Patent ID: 8177092

Claim:
An easy open end for a pressurized container comprising an end panel having an aperture score defining the periphery of an aperture panel configured to be removed completely from the end panel, and a tab fixed to the end panel at a connection point, the tab having a nose portion and a tail portion on either side of the connection point, the tail portion having a free end distal the connection point, the tab being arranged with the nose portion on or adjacent to the aperture score to promote rupture thereof when the tail portion is lifted and the tab pivots about the connection point, the end panel also having a vent score constructed and arranged to rupture before rupture of the aperture score thereby releasing the internal pressure from the container before the aperture panel is opened, and the end panel and/or tab defining a shield adapted to prevent the egress of product from the vent opening, wherein the shield comprises a resiliently biased guard element which is activated upon lifting of the tail portion of the tab, and wherein the tab is configured such that only the resiliently biased guard element contacts the end panel at a side of the vent score opposite the connection point.