CN113993640B - reverse pressure tank end - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a can end including a center panel, an annular portion disposed about the center panel, a collet wall disposed about the annular portion, a bead extending radially outwardly from the collet wall, the annular portion including a subsurface step.

Description

reverse pressure tank end

Cross-references to related applications

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16/440,391, filed on May 13, 2019, entitled "REVERSE PRESSURE CAN END" filed on August 30, 2017 )" is a continuation of part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/690,590 and claims priority.

Technical field

The disclosed and claimed concepts relate to can ends, and more particularly to can ends made from sheet material having reduced basic dimensions and/or reduced final dimensions relative to known can ends. thickness. The disclosed concepts also relate to tools and related methods for providing such can ends.

Background technique

Metal containers (eg, cans) are configured to contain products such as, but not limited to, food and beverages. Typically, a metal container includes a can body and a can end. In an exemplary embodiment, the can body includes a base and overhanging sidewalls. The can body defines a generally enclosed space that is open at one end. The tank body is filled with product and the tank end is then coupled to the tank body at the open end. The container is then placed in the oven and heated to cook and/or sterilize the product. Heating and subsequent cooling of containers and food products can cause pressure changes. That is, as the food is heated, the pressure inside the container increases. This pressure is recognized as "internal" pressure or "positive" pressure. The container is constructed to resist deformation due to internal pressure. In an exemplary embodiment, heating of the container and food product is performed by pressurized steam. Pressurized steam exerts pressure on the outside of the container. The pressure on the outside of the container is the "external" or "reverse" pressure. Containers are not always constructed to resist deformation due to external pressure. Therefore, if the metal of one or both of the can body and/or can ends is weak, the can body and/or can ends will deform due to pressure changes and the container will be defective.

As used herein, a "can end" is an element coupled to the can body to form a container. A "can end" includes a tab or similar device configured to open a container. As discussed below, the "can end" is usually formed by the "shell". That is, the shell is formed from a generally planar blank cut from sheet material. The green body is formed to include annular countersinks, collet walls, and other features. The concepts disclosed and claimed below are discussed as part of "can ends." However, it should be understood that the disclosed and claimed concepts may be formed while the blank is still a "shell" rather than a "can end." That is, although the following discussion uses the term "can end," the discussion also applies to "shell."

Containers are put under pressure during processing. For example, some food products are cooked and/or sterilized while in the container. Such containers are subject to internal pressure (also referred to herein as "buckling" or "buckling pressure") as well as external pressure (also referred to herein as "reverse buckling" or "reverse buckling pressure"). The vessel, i.e. the tank body and tank ends, must have the strength to resist deformation due to buckling pressure and/or reverse buckling pressure.

Generally, the strength of a container is related to the thickness of the metal that forms the can body and can ends, as well as the shape of these elements. This application is primarily for the tank ends rather than the tank body. Can ends are either "sanitary" can ends or "easy-open" can ends. As used herein, a "sanitary" end is a can end that does not have a tab or score profile to be opened and must be opened by using a can opener or other device. As used herein, "easy-open" can ends include tear panels and tabs. The tear panel is defined by a score outline or score line on the outer surface of the can end (identified herein as the "common side"). A tab is attached (eg, but not limited to, riveted) adjacent the tear panel. The tab is configured to be lifted and/or pulled to sever the score line and deflect and/or remove the severable panel to form an opening for dispensing the contents of the container. The following is for "easy-open" can ends, but will also apply to "sanitary" can ends. That is, "sanitary" can ends are produced in a similar manner and coupled to the can body in a similar manner. Accordingly, as used herein, can ends are further defined to include configurations for "sanitary" can ends and "easy-open" ends.

When manufacturing can ends, they originate from blanks cut from sheet metal products (such as, but not limited to, aluminum sheet; steel sheet). In an exemplary embodiment, the green body is next formed into a "shell" in a shell press. As used herein, a "shell" is a construction that begins as a generally planar blank and has undergone forming operations other than rivet forming and tab riveting. A shell press includes a plurality of tool stations, each of which performs a forming operation (or it may include empty stations where no forming operations are performed). The green body passes through successive stations to form a "shell". In an exemplary embodiment, the shell is a "sanitary" can end configured to couple to the can body.

