the length from the nose portion to the lift portion of the pull tab, A progressive die manufacturing method comprising the steps of cutting the carrier strip from one or more of the mounting points of each pull tab and separating each pull tab from the carrier sheet.
13. The progressive die manufacturing method according to claim 12, further comprising the step of causing deformation in the pull tab to cause the lift portion to rise by a distance of 1 mm to 10 mm from the bottom surface of the pull tab when bending the pull tab at the lift station to cause deformation in the pull tab.
14. The progressive die manufacturing method according to claim 12, wherein, when bending the pull tab at the lift station, the pull tab is bent upward at an angle of 1 to 80 degrees, at an angle sufficient to achieve the desired height of the lift section.
15. The progressive die manufacturing method according to claim 12, wherein the lift station bends the pull tab at a position 1 mm to 10 mm from the distal end of the lift portion of the pull tab.
16. The steps include moving the carrier sheet and at least one blank to the tab station, The steps include moving the carrier sheet and the pull tab to the lift station, A progressive die manufacturing method according to claim 12, further comprising the step of moving the carrier sheet and the pull tab to a cutting station.
17. A progressive die manufacturing method for producing a pull tab for opening a container of the type having a weak area and a rivet opening adjacent to the weak area in the container lid, A step of forming at least one tab blank from a carrier sheet, wherein each tab blank is formed in such a state that it is fixed to the carrier sheet at one or more mounting points on the pull tab, The steps include transporting the carrier sheet and the at least one tab blank to a tab station, A tab station having a nose portion configured to apply downward pressure to the vulnerable area of the container lid for each tab blank, a rivet receiving portion adjacent to and penetrating the nose portion including the rivet opening, a lift portion located distal to the nose portion and terminating at the distal end of the pull tab, and a finger hole located near the lift portion, wherein each carrier strip is fixed to the pull tab at one or more mounting points on the lift portion, The tab station comprises the step of forming the center bar of the pull tab, which is positioned between the nose portion and the lift portion, with a thickness sufficient to ensure structural strength, The steps include transporting the carrier sheet and the pull tab to the lift station, In the lift station, the step is to bend the pull tab to deform it so that the lift portion is lifted relative to the upper surface of the pull tab, The aforementioned lift station is integrated within the aforementioned tab station. The lift station has a bend in the pull tab at an angle sufficient to achieve the desired height of the lift section. The lift station has a bend formed in the pull tab at a position above the lift section so that optimal stacking and user gripping are optimized. The steps include transporting the carrier sheet and pull tab to a cutting station, A progressive die manufacturing method comprising the steps of: detaching each pull tab from the carrier strip from one or more mounting points of the pull tab in order to release it from the carrier sheet.
18. The progressive die manufacturing method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of bending the pull tab at the lift station to cause deformation that causes the lift portion to bulge, thereby causing the lift portion to bulge by a distance of 1 mm to 4 mm from the upper surface of the pull tab.
19. The progressive die manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein, when bending the pull tab at the lift station, the pull tab is bent upward at an angle of 1 to 80 degrees, at an angle sufficient to achieve the desired height of the lift section.
20. The progressive die manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein the lift station bends the pull tab at a position 1 mm to 10 mm from the distal end of the lift portion of the pull tab.