Patent ID: 6050440
Filing Date: 2000-04-18
Classification: B65D,Y10S

Abstract:
In an easy open end for a container, said end having a tear panel defined by a score line surrounding a portion of the periphery of said tear panel, said score line defining a region where said tear panel is to be separated from the remainder of the end to form an opening through said end, an operating tab having a nose at one end and a finger pull to said end adjacent said score line and on the opposite side of said score line from said tear panel, said rivet having one side proximate said score line, a second side opposite thereto, and third and fourth opposed sides extending between said first and second sides, said score line including a vent region adjacent said rivet constructed and arranged to open initially at said rivet construction in response to lifting of said rivet by said tab, the improvement comprising:a concavity formed in said end and located proximate said rivet so as to be disposed under the attached tab proximate said tab nose portion but on the opposite side of said rivet with respect to said score line,said concavity partially circumscribing said rivet and extending from said second side of said rivet along at least a portion of both said third and fourth sides of said rivet, wherein said concavity has a mid-portion and opposed end portions,said mid-portion being proximate said second side of said rivet and wherein said opposed end-portions extend from said mid-portion along both said third and fourth sides of said rivet toward said score line,said concavity further including a linear concavity portion in tangential contact therewith,said concavity thus stiffening said end proximate said rivet in order to concentrate and propagate forces generated during the opening operation of said easy open end toward said tear panel so as to facilitate the lifting of said rivet as said tab is rotated upwardly from said end.