For the "easy-open" ends, the shells are further transferred to a conversion press, which also has several consecutive tooling stations. As the shell advances from one tool station to the next, conversion operations such as, but not limited to, rivet forming, paneling, scoring, embossing, and tab riveting are performed until the shell is fully converted into the desired can end and discharged from the press. Thus, as used herein, "can end" includes the "shell" as well as the construction having tabs and score lines.

In the can industry, large amounts of metal are required to manufacture a significant number of cans. Typically, steel cans are made from sheet material having a base gauge or original thickness (as used herein, the terms are equivalent to each other) between 0.0050 inches and 0.0096 inches. The required original thickness of material is determined by a variety of factors such as, but not limited to, the size of the finished can, the temperatures to which the can (and contents) are exposed during processing, the nature of the contents to be placed in the can, and other factors. The original thickness of each particular type, model, and/or style of material used for cans and/or can ends is, as used herein, the "established thickness."

That is, for example, the stated thickness of steel used in a common 18.6-ounce soup can is 0.0090 inches. Tank ends/vessels made of steel of this given thickness are constructed to withstand a buckling pressure of 34.8 psi and a reverse buckling pressure of 33.0 psi.

An ongoing goal for the industry is to reduce the amount of metal consumed. As a result, there have been efforts to reduce the thickness or gauge (sometimes referred to as "downgauging") of the raw materials used to make can ends, tabs, and can bodies. Alternatively, the material may be thinned starting from the base gauge to have a final thickness that is thinner or partially thinner than the base gauge. However, as less material is used (e.g., thinner gauges), problems arise that require the development of unique solutions. As mentioned above, a common problem associated with the can ends of food cans is that they are affected by the pressure changes associated with the food being contained within the can. When the base gauge of the metal is too thin, the can ends can become deformed. This is a problem.

One solution to the problems associated with using thin metal is to provide reinforcement at the can ends. Reinforcement features include, but are not limited to, concave or convex panels that add rigidity to the generally flat can end. In an exemplary embodiment, the reinforced construction is created by forming panels in the body of the can end. The can end includes other similar features, such as recesses for pull tabs. However, as mentioned above, in the exemplary embodiment, the can end and reinforcement formation are configured to resist internal pressure.

Therefore, there is a need for a can end that is shaped to resist deformation even when the can end is made of reduced gauge, ie, thinner, metal. There is also a need for can ends that have a shape that resists deformation by external or counter pressures.

Contents of the invention

The disclosed and claimed concept provides a can end configured to be coupled to a container, the can end including a reduced gauge configuration. That is, the can end includes a center panel, an annular portion disposed about the center panel, a collet wall disposed about the annular portion, a bead extending radially outwardly from the collet wall, the annular portion including an annular ridge and an annular countersunk portion. , the annular countersunk head is adjacent to the annular ridge and is arranged around the annular ridge. The annular countersunk head and annular ridge are constructed to resist deformation due to external or opposing pressures. The can end in the disclosed construction solves the above problems and allows the can end to be made from a material with a reduced original thickness.

Description of the drawings

A full understanding of the present invention can be obtained when the following description of the preferred embodiments is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a top view of a prior art can end.

Figure 2 is a side elevation cross-sectional view of a prior art can end.

Figure 3 is a top view of the shell.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the shell. Figure 4A is a detailed view of the shell.

Figure 5 is a top view of the can end.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the can end. Figure 6A is a detailed view of the can end.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the end of a can identifying selected terms used herein.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the can end coupled (seam-connected) to the can body.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a tool assembly configured to form a can end. 9A-9G illustrate the progression of the upper tool assembly as it moves from a first position to a second position.

Figure 10 is a flow diagram of the disclosed method.

Figure 11 is a top view of another embodiment of a can end.

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the can end of Figure 11 . Figure 12A is a detailed view of the can end of Figure 12. Figure 12A is a detailed view of the can end of Figure 12;

Figure 13 is a partially schematic detailed cross-sectional view comparing a reinforced annular countersunk head with a prior art annular countersunk head.

