CN113993640B

CN113993640B - reverse pressure tank end

Info

Publication number: CN113993640B
Application number: CN202080041646.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: S·T·奥尔布赖特; D·C·斯坦默恩
Original assignee: Stolle Machinery Co LLC
Current assignee: Stolle Machinery Co LLC
Priority date: 2019-06-13
Filing date: 2020-06-01
Publication date: 2023-11-17
Anticipated expiration: 2040-06-01
Also published as: EP3983148A4; CN113993640A; WO2020251793A1; EP3983148A1; JP2022538741A

Abstract

The present application relates to a can end comprising a center panel, an annular portion disposed about the center panel, a chuckwall disposed about the annular portion, a bead extending radially outwardly from the chuckwall, the annular portion including a subsurface step.

Description

Reverse pressure tank end

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/440,391, filed 5/13/2017, which is a continuation-in-part filed 8/30/2017 entitled "REVERSE PRESSURE CAN END (reverse pressure tank end)" U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/690,590, which claims priority.

Technical Field

The disclosed and claimed concept relates to can ends, and more particularly, to can ends made of sheet material having reduced base gauge and/or reduced final thickness relative to known can ends. The disclosed concepts also relate to tools and related methods for providing such can ends.

Background

Metal containers (e.g., cans) are configured to hold products such as, but not limited to, food and beverages. Generally, a metal container includes a can body and a can end. In an exemplary embodiment, the tank body includes a base and a depending sidewall. The can body defines a generally enclosed space that is open at one end. The can body is filled with the product and then the can end is coupled to the can body at the open end. The container is then placed into an oven and heated to cook and/or sterilize the product. The heating and subsequent cooling of the container and food product can result in pressure changes. That is, as the food product is heated, the pressure within the container increases. This pressure is identified as an "internal" pressure or a "positive" pressure. The container is configured to resist deformation due to internal pressure. In an exemplary embodiment, the heating of the container and the food product is performed by pressurized steam. The pressurized steam applies pressure to the outside of the container. The pressure outside the container is either "external" or "reverse". The container is not always configured to resist deformation due to external pressure. Thus, if the metal of one or both of the can body and/or can end is weak, the can body and/or can end will deform due to pressure changes and the container will be defective.

As used herein, a "can end" is an element that is coupled to a can body to form a container. The "can end" includes a tab or similar device configured to open the container. As described below, the "can end" is generally formed from a "shell". That is, the shell is formed from a generally planar blank cut from sheet material. The blank is formed to include an annular buried head (counter sink), chuckwall, and other configurations. The concepts disclosed and claimed below are discussed as part of a "can end". However, it should be understood that the disclosed and claimed concepts may be formed while the blank is still a "shell" rather than a "can end". That is, although the following discussion uses the term "can end", the discussion also applies to "shell".

The container is subjected to pressure during processing. For example, some food products are cooked and/or sterilized while in the container. Such containers are subjected to internal pressure (also referred to herein as "buckling" or "buckling pressure") and external pressure (also referred to herein as "reverse buckling" or "reverse buckling pressure"). The container, i.e., the can body and can end, must have a strength that resists deformation due to buckling and/or reverse buckling pressures.

Generally, the strength of the container is related to the thickness of the metal forming the can body and can end and the shape of these elements. The application is primarily directed to can ends and not can bodies. Can ends are either "sanitary" can ends or "easy open" can ends. As used herein, a "hygienic" end is a can end that does not have a tab or score profile to be opened and must be opened by use of a can opener or other device. As used herein, an "easy open" can end includes a tear panel and a tab. The tear panel is defined by a score contour or score line on the outer surface of the can end (identified herein as the "public side"). The tab is attached (e.g., without limitation, riveted) near the tear panel. The tab is configured to be lifted and/or pulled to sever the score line and deflect and/or remove the severable panel to form an opening for dispensing the container contents. The following is directed to "easy open" can ends, but is also applicable to "sanitary" can ends. That is, the "sanitary" can end is produced in a similar manner and is coupled to the can body in a similar manner. Thus, as used herein, can ends are further defined to include configurations for "hygienic" can ends and "easy open" ends.

In the manufacture of can ends, they originate from blanks cut from sheet metal products (such as, but not limited to, aluminum sheet; steel sheet). In an exemplary embodiment, the blank is next formed into a "shell" in a shell press. As used herein, a "shell" is a construction that begins as a generally planar blank and has undergone forming operations other than rivet forming and tab riveting. The shell press includes a plurality of tool stations, wherein each station performs a forming operation (or it may include an empty station that does not perform a forming operation). The green body is passed through successive stations to form a "shell". In an exemplary embodiment, the shell is a "hygienic" can end configured to be coupled to the can body.

For the "easy open" end, the shell is further conveyed to a conversion press, which also has a plurality of successive tool stations. As the shell advances from one tool station to the next, a converting operation such as, but not limited to, rivet forming, paneling, scoring, embossing, and tab riveting is performed until the shell is fully converted to the desired can end and ejected from the press. Thus, as used herein, "can end" includes "can" and configurations having a tab and score line.

In the can making industry, large amounts of metal are required to make a significant number of cans. Typically, steel cans are made from sheet material having a base gauge or original thickness (as the terms are used herein, equivalent to one another) of between 0.0050 inch and 0.0096 inch. The desired original thickness of the material is determined by a variety of factors, such as, but not limited to, the size of the finished can, the temperature to which the can (and contents) are exposed during processing, the nature of the contents to be placed in the can, and other factors. The original thickness of each particular type, model, and/or style of material for the can and/or can end, as used herein, is a "given thickness".

That is, for example, the given thickness of steel for a typical 18.6 ounce soup ladle is 0.0090 inches. Can ends/containers made of steel having such a given thickness are configured to withstand buckling pressures of 34.8psi and reverse buckling pressures of 33.0 psi.

A continuing goal in the industry is to reduce the amount of metal consumed. Accordingly, efforts have been made to reduce the thickness or gauge (sometimes referred to as "off gauge") of the stock from which the can end, tab, and can body are made. Alternatively, the material may be thinned from the base gauge to have a thinner or partially thinner final thickness that is smaller than the base gauge. However, problems arise due to the less material used (e.g., thinner gauge), which require the development of unique solutions. As noted above, a common problem associated with the can ends of food cans is that they are subject to pressure variations associated with the food product being in the can. When the basic gauge of the metal is too thin, the can end may deform. This is a problem.

One solution to the problems associated with the use of thin metal is to provide a reinforcing structure at the can end. Reinforcing features include, but are not limited to, concave or convex panels that add rigidity to a generally flat can end. In an exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing structure is created by forming a panel in the body of the can end. The can end includes other similar features such as a recess for the tab. However, as noted above, in exemplary embodiments, the can end and reinforcing structure are configured to resist internal pressure.

Accordingly, there is a need for a can end that is shaped to resist deformation even when the can end is made of reduced gauge, i.e., thinner, metal. There is also a need for can ends having a shape that deforms against external or reverse pressure.

