Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D17/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions
  • B65D17/28—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness
  • B65D17/401—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness characterised by having the line of weakness provided in an end wall
  • B65D17/4011—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness characterised by having the line of weakness provided in an end wall for opening completely by means of a tearing tab
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
  • B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
  • B21D51/00—Making hollow objects
  • B21D51/16—Making hollow objects characterised by the use of the objects
  • B21D51/38—Making inlet or outlet arrangements of cans, tins, baths, bottles, or other vessels; Making can ends; Making closures
  • B21D51/44—Making closures, e.g. caps

Definitions

• the disclosed and claimed concept relates to can ends and, more particularly, to can ends made from a sheet material having a reduced base gage and/or a reduced final thickness relative to known can ends.
• the disclosed concept also relates to tooling and associated methods for providing such can ends.
• Metallic containers are structured to hold products such as, but not limited to, food and beverages.
• a metallic container includes a can body and a can end.
• the can body in an exemplary embodiment, includes a base and a depending sidewall.
• the can body defines a generally enctosed space that is open at one end.
• the can body is filled with product and the can end is them coupled to the can body at the open end.
• the container is then placed in an oven and heated to cook the product and/or sterilize the product.
• the heating and subsequent cooling of the container, and food causes pressure changes. That is, as the food is heated, the pressure inside the container increases. This pressure is identified as an“internal” or‘'positive” pressure.
• Containers are structured to resist deformation due to the internal pressure.
• the heating of the container, and food is performed by pressurized steam.
• the pressurized steam applies pressure to the outer side of the container.
• Pressure on the outer side of the container is“external” or “reverse” pressure.
• Containers are not always structured to resist deformation due to external pressure. Thus, if the metal of either, or both, the can body and/or the can end is weak, the can body and/or the can end will deform due to pressure changes and the container will be defective.
• A“can end,” as used herein, is the element coupled to a can body to form a container.
• The“can end” includes a tab or similar device structured to open the container.
• a“can end” is, typically, formed from a“shell * ’ That is, a shell is formed from a generally planar blank cat from sheet material. The blank is formed to include an annular countersink, a chuck wall, and other constructs.
• the concept disclosed and claimed below are discussed as part of a“can end” It is understood, however, that the disclosed and claimed concept can be formed while the blank is still a“shell” as opposed to a“can end.” That is, while the following discussion uses the term,“can end,” the discussion is also applicable to“shells.”
• a container is exposed to pressures daring processing. For example, some food items are cooked and/or sterilized while in the container. Such a container is exposed to both internal pressure, also identified bereinas“buckle” or“bucklepressure,”as well as external pressure, also identified herein as“reverse buckle” or“reverse buckle pressure.”
• a container that is the can body and the can end, must have the strength to resist deformation due to buckle pressure and/or reverse buckle pressure.
• the strength of the container is related to the thickness of the metal from which the can body and the can end is formed, as well as, the shape of these elements.
• This application primarily addresses the can ends rather than the can bodies.
• the can ends are either a“sanitary” can end or an“easy open” end.
• a “sanitary” end is a can end that does not have a tab or score profile to open and would have to be opened by use of a can opener or other device.
• an“easy open” can end includes a tear panel and a tab.
• the tear panel is defined by a score profile, or scoreline, on the exterior surface (identified herein as the“public side”) of tlx can end.
• Tlx tab is attached (e.g ⁇ without limitation, riveted) adjacent the tear panel.
• the pull tab is structured to be lifted and/or pulled to sever the scoreline and deflect and/or remove the severable pane I, thereby creating an opening for dispensing the contents of the container.
• Tlx following addresses an“easy open” can end but is also applicable to a“sanitary” can end. That is, a“sanitary” can end is produced in a similar manner, and coupled to a can body in a similar manner.
• a can end is further defined as including constructs that are used for both“sanitary” can «ids and“easy open” ends.
• the can end When the can end is made, it originates as a blank, which is cut from a sheet metal product (e.g., without limitation, sheet aluminum; sheet steel).
• the blank is then formed into a“shell” in a shell press.
• a “shell” is a construct that started as a generally planar blank ami which has been subjected to forming operations other than rivet forming and tab staking.
• the shell press includes a number of tool stations where each station performs a forming operation (or which may include a null station that does not perform a forming Operation). Hie blank moves through successive stations and is formed into the“shell.”
• a shell is, in an exemplary embodiment, a“sanitary” can end that is structured to be coupled to a can body.
• a shell is further conveyed to a conversion press, which also has a number of successive tool stations. As the shell advances from one tool station to the next, conversion operations such as, for example and without limitation, rivet forming, paneling, scoring, embossing, arid tab staking, ate performed until the shell is folly converted into the desired can end and is discharged fromthe press.
• a“can end” includes a“shell” as well as a construct including a tab and a score line.
• steel cans are made from sheet material having a base gauge, or an original thickness (as used herein, the terms are equivalent to each other), of between 0.0050 inch to 0.0096 inch.
• the required original thickness of the material is determined by a variety of factors such as, but not limited to, the dimensions 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 cans, as well as other factors.
• the original thickness of the material for each specific type, model, and/or style of can and/or can end is, as used herein, the“established thickness.”
• the steel used for a common 18.6 oz. soup can has an established thickness of 0.0090 inch.
• the can end/container formed from steel with this established thickness is structured to Withstand* buckle pressure of 34.8 psi and a reverse buckle pressure of 33.0 psi.
• Strengthening constructs include, but are not limited to, recessed or protruding panels that add rigidity to the generally planar can «ids.
• the strengthening constructs tare, in an exemplary embodiment, created by forming the panels in the body of the can end.
• the can end includes other, similar constructs such as recesses for the tab.
• the can end and tie strengthening constructs are, in an exemplary embodiment, structured to resist internal pressure.
