Abstract A score-line structure wherein a first score line defines a dispensing opening and a second score line is positioned outwardly of the first and parallel thereto. The second score line has a lesser depth than the first score line so that when the first score line is ruptured the portion of the end wall intermediate the first and second score lines curves upwardly to cause the sharp edge which results from the severance of the first score line to be pointed upwardly rather than inwardly. The result is to thereby decrease the cut hazard around the edge of the dispensing opening when a consumer passes his hand through the dispensing opening to withdraw a quantity of the product packaged within the container.
In a container having a removable portion to provide a dispensing opening in one end wall thereof, said removable portion defined by a first score line forming a line of reduced thickness in said wall to facilitate severance of said removable portion from said wall and thereby provide said dispensing opening, the improvement comprising a second score line spaced outwardly of and generally parallel to said first score line, said second score line having a lesser depth than said first score line and defining an axis of rotation whereby the portion of said end wall between said first and said second score lines is rotated about said axis of rotation to orient the sharp edge thereof in an upward direction upon severance of said first score line.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
127 words
In a container having a removable portion to provide a dispensing opening in one end wall thereof, said removable portion defined by a first score line forming a line of reduced thickness in said wall to facilitate severance of said removable portion from said wall and thereby provide said dispensing opening, the improvement comprising a second score line spaced outwardly of and generally parallel to said first score line, said second score line having a lesser depth than said first score line and defining an axis of rotation whereby the portion of said end wall between said first and said second score lines is rotated about said axis of rotation to orient the sharp edge thereof in an upward direction upon severance of said first score line.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The container of claim 1 wherein the center-to-center spacing between said first and said second score lines ranges from 25 mils to 65 mils.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The container of claim 2 wherein said first score line includes at least one linear portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The container of claim 3 wherein said second score line includes at least one linear portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The container of claim 4 wherein the linear portions of said second score line are parallel to the linear portions of said first score line.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The container of claim 5 wherein the residual thickness at said first score line ranges from 2 mils to 5 mils and the residual thickness at said second score line ranges from 3 mils to 8 mils.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The container of claim 6 wherein the difference in depth between said first and second score lines ranges from 1 mils to 5 1/2 mils.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The container of claim 7 wherein said second score line is discontinuous.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
12 words
The container of claim 7 wherein said second score line is continuous.