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a can end. Figure 14A is a detailed view of another embodiment of a can end. Figure 14B is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the can end of Figure 14 being joined by a seamer.

Figure 15 is a flow diagram of the disclosed method.

Figure 16 is an isometric top view of another embodiment of a can end.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the can end of FIG. 16 .

Fig. 18 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the can end of Fig. 16. Figs.

Figure 19 is a flow diagram of the disclosed method.

Detailed ways

It is to be understood that the specific elements illustrated in the drawings herein and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concepts and are provided as non-limiting examples for purposes of illustration only. Accordingly, the specific dimensions, orientation, components, number of parts used, embodiment construction, and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosed concepts.

Directional phrases such as clockwise, counterclockwise, left, right, top, bottom, upward, downward, and their derivatives when used herein refer to the orientation of the elements illustrated in the figures unless expressly stated otherwise herein. It does not limit the claims.

As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, "constructed to [verb]" means that an identified element or component has a structure that is shaped, sized, arranged, coupled, and/or configured to perform the identified verb. For example, a member "configured to move" is movably coupled to another element and includes an element that causes the member to move, or the member is otherwise configured to move in response to another element or component. Thus, as used in this article, "construct into [verb]" describes structure rather than function. Furthermore, as used herein, "constructed to [verb]" means that an identified element or component is intended and designed to perform the identified verb. Thus, an element that is merely capable of performing an identified verb but is not intended and not designed to perform an identified verb is not "constructed as a [verb]."

As used herein, "associated with" means that elements are part of the same component and/or operate together, or act/interact with each other in some manner. For example, a car has four tires and four hubcaps. Although all elements are connected as part of the car, it is understood that each hubcap is "associated" with a specific tire.

As used herein, a "coupling assembly" includes two or more couplings or coupling components. Often parts of a coupling or coupling assembly are not part of the same element or other component. As such, components of the "coupling assembly" may not be simultaneously described in the following description.

As used herein, a "coupling" or "coupling component" is one or more components of a coupling assembly. That is, the coupling assembly includes at least two components configured to be coupled together. It will be appreciated that the components of the coupling assembly are compatible with each other. For example, in the coupling assembly, if one coupling part is a buckle socket, the other coupling part is a buckle plug, or if one coupling part is a bolt, the other coupling part is a nut.

As used herein, a "fastener" is a separate component configured to couple two or more elements. So, for example, a bolt is a "fastener" but a tongue and groove joint is not a "fastener". That is, the tongue and groove elements are part of the elements being joined rather than being separate components.

As used herein, a statement that two or more parts or components are "coupled" shall mean that the parts are joined together, either directly or indirectly (i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components) whenever a connection occurs. or operate together. As used herein, "directly coupled" means that two elements are in direct contact with each other. As used herein, "fixedly coupled" or "fixed" means that two components are coupled so as to move as one unit while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. Therefore, when two elements are coupled, all parts of those elements are coupled. However, a description that a particular part of a first element is coupled to a second element, for example an axle first end coupled to a first wheel, means that the particular part of the first element is disposed closer to the second element than other parts. Furthermore, an object resting by gravity alone on another object held in place is not "coupled" to the lower object unless the upper object is otherwise substantially held in place. That is, for example, the book on the table is not connected to the table, but the book stuck on the table is connected to the table.

As used herein, the phrase "removably coupled" or "temporarily coupled" means that one component is coupled to another component in a substantially temporary manner. That is, the two components are coupled in such a way that connection or separation of the components is easy and does not damage the components. For example, two parts that are secured to each other using a limited number of easily accessible fasteners (i.e., fasteners that are not inaccessible) are “removably coupled” whereas welding together or by inaccessible fasteners The two parts of the coupling are not "removably coupled." An "inaccessible fastener" is a fastener that requires removal of one or more other components before accessing the fastener, where the "other component" is not an access device such as, but not limited to, a door.

As used herein, "temporarily disposed" means that a first element or component rests on a second element or component such that the first element/component is allowed to move without the need to decouple or otherwise manipulate the first element. For example, a book that is simply resting on a table, that is, a book that is not glued or fastened to the table, is "temporarily set" on the table.

