Patent Publication Number: US-9896237-B2

Title: Can end tear panel with decorative relief features

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     N/A 
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     N/A 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates to beverage can ends having a stay-on tab ecology opening assembly; more particularly, the present invention is related to a metallic beverage can end having information-conveying indicia on a displaceable tear panel of a stay-on-tab ecology opening assembly. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Typical end closures for beer and beverage containers have an opening panel and an attached leverage tab for pushing the opening panel into the container to open the end. The container is typically a drawn and ironed metal can, usually constructed from a thin plate of aluminum. End closures for such containers are also typically constructed from a cutedge of thin plate of aluminum or steel, formed into a blank end, and manufactured into a finished end by a process often referred to as end conversion. 
     These types of container ends have been used for many years, with almost all such ends in use today being the “ecology” or “stay-on-tab” (“SOT”) ends in which the tab remains attached to the end after a tear panel, including large-opening ends (“LOE”), is opened. The tear panel being a portion of the can end defined by a frangible score length and a non-frangible hinge segment. The tear panel may be opened, that is the score may be severed, and the tear panel displaced at an angular orientation relative to the remaining portion of the can end, thus creating a pour opening through which the beverage may be poured from the container. The tear panel remains hingeably connected to the remaining portion of the can end by the non-frangible hinge segment, leaving an opening through which the user draws the contents of the container. In an LOE, the pour opening is about 0.5 square inches in area. 
     Opening of the tear panel is operated by the tab which is attached to the can end by a rivet through a rivet island on the tab. The tab is typically attached to the can end such that a nose of the tab extends over a proximal portion of the tear panel in a stowage position. A lift end of the tab is located opposite the tab nose and provides access for a user to lift the lift end, such as with the user&#39;s finger, to force the nose against the proximal portion of the tear panel. With most can ends, the stowage position and opening position are in the same location; however, some can ends known in the art require rotation of the tab from a stowage position to the opening position prior to an opening sequence, i.e. the fracturing of the frangible score. 
     When the tab nose is forced against the tear panel, the score initially ruptures at a vent region of the score. This initial rupture of the score is primarily caused by the lifting force on the tab resulting in lifting of a central region of the can end, including the rivet and immediately adjacent the rivet. As the tab is lifted further, the score rupture propagates along the length of the score, eventually stopping at the hinge segment. 
     Venting is an initial release of pressure from within a pressurized container upon initial fracture of the score about the tear panel, typically upon the initial lifting of the lift end of the tab by a user. 
     In general, beverage can end design requires a careful balancing of structural elements to achieve a beverage can end of a desired strength while maintaining proper function of the SOT opening assembly. Changes to one structural element to improve one physical characteristic of the beverage can end will routinely adversely affect a different physical characteristic. 
     For example, strengthening the can end through localized coining, or the compression of the metal to produce a localized region of reduced thickness, will create a volume of excess metal that typically must be used to form some structure, else it could have an adverse effect on performance of the can end. Oil can-effect or warping of the center panel often results from coining or other processes that create a localized excess volume of metal. 
     Additionally, if a designer selects a score line depth which is too deep, the resulting can ends are subject to being ruptured during the production and during packaging and shipping operations. On the other hand, if the score depth is too shallow, excessive force may be required to rupture the score. In such a situation, even if the user is physically able to apply sufficient force to rupture the score line, the tab and the tear panel itself may deform in a manner to prevent complete rupture of the full length of the score. 
     It is desirable to have a tear panel that is stiff and resists deformation during the opening procedure. The tendency of a tear panel to deform excessively during score rupture is to a large extent, a function of the relative stiffness of the tear panel. The stiffness of a tear panel may, in turn, be influenced by the metal gauge, i.e., the thickness of the tear panel, and also the amount of “slack”, or localized excess, metal in the tear panel. Tear panel slack may be produced by various sources including rivet formation and also the very scoring needed to create a tear panel. The relative size of a tear panel also affects the rupture performance of a tear panel since a panel of larger area tends to bend more and thus diffuse the rupture force applied by the tab more than a smaller tear panel of the same metal gauge. 
     One common technique used for increasing the relative stiffness of a tear panel is to create a deboss panel which circumscribes the tear panel and rivet and in which the tear panel and the rivet are recessed. 
     Another technique is to form a raised or “embossed” metal bead in the middle of the tear panel to take up metal slack. The tear panel may also have a deboss bead. The deboss bead may have a surface portion which ramps upwardly and radially inwardly, relative to an axis passing through the staked portion of the tab and oriented generally normal to the generally flat, radially extending surface. In either case, the bead structure is formed in a shape which generally follows the geometric shape of the score of the tear panel, thereby evenly drawing slack metal from the tear panel. The bead structure may also be used to provide better leverage by opening force on the tear panel by the tab. 
     Thus, the structure of the beads on the tear panel, including placement, depth/height, shape, surface area, and volume are of the utmost importance in the functionality and operation of the can end overall and, in particular, performance during the severing of the frangible score during opening. For this reason, there have been no known efforts to use the tear panel as a means for conveying information to a user through beading or other structures. Again, any structural change to the tear panel would have an effect on can end performance. Any non-uniform, irregular shaped bead could place unwanted forces on the frangible score. Additionally, any coining or additional scoring could create slack metal in the tear panel that would adversely affect can end openability. 
     Prior art can ends have been used to convey information to users. Recycling instructions, manufacturing codes, and the like have been incised or scored into a public surface of a center panel of the can end and outside a perimeter of the tear panel. The alpha-numeric symbols used to convey information are typically very shallow. Typically, emboss and deboss beads are not employed. 