• the disclosed and claimed concept provides a can end structured to be coupled to a container, the can end including a down-gauging construct. That is, the can end includes a center panel, an annular portion disposed about the center panel, a chuck wall disposed about the annular portion, a curl extending radially outwardly from the chuck wall, the annular portion including an annular ridge and an annular countersink, the annular countersink disposed adjacent and about the annular ridge.
• the annular countersink and the annular ridge are structured to resist deformation from external or reverse pressure.
• a can end in the disclosed configuration solves the problems stated above and allows the can ends to be made front a material with a decreased original thickness.
• Figure 1 is a top view ofa prior art can end.
• Figure 2 is a side elevation sectional view of a prior art can end.
• Figure 3 is a top view of a shell.
• Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a shell.
• Figure 4A is a detail view of a shell.
• Figure 5 is a top view of a can end.
• Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a can end.
• Figure 6A is a detail view of a can end.
• Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a can end identifying selected terms used herein.
• Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a can end coupled (seamed) to a can body.
• Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a tooling assembly structured to form a can end.
• Figures 9A-9G show the progression of the tooling assembly as the upper tool assembly moves from the first position to the second position.
• Figure 10 is a flow chart for a disclosed method.
• Figure 11 is a top view of another embodiment of a can end.
• Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a can end of Figure 11.
• Figure 12A is a detail view of a can end of Figure 12.
• Figure 13 is a partially schematic, detail cross-sectional view comparing an enhanced annular countersink to a prior art annular countersink.
• Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of another embedment of a can end.
• Figure 14A is a detail view of another embodiment of a can end.
• Figure I4B is a schematic cross-sectional side view of tbe can end of Figure 14 engaged by a seamer.
• Figure 15 is a flow chart for a disclosed method.
• Figure 16 is an isometric top view of another embodiment of a can end.
• Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of a can end of Figure 16.
• Figure 18 is a detail cross-sectional view of a can end of Figure 16.
• Figure 19 is a flow chart for a disclosed method.
• “structured to [verb]” means that the identified element or assembly has a structure that is shaped, sized, disposed, coupled and/or configured to perform the identified verb.
• a member that is“structured to move” is movably coupled to another element and includes elements that cause the member to move or the member is otherwise configured to move in response to other elements or assemblies.
• “structured to [verb]” recites structure and not function.
• “structured to [verb]” means that the identified element or assembly is intended to, and is designed to, perform the identified verb.
• an element that is merely capable of performing the identified verb but which is not intended to, and is not designed to, perform the identified verb is not“structured to [verb].”
• “associated” means that the elements are part of the same assembly and/or operate together, or, act upon/with each other in some manner.
• an automobile has four tires and four hub caps. While alt the elements are coupled as part of the automobile, it is understood that each hubcap is“associated” with a specific tire.
• a“coupling assembly” includes two or more couplings or coupling components.
• the components of a coupling or coupling assembly are generally not part of the same element or other component. As such, the components of a“coupling assembly” may not be described at the same time in the following description.
• a“coupling” or“coupling component(s)” is one or more components) of a coupling assembly. That is, a coupling assembly includes at least two components that are structured to be coupled together. It is understood that the components of a coupling assembly are compatible with each other. For example, in a coupling assembly, if one coupling component is a snap socket, the other coupling component is a snap plug, or, if one coupling component is a boh, then the other coupling component is a nut.
• a“fastener” is a separate component structured to couple two dr more elements.
• a bob is a“fastener” Imt a tongue-and-groove coupling is not a“fastener.” That is, the tongue-and-groove elements are part of the elements being coupled and are not a separate component.
• the statement that two or more parte or components are “coupled” shall mean that the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly, i,e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, so long as a link occurs.
• “directly coupled” means that two elements are directly in contact with each other.
• “fixedly coupled” or“fixed” means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other.
• an object resting on another Object held in place only by gravity is not“coupled” to the tower object unless the upper object is otherwise maintained substantially in place. That is, for example, a book on a table is not coupled thereto, but a book glued to a table is coupled thereto.
• the phrase“removably coupled” or“temporarily coupled” means that one component is coupled with another component in an essentially temporary manner. That is, the two components are coupled in such a way that the joining or separation of the components is easy and would not damage the components.
• A“difficub to access fastener” is one that requires the removal of one or mote other components prior to accessing the fastener wherein the“other component” is not an access device such as, but not limited to, a door.
• “temporarily disposed” means that a first element(s) or assembly (ies) is resting on a second element(s) or assemblies) in a manner that allows the first element/assembly to be moved without having to decouple or otherwise manipulate the first element.
• operatively coupled means that a number of elements or assemblies, each of which is movable between a first position and a second position, or a first configuration and a second configuration, are coupled so that as the first element moves from one position/configuration to the other, the second element moves between positions/ configurations as well. It is noted that a first element may be‘‘operatively coupled” to another without the opposite being true.
• ‘correspond” indicates that two structural components are sized and shaped to be similar to each other and may be coupled with a minimum amount of friction.
• an Opening which“corresponds” to a member is sized slightly larger than the member so that the member may pass through the opening with a minimum amount of friction.
• This definition is modified if the two components are to fit“snugly” together. In that situation, the difference between the size of the components is even smaller whereby the amount of friction increases.
• the element defining the opening and/or the component inserted into the opening are made from a deformable or compressible material, the opening may even be slightly smaller than the component being inserted into the opetiing.
• surfaces, shapes, and lines two, dr more,“corresponding” surfaces, shapes, or lines have generally the same size, shape, and contours.
• a“path of travel” or“path,” when used in association with an element that moves, includes the space an element moves through when in motion. As such, any element that moves inherently has a“path of travel” or“path.”
• a “path of travel” or“path” relates to a motion of one identifiable construct as a whole relative to another object. For example, assuming a perfectly smooth road, a rotating wheel (an identifiable construct) on an automobile generally does not move relative to the body (another object) of the automobile. That is, the wheel, as a whole, does not change its position relative to, for example, the adjacent fender. Thus, a rotating wheel does not have a“path of travel” or“path” relative to the body of the automobile.
