US20210347526A1 - Ecology tab, can end, tooling and method - Google Patents

Ecology tab, can end, tooling and method Download PDF

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Publication number
US20210347526A1
US20210347526A1 US17/316,755 US202117316755A US2021347526A1 US 20210347526 A1 US20210347526 A1 US 20210347526A1 US 202117316755 A US202117316755 A US 202117316755A US 2021347526 A1 US2021347526 A1 US 2021347526A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
tab
length
inch
die
bead
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
US17/316,755
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English (en)
Inventor
Dennis Cornelius Stammen
Robert Joseph Will
Christopher Lawrence Macke
Patrick Kevin McCarty
Robert Herbert Brussell
Greg Scott Williams
Steven Todd Albright
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Stolle Machinery Co LLC
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Stolle Machinery Co LLC
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Stolle Machinery Co LLC filed Critical Stolle Machinery Co LLC
Priority to US17/316,755 priority Critical patent/US20210347526A1/en
Assigned to STOLLE MACHINERY COMPANY, LLC reassignment STOLLE MACHINERY COMPANY, LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MCCARTY, PATRICK KEVIN, ALBRIGHT, STEVEN TODD, BRUSSELL, ROBERT HERBERT, MACKE, CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE, STAMMEN, DENNIS CORNELIUS, WILL, ROBERT JOSEPH, Williams, Greg Scott
Publication of US20210347526A1 publication Critical patent/US20210347526A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • B65D17/34—Arrangement or construction of pull or lift tabs
    • 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
    • B21D51/443—Making closures, e.g. caps easily removable closures, e.g. by means of tear strips
    • 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
    • B21D51/383—Making inlet or outlet arrangements of cans, tins, baths, bottles, or other vessels; Making can ends; Making closures scoring lines, tear strips or pulling tabs
    • 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
    • B65D17/4012—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 partially by means of a tearing tab
    • 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
    • B65D2517/00—Containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting, piercing or tearing of wall portions, e.g. preserving cans or tins
    • B65D2517/0001—Details
    • B65D2517/0058—Other details of container end panel
    • B65D2517/0059—General cross-sectional shape of container end panel
    • B65D2517/0061—U-shaped
    • B65D2517/0062—U-shaped and provided with an additional U-shaped peripheral channel
    • 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
    • B65D2517/00—Containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting, piercing or tearing of wall portions, e.g. preserving cans or tins
    • B65D2517/0001—Details
    • B65D2517/0058—Other details of container end panel
    • B65D2517/0068—Ribs or projections in container end panel
    • B65D2517/0071—Ribs or projections in container end panel located externally of tear-out/push-in panel or preformed opening
    • 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
    • B65D2517/00—Containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting, piercing or tearing of wall portions, e.g. preserving cans or tins
    • B65D2517/0001—Details
    • B65D2517/0058—Other details of container end panel
    • B65D2517/0074—Local recess in container end panel
    • B65D2517/0076—Local recess in container end panel located beneath tab contact point
    • 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
    • B65D2517/00—Containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting, piercing or tearing of wall portions, e.g. preserving cans or tins
    • B65D2517/0001—Details
    • B65D2517/0058—Other details of container end panel
    • B65D2517/0074—Local recess in container end panel
    • B65D2517/0079—Local recess in container end panel located beneath tab hand grip to facilitate initial lifting
    • 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
    • B65D2517/00—Containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting, piercing or tearing of wall portions, e.g. preserving cans or tins
    • B65D2517/50—Non-integral frangible members applied to, or inserted in, a preformed opening
    • B65D2517/5072—Details of hand grip, tear- or lift-tab
    • B65D2517/5075—Hand grip with finger opening

Definitions

  • the disclosed concept relates generally to containers and more particularly, to ecology tabs and can ends for containers, such as beer and beverage cans.
  • the disclosed concept also relates to tooling and associated methods for the manufacture of ecology tabs and can ends.
  • Metallic containers for holding products such as, for example, liquids, beverages, or food products
  • an opening mechanism such as a pull tab
  • the tear strip is defined by a scoreline in the exterior surface (e.g., public side) of the can end.