     More recently, and with some success, the tab has been used to convey information to users. This information may be in the form of promotional materials, logos, or the like. Methods such as printing, incising, laser ablation, stamping, beading, etc. have been proposed to provide information on the tabs. The tab is used for this purpose because changes to the tab are less likely to adversely affect beverage can end performance. However, the available surface area on the tab is very limited for these purposes, even when enclosing the finger hole to create a billboard-like surface on the tab. 
     The inventors have identified a commercial need to expand the use of information-conveying symbols on can ends. It would be desirable to utilize a larger surface area of the can end in a more prominent location on the center panel, wherein a user is naturally encouraged to view the information carrying symbols in the manner intended by the designers. The tear panel is the most likely location for such symbol due to its location on the center panel and because the tear panel naturally faces the user when the user lifts the tab to begin an opening sequence of the can end. However, the structural importance of the tear panel during manufacturing and during the severing of the frangible score have generally eliminated the tear panel from consideration for communicating information in the form of structural symbols to a user. 
     Thus, the problem addressed by the inventors can be stated: In a beverage can end or lid comprising a stay-on-tab ecology opening assembly, where is a desirable location for information-communicating symbols on a public side of a center panel; and what are the structural requirements of a displaceable tear panel having information-communicating structural elements thereon when the stay-on-tab opening assembly and the beverage can end must maintain the physical and functional properties required of a properly opening beverage can. 
     The present invention is provided to solve the problems discussed above and other problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by prior can ends of this type. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a beverage can end. The beverage can end has a circumferential curl positioned about a longitudinal axis defining a perimeter of the beverage can end. A circumferential wall is positioned radially inwardly of the circumferential curl and extends downwardly therefrom. A center panel is located radially inwardly of the circumferential wall and has a public side and an opposing product side. A frangible score groove is within the center panel and has a first end spaced from a second end. A displaceable tear panel is defined by the frangible score groove and a non-frangible hinge portion of the center panel located between the first end and the second end of the frangible score which retains the displaceable tear panel to the center panel subsequent to opening. The displaceable tear panel comprises a symbol formed from a relief feature. The symbol conveys information to a user and is spaced at least 0.050 inches radially inwardly of the frangible score groove such that no portion of the symbol and the relief feature are closer than 0.050 inches to the frangible score. A tab has a lift end and a nose end opposite the lift end extending over a portion of the displaceable tear panel. A rivet attaches the tab to the center panel. A means for strengthening the beverage can end is located radially outwardly of the center panel between the center panel and the circumferential wall. 
     This aspect of the invention may include one or more of the following features, alone or in any reasonable combination. The beverage can end may further comprise a score groove in the displaceable tear panel located at least 0.050 inches radially inwardly of the frangible score groove and forming a portion of the symbol conveying information to a user. The depth of the score groove is no greater than 0.001 inches. The score groove may be asymmetrical relative to a first diametric axis extending through a center of the rivet and the lift end and the nose end of the tab. The score groove may be asymmetrical relative to the frangible score groove. The score groove may be located completely beyond a perimeter of the tab. The score groove may be located entirely within an arc area of an arc of a circle subtending an angle of less than 120 degrees, having a center point common with a center of the rivet, and bisected by the first axis. The score groove may be located within a surface area of a bead forming a first relief feature on the public side of the tear panel and a corresponding second relief feature on the product side of the tear panel. The bead may also form a portion of the symbol for conveying information to a user. The beverage can end may further comprise a plurality of score grooves in the displaceable tear panel located at least 0.050 inches radially inwardly of the frangible score groove and forming a portion of the symbol conveying information to a user wherein no portion of the plurality of score grooves is closer than 0.050 inches to the frangible score. An anti-fracture score may be spaced from the frangible score and generally follow a shape thereof. A portion of the symbol may be coined to produce a localized segment of reduced thickness of the tear panel relative a thickness of adjacent portions of the tear panel. The symbol may include a layer of pigment deposited thereon. 
     The first aspect of the invention may include one or more of the following features, alone, in combination, or in combination with the features set forth in the preceding paragraph. The beverage can end may further comprise a plurality of beads formed in the displaceable tear panel displacing the public side and the product side of the center panel in an axial direction defined by the longitudinal axis, each bead having an outer perimeter spaced at least 0.050 inches from the frangible score groove over an entire length of an outer perimeter of the bead, wherein each bead forms at least a portion of the symbol for conveying information to a user. Each bead may be asymmetrically positioned on the tear panel relative to a first diametric axis extending through a center of the rivet and lift end and the nose end of the tab. Each bead may be located entirely within an arc area of an arc of a circle subtending an angle of less than 120 degrees, having a center point common with a center of the rivet, and bisected by the first axis. A first bead in the plurality of beads may be embossed and a second bead in the plurality of beads may be debossed. At least one of the beads may have a depth that varies over a surface area of the at least one bead, wherein the depth becomes shallower in an axial direction defined by the longitudinal axis as a distance from the tab increases, and wherein the at least one bead is a recess in the tear panel relative to the public side. The symbol may be a citrus fruit. At least one of the beads may be a continuous curvilinear bead forming a narrow channel in the tear panel. A depth of each bead may be inversely proportional to a surface area of the bead. Each of the plurality of beads may be a deboss bead. Each of the plurality of beads may be an emboss bead. A height of each bead may be inversely proportional to a surface area of the bead. At least one bead of the plurality of beads may have a height that varies over a surface area of the at least one bead, wherein the height becomes shallower in an axial direction defined by the longitudinal axis as a distance from the tab increases, and wherein the at least one bead is raised in the tear panel relative to the public side. The plurality of beads may improve the stiffness of the tear panel. A depth of each bead may be inversely proportional to an area of an opening of the bead. A height of each bead may be inversely proportional to an area of an opening of the bead. 