• the air inlet valve on that wheel does have a “path of travel” or“path” relative to the body of the automobile. That is, while the wheel rotates and is in motion, the air inlet valve as a whole, moves relative to the body of the automobile.
• the statement that two or more parts or components“engage” one another means that the elements exert a force or bias against one another either directly or through one or more intermediate elements or components.
• a moving part may“engage” another element during the motion from one position to another and/or may“engage” another element once in the described posit bn.
• the statements,“when element A moves to element A first positron, element A engages element B,” and“when element A is in element A first positron, element A engages element B” are equivalent statements and mean that element A either engages element B while moving to element A first position and/or element A either engages element B while m element A first positron.
• “operatively engage” means“engage and move.” That is, “operatively engage” when used in relation to a first component that is structured to move a movable or rotatable second component means that the first component applies a force sufficient to cause the second component to move.
• a screwdriver may be placed into contact with a screw. When no force is applied to the screwdriver, tiro screwdriver is merely“coupled” to the screw. If an axial force 1 ⁇ 2 applied to the screwdriver, tiro screwdriver is pressed against the screw and“engages” the screw. However, when a rotational force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver “operatively engages” the screw and causes the screw to rotate.
• a“depending” means to extend at an angle other than zero (0°) from another element without regard to direction. That is, for example, a“depending” sidewall may extend generally upwardly froma base. Further, a“depending” sidewall inherently has a distal end.
• the word“unitary” means a component that is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a“unitary” component or body.
• the term“number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality).
• “about” in a phrase such as“disposed about [an element, point or axisj” or“extend about [an element, point or axis]” or“[X] degrees about an [an element, point or axis],” means encircle, extend around, or measured around.
• “about” means “approximately,” i.e,, in an approximate range relevant to the measurement as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
• a“radial side/surface” for a circular or cylindrical body is a side/surface that extends about, or encircles, the center thereof or a height line passing through the center thereof.
• an“axial side/sur&ce” for a circular or cylindrical body is it side that extends in a plane extending generally petpendicular to a height line passing through the center. That is, generally, for a cylindrical soup can, the “radial side/sur&ce” is the generally circular sidewall and the “axial skle(s)/surface(s)” are the top and bottom of the soup can.
• curvilinear includes elements having multiple curved portions, combinations of curved portions and planar portions, and a plurality of planar portions or segments disposed at angles relative to each other thereby forming a curve.
• Figures 1 and 2 show a prior art easy open Can end 1, hereinafter “prior can end” 1.
• the prior can end 1 includes an opener (e.g., without limitation, pull tab 2), which is attached (e..,, without limitation, riveted) to a tear strip or severable panel s.
• the severable panel 3 is defined by a scoreline 4 in foe exterior surface 5 ⁇ etg., public side) of the prior can end l.
• the pull tab 2 is structured to be lifted and/or pulled to sever the scoreline 4 and deflect and/or remove the severable panel 3, thereby creating an opening for dispensing the contents of the can (not shown).
• the prior can end 1 when viewed in cross-section as in Figure 2, includes a center panel 6, ad annular countersink 7, a chuck wall 8, and a curl 9. It is understood that the prior can end 1 is formed from a generally, or substantially, planar blank 10 ( Figure 9A, shown schematically). In an exeirplary embodiment, the blank 10 is a generally planar disk, as is known.
• a blank 10 is initially formed into an improved shell 13, Figures 3-4, which is then further formed into an improved can end 12 (hereinafter, and as used herein,“can end” 12) shown in Figures 5 and 6.
• a“can end” 12 and a shell 13 include common elements and similar reference numbers are used in the Figures to identify these elements including: a center panel 14, an annular portion 16, a chuck wall 18 and a curl 20.
• the can end 12 has an exterior, or“public,” side 22 and an interior, or“product,” side 24.
• the public and product sides 22, 24 relate to the cpnfijguration of the can end 12 when the can end 12 is coupled to a filled can body 60 ( Figure 8).
• the center panel 6, 14 is“generally planar” even if it includes recesses, a rivet, and other formed constructs.
• the annular portion 16 includes a“down-gauging construct” 11, Figure 6A.
• a“down-gauging construct” means a construct structured to increase the can end 12 resistance to buckling and other deformations that arise after the can end 12 is coupled to a can body 60.
• a“down-gauging construct” means a construct that is disposed only in the annular portion 16 between the center panel 14 and the chuck wall 18. The down- gauging construct 11 is structured to, and does, allow the can eiid 12 to be made from a material with a“decreased original thickness.”
• the“established thickness” for a specific can end is determined by many factors such as, but not limited to, the geometry and configuration of the finished container, As such, this application is not limiting a“decreased original thickness” to a specific thickness or range of thicknesses, instead, as used herein, a “decreased original thickness” means a thickness that is less than the“established thickness.” Thus, the“decreased original thickness” varies depending upon the geometry and configuration, as well as other factors, of the finished container. Stated alternately, as used herein, a“decreased original thickness” means that the material has an original thickness that is thinner than the“established thickness” for a specific type, model, and/or style of can end. The“established thickness” for a specific can end is well known in the art.
• the following discussion relates to an exemplary can end 12 which is a steel shell/can end 12 used for a common 18.6 oz. soup can which is the same container discussed above in the Background Information.
• the can end 12 includes a down- gauging construct 11, the sheet material, i.e, the sheet steel, has an original thickness bf about 0.0079 inch.
• the can «id 12 has a“decreased original thickness.”
• use of the down-gauging construct 11 allows the can end to withstand a buckle pressure of 34.6 psi and a reverse buckle pressure of 30.0 psi, see, Figure 6A and/or 12A
• the pressure resistance of the can end 12 with the down-gauging construct 11 is generally the same as the known can end and the can end 12 with the down-gauging construct 11 can be used in place of the known can end.
• a can end 12 made from a material with a decreased original thickness and that includes the concept disclosed herein is usable with the same can body as a can end with the established thickness. This solves the problems stated above. Further, a can end 12 that includes the concept disclosed herein and which is made from material having a“decreased original thickness" is, as used herein, a“decreased original thickness can end" 12.