  • the pull tab commonly referred to simply as the “tab,” is structured to be lifted, pulled, and/or rotated to sever the scoreline and deflect the tear strip, thereby creating an opening for dispensing the contents of the can.
  • the can end When the can end is made, it originates as a can end shell, which is formed from a sheet metal product (e.g., without limitation, sheet aluminum; sheet steel).
  • the shell is then conveyed to a conversion press, which 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, tab forming, tab securing and tab staking, are performed until the shell is fully converted into the desired can end and is discharged from the press.
  • tooling for each tool station of the conversion press includes an upper tool member, which is structured to be advanced towards a lower tool member upon actuation of a press ram.
  • the upper and/or lower tool members cooperate to perform a number of the aforementioned conversion operations.
  • the press ram retracts the upper tool member and the partially converted shell or tab is moved to the next successive tool station, or the tooling is changed within the same station, to perform the next conversion operation.
  • FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a tab in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed concept
  • FIG. 2 is another top perspective view of the tab
  • FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the tab
  • FIG. 4 is another bottom perspective view of the tab
  • FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the tab
  • FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the tab
  • FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the tab
  • FIG. 8 is a section view taken in the direction of line 8 - 8 shown in FIG. 5 ;
  • FIG. 9 is a front end elevation view of the tab
  • FIG. 10 is a back end elevation view of the tab
  • FIG. 11A is a top perspective view of a can end and tab in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed concept
  • FIG. 11B is a top perspective view of the can end of FIG. 11A , shown without the tab;
  • FIG. 12A is another top perspective view of the can end and tab of FIG. 11A ;
  • FIG. 12B is another top perspective view of the can end of FIG. 11B .
  • FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the can end
  • FIG. 14 is another bottom perspective view of the can end of FIG. 13 ;
  • FIG. 15A is a top plan view of the can end and tab of FIG. 11A ;
  • FIG. 15B is a top plan view of the can end of FIG. 11B ;
  • FIG. 16 is a bottom plan view of the can end
  • FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the can end
  • FIG. 18A is a section view taken in the direction of line 18 A- 18 A shown in FIG. 15A ;
  • FIG. 19 is a simplified section view of tooling in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed concept.
  • FIG. 20 is an enlarged section view of a portion of the tooling of FIG. 19 ;
  • FIGS. 21 and 22 are top plan views, respectively, showing differences of a new tab in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed concept compared to a conventional tab;
  • FIG. 25 is a bottom plan view showing the product side (i.e., inside or interior) of the conventional can end and tab of FIG. 23 ;
  • FIG. 26 is a bottom plan view of the new can end and tab of FIG. 24 ;
  • FIG. 27 is a top plan view of a portion of a conventional conversion press system forming the conventional can end and tab of FIGS. 23 and 25 , with a portion of the conversion press shown in simplified form in phantom line drawing; and
  • FIG. 28 is a top plan view of a portion of a conversion press forming the new can end and tab of FIGS. 24 and 26 , with a portion of the conversion press shown in simplified form in phantom line drawing.
  • can and “container” are used substantially interchangeably to refer to any known or suitable container, which is structured to contain a substance (e.g., without limitation, liquid; food; any other suitable substance), and expressly includes, but is not limited to, food cans, as well as beverage cans, such as beer and soda cans.
  • a substance e.g., without limitation, liquid; food; any other suitable substance
  • beverage cans such as beer and soda cans.
  • FIGS. 1-10 and 21 show a tab 2 in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept.
  • the tab 2 includes a body 4 having opposing first and second ends 6 , 8 .
  • a nose portion 10 is located at or about the first end 6 (i.e., front) of the tab 2
  • a lift portion 12 is located at or about the second end 8 (i.e., back) of the tab 2 .
  • a rivet receiving portion 14 is disposed proximate the nose portion 10 , and includes a rivet hole 16 .
  • the tab 2 in the non-limiting example shown and described herein is a reduced length ecology tab for use on an easy open beer/beverage can end 200 (see, e.g., without limitation, FIGS. 11A-18, 24 ; see also tab 200 ′ in FIG. 26 ).
  • a conventional tab 102 see, for example, FIG. 22
  • a reduced length ecology tab 2 in accordance with the disclosed concept has a length 50 of between 0.810-0.950 inch, and preferably only about 0.860 inch.