     A second aspect of the invention is also directed to a beverage can end. The beverage can end comprises a circumferential curl positioned about a longitudinal axis defining a perimeter of the beverage can end. A circumferential wall is positioned radially inwardly of the circumferential curl and extends downwardly therefrom. A center panel is located radially inwardly of the circumferential wall and has a public side and an opposing product side. A frangible score groove is located within the center panel and has a first end spaced from a second end. A displaceable tear panel is defined by the frangible score groove and a non-frangible hinge portion of the center panel located between the first end and the second end of the frangible score which retains the displaceable tear panel to the center panel subsequent to opening. The displaceable tear panel comprises a bead formed in the displaceable tear panel displacing the public side and the product side of the center panel in an axial direction defined by the longitudinal axis. The bead has an outer perimeter spaced at least 0.050 inches from the frangible score groove over an entire length of the outer perimeter. The bead forms at least a portion of a symbol having a shape adapted to convey information to a user. A tab has a lift end and a nose end extending over a portion of the displaceable tear panel. A rivet attached the tab to the center panel. A means for strengthening the beverage can end is located radially outwardly of the center panel between the center panel and the circumferential wall. The center panel may have a deboss panel recessed in the center panel. The frangible score groove may be within the deboss panel. 
     A third aspect of the invention is directed to a beverage can end. The beverage can end comprises a circumferential curl positioned about a longitudinal axis defining a perimeter of the beverage can end. A circumferential wall is positioned radially inwardly of the circumferential curl and extends downwardly therefrom. A center panel is located radially inwardly of the circumferential wall and has a public side and an opposing product side. The frangible score groove is located within the center panel and has a first end spaced from a second end. A displaceable tear panel is defined by the frangible score groove and a non-frangible hinge portion of the center panel located between the first end and the second end of the frangible score which retains the displaceable tear panel to the center panel subsequent to opening. The displaceable tear panel comprises a plurality of beads formed in the displaceable tear panel wherein each bead displaces a portion of the center panel in an axial direction defined by the longitudinal axis, wherein a first displacement distance of the center panel caused by a first bead is greater than a second displacement distance of the center panel caused by a second bead, wherein the plurality of beads in combination form a portion of a symbol conveying information to a user. A tab has a lift end and a nose end opposite the lift end extending over a portion of the displaceable tear panel. A rivet attaches the tab to the center panel. A means for strengthening the beverage can end is located radially outwardly of the center panel between the center panel and the circumferential wall. The center panel may have a deboss panel recessed in the center panel. The frangible score groove may be within the deboss panel. 
     A fourth aspect of the invention is directed to a beverage can end. The can end comprises a circumferential curl positioned about a longitudinal axis defining a perimeter of the beverage can end. A circumferential wall is positioned radially inwardly of the circumferential curl and extends downwardly therefrom. A center panel is located radially inwardly of the circumferential wall and has a public side and an opposing product side. A frangible score groove is within the center panel and has a first end spaced from a second end. A displaceable tear panel is defined by the frangible score groove and a non-frangible hinge portion of the center panel located between the first end and the second end of the frangible score which retains the displaceable tear panel to the center panel subsequent to opening. The displaceable tear panel comprises a symbol for conveying information to a user comprising a bead in the tear panel, wherein the bead displaces a portion of the center panel in an axial direction defined by the longitudinal axis forming a high relief feature and a low relief feature on opposing the public and product sides of the tear panel, wherein a depth and a surface area of the bead are selected to maintain a desired stiffness of the displaceable tear panel to improve openability of the tear panel. A tab has a lift end and a nose end opposite the lift end extending over a portion of the displaceable tear panel. A rivet attaches the tab to the center panel. A means for strengthening the beverage can end is located radially outwardly of the center panel between the center panel and the circumferential wall. The center panel may have a deboss panel recessed in the center panel. The frangible score groove may be within the deboss panel. 
     Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of an SOT beverage can end that is known in the art of beverage can end design; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the can end of  FIG. 1  taken through a central axis; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of an SOT beverage can end of the present invention having a symbol on a displaceable tear panel, the symbol comprising a plurality of continuous curvilinear beads recessed in the displaceable tear panel; 
         FIG. 4  is a magnified top view of the symbol illustrated on the can end of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view taken along the dashed line on  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of an SOT beverage can end of the present invention having a symbol on a displaceable tear panel, the symbol comprising a plurality of continuous curvilinear beads embossed on the displaceable tear panel; 
         FIG. 7  is a magnified top view of the symbol illustrated on the can end of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a sectional view taken along the dashed line on  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of an SOT beverage can end of the present invention having a symbol on a displaceable tear panel, the symbol comprising a plurality of continuous curvilinear beads recessed in the displaceable tear panel and shallow score grooves within a surface area defined by a circumference of some of the continuous curvilinear beads to indicate further detail on the symbol; 
         FIG. 10  is a magnified top view of the symbol illustrated on the can end of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a sectional view taken along the dashed line on  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of an SOT beverage can end of the present invention having a symbol on a displaceable tear panel, the symbol comprising a plurality of continuous curvilinear beads embossed in the displaceable tear panel and shallow score grooves within a surface area defined by a circumference of some of the continuous curvilinear beads to indicate further detail on the symbol; 
         FIG. 13  is a magnified top view of the symbol illustrated on the can end of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a sectional view taken along the dashed line on  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of an SOT beverage can end of the present invention having a symbol on a displaceable tear panel, the symbol comprising a plurality of beads recessed in the displaceable tear panel and shallow score grooves within a surface area of some of the beads to indicate further detail on the symbol; 
         FIG. 16  is a magnified top view of the symbol illustrated on the can end of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a sectional view taken along the dashed line on  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a top view of an SOT beverage can end of the present invention having a symbol on a displaceable tear panel, the symbol comprising a plurality of beads embossed on the displaceable tear panel and shallow score grooves within a surface area of some of the beads to indicate further detail on the symbol; 
         FIG. 19  is a magnified top view of the symbol illustrated on the can end of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a sectional view taken along the dashed line on  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a top view of an SOT beverage can end of the present invention having a symbol on a displaceable tear panel, the symbol comprising a plurality of beads recessed in the displaceable tear panel wherein some of the beads have a depth that decreases as it extends farther from the rivet, and shallow score grooves are within a surface area of some of the beads to indicate further detail on the symbol; 
         FIG. 22  is a magnified top view of the symbol illustrated on the can end of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a sectional view taken along the dashed line on  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a top view of an SOT beverage can end of the present invention having a symbol on a displaceable tear panel, the symbol comprising a plurality of beads embossed on the displaceable tear panel wherein some of the beads have a height that decreases as it the extends farther from the rivet, and shallow score grooves are within a surface area of some of the beads to indicate further detail on the symbol; 
         FIG. 25  is a magnified top view of the symbol illustrated on the can end of  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a sectional view taken along the dashed line on  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a top view of an SOT beverage can end of the present invention having a symbol on a displaceable tear panel, the symbol comprising a plurality of beads, one of which is a continuous curvilinear bead, on the displaceable tear panel wherein one bead has a depth that decreases as it extends farther from the rivet, and shallow score grooves are within a surface area of the bead to indicate further detail on the symbol; 
         FIG. 28  is a magnified top view of the symbol illustrated on the can end of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a sectional view taken along the dashed line on  FIG. 28  showing one option of a recessed continuous curvilinear bead; 
         FIG. 30  is a sectional view taken along the dashed line on  FIG. 28  showing one option of an embossed continuous curvilinear bead; 
         FIG. 31  is a top view of an SOT beverage can end of the present invention having a symbol on a displaceable tear panel, the symbol comprising a plurality of beads, one of which is a continuous curvilinear bead, on the displaceable tear panel wherein one bead has a depth that decreases as it extends farther from the rivet, and shallow score grooves are within a surface area of the bead that has been coined to indicate further detail on the symbol; 
         FIG. 32  is a magnified top view of the symbol illustrated on the can end of  FIG. 31 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a sectional view taken along the dashed line on  FIG. 32 ; 
         FIG. 34  is a top view of a symbol; 
         FIG. 35A  is a section view taken through the dashed line A of the symbol of  FIG. 34  showing a coating on the public side of a recessed bead; and 
         FIG. 35B  is a section view taken through the dashed line B of the symbol of  FIG. 34  showing a coating on the public side of a recessed bead and a depth less than a depth of the bead illustrated in  FIG. 35A  due to the larger surface area and larger opening surface area on the bead. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated. 
     The present invention provides a beverage can end aimed at providing a tear panel having information communicating indicia. The indicia of the present invention may be in the form of one or more shallow scores, raised beads, or recessed beads in the tear panel of the beverage can end. The inventors discovered that carefully controlling various structural parameters of the indicia allows this type of indicia to be placed on the tear panel. This was previously considered to have a deleterious effect and, consequently, rarely, if ever, proposed. 
     Referring generally to the figures, a beverage can end  10  for a container (not shown) has a center panel  12  separated from a seaming curl  14  by a circumferential wall  15  extending downwardly from the seaming curl  14  to a strengthening segment  16  which is joined to the center panel  12 . The container is typically a drawn and ironed metal can, usually constructed from a thin plate of aluminum or steel. Beverage can ends for such containers are also typically constructed from a cutedge of thin plate of aluminum or steel, formed into blank end, and manufactured into a finished end by a process often referred to as end conversion. 
     The can end  10  can be joined to a container body by the seaming curl  14  which is joined to a mating curl of the container body. The seaming curl  14  of the can end  10  is integral with the center panel  12  by the circumferential wall  15  and the strengthening segment  16 , typically either a generally U-shaped countersink or a fold, which is joined to a peripheral edge of the center panel  12 , defining an outer perimeter of the center panel  12 , often through an additional strengthening feature such as a circumferential step or other circumferential wall. This type of means for joining the center panel  12  to a container body is presently the typical means for joining used in the industry, and the curl structure described above is formed in the process of forming the blank end from a cutedge of metal plate, prior to the end conversion process. However, other means for joining the beverage can end to a container body may be employed with the present invention. 
     The steps of manufacturing the can end  10  begin with blanking the cutedge, typically a round or non-round cutedge of thin metal plate. Examples of non-round cutedge blanks include elliptical cutedges, convoluted cutedges, and harmonic cutedges. A convoluted cutedge may be described as generally having three distinct diameters, each diameter being 45° relative to the others. The cutedge is then formed into a blank end by forming the seaming curl, countersink, panel radius and the center panel. 
     The conversion process for this type of beverage can end includes the following steps: forming a rivet by first forming a projecting bubble in the center of the panel and subsequently working the metal of the bubble into a button and into the more narrow projection of metal being the rivet; forming the tear panel by scoring the metal of the panel wall; forming an inner bead or panel on the tear panel; forming strengthening feature either through a deboss panel by bending the metal of the center panel such that a central area of the center panel is slightly lower than the remaining center panel or a bead surrounding the frangible score; staking a tab to the rivet; and other subsequent operations such as wipe-down steps to remove sharp edges of the tab, lettering on the center panel by scoring, incising, or embossing (or debossing), and restriking the rivet island. 