• the plane of the blank 10 defines, as used herein, the “original plane” Of the blank 10 and the resulting can end 12.
• the “origmal plane” is also the plane of the center panel 6, 14 immediately adjacent and inside, i.e., toward the center of the can end 12, the annular portion 16.
• prior can end 1 Figure 2 includes an annular countersink 7 that extends toward the product side 24 fiom the periphery of the center panel 6. That is, the prior can «id 1 does not include an annular ridge 50, as defined below.
• a can end 12 includes a center panel 14, an annular portion 16, a chuck wall 18 and a curl 20.
• the following terms are used to describe characteristics of a can end’s 12 components.
• the curl 20 has a“curl height” which means the vertical distance between the top of the cur 120 and the distal end of the curl 20.
• the“countersink depth” means the vertical distance between the top of the curl 20 and the bottom of an annular countersink 52, discussed below.
• the‘"panel depth” means the vertical distance between the bottom of the annular countersink 52 and the bottom of the center panel 14.
• the“reverse panel depth” means the vertical distance between the top of an annular ridge 50, discussed below, and the top of the center panel 14. ft is noted that the prior can ends did not have a“reverse panel depth,” Figure 7, because the prior can ends 1 did not have an annular ridge 50.
• the can end 12 has, as used herein, an “exterior,” or“public,” side 22 and an“interior,” or“product,” side 24.
• The“exterior,” or“public,” side 22 is the side that, when the can end 12 is coupled to a can body 60, is exposed to the atmosphere.
• The‘interior,” or“product,” side 24 is the side that, when the can end 12 is coupled to a can body 60, is not exposed to the atmosphere.
• the center panel 14 is generally planar. As shown in Figure 6A, the center panel 14 includes a scoreline 3d on the public side 22.
• the scoreline 30 defines a tear strip or severable panel 32.
• the severable panel 32 occupies the majority of the center panel 14 as is common with, but not limbed to, a can end 12 for a food container.
• the center panel 14 includes a peripheral portion 34 and the severable panel 32. It is understood that to open a container including the can end 12, foe severable panel 32 is removed (or displaced) relative to foe peripheral portion 34.
• the annular portion 16 is disposed about the conter panel 14 and is unitary therewith.
• the down-gauging construct 11 includes an annular ridge 50. That is, the annular portion 16 includes an annular ridge 50 and an annular countersink 52.
• a“ridge” begins and ends in the same general plane (hereinafter the ridge plane, shown as“RP” in Figure 7) and includes a peak, i.e., a vertex when viewed as a cross-section with foe cross-sectional plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the center panel 14.
• a“ridge” has a maximum width of about 0.100 inch.
• the width of a ridge is the distance between an upward slope (shown as“U” in Figure 7) and a downward slope (shown as“D” in Figure 7) measured at the ridge plane and shown as“W” in Figure 7.
• an“annular ridge” extends about, or substantially extends about, a severable panel 32.
• features on a shell or can end such as wide tiers (such as, but not limited to, tier“T” in Figures 1 and 2), localized protrusions or recesses do not define an “annular ridge” as used herein.
• the“panel formation” reference number I IB
• U.S. Patent Number 9,616,483 is hot, and does not include, an“annular ridge” because the“panel formation 118” does not extend about foe severable panel defined by a scoreline.
• the annular ridge 50 has a height, as measured at the top of the ridge plane to the top of the center panel 14 of between about 0.010 inch and 0.050 inch, or about 0.040 inch. This 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 Figures 7 and 8, the annular ridge 50 extends upwardly from the center panel 14. In an exemplary embodiment, annular ridge SO curves upwardly from the center pane!
• the annular ridge 50 is generally curvilinear or generally arcuate, When the annular ridge 50 is generally arcuate, the annular ridge 50 has an internal radius ($3 ⁇ 4), /.&, the radius of the curve between and including the upward slope and the downward slope, of between about 0.010 inch and 0.030 inch, or about 0.Q15 inch.
• the annular ridge 50 is the portion disposed about, and immediately adjacent, the center panel 14.
• the annular portion 16 includes a generally planar portion 54 (when viewed in cross-section as shown in Figure 7), hereinafter“annular planar portion” 54. It is noted that the plane of the annular planar portion 54 is not in the same plane as, or parallel to, the plane ofthe center panel 14. That is, the plane of the annular planar portion 54 is angled relative to the plane of the center panel 14. In an exemplary embodiment, the annular planar portion 54 has a length between about 0.015 inch and 0.050 inch, or about 0.035 inch, wherein the“length" is measured from the annular ridge 50 to the annular countersink 52. If included, the annular planar portion 54 is disposed about, and immediately adjacent, the annular ridge 50.
• the annular countersink 52 is disposed about, and immediately adjacent, the annular ridge 50. In another embodiment, the annular countersink 52 is disposed about, and immediately adjacent, the annular planar portion 54.
• the“annular countersink” 52 begins and ends in the same general plane (hereinafter the countersink plane, shown as“CP” in Figure 7) and includes a nadir, /.e., a bottom vertex when viewed as a cross-section with the cross-sectional plane generally perpendicular to the plane ofthe center panel 14, as shown in Figure 7.
• the“annular countersink” 52 has a maximum width of about 0.120 inch.
• the width of the annular countersink 52 is the distance between the downward slope (not identified in the Figures) and the upward slope (not identified in the Figures) measured at the countersink plane.
• the annular countersink 52 is generally curvilinear or generally arcuate.
• the annular countersink 52 has an internal radius, ie., the radius of the curve between and including the upward slope and the downward slope, of between about 0.015 inch and 0.050 inch, or about 0.020 inch.
• the chuck wall 18 is disposed about, and immediately adjacent, the annular countersink 52.
• the curl 20 is disposed about, and immediately adjacent, the chuck wall 18.