As used herein, "operably coupled" means that a plurality of elements or components each movable between a first position and a second position or a first configuration and a second configuration are coupled such that when a first As an element moves from one position/configuration to another, a second element also moves between positions/configurations. It is noted that a first element can be "operably coupled" to another element, but not the reverse.

As used herein, "corresponding" means that two structural components are sized and shaped to be similar to each other and can be coupled with a minimum amount of friction. Therefore, the size of the opening "corresponding to" the component is slightly larger than the component so that the component can pass through the opening with a minimum amount of friction. This definition can be modified if the two parts are to fit "tightly" together. In that case, the difference between component sizes is even smaller, increasing the amount of friction. If the element defining the opening and/or the part inserted into the opening is made of a deformable or compressible material, the opening may even be slightly smaller than the part inserted into the opening. With respect to surfaces, shapes, and lines, two or more "corresponding" surfaces, shapes, or lines usually have the same size, shape, and outline.

As used herein, "path of travel" or "path" when used in connection with a moving element, includes the space through which the element moves as it moves. Therefore, any element that is inherently moving has a "path of travel" or "path". Furthermore, a "path of travel" or "path" relates to the movement of an overall identifiable formation relative to another object. For example, assuming the road is perfectly smooth, the rotating wheels on a car (an identifiable construct) typically do not move relative to the car's body (another object). That is, the wheel as a whole does not change its position relative to, for example, adjacent fenders. Therefore, the spinning wheels have no "path of travel" or "path" relative to the car's body. Rather, the intake valve (a recognizable configuration) on that wheel does have a "path of travel" or "path" relative to the car body. That is, when the wheels rotate and move, the intake valve as a whole moves relative to the car's body.

As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are "engaged" with each other means that the elements exert a force or bias on each other, either directly or through one or more intervening elements or components. Furthermore, as used herein with respect to a moving part, a moving part may "engage" another element during movement from one position to another and/or may "engage" another element once in that position. Thus, it will be understood that statements such as "When element A moves to element A's first position, element A engages element B" and "When element A is in element A's first position, element A engages element B" are equivalent statements and mean that element A engages element B when moved to element A's first position and/or that element A engages element B when in element A's first position.

As used herein, "operably engaged" means "engaged and movable." That is, when used with respect to a first component configured to move a movable or rotatable second component, "operably engaged" means that the first component exerts a force sufficient to cause movement of the second component. For example, a screwdriver can be placed in contact with the screw. When no force is exerted on the screwdriver, the screwdriver is simply "coupled" to the screw. If an axial force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver presses against the screw and "binds" it. However, when a rotational force is applied to the screwdriver, the screw "operably engages" the screw and causes the screw to rotate.

As used herein, "suspended" means extending from another element at an angle other than zero (0°) regardless of direction. That is, for example, the "hanging" sidewalls may extend generally upwardly from the base. Furthermore, "hanging" sidewalls inherently have distal ends.

As used herein, the word "whole" refers to components created as a single piece or unit. That is, an assembly that consists of parts created separately and then joined together as a unit is not a "whole" assembly or body.

As used herein, the term "amount" refers to one or an integer greater than one (ie, a plurality).

As used herein, in the phrase "[x] moves between its first position and its second position" or "[y] is configured to move [x] between its first position and its second position" , "[x]" is the name of the component or component. Furthermore, when [x] is an element or component that moves between several positions, the pronoun "its" means "[x]", the named element or component that precedes the pronoun "its".

As used herein, the phrase "about", for example, "disposed about [element, point, or axis]" or "extends about [element, point, or axis]" or "[X] about [element, point, or axis] ] into a certain degree" means to surround, extend around or measure around. When referring to a measurement or used in a similar manner, "about" means "approximately," that is, within the approximate range associated with the measurement, as one of ordinary skill in the art will understand.