     The circumferential seaming curl  14  defines an outer perimeter of the beverage can end  10 . It is generally centered about a longitudinal or vertical axis  50 , typically located at a center of the rivet. 
     The center panel  12  has a displaceable tear panel  20  defined by a frangible score and a non-frangible hinge segment  25 . The tear panel  20  of the center panel  12  may be opened, that is the frangible score may be severed and the tear panel  20  displaced at an angular orientation relative to the remaining portion of the center panel  12 , while the tear panel  20  remains hingeably connected to the center panel  12  through the hinge segment  25 , to define a dispensing port or pour opening. In this opening operation, the tear panel  20  is displaced at an angular deflection. More specifically, the tear panel  20  is deflected at an angle relative to a plane of the center panel  12 , with the vortex of the angular displacement being the hinge segment  25 . 
     The tear panel  20  is formed during the conversion process by a scoring operation. The tools for scoring the tear panel  20  into the center panel  12  include an upper die on a public side  34  having a scoring knife edge in the shape of the tear panel  20 , and a lower die on the product side  35  to support the metal in the regions being scored. When the upper and lower dies are brought together, the metal of the center panel  12  is scored between the dies. This results in the scoring knife edge being embedded into the metal of the center panel  12 , forming a score groove  22  which appears as a wedge-shaped recess in the metal. The metal remaining below the wedge-shaped recess is the residual of the score groove  22 . Therefore, the score groove  22  is formed by the scoring knife edge causing movement of metal, such that the imprint of the scoring knife edge is made in the public side  34  of the center panel  12 . 
     The center panel  12  has a public side  34  and an opposing product side  35  and further includes a tab  26 . The tab  26  has a generally elongated body along a diametric first axis  72  extending through a tab nose  30 , a central webbing and the lift end  32 . Typical prior art can ends often have a tab  26  which is staked in the final steps of the conversion process by staking the area of the center panel  12  adjacent and under the rivet island  46  at an angle, to bias the tab  26  such that the lift end  32  of the tab  26  rests close to the center panel  12 . The center panel  12  may also have a recess near the lift end  32  of the tab  26  to allow for easier finger access. 
     The opening of the tear panel  20  is operated by the tab  26  which is attached to the center panel  12  by a rivet  28  spaced from the tear panel  20 , generally through a rivet aperture in a rivet island of the tab  26 . The lift end  32  of the tab  26  is located opposite the tab nose  30 . Typically, the central webbing of the tab provides access for a user to lift the lift end  32 , such as with the user&#39;s finger. 
     Alternatively, the tab  26  may be attached to the center panel  12  by an adhesive. 
     The rivet  28  is surrounded by a circular coined region of the center panel  12 . The coined region is a compressed portion of the center panel  12  having a localized reduced thickness relative to adjacent portions of the center panel. The score groove  22  generally includes a segment that travels through this coined region. A raised, curvilinear bead may be located about the coined region so that it partially surrounds the coined region without intersecting or extending onto the tear panel  20 . 
     If the strengthening feature is a deboss panel  66 , it is formed in the public side  34  of the central panel  12 . The deboss panel  66  is formed in the central panel  12  using conventional die-forming techniques. The tab  26  and the tear panel  20  are typically fully recessed within the deboss panel  66 . A strengthening feature taking the form of a bead surrounding the frangible score is also formed using conventional die-forming techniques. 
     For purposes of description and location of elements, the first axis  72  of the can end  10  extends through the nose end  30  and lift end  32  of the tab  26  and through a center of the rivet  28 . The first axis  72  will generally bisect a tab of bilateral symmetry as illustrated. Thus, the first axis  72  travels along a diameter of the can end  10 , assuming a round can end  10 . 
     As illustrated, for discussion purposes, and as is the case for all known commercially available beverage containers of this type, the score groove  22  has first end located under the tab  26  separated from a terminal end  22   b  by the non-frangible hinge portion  25 . A portion of the score groove  22  is severed during an opening sequence which progresses in a clockwise fashion from a vent region towards the terminal end  22   b  of the score line  22 . One of ordinary skill in the art could readily adapt the teachings set forth herein to a can using a counterclockwise opening sequence if so desired. 
     Starting with the beginning end and moving clockwise about the score line  22 , the score line comprises a vent region located at least partially beneath the tab  26  and has a segment lying very close to the rivet  28 . As will be described below, the vent region is the portion of the score groove  22  where opening of the tear panel  20  is initiated. The vent region is where an initial “pop” takes place and where an internal pressure within beverage container is safely exhausted during the opening sequence as the score line  22  in the vent region is fractured. The concept of a vent region is generally well-known in the prior art. 
     An anti-fracture score  86  may be place adjacent the score line  22  as is known in the art. The anti-fracture score  86  is generally a shallower score relative to the frangible score groove  22 . It follows a path generally parallel to a path followed by the frangible score groove  22  over most of its length, typically departing from this parallel path at the first end of the score groove  22  and spaced from the frangible score groove  22  less than 0.05 inches. The anti-fracture score  86  is optional, depending on the strengthening feature of the center panel. When provided, it is typically located on the tear panel  20 , but may be located outside the perimeter of the tear panel  20 . The generally accepted purpose of the anti-fracture score  86  to those of ordinary skill in the art is to reduce residual stresses associated with the frangible score groove  22  so as to prevent or minimize the occurrence of microcracks in, or premature fracture along, the score groove  22 . Thus, the anti-fracture score  86  has been found useful in protecting the frangible score groove  22 . Ideally and by design, no rupture occurs along the anti-fracture score  86  in normal operation. 