• the curt 20 extends radially outwardly from the chuck wall 18.
• the can end 12 is coupled, directly coupled, fixed, or ⁇ seamed” (as discussed below) to a can body 60 thereby forming a container 70.
• a can body 60 includes a base 62 and an upwardly depending sidewall 64.
• the can body 60 defines a generally enclosed space 66.
• a can end 12 including an annular portion 16 with an annular ridge 50 and an annular countersink 52 allows for the use of thinner materials, or materials that have been thinned, relative to a prior can end 1.
• the blank 10 or the material from which the blank 10 is formed has an original thickness.
• the original thickness is, m one exemplary embodiment, maintained.
• the original thickness is generally reduced, or, the thickness of selected portions thereof are reduced.
• the elements of the can end 12 begin with a material with a decreased original thickness, as defined above, and end with a final thickness. That is, in an exemplary embodiment, each of the center panel 14, (be annular portion 16, the chuck wall 18, and the curl 20 have originally have a decreased original thickness and end with a final thickness. In an exemplary embodiment, i.e., the decreased original thickness, and/or final thickness, is between about 0.0050 inch or 0.0096 inch, or is about 0.0079 inch.
• a can end 12 ie., a decreased original thickness can end 12, solves the problems noted above.
• the can end 12 described above is formed in a tooling 100, or tooling assembly 100, as shown in Figure 9.
• the tooling 100 includes an upper tool assembly 102 and a lower tool assembly 104.
• the upper tool assembly 102 and the tower tool assembly 104 cooperate to form material disposed therebetween into a can end 12 as described above. That is, the upper tool assembly 102 and the tower tool assembly 104 cooperate to form the annular portion 16 with an annular ridge 50 and an annular countersink 52, as described above. That is, the upper tool assembly 102 and the tower tool assembly 104 cooperate to form the annular ridge 50 substantially disposed above the original plane, and to form the annular countersink 52 substantially disposed below the original plane.
• the upper tool assembly 102 ami the lower tool assembly 1 ⁇ H cooperate to form the annular ridge with a generally arcuate cross- section, and, to form the annular countersink 52 with a generally arcuate cross-section.
• the upper tool assembly 102 includes an upper die shoe 200, an upper tooling retainer 202, a die center riser 204, a“blank and draw” die punch 206, that is, element 206 is a single element that both cuts the blank from the sheet material and draws the blank, an upper piston 208, a die center punch 210, and, for the embodiment with a reverse panel, an upper reverse panel insert 212.
• the lower tool assembly 104 includes a tower die shoe 220, a tower fooling retainer 222, a die core ring 224, a panel punch piston 226, a tower pistpn 228, a panel punch 230, a cutting ring 232 with a cut edge 234, and a tower reverse panel insert 236.
• the interaction of these elements are shown sequentially in Figures 9A-9G. It is noted that, for clarity, a blank 10 is not shown in Figures 9B-9G, but is shown schematically in Figure 9 ⁇ , The motion of these elements are generally disclosed in U.S. Patent No.
• a method of making a can end 12 with an annular ridge 50 and an annular countersink 52 includes: providing 1000 a sheet material defining an original plane, pro viding 1002 a tooling 100 with an upper tool assembly 102 and a tower tool assembly 104, introducing 1004 material between the upper tool assembly 102 and the tower tool assembly 104, cutting 1005 a blank 10 from tiie sheet material, forming 1006 the material, or the blank 10, to include a center panel 14, an annular portion 16 disposed about the center panel 14, a chuck wall 18 disposed about the annular portion 16, and a curl 20 extending radially outwardly from the chuck wall 18 (hereinafter“forming 1006 the material”), and, forming 1008 the annular portion 16 to include an annular ridge 50 and an annular countersink 52.
• forming 1008 the annular portion 16 to include an annular ridge 50 and an annular countersink 52 includes forming 1020 the annular countersink
• forming 1008 tire annular portion 16 to include an annular ridge 50 and an annular countersink 52 includes forming 1030 the annular countersink 52 with a single center and extending over an arc of between about 140° and 180°, forming 1032 the annular countersink 52 with a radius of between about 0.015 inch and 0.050 inch or about 0.020 inch, forming 1034 the annular ridge 50 with a single center and extending over an arc of between about 140° and 180°, or in one embodiment an arc of about 150o, or, in another embodiment, and arc of about 160° and forming 1036 the annular ridge 50 with a radius of between about 0.010 inch and 0.030 inch, or about 0.015 inch.
• providing 1000 a sheet material defining an original plane includes providing 1040 the material with a decreased original thickness, wherein the decreased original thickness is between about .0055 inch and 0.0110 inch, between about 0.0050 inch and 0.0096 inch, or about 0.0079 inch, wherein after forming 1006 the material to include a center panel 14, an annular portion 16, a chuck wall 18, and a curl 20, each of the center panel 14, the annular portion 16, the chuck wall 18, and the curl 20 have a final thickness, and wherein, the final thickness is substantially the same as the decreased original thickness, i.e., between about .0055 mch and 0.0110 inch, between about 0.0050 inch and 0.0096 inch, dr about 0.0079 inch.
• foe down- gauging construct 11 includes an enhanced annular countersink 110 and/or an annular tapered portion 112. That is, in this embodiment, the annular portion 16 includes an enhanced annular countersink 110 and/or an annular tapered portion 112.
• an“enhanced annular countersink” means a countersink that is part of a can end
• an “enhanced annular countersink” means that the countersink does not begin and end in foe same general plane. Instead, and“enhanced annular countersink” 110 includes a curvilinear portion 122 (discussed below), or arcuate portion, of between about 115o and 160°, or about 135o (shown by line“EAC” in Figure 12A). Further, as used herein, an“enhanced annular countersink” is radially wider than a standard seam chuck 502, discussed below.
• a prior art annular countersink 7 (in ghost) has generally the same radial width as a standard seam chuck 502.
• the enhanced annular countersink 110 has a radial width that is substantially wider than a standard seam chuck 502.
