Patent ID: 7225944

Claim:
A can end, comprising: an end panel; a noncircular score line defined in said end panel, said noncircular score line defining a first removable portion of said end panel and a second nonremovable portion of said end panel; means for initiating separation of said first removable portion from said second nonremovable portion at a first location along said noncircular score line, said first location being located along an axis of symmetry about which separation of said first removable portion from said second nonremovable portion during opening will progress substantially symmetrically, and further wherein said first removable portion has a first safety fold; and wherein said noncircular score line is shaped so that said second nonremovable portion defines a spoon leveling shelf that is shaped and sized to permit a consumer to level a spoonful of nonliquid material, and wherein at least one exposed edge of said spoon leveling shelf is afforded cut protection by a second safety fold.