As used herein, a "radial side/surface" for a circular or cylindrical body is a side/surface that surrounds or surrounds its center or a height line passing through its center. As used herein, an "axial side/surface" for a circular or cylindrical body is a side that extends in a plane extending generally perpendicular to a height line through the center. That is, generally, for a cylindrical soup can, the "radial sides/surfaces" are the generally circular side walls, and the "axial sides/surfaces" are the top and bottom of the soup can.

As used herein, "generally curvilinear" includes elements having a plurality of curved portions, a combination of curved portions and planar portions, and a plurality of planar portions or sections disposed at an angle relative to each other to form a curve.

As used herein, "substantially" means "in a general manner" with respect to the modified term, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, "substantially" means "substantially" in relation to the modified term, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, "at" means on and/or near the modified term, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The following discussion and figures use the generally cylindrical can end 12 discussed below as an example. It should be understood that the concepts disclosed and claimed are applicable to any shape of can end 12 and that the cylindrical shape discussed and illustrated is exemplary only. Figures 1 and 2 show a prior art easy-open can end 1, hereafter referred to as the "existing can end" 1. The existing can end 1 includes an opener (such as, but not limited to, a tab 2 ) attached (such as, but not limited to, riveted) to a tear strip or severable panel 3 . The cuttable panel 3 is defined by a score line 4 in the outer surface 5 (eg the common side) of the existing can end 1 . The tab 2 is configured to be lifted and/or pulled to sever the score line 4 and deflect and/or remove the severable panel 3 to form an opening for dispensing the contents of the can (not shown). As shown, when viewed in cross-section in Figure 2, the existing can end 1 includes a central panel 6, an annular countersunk 7, a collet wall 8 and a bead 9. It will be appreciated that the existing can end 1 is formed from a generally or substantially planar blank 10 (Fig. 9A, schematically shown). In the exemplary embodiment, the blank 10 is a generally planar disk as is known.

The blank 10 is initially formed into a modified shell 13, as shown in Figures 3-4, and then further formed into a modified can end 12 (hereinafter and as used herein, a "can end" 12), as shown in Figures 5 and 6 . As mentioned above and as used herein, "can end" 12 and shell 13 include common elements and are identified in the figures using similar reference numerals, including: center panel 14, annular portion 16, collet wall 18 and hem 20. Furthermore, the can end 12 has an outer or "common" side 22 and an inner or "product" side 24 . The common and product sides 22, 24 are related to the configuration of the can end 12 when the can end 12 is coupled to the filled can body 60 (Fig. 8). As used herein, the center panel 6, 14 is "generally planar" even if it includes recesses, rivets, and other formed features.

In the exemplary embodiment, annular portion 16 includes a "reduced gauge construction" 11, Figure 6A. As used herein, "reduced gauge construction" refers to a construction that increases the resistance of the tank end 12 to buckling and other deformations that occur after the tank end 12 is coupled to the tank body 60 . Furthermore, as used herein, "reduced gauge construction" refers to construction provided in the annular portion 16 only between the center panel 14 and the chuck wall 18 . The reduced gauge construction 11 is configured to and does allow the can end 12 to be made of material having a "reduced original thickness".

As noted above, the "given thickness" of a particular can end is determined by many factors, such as, but not limited to, the geometry and construction of the finished container. Therefore, this application does not limit "reduced original thickness" to a specific thickness or range of thicknesses. In contrast, as used herein, "reduced original thickness" refers to a thickness that is less than an "established thickness." Therefore, the "reduced original thickness" depends on the geometry and construction of the finished container as well as other factors. Alternatively, as used herein, "reduced original thickness" means a material having an original thickness that is thinner than the "established thickness" of a particular type, model, and/or class of can ends. The "given thickness" of a particular can end is well known in the art.

The following discussion relates to an exemplary can end 12 that is a steel shell/can end 12 for a common 18.6 ounce soup can (which is the same container discussed in the background above). When the tank end 12 includes the reduced gauge construction 11, the sheet material (ie, steel plate) has an original thickness of approximately 0.0079 inches. Therefore, the can end 12 has a "reduced original thickness" compared to the stated thickness of 0.0090 inches for this exemplary can end. Additionally, the use of reduced gauge construction 11 allows the tank end to withstand a buckling pressure of 34.6 psi and a reverse buckling pressure of 30.0 psi, see Figure 6A and/or Figure 12A. The pressure resistance of the tank end 12 having the reduced gauge construction 11 is substantially the same as that of a known tank end, and the tank end 12 having the reduced gauge construction 11 may be used instead of the known tank end.