• the annular planar portion 54 is an‘‘enhanced annular planar portion” 120 disposed between the center panel 14 and foe annular countersink 52.
• an“enhanced annular planar portion” means that the annular planar portion 54 has a height (as shown in Figure 12A, i. «, a distance measured normal to the plane of the center panel 14) ofbetweeu about eight and nine times the center panel 14 final thickness.
• the annular countersink 52 has adepth, asmeasured from the bottom of the annular countersink 52 to the bottom of the center panel 14, that is greater than the depth of anannular countersink on a prior art can end 12. This solves the problems stated above.
• the enhanced annular planar portion 120 extends generally perpendicular to the plane of the center panel 14.
• the enhanced annular planar portion 120 is disposed immediately adjacent the center panel 14 and extends about the center panel 14. Further, the enhanced annular countersink 110 is disposed immediately adjacent the enhanced annular planar portion 120 and extends about the enhanced annular planar portion 120.
• the enhanced annular countersink 1 10 is generally curvilinear, or generally arcuate, when viewed in cross-section, as shown in Figure 12A and is identified hereinafter as a generally curvilinear portion 122.
• the enhanced annular countersink 110, or stated alternately the generally curvilinear portion 122 extends between about 115° and 160°, or about 135*
• the generally curvilinear portion 122 is generally arcuate. Further, the generally curvilinear portion 122 has a radius or between about 0.015 inch and 0.050 inch, or about 0.020 inch.
• the enhanced annular countersink 110 is encircled, or surrounded by the annular tapered portion 112. That is, the annular tapered portion 112 is disposed immediately adjacent, and extends about, the enhanced annular countersink 110.
• an“annular tapered portion 51 * is angled, : r e., is not generally perpendicular or generally parallel to the plane of the center panel 14.
• the annular tapered portion 112 is angled (as shown by angle a) 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).
• an angle of between about 25° and 50° is not generally perpendicular or generally parallel to a reference plane.
• the annular tapered portion 112 is generally straight (when viewed in cross-section as shown) and is, as used herein, a“straight annular tapered portion” 112. That 1 ⁇ 2, as used herein, a“straight annular tapered portion” 112 means an annular tapered portion 112 that does not include a“step,” as defined below, or a similar variation, e.g., a double step, in the annular tapered portion 112. Further, as used herein, an '"annular tapered portion” is angled upwardly and Outwardly .
• tire annular tapered portion 112 has a radial width of between about six and eight times the center panel final thickness.
• a“radial width” means the distance measured generally parallel to the plane of the center panel 14.
• annular tapered portion 112A includes a first section 130 and a second section 132.
• the annular tapered portion first section 130 is disposed about, aiid immediately adjacent to, the enhanced annular countersink 110.
• the annular tapered portion second section 132 is disposed about, and immediately adjacent to, the annular tapered portion first section 130.
• the annular tapered portion first section 130 is angled between about 35* and 65°, or about 55°, to the plane of the center panel 14.
• the annular tapered portion second section 132 is angled between about 15° and 30°, or about 20°, to die plane of the center panel 14.
• annular tapered portion 112 A is, as used herein, a“stepped annular tapered portion” 112 A. That is, as used herein, a“stepped annular tapeted portion” 112A means an annular tapered portion 112, as described above, that also includes a“step.”
• the step 136 is structured to be, and is, engaged by a standard seam chuck 502, as shown in Figure 14B.
• a“standard chuck wall” is a chuck wall 18 structured to be engaged by a seam chuck structured to seam prior art can ends and is the same, or substantially the same, as the prior art chuck wall ISA ( Figure 2).
• the annular tapered portion first section 130 has a height of between about 0.040 irieh and 0.085 inch
• the annular tapfered portion second section 132 has a height of between about 0.010 inch and 0.030 inch.
• tie chuck wall 18 is a“standard” chuck wall 18 A.
• a“standard” chads: wall 18A is structured to be engaged by a standard seam chuck 502. That is, containers 70 generally have a standard size such as, but hot limited to, a 12 oz. beverage container (not shown). Food and beverage producers obtain can ends 12 and can bodies 60 from different manufacturers that are processed in a seaming press 500, discussed below. For the can ends 12 and can bodies 60 to be processed, they must be a standard size.
• a“standard” cbuck wall I8A means a chuck wall that ..is structured to be, and is, engaged by a standard seam chuck 502 for a common container size known in the art
• a“standard seam chuck” means a seam chuck structured to seam a common prior art shell or can end 1. It is understood that different size containers are associated with different sized seam chucks; thus, a“standard seam chuck” means a seam chuck that is associated with a specific size container. Stated alternately, and as example only, a 12 ounce beverage container has a“standard seam chuck” of one size but a 3.5 ounce sardine container has a“standard seam chuck” of a different size.
• the standard chuck wall 18A is disposed about, and immediately adjacent, the annular countersink 52.
• the curl 20 is disposed about, and immediately adjacent, the standard chuck wall 18 A. That is, the curl 20 extends radially outwardly from the standard chuck wall 18A
• the can end 12 is coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to a can body 60 thereby forming a container 70.
• the annular portion 16 includes each, or any combination of, an annular ridge 50, an enhanced annular countersink 110 and annular tapered portion 112, each as described above.
• a can end 12 down- gauging construct 11 includes an annular ridge 50, an enhanced annular countersink 110 and annular tapered portion 112. The use of these down-gauging constructs) 11 solve the problems noted above whereby the original, as well as the final thickness, of the can end 12 is reduced relative to the known art.
• a can end 12 having an enhanced annular countersink 1 10 and/or an annular tapered portion 112 is formed in a tooling 100 as generally described above. It is additionally noted that to form the enhanced annular countersink 110 and/or annular tapered portion 112 the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 are structured to cooperate to form material disposed therebetween into a can end 12, the can end 12 including a center panel 14, an annular portion 16 disposed about the center panel 14, a standard chuck wall 18A disposed about the annular portion 16, and a curl 20 extending radially Outwardly from the standard chuck wall 18 A.