  • the width 52 of the reduced length ecology tab 2 is generally similar to the width 152 of the conventional tab 150 , also measured at the widest portion of the tab 102 as shown in FIG. 22 .
  • the conventional tab 150 may have a width 152 of about 0.620 inch
  • the reduced length ecology tab 2 may have a width 52 of about 0.616 inch.
  • the tabs e.g., 2 , 102
  • the thickness of the reduced length ecology tab 2 is also preferably substantially the same as the thickness of conventional tabs (e.g., without limitation, tab 102 of FIG. 22 ).
  • the tab 2 was strategically designed around a progression length 702 , which would allow relatively easy retrofit into an existing machine 700 (e.g., without limitation, a 1.1500 inch tab progression Tetrad machine (partially shown in simplified form in FIG. 28 )). More specifically, it is generally well known in the art of progressive die stamping that the “progression length” refers to the distance or pitch between die stations. Accordingly, it is generally understood that any change in progression length would necessarily require extensive and costly modification to the associated tooling. Among other unique improvements, the reduced length ecology tab 2 is significantly shorter in length 50 ( FIGS. 7, 8 and 21 ) compared to the length 150 ( FIG. 22 ) of a conventional tab 102 ( FIG.
  • the existing tab die progression length 602 of the prior art conversion press 600 is preferably reduced from 1.1500 inch to a tab die progression length 702 of between 1.0857 inch and 0.8857 inch and, more preferably, to a tab die progression length 702 of about 0.9857 inch.
  • the reduced length ecology tab 2 utilizes the same geometry and known technology on the front half or front portion (see segment 60 of tab 2 in FIG. 5 ) of the tab 2 (i.e., the aforementioned “nose” 10 ).
  • the aforementioned reduced tab length 50 is therefore achieved exclusively from the back half or back portion (see segment 70 of tab 2 in FIG. 5 ) of the tab 2 (i.e., the aforementioned “lift portion” 12 or finger hole area 18 ). That is, a major distinctive feature of the disclosed tab 2 is a smaller finger hole 18 and, thus, a shorter overall tab length 50 . It will be appreciated that such a reduction in tab length 50 results in increased opening forces, which provides the largest technical challenge and largest obstacle for customer acceptance.
  • a significant advantage of the disclosed reduced length ecology tab 2 is metal-savings. That is, there is a significant reduction in the amount of metal (e.g., without limitation, aluminum) required per tab 2 . This results in significant tab cost savings over time.
  • Another advantage of the disclosed reduced length ecology tab 2 is the enhanced finger access that is gained on smaller diameter can ends 200 ( FIGS. 11A-18B , see also can end 200 ′ of FIGS. 24 and 26 ).
  • diameter 200 and smaller can ends 200 do not allow enough finger access when employing a conventional tab of standard length (e.g., tab 102 of FIG. 22 ).
  • FIG. 15A for example, this is because there is relatively little available space available on the center panel 202 of the can end 200 . That is, the diameter 204 of the center panel 202 of a conventional 200 diameter can end 200 is typically in the range of between about 1.780 inches to about 1.650 inches leaving relatively little remaining space for the tab 2 , tear panel 206 and other features.
  • the reduced length (e.g., without limitation, 0.9857 inch) ecology tab 2 has the following distinctive features:
  • a reduced length ecology tab 2 in accordance with alternative embodiments (not shown) of the disclosed concept could have different measurements and features (not shown), as well as a different size, shape or geometry (not shown), without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept.
  • the tab 2 could be made from material (e.g., without limitation, aluminum) having a reduced gauge (i.e., thinner).
  • the reduced length concept could be employed with a tab that has a solid lift portion (i.e., no finger thru hole), commonly known as a “promotional” or “promo” tab.
  • the rivet hole 16 is structured to receive a rivet 214 , which is staked to fasten the rivet receiving portion 14 of the tab 2 to a can end 200 , see also, FIG. 15A .
  • FIGS. 11A, 12A, 15A and 18A show an example of a can end 200 employing the tab 2 , in accordance with one non-limiting example embodiment of the disclosed concept. It will be appreciated, however, that a tab 2 in accordance with the disclosed concept could alternatively be employed with can ends having any other known or suitable alternative size (not shown), geometry (not shown), and/or configuration of features (e.g., without limitation, shell type, size and shape; score line and/or tear panel size and/or shape; panel size and/or shape)(not shown), without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept.