That is, a can end 12 made of a material with a reduced original thickness and incorporating the concepts disclosed herein can be used with the same can body as a can end of a given thickness. This solves the above problem. Furthermore, as used herein, a can end 12 that encompasses the concepts disclosed herein and is made of a material having a "reduced original thickness" is a "reduced original thickness can end" 12 .

For reference, as used herein, the plane of the blank 10 defines the "original plane" of the blank 10 and the resulting can end 12 . As discussed below, the "original plane" is also the plane of the center panel 6, 14 immediately adjacent and inboard of the annular portion 16, ie towards the center of the can end 12. It should be noted that the existing can end 1 (Fig. 2) includes an annular countersunk portion 7 extending from the periphery of the center panel 6 towards the product side 24. That is, the existing can end 1 does not include an annular ridge 50 as defined below.

As shown in FIG. 7 , and as described above, the can end 12 includes a center panel 14 , an annular portion 16 , a collet wall 18 and a bead 20 . The following terms are used to describe the characteristics of components of the can end 12 . As used herein, bead 20 has a "bead height," which means the vertical distance between the top of bead 20 and the distal end of bead 20. As used herein, "countersunk depth" refers to the vertical distance between the top of bead 20 and the bottom of annular countersunk 52, as described below. As used herein, "panel depth" refers to the vertical distance between the bottom of the annular countersunk portion 52 and the bottom of the center panel 14 . As used herein, "reverse panel depth" refers to the vertical distance between the top of annular ridge 50 (described below) and the top of center panel 14 . It should be noted that the existing tank end does not have the "reverse panel depth" of Figure 7 because the existing tank end 1 does not have the annular ridge 50. Additionally, as used herein, can end 12 has an "outer" or "common" side 22 and an "inner" or "product" side 24. The "outer" or "common" side 22 is the side exposed to the atmosphere when the can end 12 is coupled to the can body 60 . The "inner" or "product" side 24 is the side that is not exposed to the atmosphere when the can end 12 is coupled to the can body 60 .

Center panel 14 is generally planar. As shown in FIG. 6A , the center panel 14 includes a score line 30 on the common side 22 . Score line 30 defines a tear strip or severable panel 32 . In the embodiment shown, the cuttable panel 32 occupies a majority of the center panel 14, as is the case with (but not limited to) can ends 12 used for food containers. In this configuration, the center panel 14 includes a peripheral portion 34 and a breakable panel 32 . It will be appreciated that in order to open the container including the can end 12, the severable panel 32 is removed (or displaced) relative to the peripheral portion 34.

The annular portion 16 is disposed around the center panel 14 and is integral with the center panel. In one exemplary embodiment, the reduced gauge construction 11 includes an annular ridge 50 . That is, the annular portion 16 includes an annular ridge 50 and an annular countersunk portion 52 . As used herein, a "ridge" begins and ends in the same general plane (hereinafter referred to as the ridge plane, shown as "RP" in Figure 7) and includes peaks, that is, when viewed from a plane having a plane generally perpendicular to the central panel The vertex of the cross-section plane when viewed in cross-section. At the ridge plane, the maximum width of the "ridge" is approximately 0.100 inches. The width of the ridge is the distance between the upward slope (shown as "U" in Figure 7) and the downward slope (shown as "D" in Figure 7) measured at the ridge plane and is shown in Figure 7 for "W". Furthermore, as used herein, an "annular ridge" extends around or substantially around the severable panel 32 . Accordingly, features on the shell or can end such as broad layers (such as, but not limited to, layer "T" in Figures 1 and 2), localized protrusions or recesses do not define an "annular ridge" as used herein. For example, the "panel structure" (reference numeral 118) in U.S. Patent No. 9,616,483 is not and does not include an "annular ridge" because the "panel structure 118" does not extend around the severable panel defined by the score lines.

In the exemplary embodiment, annular ridge 50 has a height, measured from the top of the ridge plane to the top of center panel 14 , between about 0.010 inches and 0.050 inches, or about 0.040 inches. This offset also defines the "reverse panel depth" of the center panel 14 . That is, as shown, the plane of the ridge is substantially the same as the plane of the center panel 14 . Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , an annular ridge 50 extends upwardly from the center panel 14 . In the exemplary embodiment, annular ridge 50 curves upwardly from center panel 14 (when viewed in cross-section, as shown in FIG. 8 ), wherein the curve has a radius of between about 0.010 inches and 0.030 inches or about 0.015 Inch radius (R1). Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, annular ridge 50 is generally curvilinear or generally arcuate. When the annular ridge 50 is generally arcuate, the annular ridge 50 has an inner radius (R2), ie, the radius of the curve between and including the upward slope and the downward slope, between about 0.010 inches and 0.030 inches. between or about 0.015 inches. Annular ridge 50 is the portion disposed around and adjacent center panel 14 . An annular ridge 50 in any configuration and having the characteristics described above solves the above problems.

In the exemplary embodiment, annular portion 16 includes a generally planar portion 54 (when viewed in the cross-section shown in Figure 7), hereinafter referred to as "annular planar portion" 54. It should be noted that the plane of the annular planar portion 54 is not coplanar with the plane of the center panel 14 , nor is it parallel to the plane of the center panel 14 . That is, the plane of the annular planar portion 54 is angled relative to the plane of the center panel 14 . In the exemplary embodiment, the length of the annular planar portion 54 is between about 0.015 inches and 0.050 inches or about 0.035 inches, where "length" is measured from the annular ridge 50 to the annular countersunk 52 . If included, annular planar portion 54 is disposed around and proximate annular ridge 50 .

In one embodiment, annular countersunk portion 52 is disposed around and proximate annular ridge 50 . In another embodiment, annular countersunk portion 52 is disposed around and proximate annular planar portion 54 . As used herein, "annular countersunk head" 52 begins and ends in the same general plane (hereinafter referred to as the countersunk head plane, shown as "CP" in FIG. 7 ) and includes the lowest point, i.e., when starting from the center panel 14 The plane is roughly vertical to the bottom vertex when viewed in cross section, as shown in Figure 7. At the plane of the countersunk, the "annular countersunk" 52 has a maximum width of approximately 0.120 inches. The width of the annular countersunk 52 is the distance between the downward slope (not labeled in the figure) and the upward slope (not labeled in the figure) measured at the plane of the countersunk. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the annular countersunk portion 52 is generally curvilinear or generally arcuate. When the annular countersunk portion 52 is generally arcuate, the annular countersunk portion 52 has an inner radius, ie, the radius of the curve between and including the upward slope and the downward slope, between about 0.015 inches and 0.050 inches. The space may be approximately 0.020 inches.

As shown in FIG. 6A , the collet wall 18 is disposed around and proximate the annular countersunk portion 52 . The bead 20 is disposed around and adjacent the collet wall 18 . That is, bead 20 extends radially outward from collet wall 18 . As is known, as shown in Figure 8, the can end 12 is coupled, directly coupled, secured or "seam-jointed" (as described below) to the can body 60, thereby forming the container 70. Can body 60 includes a base 62 and upwardly depending side walls 64 . The tank body 60 defines a generally enclosed space 66 .

As mentioned above, the can end 12 including the annular portion 16 with the annular ridge 50 and the annular countersunk 52 allows the use of thinner or already thinned materials relative to the existing can end 1 . In the exemplary embodiment, the body 10 or the material forming the body 10 has an original thickness. During the formation of can end 12, as described below, in one exemplary embodiment, the original thickness is maintained. In another exemplary embodiment, during the formation of can end 12, the original thickness is generally reduced, or the thickness of selected portions thereof is reduced. Whether the same as the original thickness or reduced from the original thickness, the elements of the can end 12 begin with a material having a reduced original thickness, as defined above, and end with a final thickness. That is, in the exemplary embodiment, each of the center panel 14 , annular portion 16 , collet wall 18 and bead 20 initially has a reduced original thickness and ends with a final thickness. In exemplary embodiments, the reduced original thickness and/or final thickness is between about 0.0050 inches or 0.0096 inches, or about 0.0079 inches. The above problems are solved by using a can end 12, ie a can end 12 with a reduced original thickness.