• the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 are substantially similar to the tooling assembly of U.S. Patent No. 5,857,374 except that the contour of the outer periphery of the die center (element 52 of U.S. Patent No. 5,857,374) is shaped to substantially correspond to the enhanced annular countersink 110 as described above as well as either die straight annular tapered portion 112 or the stepped annular tapered portion 112A. That is, the appear tool assembly 102 includes a punch structured to form an enhanced annular countersink as defined above.
• the upper tool assembly 102 and the tower top! assembly 104 are structured to form an enhanced annular planar portion 120 extending generally perpendicular to the plane of the center panel 14.
• the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 are structured to form, and do form, the annular tapered portion 112 to be angled between about 25° and 50° to the plane of the center panel 14, and, the upper tool assembly 102 and the tower tool assembly 104 arc structured to form, and do form, the annular tapered portion 112 with a radial width of between about six and eight times the center panel final thickness
• the can ends 12 are subsequently processed by a seaming assembly which includes a standard seam chuck 502 as is known.
• a method of making a can end 12 with an enhanced annular countersink 110 and/or an annular tapered portion 112 includes, providing 1000 a sheet material deiming an original plane, providing 1002 a fooling 100 with an upper tool assembly 102 and a lower tool assembly 104, introducing 1004 material between the upper tool assembly 102 and the tower tool assembly 104 (as described above), cutting 1005 a blank 10 from the sheet material, as well as, forming 1006 the material to include a center panel 14, an annular portion 16 disposed about the center panel 14, a standard chuck wall 18A disposed about the annular portion 16, and a curl 20 extending radially outwardly from the standard chuck wall ISA, forming 2008 the annular portion 16 to include an enhanced annular countersink 110 and an annular tapered portion 112 wherein the annular tapered portion 112 is disposed about the enhanced annular countersink 110.
• forming 2008 the annular portion 16 to include an enhanced annular countersink 110 and an annular tapered portion 112 includes, forming 2010 the enhanced annular countersink 110 with a single center and extending over an arc of between about 115o and 160o, or about 135°, forming 2012 the enhanced annular countersink 110 with a radius of between about 0.015 inch and 0.050 inch, or about 0.020 inch, forming a straight annular tapered portion 112 with an angle of between about 25o and 50o relative to the original plane.
• forming 2008 the annular portion 16 to include an enhanced annular countersink 110 and a stepped annular tapered portion 112A includes, forming 2020 the annular tapered portion 112 with a firs* section 130 and a second section 132, the annular tapered portion first section 130 disposed about the enhanced annular countersink 110, the annular tapered portion second section 132 disposed about the annular tapered portion first section 130, the annular tapered portion first section 130 angled between about 35o and 65° to the plane of the center panel 14, the annular tapered portion second section 132 angled between about 15° and 30° to the plane of the center panel 14.
• a can end 12 A having a down- gauging construct 11 includes a“subsurface step” 150 and is formed from a blank 10A having an“enhanced diameter’* as well as a“decreased original thickness”
• an“established thickness” means a blank having an original diameter for a given type, model, and/or style of can and/or can end which is well known in the art
• a blank 10A with an“enhanced diameter” means a blank I0A that is formed into a can end 12A sized to correspond to a known can end for a specific type, model, and/or style of can wherein the diameter of the blank is huger than the“established blank size.”
• each specific can end has an“established thickness” and an“established blank size,” diameter
• each specific can end has an“established volume.” That is, the Wank used to form a specific can end has an“established volume.”
• a blank 10A used to form an enhanced can end 12A utilizing a down-gauging construct 11 has a“reduced volume.” That is, as used herein, a“reduced volume” blank.
• lOA means a blank haying a volume that is less than the“established volume” for a specific type, model ⁇ and/or style of can end while also having a larger diameter for the“established blank size.”
• a“reduced volume” can end 12 A means a can end 12A that is formed from a "reduced volume” blank 10 A.
• a“reduced volume” can end 12A relates to the volume, Le., the structure, of the cap end 12A and does not mean a product by process.
• a“reduced volume” can end body 40A means a can body 40A that is formed from a‘'reduced volume” blank 10A. That is, as used herein, the term“reduced volume” can end body 40A relates to the volume, /, e., the structure, of the can end body
• a“subsurface step” means a“step” in a can end annular portion 16 that is disposed below the plane of the upper surface, or product side, of the center panel 14.
• the“subsurface step” 150 is disposed within, or immediately adjacent, an“enhanced annular tapered portion” 112B and is identified herein as an“enhanced annular tapered portion subsurface step” 150. That is, an“enhanced annular tapered portion” means the portion of an annular portion 16 that is disposed about an annular countersink 7 and which has an upward angle of between about 0° and 30°, or about 5°, relative to the plane ofthe center panel 14 (which is also the original plane or parallel to the original plane).
• the“subsurface step” 150 is disposed between the enhanced annular tapered portion I I2B and a standard chuck wall 18 A; as used herein, this configuration is a“standard chuck, subsurface step.” Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the“subsurface step” 150 is disposed adjacent. Or immediately adjacent, a“boxed” annular countersink 52 A As used herein, a“boxed” annular countersink 52A means a countersink 52 which is disposed between a first annular planar portion 54A and a second annular planar portion S4B wherein the first annular planar portion 54A and the second annular planar portion 54B are both substantially perpendicular to the plane of the center panel 14.
• a“subsurface step” 150 disposed adjacent, or immediately adjacent, a“boxed” annular countersink 52 is a“supra” subsurface step 150.
• a subsurface step 150 disposed between a“boxed” annular countersink 52A and a standard chuck wall 18A is, as used herein, a“standard chuck, supra subsurface step” 150.
• a can end 12A includes a body 40 having a center panel 14, an annular portion 16, a chuck wall 18 and a curl 20, as described above.
