Sonoco Products Company

Dwight D Grady

Wade D Fletcher

E Riley Rowe

Herman Rupert Markert

Edward H McMahon, Jr

A system of seaming a metallic end cover to a tubular composite can body utilizing a cover the diametric size of which is smaller than that of the can body. The smaller cover provides an annular space between the central depending cover pin and the surrounding portion of the body wall at the end thereof. The peripheral flange of the cover is inwardly folded about and with the flanged end of the can body to define a double seam. Simultaneously with the formation of the double seam, the seaming rolls, through direct engagement with the can body at and immediately below the seam, inwardly shape and contour the end portion of the can body, bringing the formed seam into the annular space and into direct engagement with the cover pin, necking the can body and providing a flush-sided container.

Method of forming a flush-sided container

A system for forming and mounting end closures for peel-top containers, each closure including a peelable sealing membrane, with a folded pull tab, and a separate plastic overcap. The individual sealing membranes are cut from a continuous web and deposited directly on the open ends of cans or containers being fed in a continuing line. Each membrane is retained in properly oriented association with the corresponding container, by adhesive tacking or through a partial vacuum generated within the container, until such time as the container supported membrane is engaged by a chuck to effect a positive sealing of the membrane to the container. After a sealing of the membrane to the container, the container proceeds through a cycle wherein the tab on the membrane is laterally bent, the overcap is applied, and the container with completed end closure is discharged. Embossing of each membrane is normally selectively done so as to occur only over the area thereof inward of the peripheral portion which engages the container.

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Hartsville, SC, United States of America

Dwight D Grady