Can End and Related Method

Abstract

A can end and a tab configured to couple to the can end and a related method are provided. The can end is continuous. The tab is configured to couple to the can end with a post, which couples the tab to the can end without passing through the can end.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for improving the fitting and closing of a metal can comprising the steps of:
 delivering to a user a can end having an outer periphery configured to be coupled with a sidewall of a can, the can end including a line of weakness located radially inwardly from the outer periphery and a well located radially inwardly from the line of weakness, the well having a sidewall, including a non-circular portion, and a bottom wall, the can end being continuous; and   delivering to the user a tab having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side configured to be engaged at a first portion, the tab including a second portion spaced apart from the first portion and configured to rupture the can end at the line of weakness, and a post located between the first portion and the second portion of the tab and extending from the first side of the tab, the post having a non-circular cross-section matching the non-circular portion of the sidewall of the well such that the tab is inhibited from rotating relative to the can end when the post is engaged with the can end;   wherein the user can attach the can end to a filled can and the tab is attached to the can end via the post and non-circular portion after the can is filled.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tab includes an aperture between the first portion and the second portion and wherein the post is retained in the aperture. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the tab includes a ring portion configured to be engaged by a user to pivot the tab. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 packaging the can end;   packaging the tab and the post separately from the can end;   providing instructions to attach the can end to a sidewall of a can, to heat the contents in the filled can, and to place the post in the well of the can end, coupling the tab to the can end, after heating the contents in the filled can.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the post extends generally perpendicular to the portion of the tab that defines the aperture. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the post extends angularly toward the second portion of the tab. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the post and the non-circular portion of the sidewall of the well are each shaped one of elliptical and rectangular, such that when the post is in the well, the tab and the end are prevented from rotating relative to one another. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the post includes a retaining feature configured to allow the post to be inserted into the well and to prevent the post from being withdrawn from the well. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tab, post, and can end are configured such that the first portion of the tab extends at least a  15  degree angle relative to the end when the post is disposed in the well. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tab and the post are unitarily formed. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tab is configured to couple to the can end without the post passing through the can end. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the can end includes a depression radially inwardly from the well such that at least a portion of the first portion of the tab is located over the depression when the post is located in the well. 
     
     
         13 . A method of improving the ease of opening a can end comprising the steps of:
 providing a can end configured to be coupled with a can, the can end including a well located radially inward from a radial periphery of the can end, the well having a sidewall and a bottom wall, the can end being continuous;   providing a tab having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side configured to be engaged by a user at a first portion, the tab including a second portion spaced apart from the first portion and configured to rupture to the can end, and a post located between the first portion and the second portion, the first portion extending at an angle of at least 105 degrees relative to the post;   wherein when the post is disposed in the well coupling the tab to the can end, a portion of the tab forms an angle of at least  15  degrees with the can end.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the tab includes an aperture between the first portion and the second portion and wherein the post is retained in the aperture. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the first portion of the tab includes a ring portion configured to be engaged by a user to pivot the tab. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the sidewall of the well includes a non-circular portion and the post and the non-circular portion of the sidewall of the well are each shaped one of elliptical and rectangular, such that when the post is in the well, the tab and the end are prevented from rotating relative to one another. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the post includes a retaining feature configured to allow the post to be inserted into the well and to prevent the post from being withdrawn from the well. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the tab and the post are unitarily formed. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the tab is configured to couple to the can end without the post passing through the can end. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the can end includes a depression radially inwardly from the well such that at least a portion of the first portion of the tab is located over the depression when the post is located in the well.