• the can end body 40 is an enhanced can end body and the can end I2A is an enhanced can end. That is, the can end 12A is initially a blank 10 with an “enhanced diameter.” Further, the can end 12A, and therefore the can end body 40, has a decreased original thickness.
• the annular portion 16 includes a first annular planar portion 54A, an annular countersink 52, second annular planar portion 54B, an enhanced annular tapered portion 112B and a subsurface step 150.
• the first annular planar portion 54 A extends in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the center panel 14.
• the; second annular planar portion 54B extends in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the center panel 14.
• the annular countersink 52 is disposed between the first annular planar portion 54A and the second annular planar portion 54B and, as such, is a“boxed” annular countersink. 52A as defined above.
• the annular countersink 52 extends about the first annular planar portion 54A and the second annular planar portion 54B extends about the annular countersink 52. Further, and in an exemplary embodiment, the annular countersink 52 is generally arcuate and extends over an arc of substantially 180 degrees. That is, the annular countersink 52 is substantially semicircular when viewed m cross-section as shown in Figure 18.
• the enhanced annular tapered portion 112B is similar to the annular tapered portion 112 described above, but has an angle of between about 0° and 30° or about 5° relative to the plane of the center panel 14. That is, as used herein, an“enhanced annular tapered portion” is similar to an“annular tapered portion” but the angle of the taper is between about 0° and 30* relative to the plane of the center panel 14. As used herein, a“specific enhanced annular tapered portion” is similar to an“annular tapeted portion” hut the angle of the taper is 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 surfece of the center panel 14.
• the subsurface step 150 is disposed between the enhanced annular tapered portion 112B and the chuck wall 18. That is, the subsurface step 150 defined the transition from the enhanced annular tapered portion 112B to the chuck wall 18.
• the chuck wall 18 is a standard chuck wall 18A as defined above.
• the standard chuck wall 18A is disposed about the annular portion 16 and immediately adjacent the subsurface step 150 and/or the enhanced annular tapered portion 112B.
• the can end 12 A is structured to be, and is, coupled, directly coupled, fixed or seamed to a filled can body 60 thereby forming a container 70, as discussed above.
• a can end 12A having a boxed annular countersink 52A and/or a subsurface step 150 is formed in a tooling 100 as generally described above. It is additionally noted that to form the boxed amnilar countersink 52A and/or a subsurface step 150 the upper tool assembly 102 and the tower topi assembly 104 are structured to cooperate to form material disposed therebetween into a can end 12 A, the can end 12A including a center panel 14, an annular portion 16 disposed about the center panel 14, a standard chuck wall 18A disposed about the annular portion 16, and a curl 20 extending radially outwardly from the standard chuck wall 18A.
• the upper tool assembly 102 and the tower tool assembly 104 are structured to cooperate to form material disposed therebetween into a first annular planar portion 54A, an annular countersink 52, a second annular planar portion 54B, an enhanced annular tapered portion 112B and a subsurface step 150.
• the upper tool assembly 102 and the tower tool assembly 104 are substantially similar to the tooling assembly of U.S. Patent No. 5,857,374 except that the contour of the outer periphery of the die center (element 52 of U.S. Patent No. 5,857,374) is shaped to substantially correspond to the boxed annular countersink 52A and/or a subsurface step 150 as described above. That is, the upper tool assembly 102 includes a punch structured to form a boxed annular countersink 52A and/or a subsurface step 150 as defined above. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper fool assembly 102 and the tower tool assembly 104 are further structured to form an enhanced annular tapered portion 112B. The can ends 12 A are subsequently /processed by a seaming assembly which includes a standard seam chuck 502 as is known.
• a method of making a can end I2A with a boxed annular countersink 52 A and/or a subsurface step I SO includes, providing 1000 a sheet material defining ait original plane, providing 1002 a tooling 100 with an upper tool assembly 102 and a tower tool assembly 104, introducing 1004 material between the upper tool assembly 102 and the tower tool assembly 104 (as described above), cutting
• a blank 10 from the sheet material as well as, forming 1006 the material to include a center panel 14, an annular portion 16 disposed about the center panel 14, a standard chuck wall 18A disposed about the amnilar portion 16, awl a curl 20 extending radially outwardly from the standard chuck wall 18A, forming 2008A the annular portion 16 to include a first annular planar portion 54 A, an annular countersink 52, second annular planar portion S4B, an enhanced annular tapered portion 112B and a subsurface step 150.
• forming 2008A the annular portion 16 to include a first annular planar portion 54A, an annular countersink 52, second annular planar portion 54B, an enhanced annular tapered portion I I2B and a subsurface step 150 includes, forming 2010A the enhanced annular tapered portion 112B with an angle of between about 0° and 30° or about 5° relative to the plane of the center panel 14
• a can end 12A configured as shown in Figures 16-18 utilizes less material compared to a prior art can end of tire same type, model, and/or style.
• a prior art“standard 307” can end is used in containers for tuna, vegetables, fruit, dog food as well as other products.
• Standard 307 is formed from a blank having an initial diameter of 3.933 inches and an original thickness of 0.0087 inch.
• the volume of a prior art blank for a “standard 307” can end is 0.1057 in.
• An“improved 307” can end 12A configured as shown in Figures 16-18 is formed from a blank having an initial diameter of 4.095 inches and an original thickness of 0.0075 inch.
• the volume of the blank for an ‘improved 307” can end 12 A is 0.0988 in 3 It is noted that, such an“improved 307” can end I2A is an“enhanced can end,” as defined above, because the blank used to form the“improved 307” can end 12A has a diameter that is larger than the“established blank size” for a prior art‘improved 307” can end.
• the“improved 307” can end 12A also has a“decreased original thickness.” Further, because the “improved 307” can end 12A is made from a blank 10A having a“decreased original thickness” and an“enhanced diameter,” the“improved 307” can end 12 A 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 40 A.

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• 2020
  • 2020-06-01 CN CN202080041646.8A patent/CN113993640B/zh active Active
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