Reynolds Metals Company

Ball Corporation

Daniel F Cudzik

Horst F Arfert

Roger H Donaldson

Robert L Taylor

Danny R Sink

Robert P Foetisch

An easy-open, reseable closure assembly for a beverage can (,) comprises a metal lid (,) and two threadedly connected molded plastic closure elements (,) with engageable annular reseal surfaces (,). The lid is scored (,) to define a circular tear panel (,) and a hinge (,). The spout element (,) is attached to the lid (,) with the bottom surface of the cap element (,) directly above and aligned with the periphery of the tear panel (,). Rotation of the cap element (,) by a user ruptures the tear panel and pivots the tear panel (,) downward about the hinge (,), providing a passage through the spout element (,) for pouring and driking. Initial rupture and rupture propagation of the tear panel (,) is controlled by the spacing of the cap element (,) from the tear panel (,) and their configurations. When the cap element (,) is replaced on the spout (,), reseal surfaces (,) engage.

Resealable closure on seamed can end

A can is formed including a body having a bottom wall with an electromagnetically formed contoured sidewall extending therefrom and a necked end. The open end of the sidewall is first pre-necking to form a reduced diameter section. Thereupon, the sidewall is electromagnetically formed to form an outwardly expanding contoured sidewall. The can is then subjected to a necking process proximate the reduced diameter section to achieve a further reduced diameter conical necked end. The necking process may be performed by radially inwardly advancing an external forming member into contact with the sidewall against counterpressure provided by a pair of relatively axially displaceable inner members disposed within the can interior. Alternatively, the necking process may be spin flow necking.

Method of forming a can with an electromagnetically formed contoured

A thin walled metal container is formed with a bottom wall having a substantially flat central panel connected to a container side wall through an annular rest radius defining an annular support surface for the container. The annular rest radius includes an outer connecting web portion leading into the container side wall and an inner connecting web portion leading into the central panel. In the preferred embodiment, these connecting web portions are permanently joined to each other by welding or adhesive bonding to resist column loading forces acting through the side wall and internal pressure forces acting through the central panel which have the effect of unrolling the annular rest radius. Since these curved opposing portions of the rest radius are immobilized to resist column and internal pressurization, a thinner gauge metal can be used to satisfy design parameters and achieve cost and metal reduction savings. A method of reforming an annular rest radius in the bottom wall of a drawn and ironed container is also disclosed.

Can bottom with inside or outside surfaces secured together by circular

A thin-walled metal container is formed with a bottom wall which is substantially flat and connected to a container side wall through a curved wall portion located at the periphery of the flat bottom wall. A stacking support member is attached to the lower surface of the bottom wall to define a rest surface for supporting the container on a horizontal surface, The stacking support member is made of foam material to prevent `sweating` of the container on a table surface while also minimizing scratching, Other non-metallic materials may function as the stacking support member.

Thin-walled can having a nestable/stackable bottom support ring

A thin-walled metal container is formed with a bottom wall having a substantially flat central panel connected to a curved wall portion through an annular, inclined flat or frustum wall portion. The curved wall portion joins the container side wall and is defined by the base radius. The inclined or frustum connecting wall portion acts as a hinge which enables the central panel to move between an upper, non-tensioned position and a lower, tensioned position. In the upper position, the annular downward facing surface of the curved wall located at the radially outermost periphery of the bottom wall defines a support surface which supports the container against necking, seaming, and filling column loads. After displacement of the central panel to the lower, tensioned position, which may occur after filling as a result of carbonation pressure, the container rests on a series of circumferentially spaced feet. These feet are also radially spaced to permit stacking engagement with the upper seamed end of another container. Since the bottom wall does not rely on inwardly curved mechanical features to resist internal pressurization, a thinner gauge metal can be used to satisfy design parameters and can achieve cost and metal reduction savings.

Thin-walled can having a displaceable bottom

Method and apparatus for forming can ends is disclosed wherein ends are blank from sheet material and formed in a die in which the completed end is formed and removed from the die at a vertical position below the blanking position. Formation and removal of the end beneath the cut line enables better control of the ends after forming, Vacuum is applied to the end underside to positively seat the end against lower die forming elements as the lower elements raise the end to the level of an ejection slot where pressurized air blows the air from between the dies. An automatic lubrication circuit for properly lubricating seal members forming pneumatic cushions for resiliently biasing the various die members is also disclosed.

Method and apparatus for forming can ends

Method and apparatus for forming can ends is disclosed wherein ends are blank from sheet material and formed in a die in which the completed end is formed and removed from the die at a vertical position below the blanking position. Formation and removal of the end beneath the cut line enables better control of the ends after forming. Vacuum is applied to the end underside to positively seat the end against lower die forming elements as the lower elements raise the end to the level of an ejection slot where pressurized air blows the air from between the dies. An automatic lubrication circuit for properly lubricating seal members forming pneumatic cushions for resiliently biasing the various die members is also disclosed.

Apparatus for forming can ends

A resealable closure device for use on metallic cans includes a metallic end wall having an opening surrounded by an upwardly extending and outwardly flaring beaded flange. The flexible closure element includes a central panel, a lever portion and a connecting portion connecting the lever portion to the central panel; the closure device is molded in an inverted umbrella position which is capable of being inverted to engage the flange of the opening; a skirt portion is provided on the interior side of the central panel of the flexible closure element to provide a degree of resistance to removal of the closure device from the opening by user.

Resealable container closure

A resealable closure device for use on metallic cans is disclosed. The closure device comprises a metallic end including a flanged opening therein and a molded rubber or plastic element which is molded in an 'inverted umbrella' position and which is capable of being inverted upon itself to seal onto the end.

A method of manufacturing a tab (43) of the type attachable to an easy-open contained wall to initiate severance of a tear panel of the contained wall, including an initial step of placing a protruding stitch (45) in a sheet metal strip (47) from which the tab is to be formed. Thereafter, a tab blank (51) is cut in the strip of sheet metal, with this cut starting and ending immediately adjacent to opposite sides of the stitch, but the cutting die is separated slightly from the stitch. Thereafter, the outer periphery (61) of the tab blank is curled onto the inner surface of the tab blank. The stitch is then severed adjacent the tab.

Tab system

A method of manufacturing a tab (43) of the type attachable to an easy-open container wall to open of a tear panel of the container wall, including an initial step of placing a protruding stitch (45) in a sheet metal strip (47) from which the tab is to be formed. Thereafter, a tab blank (51) is cut in the strip of sheet metal, with this cut starting and ending immediately adjacent to opposite sides of the stitch, but the cutting die is separated slightly from the stitch. Thereafter, the outer periphery (61) of the tab blank is curled onto the inner surface of the tab blank. The stitch is then severed adjacent the tab.

End closure for a container

An easy-open wall for a container and associated tab is provided and comprises an approximately U-shaped score line in the wall with the score line having a bight and a pair of extensions extending from the bight and having arcuate end lengths terminating in spaced ends. The spaced ends have a portion of the wall therebetween and the score line defines a panel which is completely severable from the wall while remaining attached at the wall portion to define an opening in the wall. The tab is attached substantially flatly against the wall and has a forward portion which overlies the panel adjacent the arcuate end lengths and has a rear portion with the rear portion being easily grasped and lifted to urge the forward portion against the panel to thereby sever the panel first along the arcuate end lengths and then progressively along the extensions and bight to move the panel within the container with the wall portion holding the panel securely to the wall.

Growing community of inventors

Chesterfield County, VA, United States of America

Daniel F Cudzik