     The opening sequence may be described as follows. The tab  26  begins in a stowage position as illustrated. The stowage position is the position of the tab  26  in which the beverage container is customarily delivered, i.e. handled subsequent to filling and prior to opening. Here, in the stowage position, the first axis  72  extends from the lift end  32  of the tab  26  through the nose end  30  of the tab  26 . Thus, in the present invention, the pour panel opening position, or frangible score groove opening position, is also the stowage position. The user actuated lifting of the tab  26  is directed directly upwardly relative to the public side  34  of the center panel  12  without user introduced rotation of the rivet island of the tab  26  about the rivet  28  in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The tear panel  20  is retained to the center panel  12  by the hinge segment  25  subsequent to opening. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 3-20 , an embodiment of a beverage can end  10  of the present invention includes one or more indicia or symbols  100  on the tear panel  20 , serving the dual purpose of stiffening the tear panel  20  to enhance or improve openability and for communicating information to a user. Each symbol  100  may comprise one or more tactile relief features formed in the tear panel  20 . The tactile relief features may be in high relief or low relief as viewed or felt on the public side  34  of the beverage can end  10 . Each tactile relief feature is spaced at least 0.05 inches from the frangible score groove  22 , preferably 0.05 inches from the anti-fracture score  86  when the anti-fracture score  86  is located on the tear panel  20 . In either case, the tactile relief features are most preferably spaced at least 0.07 inches from the either score groove  22 , 86 . The spacing contemplated herein is such that no portion of a tactile relief feature is closer to the score grooves  22 , 86  than the desired spacing, such that the closest distance between the tactile relief feature and the score grooves  22 , 86  is preferably at least 0.05 inches and most preferably at least 0.07 inches. 
     According to several embodiments, a symbol  100  comprises one or more tactile relief features in the form of shallow score grooves  104 . The shallow score grooves  104  are generally on the order of about 0.001 inches, preferably no greater than 0.001 inches, in depth as measured from the public side of the tear panel  20 . Here, the shallow score grooves  104  can be used to indicate and outline the perimeter of a symbol  100  or a portion of a symbol  100 . 
     The shallow grooves  104  can be employed to produce fine detail of the symbol  100 . As illustrated in, for example,  FIGS. 9-18 , the shallow grooves  104  represent pulp of a citrus fruit. 
     In several embodiments, one or more such symbols  100  comprise one or more tactile relief features in the form of one or more emboss and/or deboss beads  108 . A bead  108  is formed by simultaneously deforming the public side  34  and the product side  35  of the tear panel  20 , such that one of the public side  34  or the product side  35  is in high relief, i.e. raised as in an emboss, and the opposite side is in low relief, i.e. recessed as in a deboss. For the purposes of this discussion, when a bead  108  produces a high relief feature on the public side  34 , the bead is an emboss bead; when a bead  108  produces a low relief feature on the public side  34 , the bead is a deboss bead. This is the conventional manner of reference as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     One such bead  108  is a continuous curvilinear bead or beads forming a narrow channel or channels in the tear panel  20 . This continuous curvilinear bead can be formed in high relief or low relief relative to the public side  34  of the tear panel  20  (compare  FIGS. 3-5  with  FIGS. 6-8 ). This technique is uniquely useful for defining an outline of a symbol  100  or portion thereof. 
     In at least one embodiment, the continuous curvilinear beads  108  form a skin of a citrus fruit and a plurality of individual sections or carpels of the fruit. In a preferred embodiment illustrated, a plurality of curvilinear beads  108  form the citrus fruit symbol  100 . However, the citrus fruit symbol  100  may be formed by joining the individual continuous curvilinear beads into a single bead, provided the stiffness and general usability of the tear panel  20  as described herein are retained. 
     The continuous curvilinear bead  108  may be circumferential such that an interior area  112  of a portion of the symbol  100  is defined. The interior area  112  has an upper surface located at a height relative to the longitudinal axis  50  that is equal to a height of the tear panel  20  located on the opposite side of the bead  108 . 
     In one embodiment, the tactile features include one or more shallow score grooves  104  located within a surface area of a bead  108 . The shallow score  104  may be formed on the tear panel  20  prior to forming the bead  108  so that an opening of the shallow score groove  104  will widen upon formation of the bead  108 . 
     In an embodiment, an outline or perimeter of a portion of a symbol  100  is formed by a continuous curvilinear bead. Here, the bead  108  is a narrow channel on either the public side  34  or the product side  35  of the tear panel  20 . 
     In an embodiment, a portion of the interior area  112  may comprise one or more further tactile relief features. The tactile relief features may be beads  108  or shallow score grooves  104 . 
     In several embodiments, one or more tactile features are asymmetrically located on the tear panel  20  relative to the first axis  72 . Here, an overall symbol  100  created by one more tactile features may be symmetrical relative to the first axis  72 , such that the symbol  100  exhibits bilateral symmetry relative thereto. However, it is contemplated that the principles of the present invention allow symbols  100  to be formed on the tear panel  20  which are asymmetrically skewed relative to the first axis  72 , such that the symbol  20  lacks bilateral symmetry relative thereto. In at least one embodiment, individual beads  108  are asymmetrically positioned on the tear panel  20  relative to the first axis  72 , yet the overall symbol  100  exhibits bilateral symmetry relative to the first axis  72 . 
