Aluminum Company of America

Scott C Biondich

W Coy Willis

Frank E Maier

Robert J Falkenberg

Jay W Lyon

James M Holthaus

Dean J Wainer

A method for reforming the generally cylindrical sidewalls of aluminum containers is disclosed. The method produces highly expanded and/or contoured container sidewalls which provide a distinctive appearance in comparison with cylindrical containers having straight sidewalls. Multiple expansion steps are used to expand the sidewall to a diameter substantially greater than the initial diameter of the cylindrical starting container. The sidewalls are thermally treated prior to expansion, for example, by annealing to reduce or eliminate residual stresses and work hardening. The sidewall thickness of the cylindrical starting container is preferably selected in order to maximize the total amount of sidewall expansion that can be achieved.

Method for reforming a container and container produced thereby

A pressurized can for beverage having a small opening in its lid which is sealed with a patch on the inside of the lid and which is adapted to receive a drink straw removably attached to the outside of the can.

Drink straw can

This invention provides a closure cap and cap assembly for substantially gas-tight sealing engagement with a container closure having an opening therein circumscribed by a substantially smooth sealing surface thereon. The closure cap includes a sealing portion releasably engageable in surrounding gas-tight sealing relation with the sealing surface on the container closure. The sealing portion comprises elastic portions circumferentially spaced by a plurality of radially extending less elastic portions. The cap assembly of this invention may be anchored to the end wall of a container closure.

Resealable container closure

An improved easy open can end construction for resealable easy open beverage cans having a hinged and inwardly depressible opening panel defined by an involuted spiro-circular score line having an initial portion that at least partially encircles a pressure application zone, an intermediate portion that continually recedes therefrom and an end portion of circular configuration.

An end shell for a container, as well as a method and an apparatus for making the same, is provided, comprising a central wall and an annular groove around and below the general plane of the central wall. The annular groove is defined inwardly by a panel wall integrally connected to the central wall and outwardly by a chuckwall which extends upwardly beyond the general plane of the central wall and outwardly therefrom to form an outwardly projecting peripheral flange. The panel wall is disposed at an angle of less than ninety degrees from the general plane of the central wall.

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Delmont, PA, United States of America

Scott C Biondich