  • FIGS. 24 and 26 show one non-limiting alternative embodiment of a different type of can end 200 ′ employing a tab 2 in accordance with the disclosed concept.
  • FIGS. 11B, 12B, 15B and 18B show the aforementioned example can end 200 , without the tab, to better show unique features of the can end 200 , in accordance with aspects of one non-limiting example embodiment of the disclosed concept. It will be appreciated with reference to FIGS. 13, 14, 16 and 17 , that the product side (i.e., inside, interior or bottom) and side elevation views of the can end 200 appear the same whether or not the tab 2 ( FIGS. 1-10, 11A, 12A, 15A, 18A, 21, 24 and 26 ) is affixed to the can end 200 .
  • the can end 200 includes an end panel or center panel 202 and a scoreline 205 , which defines a tear panel 206 . Accordingly, when the tab 2 is actuated (e.g., without limitation, lifted and pivoted or rotated) it will sever the scoreline 205 about the tear panel 206 , and depress the tear panel 206 downward, thereby providing an opening in the can end 200 for dispensing the contents of the container or canto which the can end 200 is affixed.
  • the tab 2 when the tab 2 is actuated (e.g., without limitation, lifted and pivoted or rotated) it will sever the scoreline 205 about the tear panel 206 , and depress the tear panel 206 downward, thereby providing an opening in the can end 200 for dispensing the contents of the container or canto which the can end 200 is affixed.
  • the can end 200 has several additional distinctive features.
  • the end panel 202 includes arc-shaped beads 216 , 218 , see also, arc-shaped beads 216 ′, 218 ′ on panel 202 ′ of can end 200 ′ in FIG. 26 , designed to fit under the reduced length ecology tab 2 to provide stiffness behind the rivet thereby enhancing opening performance.
  • the end panel 202 of the example can end 200 further includes locating beads 220 , 222 (see also locating beads 220 ′, 222 ′ of can end 200 ′ of FIG. 26 ), which function to locate the part as it is being formed by tooling (see tooling 500 in FIGS.
  • Linear beads 224 , 226 may also be optionally included, as shown for example and without limitation in the alternative example embodiment of FIGS. 24 and 26 . Such linear beads 224 , 226 function to further stiffen the end panel 202 ′ of the can end 200 ′. It will be appreciated that this unique combination of features is significantly different from the prior art end panel 302 , shown in FIG. 25 and, in particular, the bead 304 commonly referred to in the art as a “cent bead.”
  • the reduced length ecology tab 2 results in the second end 8 of the tab body 4 , and thus the lift portion 12 and figure hole 18 , being disposed a greater distance 208 ′ ( FIG. 24 ) from the outer edge or perimeter 210 ′ ( FIG. 24 ) of can end 200 ′ ( FIG. 24 ) than prior art designs (see and compare the prior art can end 300 and smaller distance 308 between tab 102 and outer edge 310 shown in FIGS. 23 and 25 , to the new can end 200 ′ shown in FIGS.
  • FIGS. 15A and 24 see also, distance 208 between tab 2 and the outer edger 210 of can end 200 of FIG. 15A ).
  • the improvement in finger access is directly attributed to the distance 208 ( FIG. 15A ), 208 ′ ( FIG. 24 ) preferably being between 0.325-0.500 inch and, more preferably being about 0.414 inch compared to the distance 308 ( FIG. 23 ), which is less than 0.300 inch.
  • the embodiments of FIGS. 15A and 24 also include an optional finger well or recess 212 ( FIG. 15A ) 212 ′ ( FIG. 24 ) in the end panel 202 ( FIG. 15A ), 202 ′ ( FIG.
  • the reduced tab length 50 also allows for the overall size (e.g., diameter 204 ( FIG. 15A )) of the associated can end 200 to be reduced, if desired, which would advantageously result in even further metal savings.
  • FIGS. 19 and 20 show a non-limiting example of tooling 500 for forming a reduced length ecology tab 2 in accordance with aspects of the disclosed concept.
  • the tooling 500 includes an upper tooling assembly 502 and a lower tooling assembly 504 each having a plurality of opposing tools that cooperate in order to form features of the tab 2 .
  • the tooling 500 shown is structured to form the tongue wipe down, finger hole precurl, panel and coin pre-curl operations associated with forming the tab 2 .
  • additional tooling e.g., without limitation, one or more additional forming stations (not shown) could be employed to form the reduced length ecology tab 2 in accordance with the disclosed concept.
  • FIG. 21 shows a reduced length tab 2 in accordance with a non-limiting example embodiment of the disclosed concept compared to the standard length of a convention tab 102 , shown in FIG. 22 .
  • the dimensions provided are not intended to restrict the scope of the disclosed concept, but rather are provided merely for purposes of illustration to show a non-limiting example of reduced tab length 50 and other features that can be achieved by the disclosed concept.
  • FIGS. 23-26 provide another non-limiting example, for purposes of comparing a convention can end 300 employing a convention tab 102 to a reduced size can end 200 ′ employing a reduced length tab 2 in accordance with aspects of one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept.
  • FIGS. 23 (prior art) and 24 show the public sides (e.g., outsides or exteriors) of the can ends 200 ′, 300
  • FIGS. 25 (prior art) and 26 show the product sides (e.g., insides or interiors) of the can ends 200 ′, 300 .
  • FIG. 27 shows a portion of a conversion press system 600 forming the conventional can end 300 and tab 102 of FIGS. 23 and 25 , with a portion of the conversion press 600 shown in simplified form in phantom line drawing.
  • FIG. 28 shows a portion of a conversion press 700 forming the new can end 200 ′ and tab 2 of FIGS. 24 and 26 , with a portion of the conversion press 700 shown in simplified form in phantom line drawing. It will be appreciated with reference to, and comparison of, FIGS. 27 and 28 that certain dimensions between and among components of the prior art conversion press 600 ( FIG. 27 ) and the conversion press 700 ( FIG.
  • the aforementioned unique tab die progression length 702 of the disclosed concept was researched and developed extensively to achieve a dimension that permits the transfer belt centerline dimension 704 ( FIG. 28 ) to remain substantially unchanged from the transfer belt centerline dimension 604 ( FIG. 27 ).
  • the lane die progression length 706 ( FIG. 28 ) also remains substantially unchanged from the prior art lane die progression length 606 ( FIG. 27 ). Accordingly, as previously discussed hereinabove, an additional significant advantage of the disclosed concept is that the reduced length ecology tab 2 can be implemented or retrofitted within existing conversion systems (e.g., 600 ).
  • the disclosed concept provides a reduce length tab 2 , providing a number of advantages, and further provides for an improved can end 200 , 200 ′, tooling 500 , 700 and associated methods, which individually and collectively achieve significant metal savings and ecological benefit.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers Opened By Tearing Frangible Portions (AREA)
US17/316,755 2020-05-11 2021-05-11 Ecology tab, can end, tooling and method Pending US20210347526A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

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US202063022608P 2020-05-11 2020-05-11
US17/316,755 US20210347526A1 (en) 2020-05-11 2021-05-11 Ecology tab, can end, tooling and method

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US (1) US20210347526A1 (ja)
EP (1) EP4149852A4 (ja)
JP (1) JP2023525310A (ja)
CN (1) CN115427309A (ja)
WO (1) WO2021231351A1 (ja)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD959980S1 (en) * 2020-05-11 2022-08-09 Stolle Machinery Company, Llc Ecology tab
USD997720S1 (en) * 2020-05-11 2023-09-05 Stolle Machinery Company, Llc Can end
USD999631S1 (en) * 2021-07-23 2023-09-26 Stolle Machinery Company, Llc Ring pull tab

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WO1997030902A1 (en) * 1996-02-23 1997-08-28 American National Can Company Can end with emboss and deboss score panel stiffening beads
US20060196875A1 (en) * 2003-09-19 2006-09-07 Gabe Cherian Pull tab
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EP2607255A1 (en) * 2011-12-20 2013-06-26 Ardagh MP Group Netherlands B.V. Panel and container provided with such panel.
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EP4149852A1 (en) 2023-03-22
WO2021231351A1 (en) 2021-11-18

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