     As illustrated in the figures, a tactile feature forming a portion of a symbol  100  is non-uniformly spaced from the frangible score groove  22 . Thus, the tactile feature departs from a shape of the score groove  22 . Thus, the tactile feature is asymmetrical relative to the frangible score groove  22 . The tactile feature may be a bead  108  or a shallow groove  104 . 
     In an embodiment, one or more such symbols  100  are located entirely within an arc area  106  of a circular arc subtending a 160 degree angle, more preferably within an arc area of a circular arc subtending a 150 degree angle, and most preferably completely within an arc area of a circular arc subtending a 120 degree angle as illustrated. In each case, the circular arc has a center point at the center point of the rivet  28  and is bisected by the first axis  72 . 
     In an embodiment, one or more relief features forming a symbol  100  have a perimeter wherein a shape of the perimeter is non-circular. 
     In an embodiment, a symbol  100  located on the tear panel  20  and formed by one or more relief features is spaced from the nose end  30  of the tab  26  such that no portion of the symbol  100  is located under the tab  26 . 
     In an embodiment, a symbol  100  comprises a plurality of beads  108  wherein each bead  108  has an irregularly shaped perimeter. Here, the beads  108  may be an irregular polygon. 
     In an embodiment, a symbol  100  comprises a plurality of beads  108 . Each of the plurality of beads  108  has a surface area. A vertical displacement of each bead  108  relative to the longitudinal axis  50  is inversely proportional to the surface area of the bead  108 . Thus, a first bead  108  having a larger surface area will have a vertical displacement that is less than a vertical displacement of a second bead having a smaller surface area relative to the surface area of the first bead. 
     In an embodiment, the symbol  100  comprises one or more beads  108  in which the vertical displacement relative to the longitudinal axis  50  of a surface area of each bead  108  varies over the surface area. The vertical displacement may decrease as a distance from the rivet  28  or the tab  26  increases (see, for example,  FIG. 23 ). 
     In an embodiment, the symbol  100  comprises one or more beads  108  in which the vertical displacement relative to the longitudinal axis  50  of a surface area of each bead  108  varies over the surface area. The vertical displacement may increase as a distance from the rivet  28  or the tab  26  increases. 
     In an embodiment, the symbol  100  comprises a coined segment  116  having a localized region of reduced thickness of the tear panel  20  relative to a thickness of adjacent portions of the tear panel  20 . This coin segment  116  is located radially outwardly from the nose end  30  of the tab  26 . 
     In an embodiment, the symbol  100  comprises the coined segment  116  intersecting a shallow score groove  104 . In other words, one or more shallow scores  104  may be located on a surface area of a coined segment  116  of the tear panel  20 . This coin segment  116  is located radially outwardly from the nose end  30  of the tab  26 . 
     Referring specifically to  FIGS. 3-5 , a symbol  100  representing a citrus fruit, such as a lemon or lime, is located on the center panel  12 . In this case, the symbol  100  is produced by relief features taking the form of a plurality of continuous curvilinear beads  108 . In this example, a circumferential continuous curvilinear bead  108  forms a rind or skin of the citrus fruit symbol  100 , and six additional circumferential continuous curvilinear beads  108  form wedges or segments of the citrus fruit. The circumferential beads  108  are recessed within the tear panel  20 . The beads  108  have a depth D which is measured relative to the longitudinal axis from an opening of the beads  108  downwardly to the public side  34  of the tear panel  20 . The depth D of a bead  108  may be inversely proportional to the surface area of the opening of the bead  108  and/or the surface area of the section of the tear panel  20  that makes up the bead  108 . 
     The can end  10  illustrated in  FIGS. 6-8  is very similar to the previous example. Here, the circumferential beads  108  are embossed or raised on the tear panel  20  relative to the public side  34 . In accordance with the definition of a bead as used herein, the product side  35  has a recess corresponding to the raised emboss on the public side  34 . These beads have a height H which is measured relative to the longitudinal axis  50  from the opening of the beads  108  adjacent the product side  35  of the tear panel upwardly to the product side  35  of the tear panel  20 . 
     It should be noted that, while  FIGS. 3-5 and 6-8  show consistency with respect to the orientation of the beads  108 , one or more beads  108  may be embossed while the others are debossed. For example, the bead  108  representing the rind may be debossed when the beads  108  representing the wedges may be embossed. The decision whether to produce beads in high relief or low relief relative to the public side  34  is made based on the necessary physical properties of the tear panel  20  needed to produce a suitable can end  10 . 
     The example illustrated in  FIGS. 9-11  is identical to the example of  FIGS. 3-5 , except for the addition of shallow score grooves  104 . The shallow grooves  104  are located within a surface area of the tear panel  20  defined by the interior of the circumferential beads  108  representing the wedges of the citrus fruit. These shallow grooves  104  are added to represent pulp within the wedges. 
     The example illustrated in  FIGS. 12-14  is identical to the example of  FIGS. 6-9 , except for the addition of shallow score grooves  104  similar to the previous example. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15-17 , an example of a can end  10  having a symbol  100  recessed within the tear panel  20  is illustrated. Here, a citrus fruit symbol is formed by a plurality of recessed beads  108 . The beads  108  representing the wedges of the fruit have a surface area in which shallow grooves  104  are located to represent pulp. 
     The example illustrated in  FIGS. 18-20  is similar to the previous example; however, the beads  108  are embossed relative to the public side  34  of the tear panel  20 . 
