Crown Packaging Technology, Inc.

Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation

Crown, Cork & Seal Company, Inc.

Crown Packaging Company, L.p.

Paul R Heinicke

William A Kirk

Trevor Price

A method of making an easy open end for a container includes steps of providing a can end blank having an end panel and forming the can end blank in a series of forming operations that are performed with specialized and unique tooling. The can end is preferably shaped during the forming operations so that a major portion of the end panel is curved. Specifically, the curvature is preferably such that a top surface of the major portion is generally concave and a bottom surface of the major portion is generally convex. The end panel is also preferably shaped and constructed so that the curved major portion will invert in shape upon the application of a sufficient predetermined pressure differential between the top and bottom surfaces. A method of testing a fill level of a sealed container is performed in reliance on this 'cricketing' or 'oil canning' effect.

Can end having curved end panel surfaces

An improved convenience closure that is adapted for sealing an end of a can includes an end panel having a peripheral score, a rivet formation, a mustache score and a flex line score defined therein. The mustache score may include a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on the end panel relative to the rivet formation. The central portion is preferably curved, with a concave side of the curvature facing the rivet formation. The mustache score also may include first and second preferably symmetrical end portions, each of which is continuous with the central portion. Most of the total length of each of the end portions may be curved away from a nearest portion of the peripheral score, with a convex side of curvature facing the nearest portion of the peripheral score. Tooling for making the convenience closure and a method of making such a convenience disclosure are also disclosed.

Tooling for making easy open can end

Easy open can end with high pressure venting

Tool for making easy open can end with high pressure venting

Method of making an easy open can end with high pressure venting

Method of making an open can end with high pressure venting

Method for testing can ends

Systems for making can ends

An easy open end for a container includes an end panel having a score defined therein that defines a removable end panel portion. The score is preferably notched to define a bottom edge having a continuous V-shaped recess. A first double fold is defined adjacent to and positioned radially inward from the score that defines beneath the score a first outwardly projecting extending cut protection bead. A second double fold is defined adjacent to and positioned radially outward from the score that defines beneath the score a second inwardly projecting cut protection bead. The end panel is elastically deformed in an area near the score so as to define a concave depression about the score, which provides enhanced cut protection.

Process of making easy open can end

A container assembly for packaging nonliquid material includes a can body that may be filled with nonliquid material and an end panel that is secured to the can body, preferably by seaming. A score line that is formed in the end panel defines a first removable portion and a second nonremovable portion. Structure such as a tab is provided for initiating separation of the first removable portion from the second nonremovable portion at a first location along the score line that defines an axis of symmetry about which separation of the first removable portion from the second nonremovable portion during opening will progress substantially symmetrically. The score line is shaped so that the second nonremovable portion defines a spoon leveling shelf that is shaped and sized to permit a consumer to level a spoonful of nonliquid material. Moreover, at least one exposed edge of the spoon leveling shelf is afforded cut protection by a safety fold.

Easy open can end with cut protection

Spoon leveling protected can end

Easy open can end

Growing community of inventors

Canton, OH, United States of America

Paul R Heinicke