Disclosure of Invention

The disclosed and claimed concept provides a can end configured to be coupled to a container, the can end comprising a reduced gauge configuration. That is, the can end includes a center panel, an annular portion disposed about the center panel, a chuckwall disposed about the annular portion, a bead extending radially outwardly from the chuckwall, the annular portion including an annular ridge and an annular countersink disposed adjacent to and about the annular ridge. The annular buried head and the annular ridge are configured to resist deformation due to external or reverse pressure. The can end in the disclosed construction solves the above-described problems and allows the can end to be made of a material having a reduced original thickness.

Drawings

A full appreciation of the invention can be gained by taking the following description of the preferred embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

fig. 1 is a top view of a prior art can end.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation cross-sectional view of a prior art can end.

Fig. 3 is a top view of the shell.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the shell. Fig. 4A is a detailed view of the shell.

Fig. 5 is a top view of the can end.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the can end. Fig. 6A is a detailed view of the can end.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a can end identifying selected terms used herein.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a can end coupled (seamed) to a can body.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a tool assembly configured to form a can end. Fig. 9A-9G illustrate the progression of the tool assembly as the upper tool assembly is moved from the first position to the second position.

Fig. 10 is a flow chart of the disclosed method.

Fig. 11 is a top view of another embodiment of a can end.

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the can end of fig. 11. Fig. 12A is a detailed view of the can end of fig. 12.

Fig. 13 is a partially schematic detailed cross-sectional view comparing a reinforced annular buried head with a prior art annular buried head.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a can end. Fig. 14A is a detailed view of another embodiment of a can end. Fig. 14B is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the can end of fig. 14 being joined by a seaming machine.

Fig. 15 is a flow chart of the disclosed method.

Fig. 16 is an isometric top view of another embodiment of a can end.

Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the can end of fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the can end of fig. 16.

Fig. 19 is a flow chart of the disclosed method.

Detailed Description

It is to be understood that the specific elements illustrated in the drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concepts, which are provided as non-limiting examples for the purpose of illustration only. Thus, specific dimensions, orientations, components, numbers of parts used, embodiment configurations, and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting on the scope of the disclosed concepts.

Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, clockwise, counterclockwise, left, right, top, bottom, upward, downward, and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein.

As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, "construct to [ verb ]" means that the identified element or component has a structure that is shaped, sized, disposed, coupled, and/or constructed to perform the identified verb. For example, a member "configured to move" is movably coupled to another element and includes the element that moves the member, or the member is otherwise configured to move in response to other elements or components. Thus, as used herein, "structured as a [ verb ]" recites structure rather than function. Furthermore, as used herein, "construct to [ verb ]" means that the identified element or component is intended and designed to perform the identified verb. Thus, an element that is only capable of executing the identified verb, but is not intended and not designed to execute the identified verb, is not "structured as a [ verb ]".

As used herein, "associated with" means that the elements are part of the same component and/or operate together, or interact/interact with each other in some way. For example, an automobile has four tires and four hubcaps. While all elements are coupled as part of the automobile, it is understood that each hubcap is "associated" with a particular tire.

As used herein, a "coupling assembly" includes two or more couplings or coupling components. The coupling or component of the coupling assembly is typically not part of the same element or other component. As such, the components of the "coupling assembly" may not be described concurrently in the following description.

As used herein, a "coupling" or "coupling component" is one or more components of a coupling assembly. That is, the coupling assembly includes at least two components configured to be coupled together. It will be appreciated that the components of the coupling assembly are compatible with one another. For example, in the coupling assembly, if one coupling member is a card buckling socket, the other coupling member is a card buckling plug, or if one coupling member is a bolt, the other coupling member is a nut.

As used herein, a "fastener" is a separate component configured to couple two or more elements. Thus, for example, a bolt is a "fastener" and a tongue and groove coupling is not a "fastener". That is, the tongue-and-groove element is part of the coupled element, rather than a separate component.

As used herein, a statement that two or more parts or components are "coupled" shall mean that the parts are joined together or operate together, either directly or indirectly (i.e., through one or more intervening parts or components), so long as the connection occurs. As used herein, "directly coupled" means that two elements are in direct contact with each other. As used herein, "fixedly coupled" or "fixed" refers to two components being coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. Thus, when two elements are coupled, all parts of the elements are coupled. However, the description of a particular portion of the first element being coupled to the second element, e.g., an axle first end being coupled to the first wheel, means that the particular portion of the first element is disposed closer to the second element than the other portions. Furthermore, an object that rests on another object held in place by gravity alone is not "coupled" to the lower object unless the upper object is otherwise substantially held in place. That is, for example, a book on a desk is not coupled to the desk, but a book stuck on the desk is coupled to the desk.

As used herein, the phrase "removably coupled" or "temporarily coupled" refers to one component being coupled to another component in a substantially temporary manner. That is, the two components are coupled in such a way that the connection or disconnection of the components is easy and does not damage the components. For example, two components that are secured to one another using a limited number of easily accessible fasteners (i.e., fasteners that are not readily accessible) are "removably coupled," while two components that are welded together or joined by a readily accessible fastener are not "removably coupled. A "difficult to access fastener" is a fastener that requires removal of one or more other components prior to accessing the fastener, where the "other components" are not access devices such as, but not limited to, doors.

As used herein, "temporarily disposed" refers to a first element or component resting on a second element or component such that the first element/component is permitted to move without decoupling or otherwise manipulating the first element. For example, a book simply resting on a table, i.e. a book not glued or fixed on a table, is "temporarily set" on the table.

As used herein, "operably coupled" refers to a plurality of elements or components that are each movable between a first position and a second position or between a first configuration and a second configuration such that when a first element moves from one position/configuration to another position/configuration, the second element also moves between the positions/configurations. It is noted that a first element may be "operably coupled" to another element, while the opposite is not true.

As used herein, "corresponding" means that the two structural components are sized and shaped to be similar to each other and can be coupled with a minimal amount of friction. Thus, the size of the opening "corresponding to" the member is slightly larger than the member so that the member can pass through the opening with a minimal amount of friction. This definition may be modified if two components are to be "tightly" fitted together. In that case, the difference between the sizes of the parts is even smaller, thereby increasing the amount of friction. The opening may even be slightly smaller than the part inserted into the opening if the element defining the opening and/or the part inserted into the opening are made of a deformable or compressible material. With respect to surfaces, shapes and lines, two or more "corresponding" surfaces, shapes or lines generally have the same size, shape and contour.

As used herein, a "travel path" or "path" when used in connection with a moving element includes the space that the element passes through when moving. Thus, any inherently moving element has a "path of travel" or "path". Further, a "travel path" or "path" relates to movement of one globally identifiable structure relative to another object. For example, assuming a perfectly smooth road, the rotating wheels (identifiable structures) on the car will not typically move relative to the body (another object) of the car. That is, the wheel as a whole does not change its position with respect to, for example, an adjacent fender. Therefore, the rotating wheel does not have a "travel path" or "path" with respect to the body of the automobile. Instead, the intake valve (identifiable configuration) on the wheel does have a "travel path" or "path" with respect to the vehicle body. That is, when the wheels rotate and move, the intake valve moves as a whole with respect to the body of the automobile.

As used herein, the term "engaged" of two or more parts or components with each other means that the elements exert a force or bias against each other, either directly or through one or more intervening elements or components. Furthermore, as used herein with respect to a moving part, the moving part may "engage" another element during movement from one position to another and/or may "engage" another element once in that position. Thus, it will be understood that the statement "element a engages element B when element a is moved to the first position of element a" and "element a engages element B when element a is in the first position of element a" is an equivalent statement and refers to element a engaging element B when moved to the first position of element a and/or element a engaging element B when in the first position of element a.

As used herein, "operably engaged" refers to "engaged and moved. That is, "operably engaged" when used with respect to a first component configured to move a movable or rotatable second component means that the first component applies a force sufficient to cause movement of the second component. For example, a screwdriver may be placed in contact with the screw. When no force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is simply "coupled" to the screw. If an axial force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver presses against the screw and "engages" the screw. However, when a rotational force is applied to the screwdriver, the screw is "operably engaged" with the screw and causes the screw to rotate.

As used herein, "suspended" refers to extending from another element at an angle other than zero (0 °) regardless of direction. That is, for example, the "depending" side wall may extend generally upwardly from the base. Furthermore, the "suspended" sidewall inherently has a distal end.

As used herein, the term "integral" refers to a component that is created as a single piece or unit. That is, components that include parts that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit are not "integral" components or bodies.

As used herein, the term "number" refers to one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality).

As used herein, the phrase "[ x ] moves between its first and second positions" or "[ y ] is configured such that" x "is the name of an element or component in moving [ x ] between its first and second positions. Further, when [ x ] is an element or component that moves between several positions, the pronoun "it" represents "[ x ]", i.e., a named element or component that precedes the pronoun "it".

As used herein, the phrase "about" such as "about an element, point or axis" or "extending about an element, point or axis" or "[ X ] is a degree about an element, point or axis" means extending around, or measuring around. When used with reference to a measurement or in a similar manner, "about" refers to "about," i.e., within an approximate range associated with the measurement, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, a "radial side/surface" for a circular or cylindrical body is a side/surface of a height line that surrounds or encircles or passes through its center. As used herein, an "axial side/surface" for a circular or cylindrical body is a side that extends in a plane that extends generally perpendicular to a height line passing through the center. That is, typically, for cylindrical soup cans, the "radial sides/surfaces" are generally circular side walls, while the "axial sides/surfaces" are the top and bottom of the soup can.

As used herein, "generally curvilinear" includes elements having a plurality of curved portions, a combination of curved and planar portions, and a plurality of planar portions or sections disposed at an angle relative to one another to form a curve.

As used herein, "substantially" refers to "in a general manner" in relation to the modified term, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, "substantial" refers to "a majority" in relation to the modified term, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, "at" refers to above and/or near the term being modified, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The following discussion and accompanying figures use the generally cylindrical can end 12 discussed below as an example. It should be understood that the disclosed and claimed concepts are applicable to any shape of can end 12 and that the cylindrical shape discussed and illustrated is merely exemplary. Fig. 1 and 2 show a prior art easy open can end 1, hereinafter referred to as "existing can end" 1. Existing can ends 1 include an opener (such as, but not limited to, a tab 2) that is attached (such as, but not limited to, riveted) to a tear strip or a severable panel 3. The severable panel 3 is defined by a score line 4 in an outer surface 5 (e.g., the public side) of the existing can end 1. The tab 2 is configured to be lifted and/or pulled to sever the score line 4 and deflect and/or remove the severable panel 3 to form an opening for dispensing the can contents (not shown). As shown, the existing can end 1 includes a center panel 6, an annular countersink 7, a chuckwall 8, and a bead 9 when viewed in cross section in fig. 2. It will be appreciated that the existing can end 1 is formed from a generally or substantially planar blank 10 (shown schematically in fig. 9A). In the exemplary embodiment, blank 10 is a known generally planar disc.

The blank 10 is initially formed into a modified shell 13, as shown in fig. 3-4, and then further formed into a modified can end 12 (hereinafter and as used herein, "can end" 12), as shown in fig. 5 and 6. As described above and as used herein, the "can end" 12 and the shell 13 comprise common elements and like reference numerals are used in the figures to identify these elements, including: a center panel 14, an annular portion 16, a chuckwall 18, and a bead 20. In addition, the can end 12 has an outer or "common" side 22 and an inner or "product" side 24. When the can end 12 is coupled to the filled can body 60 (fig. 8), the common and product sides 22, 24 are related to the configuration of the can end 12. As used herein, the center panels 6, 14 are "generally planar" even though they include recesses, rivets, and other shaped configurations.

In the exemplary embodiment, annular portion 16 includes an "off-gauge configuration" 11, FIG. 6A. As used herein, an "off-specification configuration" refers to a configuration configured to increase the resistance of the can end 12 to buckling and other deformations that occur after the can end 12 is coupled to the can body 60. Further, as used herein, an "off-specification configuration" refers to a configuration that is disposed in the annular portion 16 only between the center panel 14 and the chuckwall 18. The reduced gauge construction 11 is configured and does allow the can end 12 to be made of a material having a "reduced original thickness".

As noted above, the "given thickness" of a particular can end is determined by a number of factors, such as, but not limited to, the geometry and configuration of the finished container. Accordingly, the present application does not limit the "reduced original thickness" to a particular thickness or range of thicknesses. Conversely, as used herein, "reduced original thickness" refers to a thickness that is less than "a given thickness. Thus, the "reduced original thickness" depends on the geometry and configuration of the finished container, among other factors. Alternatively, as used herein, "reduced original thickness" refers to a material having an original thickness that is thinner than a "given thickness" of a particular type, model, and/or class of can end. The "given thickness" of a particular can end is well known in the art.

The following discussion relates to an exemplary can end 12 that is a steel can/can end 12 for a conventional 18.6 ounce soup can (which is identical to the container discussed in the background section above). When can end 12 includes reduced gauge configuration 11, the sheet material (i.e., steel plate) has an original thickness of approximately 0.0079 inches. Thus, the can end 12 has a "reduced original thickness" as compared to the 0.0090 inch given thickness of the exemplary can end. In addition, the use of the reduced gauge construction 11 allows the can end to withstand buckling pressures of 34.6psi and reverse buckling pressures of 30.0psi, see fig. 6A and/or 12A. The pressure resistance of the can end 12 having the reduced gauge construction 11 is substantially the same as that of a known can end, and the can end 12 having the reduced gauge construction 11 may be used in place of the known can end.

That is, can ends 12 made of a material having a reduced original thickness and including the concepts disclosed herein are equally applicable to the same can body as can ends having a given thickness. This solves the above-mentioned problems. Further, as used herein, a can end 12 that includes the concepts disclosed herein and is made of a material having a "reduced original thickness" is a "reduced original thickness can end" 12.

For reference purposes, as used herein, the plane of the blank 10 defines the "original plane" of the blank 10 and the resulting can end 12. As described below, the "original plane" is also the plane of the central panel 6, 14 immediately adjacent to and inboard of the annular portion 16, i.e. towards the centre of the can end 12. It should be noted that the existing can end 1 (fig. 2) includes an annular countersink 7 extending from the periphery of the center panel 6 toward the product side 24. That is, the existing can end 1 does not include an annular ridge 50 as defined below.

As shown in fig. 7, and as described above, the can end 12 includes a center panel 14, an annular portion 16, a chuckwall 18, and a curl 20. The following terms are used to describe the characteristics of the components of the can end 12. As used herein, the bead 20 has a "bead height" meaning the vertical distance between the top of the bead 20 and the distal end of the bead 20. As used herein, "countersink depth" refers to the vertical distance between the top of the bead 20 and the bottom of the annular countersink 52, as described below. As used herein, "panel depth" refers to the vertical distance between the bottom of annular buried head 52 and the bottom of center panel 14. As used herein, "reverse panel depth" refers to the vertical distance between the top of the annular ridge 50 (described below) and the top of the center panel 14. It should be noted that the existing can end does not have the "reverse panel depth" of fig. 7 because the existing can end 1 does not have the annular ridge 50. Further, as used herein, the can end 12 has an "exterior" or "public" side 22 and an "interior" or "product" side 24. The "exterior" or "public" side 22 is the side that is exposed to the atmosphere when the can end 12 is coupled to the can body 60. The "interior" or "product" side 24 is the side that is not exposed to the atmosphere when the can end 12 is coupled to the can body 60.

The center panel 14 is generally planar. As shown in fig. 6A, the center panel 14 includes a score line 30 on the common side 22. Score line 30 defines a tear strip or severable panel 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the severable panel 32 occupies a majority of the center panel 14, as is (but not limited to) the can end 12 for a food container. In this configuration, the center panel 14 includes a peripheral portion 34 and a severable panel 32. It should be appreciated that to open the container including the can end 12, the severable panel 32 is removed (or displaced) relative to the peripheral portion 34.

The annular portion 16 is disposed about and integral with the center panel 14. In one exemplary embodiment, the reduced gauge configuration 11 includes an annular ridge 50. That is, the annular portion 16 includes an annular ridge 50 and an annular buried head 52. As used herein, a "ridge" starts and ends at the same general plane (hereinafter referred to as the ridge plane, shown as "RP" in fig. 7) and includes peaks, i.e., vertices when viewed from a cross-section having a cross-sectional plane that is generally perpendicular to the plane of the center panel 14. The maximum width of the "ridge" is about 0.100 inches in the plane of the ridge. The width of the ridge is the distance between the upward slope (shown as "U" in fig. 7) and the downward slope (shown as "D" in fig. 7) measured at the ridge plane, and is shown as "W" in fig. 7. Further, as used herein, an "annular ridge" extends around or substantially around the severable panel 32. Thus, features on the shell or can end such as a wide layer (e.g., without limitation, layer "T" in fig. 1 and 2), localized protrusions or recesses do not define an "annular ridge" as used herein. For example, the "panel structure" (reference 118) in U.S. patent No. 9,616,483 is not nor does it include an "annular ridge" because the "panel structure 118" does not extend around the severable panel defined by the score line.

In an exemplary embodiment, the annular ridge 50 has a height measured from the top of the ridge plane to the top of the center panel 14 of between about 0.010 inches and 0.050 inches, or about 0.040 inches. The offset also defines the "reverse panel depth" of the center panel 14. That is, as shown, the ridge plane is substantially the same as the plane of the center panel 14. Thus, as shown in fig. 7 and 8, an annular ridge 50 extends upwardly from the center panel 14. In an exemplary embodiment, the annular ridge 50 curves upward from the center panel 14 (as viewed in cross section, as shown in FIG. 8), wherein the curve has a radius (R1) of between about 0.010 inches and 0.030 inches or about 0.015 inches. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, annular ridge 50 is substantially curvilinear or substantially arcuate. When the annular ridge 50 is generally arcuate, the annular ridge 50 has an inner radius (R2), i.e., a radius between and including the curves of the upward and downward slopes, of between about 0.010 inches and 0.030 inches or about 0.015 inches. The annular ridge 50 is the portion that is disposed around and immediately adjacent to the center panel 14. The annular ridge 50 in any configuration and with the features described above solves the above-described problems.

In the exemplary embodiment, annular portion 16 includes a substantially planar portion 54 (when viewed in cross-section as shown in FIG. 7), hereinafter referred to as "annular planar portion" 54. It should be noted that the plane of the annular planar portion 54 is not in the same plane as the plane of the center panel 14, nor is it parallel to the plane of the center panel 14. That is, the plane of the annular planar portion 54 is angled with respect to the plane of the center panel 14. In the exemplary embodiment, annular planar portion 54 has a length of between approximately 0.015 inches and 0.050 inches or approximately 0.035 inches, where the "length" is measured from annular ridge 50 to annular buried head 52. An annular planar portion 54, if included, is disposed about and immediately adjacent to the annular ridge 50.

In one embodiment, an annular buried head 52 is disposed around and immediately adjacent to the annular ridge 50. In another embodiment, an annular buried head portion 52 is disposed around and immediately adjacent to an annular planar portion 54. As used herein, the "annular buried head" 52 starts and ends at the same general plane (hereinafter referred to as the buried head plane, shown as "CP" in fig. 7) and includes a lowest point, i.e., a bottom vertex when viewed from a cross-section having a cross-sectional plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the center panel 14, as shown in fig. 7. At the countersink plane, the "annular countersink" 52 has a maximum width of about 0.120 inches. The width of the annular countersink 52 is the distance between a downward slope (not identified in the figures) and an upward slope (not identified in the figures) measured at the countersink plane. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, annular buried portion 52 is substantially curvilinear or substantially arcuate. When the annular buried head 52 is generally arcuate, the annular buried head 52 has an inner radius, i.e., a radius between and including the curves of the upward and downward slopes, of between about 0.015 inches and 0.050 inches or about 0.020 inches.

As shown in fig. 6A, the chuckwall 18 is disposed around and immediately adjacent to the annular buried head portion 52. A bead 20 is disposed around and immediately adjacent to the chuckwall 18. That is, the bead 20 extends radially outwardly from the chuckwall 18. As is well known, as shown in fig. 8, the can end 12 is coupled, directly coupled, secured, or "seamed" (as described below) with the can body 60 to form a container 70. The canister body 60 includes a base 62 and upwardly depending sidewalls 64. The canister body 60 defines a substantially enclosed space 66.

As described above, the can end 12 including the annular portion 16 having the annular ridge 50 and the annular countersink 52 allows for the use of thinner or already thinned material relative to the existing can end 1. In an exemplary embodiment, the blank 10 or the material forming the blank 10 has an original thickness. During formation of can end 12, as described below, in one exemplary embodiment, the original thickness is maintained. In another exemplary embodiment, the original thickness is substantially reduced, or selected portions thereof are reduced in thickness, during formation of the can end 12. Whether the same or reduced from the original thickness, the elements of the can end 12 begin with a material having a reduced original thickness, as defined above, and end with a final thickness. That is, in the exemplary embodiment, each of center panel 14, annular portion 16, chuckwall 18, and curl 20 initially have a reduced original thickness and end with a final thickness. In exemplary embodiments, the reduced original thickness and/or final thickness is between about 0.0050 inches or 0.0096 inches, or about 0.0079 inches. The above problems are solved using a can end 12, i.e., a can end 12 having a reduced original thickness.

The can end 12 is formed in a tool 100 or tool assembly 100 as shown in fig. 9. The tool 100 includes an upper tool assembly 102 and a lower tool assembly 104. The upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 cooperate to form the material disposed therebetween into the can end 12 as described above. That is, as described above, the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 cooperate to form the annular portion 16 having the annular ridge 50 and the annular countersink 52. That is, the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 cooperate to form the annular ridge 50 disposed substantially above the original plane and to form the annular buried head portion 52 disposed substantially below the original plane. In the exemplary embodiment, upper tool assembly 102 and lower tool assembly 104 cooperate to form an annular ridge having a substantially arcuate cross-section, and to form an annular countersink 52 having a substantially arcuate cross-section.

In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in fig. 9, the upper tool assembly 102 includes an upper die holder 200, an upper tool holder 202, a die center riser 204, a "blanking and drawing" die punch 206 (i.e., the element 206 is a single element that cuts and draws a blank from sheet material), an upper piston 208, a die center punch 210, and an upper reversing panel insert 212 for embodiments having a reversing panel. In the same exemplary embodiment, lower tool assembly 104 includes a lower die holder 220, a lower tool holder 222, a die core ring 224, a panel punch piston 226, a lower piston 228, a panel punch 230, a cutting ring 232 having a cutting edge 234, and a lower counter panel insert 236. The interaction of these elements is shown in sequence in fig. 9A-9G. It should be noted that for clarity, the blank 10 is not shown in fig. 9B-9G, but is schematically shown in fig. 9A. The movement of these elements is generally disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,374, and the discussion relating to FIGS. 2-13 of that patent is incorporated by reference, it being understood that the upper counter panel insert 212 moves with the die center punch 210 (die center 52 in U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,374) and the lower counter panel insert 236 moves with the panel punch 230 (element 125 in U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,374).

Thus, as shown in fig. 10, a method of manufacturing a can end 12 having an annular ridge 50 and an annular countersink 52 includes: providing 1000 sheet material defining an original plane; providing 1002 a tool 100 having an upper tool assembly 102 and a lower tool assembly 104; introducing 1004 material between the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104; cutting 1005 the blank 10 from the sheet material; forming 1006 the material or blank 10 to include a center panel 14, an annular portion 16 disposed about the center panel 14, a chuckwall 18 disposed about the annular portion 16, and a bead 20 extending radially outwardly from the chuckwall 18 (hereinafter "forming 1006" the material); and forming 1008 the annular portion 16 to include the annular ridge 50 and the annular buried head 52. In the exemplary embodiment, forming 1008 annular portion 16 to include annular ridge 50 and annular buried head 52 includes forming 1020 annular buried head 52 to be disposed substantially below the original plane and forming 1022 annular ridge 50 to be disposed substantially above the original plane. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, forming 1008 annular portion 16 to include annular ridge 50 and annular buried portion 52 includes: forming 1030 the annular buried head portion 52 to have a single center and to extend over an arc between about 140 ° and 180 °; forming 1032 the annular buried head 52 to have a radius of between about 0.015 inches and 0.050 inches or about 0.020 inches; the annular ridge 50 is shaped 1034 to have a single center and extend over an arc of between about 140 ° and 180 °, or in one embodiment over an arc of about 150 °, or in another embodiment over an arc of about 160 °; and forming 1036 the annular ridge 50 to have a radius of between about 0.010 inches and 0.030 inches or about 0.015 inches.

In another exemplary embodiment, providing 1000 a sheet material defining a primary plane includes providing 1040 a material having a reduced primary thickness, wherein the reduced primary thickness is between about 0.0055 inches and 0.0110 inches, between about 0.0050 inches and 0.0096 inches, or about 0.0079 inches, wherein after forming 1006 the material to include the center panel 14, the annular portion 16, the chuckwall 18, and the curl 20, each of the center panel 14, the annular portion 16, the chuckwall 18, and the curl 20 has a final thickness, wherein the final thickness is substantially the same as the reduced primary thickness, i.e., between about 0.0055 inches and 0.0110 inches, between about 0.0050 inches and 0.0096 inches, or about 0.0079 inches.

In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in fig. 11 and 12, the reduced gauge configuration 11 includes a reinforced annular buried head portion 110 and/or an annular tapered portion 112. That is, in this embodiment, the annular portion 16 includes a reinforced annular buried head portion 110 and/or an annular tapered portion 112. As used herein, "reinforced annular countersink" refers to countersink that is a portion of the can end 12, wherein the panel depth is between about eight to nine times the final thickness of the center panel 14. Further, "reinforcing the annular countersink" means that the countersink does not start and end in the same plane. In contrast, the "reinforced annular buried head portion" 110 includes a curvilinear portion 122 (discussed below) or arcuate portion (shown by line "EAC" in fig. 12A) of between about 115 ° and 160 °, or about 135 °. Furthermore, as used herein, the "reinforced annular countersink" is radially wider than the standard joint collet 502, as described below. That is, as shown in fig. 13, the existing annular buried head portion 7 (imaginary part) has substantially the same radial width as the standard joint collet 502. However, the radial width of the reinforced annular buried head 110 is much wider than the standard joint clamp 502.

In the exemplary embodiment, annular planar portion 54 is a "reinforced annular planar portion" 120 disposed between center panel 14 and annular buried head portion 52. As used herein, "reinforced annular planar portion" refers to the height of annular planar portion 54 (i.e., the distance measured perpendicular to the plane of center panel 14 as shown in fig. 12A) being between about eight and nine times the final thickness of center panel 14. In this configuration, the depth of the annular countersink 52, measured from the bottom of the annular countersink 52 to the bottom of the center panel 14, is greater than the depth of the annular countersink on the existing can end 12. This solves the above-mentioned problems. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, stiffening annular planar sections 120 extend substantially perpendicular to the plane of center panel 14.

In the exemplary embodiment, stiffening annular planar sections 120 are positioned proximate center panel 14 and extend around center panel 14. Further, the reinforcement ring-shaped buried head 110 is disposed immediately adjacent to the reinforcement ring-shaped planar portion 120 and extends around the reinforcement ring-shaped planar portion 120. As shown in fig. 12A, the reinforced annular buried head portion 110 is generally curvilinear, or generally arcuate, when viewed in cross section, and is identified hereinafter as generally curvilinear portion 122. The reinforced annular buried head portion 110, or generally curved portion 122, extends between about 115 deg. and 160 deg., or about 135 deg.. In the exemplary embodiment, substantially curvilinear portion 122 is substantially arcuate. Further, the generally curved portion 122 has a radius of between about 0.015 inches and 0.050 inches or about 0.020 inches.

In the exemplary embodiment, reinforcing annular buried head portion 110 is surrounded or surrounded by annular tapered portion 112. That is, the annular tapered portion 112 is disposed immediately adjacent to the reinforcing annular buried head portion 110 and extends around the reinforcing annular buried head portion 110. As used herein, an "annular tapered portion" is angled, i.e., not substantially perpendicular or substantially parallel to the plane of the center panel 14. As shown, the annular tapered portion 112 is at an angle (as shown by angle α) of between about 25 ° and 50 ° relative to the plane of the center panel 14 (which is also the original plane or parallel to the original plane). As used herein, an angle between about 25 ° and 50 ° is not substantially perpendicular or substantially parallel to the reference plane. In this embodiment, the annular tapered portion 112 is substantially straight (when viewed in the cross-section shown), and as used herein is a "straight annular tapered portion" 112. That is, as used herein, a "straight annular tapered portion" 112 refers to an annular tapered portion 112 that does not include a "step" or similar variation, such as a double step, defined below, in the annular tapered portion 112.

Furthermore, as used herein, the "annular tapered portion" slopes upward and outward. That is, the end of the annular tapered portion 112 adjacent the reinforced annular buried head portion 110 has a smaller radius relative to the end of the annular tapered portion 112 adjacent the chuckwall 18, and the end of the annular tapered portion 112 adjacent the reinforced annular buried head portion 110 has a greater offset (i.e., distance perpendicular to the plane of the center panel 14) relative to the end of the annular tapered portion 112 adjacent the chuckwall 18. In the exemplary embodiment, the radial width of annular tapered portion 112 is between approximately six and eight times the final thickness of the center panel. As used herein, "radial width" refers to a distance measured generally parallel to the plane of the center panel 14.

In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in fig. 14, 14A, and 14B, the annular tapered portion 112A includes a first section 130 and a second section 132. The first section 130 of the annular tapered portion is disposed around and immediately adjacent to the reinforced annular buried head 110. The second section 132 of the annular tapered portion is disposed around and immediately adjacent to the first section 130 of the annular tapered portion. The first section 130 of the annular tapered portion is at an angle of between about 35 ° and 65 ° or about 55 ° to the plane of the center panel 14. The second section 132 of the annular tapered portion is at an angle of between about 15 ° and 30 ° or about 20 ° to the plane of the center panel 14. In this configuration, an interface 134 between the first section 130 of the annular tapered portion and the second section 132 of the annular tapered portion defines a "step" 136 when viewed in cross-section. As used herein, a "step" is a transition region between two planes. In this embodiment, annular tapered portion 112A is a "stepped annular tapered portion" 112A, as used herein. That is, as used herein, "stepped annular tapered portion" 112A means an annular tapered portion 112 that also includes a "step" as described above.

The step 136 and the "standard chuckwall" 18A above the step 136 are configured and engaged by a standard seam collet 502, as shown in fig. 14B. As used herein, a "standard chuckwall" is a chuckwall 18 that is configured to engage a seaming chuck configured to seam-join a prior art can end and is identical or substantially identical to prior art chuckwall 18A (fig. 2). Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, first section 130 of the annular tapered portion has a height between approximately 0.040 inches and 0.085 inches, and second section 132 of the annular tapered portion has a height between approximately 0.010 inches and 0.030 inches.

In the exemplary embodiment, chuckwall 18 is a "standard" chuckwall 18A. As used herein, the "standard" chuckwall 18A is configured to be joined by a standard seam chuck502. That is, the container 70 is generally of a standard size, such as, but not limited to, a 12 ounce beverage container (not shown). Food and beverage manufacturers obtain can ends 12 and can bodies 60 processed in seam press 500 from different manufacturers, as described below. For can end 12 and can body 60 to be machined, they must be of standard dimensions. Thus, as used herein, "standard" chuckwall 18A means a chuckwall that is constructed and engaged by standard seam chuck502 of conventional container sizes known in the art. Further, "standard seaming chuck" refers to a seaming chuck configured to seam connect a conventional prior art shell or can end 1. It should be appreciated that different sized containers are associated with different sized seaming chucks; thus, "standard seam clips" refer to seam clips associated with a particular sized container. In other words, by way of example only, a 12 ounce beverage container has a "standard seam clip" of one size, while a 3.5 ounce sardine container has a "standard seam clip" of a different size.

As previously described, the standard chuckwall 18A is disposed around and immediately adjacent the annular buried head portion 52. The bead 20 is disposed around and immediately adjacent the standard chuckwall 18A. That is, the bead 20 extends radially outwardly from the standard chuckwall 18A. As is well known, the can end 12 is coupled, directly coupled or secured with the can body 60 to form the container 70.

In another exemplary embodiment, annular portion 16 includes each of annular ridge 50, reinforcing annular buried head portion 110, and annular tapered portion 112, or any combination thereof, each as described above. In other words, the reduced gauge configuration 11 of the can end 12 includes the annular ridge 50, the reinforcing annular countersink 110, and the annular tapered portion 112. The use of these reduced gauge formations 11 solves the above-mentioned problems, thereby reducing the original thickness of the can end 12, as well as the final thickness, relative to known techniques.

Can end 12 having reinforced annular countersink 110 and/or annular tapered portion 112 is formed in tool 100 substantially as described above. It is further noted that to form the reinforced annular countersink 110 and/or the annular tapered portion 112, the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 are configured to cooperate to form the material disposed therebetween into the can end 12, the can end 12 including the center panel 14, the annular portion 16 disposed about the center panel 14, the standard chuckwall 18A disposed about the annular portion 16, and the curl 20 extending radially outwardly from the standard chuckwall 18A.

In the exemplary embodiment, upper tool assembly 102 and lower tool assembly 104 are substantially similar to the tool assemblies of U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,374 except that the peripheral contour of the mold center (element 52 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,374) is shaped to substantially correspond to the reinforced annular countersink portion 110 and straight annular tapered portion 112 or stepped annular tapered portion 112A as described above. That is, the upper tool assembly 102 includes a punch configured to form a reinforced annular countersink as defined above.

In the exemplary embodiment, upper tool assembly 102 and lower tool assembly 104 are configured to form a reinforced annular planar portion 120 that extends substantially perpendicular to the plane of center panel 14. Further, the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 are configured to form and do form an annular tapered portion 112 that is at an angle between about 25 ° and 50 ° relative to the plane of the center panel 14, and the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 are configured to form and do form an annular tapered portion 112 that has a radial width that is about six to eight times the final thickness of the center panel. Can end 12 is then processed by a seaming assembly including a known standard seaming chuck 502.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 15, a method of manufacturing a can end 12 having a reinforced annular countersink 110 and/or an annular tapered portion 112 includes: providing 1000 sheet material defining an original plane; providing 1002 a tool 100 having an upper tool assembly 102 and a lower tool assembly 104; introducing 1004 material between the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 (as described above); cutting 1005 the blank 10 from the sheet material; and forming 1006 the material to include the center panel 14, an annular portion 16 disposed about the center panel 14, a standard chuckwall 18A disposed about the annular portion 16, and a bead 20 extending radially outwardly from the standard chuckwall 18A; annular portion 16 is shaped 2008 to include a reinforced annular buried head portion 110 and an annular tapered portion 112, wherein annular tapered portion 112 is disposed about reinforced annular buried head portion 110.

Further, shaping 2008 the annular portion 16 to include the reinforced annular buried head portion 110 and the annular tapered portion 112 includes: forming 2010 the reinforced annular buried head 110 to have a single center and extend over an arc between about 115 ° and 160 ° or about 135 °; forming 2012 the reinforcing annular buried head 110 to a radius of between about 0.015 inches and 0.050 inches or about 0.020 inches; the straight annular tapered portion 112 is shaped to have an angle of between about 25 ° and 50 ° relative to the original plane. Further, shaping 2008 the annular portion 16 to include the reinforced annular buried head portion 110 and the stepped annular tapered portion 112A includes: the annular tapered portion 112 is shaped 2020 to have a first section 130 and a second section 132, the first section 130 of the annular tapered portion being disposed around the reinforced annular buried head portion 110, the second section 132 of the annular tapered portion being disposed around the first section 130 of the annular tapered portion, the first section 130 of the annular tapered portion being at an angle between about 35 ° and 65 ° to the plane of the center panel 14, the second section 132 of the annular tapered portion being at an angle between about 15 ° and 30 ° to the plane of the center panel 14.

In another embodiment, as shown in fig. 16-18, can end 12A having reduced gauge configuration 11 includes a "subsurface step" 150 and is formed from a blank 10A having a "reinforced diameter" and a "reduced original thickness". As described above, there is a "given thickness" for each particular type, model, and/or style of can and/or can end. Also, there is a "given blank size" for each particular type, model and/or make of can and/or can end. As used herein, "given blank size" means that the blank has the original diameter of a can and/or can end of a given type, model and/or style as is well known in the art. Further, as used herein, a blank 10A having a "reinforcing diameter" refers to a blank 10A that forms a can end 12A having a dimension corresponding to a known can end of a particular type, model, and/or style of can, wherein the diameter of the blank is greater than the "intended blank dimension". Further, as used herein, "reinforced can end" 12A or "reinforced can end body" 40A refers to a can end 12A or can end body 40A formed from a blank having a "reinforced diameter. That is, as used herein, "reinforced can end" 12A or "reinforced can end body" 40A refers to a product in which the blank 10A used to form the "reinforced can end" 12A or "reinforced can end body" 40A is a blank 10A having a "reinforced diameter" and is not meant to be produced by the process.

Furthermore, each particular can end has a "given volume" because the particular can end, i.e., each particular type, model, and/or style of can end, has a "given thickness" and a "given blank size," i.e., diameter. That is, the blank used to form a particular can end has a "given volume". The blank 10A for forming the reinforced can end 12A using the reduced gauge configuration 11 has a "reduced volume". That is, as used herein, a "reduced volume" blank 10A refers to a blank that has a volume that is less than the "intended volume" of a particular type, model, and/or style of can end while also having a larger diameter for the "intended blank size". In addition, the "reduced volume" can end 12A refers to a can end 12A formed from the "reduced volume" blank 10A. That is, as used herein, the term "reduced volume" can end 12A refers to the volume, i.e., structure, of can end 12A and does not mean a product made by the process. Similarly, a "reduced volume" can end body 40A refers to a can body 40A formed from a "reduced volume" blank 10A. That is, as used herein, the term "reduced volume" can end body 40A refers to the volume, i.e., structure, of can end body 40A and does not mean a product made by the process.

Further, as used herein, "subsurface steps" refers to "steps" in the can end annular portion 16 that are disposed below the plane of the upper surface or product side of the center panel 14. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, "subsurface steps" 150 are disposed within "reinforced annular tapered portion" 112B or immediately adjacent "reinforced annular tapered portion" 112B, and are identified herein as "reinforced annular tapered portion subsurface steps" 150. That is, "reinforced annular tapered portion" refers to a portion of annular portion 16 that is disposed about annular buried head portion 7 and has an upward angle of between about 0 ° and 30 ° or about 5 ° with respect to the plane of center panel 14 (which is also the original plane or parallel to the original plane). As shown, a "subsurface step" 150 is provided between the reinforced annular tapered section 112B and the standard chuckwall 18A; as used herein, this configuration is a "standard collet surface step down". Further, in the exemplary embodiment, "subsurface steps" 150 are positioned adjacent to or in close proximity to "box" annular buried head portion 52A. As used herein, a "box-shaped" annular countersink 52A refers to a countersink 52 disposed between a first annular planar portion 54A and a second annular planar portion 54B, wherein both the first annular planar portion 54A and the second annular planar portion 54B are generally perpendicular to the plane of the center panel 14. As used herein, a "subsurface step" 150 disposed adjacent or in close proximity to the "box" annular buried head portion 52 is a "super" subsurface step 150. Thus, the subsurface step 150 disposed between the "box" annular countersink 52A and the standard chuckwall 18A, as used herein, is the "standard chucksuper subsurface step" 150.

That is, as shown in fig. 16, in this embodiment, the can end 12A includes a body 40 having the center panel 14, the annular portion 16, the chuckwall 18, and the curl 20, as described above. The can end body 40 is a reinforced can end body and the can end 12A is a reinforced can end. That is, the can end 12A is initially a blank 10 having a "reinforced diameter". In addition, the can end 12A and can end body 40 have a reduced original thickness.

Further, in this embodiment, the annular portion 16 includes a first annular planar portion 54A, an annular buried head portion 52, a second annular planar portion 54B, a reinforced annular tapered portion 112B, and a subsurface step 150. In the exemplary embodiment, first annular planar portion 54A extends in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of center panel 14. Similarly, the second annular planar portion 54B extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the center panel 14. The annular buried head portion 52 is disposed between the first annular planar portion 54A and the second annular planar portion 54B, and is thus a "box-shaped" annular buried head portion 52A as defined above. Thus, the annular buried head portion 52 extends around the first annular planar portion 54A and the second annular planar portion 54B extends around the annular buried head portion 52. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, annular buried head portion 52 is substantially arcuate and extends over an arc that is substantially 180 degrees. That is, the annular buried head portion 52 is substantially semicircular when viewed in cross section as shown in fig. 18.

The reinforced annular tapered section 112B is similar to the annular tapered section 112 described above, but has an angle of between about 0 ° and 30 ° or about 5 ° with respect to the plane of the center panel 14. That is, as used herein, the "reinforced annular tapered portion" is similar to the "annular tapered portion" but the taper angle relative to the plane of the center panel 14 is between about 0 ° and 30 °. As used herein, a "particular stiffening annular taper" is similar to an "annular taper" but has a taper angle of about 5 ° relative to the plane of the center panel 14.

The subsurface step 150 is disposed below the plane of the center panel 14 and, as shown, below the plane of the bottom surface of the center panel 14. A subsurface step 150 is provided between the reinforced annular tapered section 112B and the chuckwall 18. That is, the subsurface steps 150 define a transition from the reinforced annular tapered section 112B to the chuckwall 18. In the exemplary embodiment, chuckwall 18 is a standard chuckwall 18A as defined above. The standard chuck wall 18A is disposed about the annular section 16 and adjacent the subsurface step 150 and/or the reinforced annular tapered section 112B.

As previously described, the can end 12A is configured and coupled, directly coupled, secured or seam-connected with the filled can body 60 to form the container 70, as described above.

Can end 12A having box-shaped annular countersink 52A and/or subsurface step 150 is formed in tool 100 generally as described above. It is further noted that to form the box annular countersink 52A and/or the subsurface step 150, the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 are configured to cooperate to form the material disposed therebetween into a can end 12A, the can end 12A including a center panel 14, an annular portion 16 disposed about the center panel 14, a standard chuckwall 18A disposed about the annular portion 16, and a bead 20 extending radially outwardly from the standard chuckwall 18A. Further, the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 are configured to cooperate to form the material disposed therebetween into a first annular planar portion 54A, an annular countersink 52, a second annular planar portion 54B, a reinforced annular tapered portion 112B, and a subsurface step 150.

In the exemplary embodiment, upper tool assembly 102 and lower tool assembly 104 are substantially similar to the tool assemblies of U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,374 except that the peripheral contour of the mold center (element 52 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,374) is shaped to substantially correspond to cassette annular countersink 52A and/or subsurface step 150 as described above. That is, upper tool assembly 102 includes a punch configured to form cassette annular countersunk portion 52A and/or subsurface steps 150 as defined above. In the exemplary embodiment, upper tool assembly 102 and lower tool assembly 104 are further configured to form a reinforced annular tapered portion 112B. Can end 12A is then processed by a seaming assembly including a known standard seaming chuck 502.

Further, as shown in fig. 19, the method of manufacturing the can end 12A having the box-shaped buried head portion 52A and/or the subsurface step 150 includes: providing 1000 sheet material defining an original plane; providing 1002 a tool 100 having an upper tool assembly 102 and a lower tool assembly 104; introducing 1004 material between the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 (as described above); cutting 1005 the blank 10 from the sheet material; and forming 1006 the material to include the center panel 14, an annular portion 16 disposed about the center panel 14, a standard chuckwall 18A disposed about the annular portion 16, and a bead 20 extending radially outwardly from the standard chuckwall 18A; annular portion 16 is shaped 2008A to include first annular planar portion 54A, annular buried head portion 52, second annular planar portion 54B, reinforced annular tapered portion 112B, and subsurface step 150. Further, shaping 2008A annular portion 16 to include first annular planar portion 54A, annular buried head portion 52, second annular planar portion 54B, reinforcing annular tapered portion 112B, and subsurface step 150 includes: the reinforced annular tapered section 112B is shaped 2010A at an angle of between about 0 ° and 30 ° or about 5 ° relative to the plane of the center panel 14.

Accordingly, can end 12A constructed as shown in fig. 16-18 uses less material than can ends of the same type, model and/or style of prior art. As a specific but non-limiting example, prior art "standard 307" can ends are used in containers for tuna, vegetables, fruits, dog food, and other products. The diameter of the "standard 307" can end in its final form is approximately 3 ⁷ / ₁₆ An inch. Such "standard 307" is formed from a blank having an initial diameter of 3.933 inches and an initial thickness of 0.0087 inches. Thus, the prior art blank for the "standard 307" can end has a volume of 0.1057 cubic inches. The "modified 307" can end 12A constructed as shown in fig. 16-18 is formed from a blank having an initial diameter of 4.095 inches and an original thickness of 0.0075 inches. Thus, as described above, the green body volume of the "modified 307" can end 12A is 0.0988 cubic inches. It should be noted that such an "improved 307" can end 12A is a "reinforced can end" as defined above, because the diameter of the blank used to form the "improved 307" can end 12A is greater than the "intended blank size" of the prior art "improved 307" can ends. In addition, because the "given thickness" of the "standard 307" can end is 0.0087 inches, the "modified 307" can end 12A also has a "reduced original thickness". In addition, because the "modified 307" can end 12A is made from a blank 10A having a "reduced original thickness" and a "reinforced diameter", the "modified 307" can end 12A is a "reduced volume" can end 12A, as defined above. This also means that the can end body 40A is a "reduced volume" can end body 40A. It will be appreciated that this is a non-limiting example and that one skilled in the art will be able to produce can ends having "reduced original thickness", "reinforced diameter" or "reduced body" relative to those types, models and/or styles of can ends of the above-described construction Any of the products "other specific types, models, and/or styles of can ends.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A can end configured to be coupled to a can body, the can end comprising:

a can end body; and is also provided with

Wherein the can end body includes a reduced gauge configuration;

the can end body includes a center panel, an annular portion, a chuckwall, and a curl;

the annular portion is disposed about the center panel;

the chuckwall being disposed about the annular portion;

the bead extending radially outwardly from the chuckwall; and is also provided with

Wherein the annular portion comprises a reinforced annular tapered portion and a subsurface step disposed within or immediately adjacent to the reinforced annular tapered portion,

wherein the annular portion further comprises a first annular planar portion, a buried head portion and a second annular planar portion,

Wherein:

the first annular planar portion is perpendicular to the central panel; and is also provided with

The second annular planar portion is perpendicular to the central panel.

2. The can end of claim 1 wherein the can end body has a reduced original thickness.

3. The can end of claim 1 wherein the can end body is a reinforced can end body.

4. The can end of claim 1 wherein the can end body is a reduced volume can end body.

5. The can end of claim 1 wherein the subsurface step is one of a reinforced annular tapered portion subsurface step, a standard collet subsurface step, a super surface subsurface step, or a standard collet super surface subsurface step.

6. The can end of claim 1 wherein the stiffening annular tapered portion is an annular tapered portion having a taper angle of 5 ° relative to the plane of the center panel.

7. The can end of claim 1 wherein:

each of the center panel, the annular portion, the chuckwall, and the curl has a final thickness; and is also provided with

Wherein the final thickness is between 0.0055 inches and 0.0110 inches.

8. A container, comprising:

a tank body comprising a base and depending side walls, the tank body defining a closed space;

a can end body;

wherein the can end body includes a reduced gauge configuration;

the can end body is coupled to a distal end of a sidewall of the can body;

the annular portion is disposed about the center panel;

the chuckwall being disposed about the annular portion;

wherein:

The second annular planar portion is perpendicular to the central panel.

9. The container of claim 8, wherein the can end body has a reduced original thickness.

10. The container of claim 8, wherein the can end body is a reinforced can end body.

11. The container of claim 8, wherein the can end body is a reduced volume can end body.

12. The container of claim 8, wherein the subsurface step is one of a reinforced annular tapered section subsurface step, a standard collet subsurface step, a super surface subsurface step, or a standard collet super surface subsurface step.

13. The container of claim 8, wherein the stiffening annular tapered portion is an annular tapered portion having a taper angle of 5 ° relative to the plane of the central panel.

14. The container of claim 8, wherein:

Wherein the final thickness is between 0.0055 inches and 0.0110 inches.