     In  FIGS. 21-23 , the beads  108  representing the wedges of the citrus fruit are recessed within the tear panel  20 . These beads  108  have a variable depth D. In the region of the tear panel  20  located radially outwardly of, but adjacent to, the tab nose  32 , the beads  108  representing the wedges of the citrus fruit are recessed. As the beads  108  extend radially outwardly therefrom, their respective depths become shallower until they blend smoothly with the remaining portion of the tear panel  20 . 
     The example of  FIGS. 24-26  is similar to the previous example. Here, however, the beads  108  are embossed. The beads  108  representing the wedges of the citrus fruit have a variable height H. 
       FIGS. 27 and 28  illustrate an alternative citrus fruit symbol  100 , showing a single wedge. The wedge is formed from a single recessed bead  108  having a variable depth D such that the maximum depth is located adjacent, but spaced from, the tab nose  30 , and the bead  108  becomes progressively shallower as a distance from the tab  26  increases along the first axis  72 . The bead  108  representing the rind of the fruit can be expressed in either deboss form ( FIG. 29 ) or emboss form ( FIG. 30 ). Shallow score grooves  104  are located within the surface area of the bead representing the fruit wedge to resemble pulp. A portion of the bead  108  representing the wedge has a curved shape adjacent the nose of the tab  26  that generally follows a curvature of the tab  26 . 
       FIGS. 31-33  illustrate yet another alternative citrus fruit symbol  100 . Here, the symbol is spaced radially outwardly along the first axis  72  from the tab  26 . The bead  108  representing the wedge has a variable depth D similar to the variable depths described above. This embodiment also illustrates how coining can be used to improve the physical properties of the tear panel  20  and to move a volume of metal that can be used to form the details of the symbol  100 . Accordingly, a coined segment  116  of the tear panel  20  is located within the surface area of the wedge bead  108  and spaced radially outwardly from the tab  26 . 
       FIGS. 35A and 35B  also show a layer of pigment  140  on the beads  108   a,b . The layer of pigment  140  can be used to further distinguish the symbol  100  from other portions of the tear panel  20  and the remaining portions of the can end  10 . The layer of pigment  140  can be completely opaque or somewhat translucent to reveal the shallow score grooves  104  beneath the layer  140 . 
     The coined segment  116  is a portion or surface area of the tear panel  20  which has been compressed between two tools to produce a localized area of reduced thickness of the tear panel  20  relative to a thickness of adjacent portions of the tear panel  20 . Coining is known to provide structural strengthening but also moves a volume of metal which could cause warping or an “oil can” effect. However, here, the volume of metal is desirable to provide a volume of metal from which to form the decorative beading required of the present invention. 
     One or more coined segments can be employed on any of the embodiments disclosed herein to provide desirable structural properties and/or a volume of metal from which the symbol  100  may be formed. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 34-35B , a vertical displacement of the center panel  12  parallel to the longitudinal axis  50  caused by a bead  108   a,b  is inversely proportional to its surface area or the area of the opening of the bead  108   a,b .  FIGS. 34-35B  show that a depth D of bead  108   a  is greater than the depth D of bead  108   b  wherein the surface area of bead  108   b  is greater than the surface area of bead  108   a . This holds true for the area of the openings of the beads  108   a,b  as well. One of ordinary skill would readily grasp that the relationship holds true for embossed beads as it is for the debossed beads  108   a,b  shown, and that the relationship is related to the displacement of the center panel  12  more so than upward or downward orientation of the displacement. In other words, one bead may be debossed and another may be embossed, but their respective displacement, either height or depth, in this embodiment is dependent on the surface areas of the bead, not the orientation of the bead. However, one of ordinary skill would further understand that in a given situation, a deboss bead may function better than a similarly shaped emboss bead in terms of improving or enhancing the openability of the tear panel  20 . 
     In an embodiment, the symbol  100  is formed in a conversion press. An anvil may be provided to support either of the public side or the product side  35  as a shaped tool strikes the opposing side. The anvil could be shaped to correspond to the desired shape of the tear panel  20  and a negative of the tool. The anvil may be produced from natural or synthetic rubber. 
     Preferably, a depth D and a surface area of each bead  108  are selected to maintain or create a desired stiffness in the tear panel  20 . The depth D of each bead  108  is measured from a plane defining an opening of each bead along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis  50 . The planes are shown in dashed lines on the drawings. It should be noted that in some embodiments, as discussed above, the depth D of a given bead or of all of the beads in a symbol  108  may vary relative to a radial distance from the rivet or from a distance from the frangible score  22 . Stiffness of the tear panel  20  may also be improved by including one or more coined segments  116  on the tear panel  20  radially outwardly from the nose end  30  of the tab  26 . Coining may also be employed to produce slack metal in the tear panel from which tactile features can be created. 
     The symbol  100  is generally placed on the tear panel  20  and spaced completely and entirely from a perimeter of the tab  26 . In this way, no portion of the symbol  100  lies beneath the tab  26 . 
     The terms “first,” “second,” “upper,” “lower,” “top,” “bottom,” etc. are used for illustrative purposes relative to other elements only and are not intended to limit the embodiments in any way. The term “plurality” as used herein is intended to indicate any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively as necessary, up to an infinite number. The terms “joined,” “attached,” and “connected” as used herein are intended to put or bring two elements together so as to form a unit, and any number of elements, devices, fasteners, etc. may be provided between the joined or connected elements unless otherwise specified by the use of the term “directly” and/or supported by the drawings. The term “bead” as used herein indicates forming a tactile feature in either high relief or low relief wherein a recess is formed in either the public side or product side of the beverage can end with a corresponding low relief or high relief on the opposite side of the beverage can end. Beading is well-known in the art as differentiated from other forming techniques. 
     While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims.