Patent ID: 7703624
Filing Date: 2010-04-27
Classification: B21D,B65D,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A flexible tab to be affixed to a can end, the tab comprising: a nose portion located at a front end of the tab; a lift portion located at a back end of the tab having an outer surface with a preselected height, the nose portion having curled or hemmed edges and the tab having a preselected length; an axis that passes along the length of the tab; a plurality of slots provided in the tab between the nose portion and the lift portion on opposing sides of the tab, the plurality of slots combining to form a first fulcrum that extends generally transverse to the axis, the first fulcrum allowing the lift portion to pivot in relation to the nose portion; a rivet receiving portion located rearwardly of the nose portion with a rivet hole, the rivet receiving portion being integrally attached to the nose portion; an additional slot having opposed ends located adjacent to the rivet hole surrounding a portion of an outer periphery of the rivet receiving portion, the ends of the additional slot defining a second fulcrum, the second fulcrum allowing the tab to pivot about the second fulcrum; a paneled or beaded area located in front of the outer surface of the lift portion at a height lower than the outer surface and adjacent to the plurality of slots, wherein the paneled or beaded area includes a number of extensions each extending toward the nose portion of the tab between the additional slot and a corresponding one of the slots on the opposing sides of the tab, wherein each of the extensions includes a substantially straight edge which defines a substantially straight segment of the additional slot, wherein the paneled or beaded area has a first edge adjacent to the outer surface of the lift portion and in front of the outer surface of the lift portion, the first edge extending in a direction generally transverse to the axis, the first edge having opposite ends, wherein the opposite ends of the first edge have a second edge or a third edge attached to one of the opposite ends, wherein the second edge and the third edge are located in opposed relationship to each other with the second and third edges terminating at a juncture with the additional slot, and wherein the second and third edges at the juncture with the additional slot are integrally connected to each other through a fourth edge.