The can end 12 described above is formed in the tool 100 or tool assembly 100 as shown in FIG. 9 . Tool 100 includes upper tool assembly 102 and lower tool assembly 104 . The upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 cooperate to form the material disposed therebetween into the can end 12 as described above. That is, as described above, upper tool assembly 102 and lower tool assembly 104 cooperate to form annular portion 16 having annular ridge 50 and annular countersunk 52 . That is, the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 cooperate to form an annular ridge 50 disposed substantially above the original plane and to form an annular countersunk 52 disposed substantially below the original plane. In the exemplary embodiment, the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 cooperate to form an annular ridge having a generally arcuate cross-section and to form an annular countersunk 52 having a generally arcuate cross-section.

In the exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9 , upper tool assembly 102 includes upper die base 200 , upper tool holder 202 , die center riser 204 , “blanking and drawing” die punch 206 (i.e., element 206 (a single element that cuts and draws the blank from the sheet material), upper piston 208, die center punch 210, and, for embodiments with reverse panels, upper reverse panel insert 212. In the same exemplary embodiment, the lower tool assembly 104 includes a lower die base 220 , a lower tool holder 222 , a core ring 224 , a panel punch piston 226 , a lower piston 228 , a panel punch 230 , a cutting edge having a cutting edge 234 ring 232, and lower reverse panel insert 236. The interaction of these elements is shown in sequence in Figures 9A-9G. It should be noted that for the sake of clarity, the green body 10 is not shown in Figures 9B-9G, but is schematically shown in Figure 9A. Movement of these elements is generally disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,857,374, and the discussion associated with Figures 2-13 of that patent is incorporated by reference, it being understood that the upper reverse panel insert 212 is in contact with the mold center punch 210 (U.S. The mold center 52) of U.S. Patent 5,857,374 moves together, and the lower reverse panel insert 236 moves together with the panel punch 230 (element 125 of U.S. Patent 5,857,374).

Thus, as shown in FIG. 10 , a method of manufacturing a can end 12 having an annular ridge 50 and an annular countersunk 52 includes providing 1000 a sheet material defining an original plane; providing 1002 a can end 12 having an upper tool assembly 102 and a lower tool assembly 104 Tool 100; introducing 1004 material between upper tool assembly 102 and lower tool assembly 104; cutting 1005 blank 10 from sheet material; shaping 1006 material or blank 10 to include center panel 14, disposed about center panel 14 annular portion 16, a collet wall 18 disposed about annular portion 16, and a bead 20 extending radially outwardly from collet wall 18 (hereinafter "shaping the material 1006"); and forming 1008 the annular portion 16 It includes an annular ridge 50 and an annular countersunk portion 52 . In the exemplary embodiment, forming 1008 the annular portion 16 to include the annular ridge 50 and the annular countersunk portion 52 includes forming 1020 the annular countersunk portion 52 to be disposed generally below the original plane and forming 1022 the annular ridge 50 to be disposed generally below the original plane. above the plane. Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment, shaping 1008 the annular portion 16 to include the annular ridge 50 and the annular countersunk 52 includes shaping 1030 the annular countersunk 52 as an arc having a single center and between approximately 140° and 180°. extending upward; forming 1032 the annular countersunk portion 52 to have a radius between approximately 0.015 inches and 0.050 inches or approximately 0.020 inches; forming 1034 the annular ridge 50 to have a single center and extend over an arc between approximately 140° and 180° , or extending over an arc of approximately 150° in one embodiment, or extending over an arc of approximately 160° in another embodiment; and shaping 1036 the annular ridge 50 to have a thickness of between approximately 0.010 inches and 0.030 inches or approximately 0.015 inch radius.

In another exemplary embodiment, providing 1000 a sheet material defining an original plane includes providing 1040 a material having a reduced original thickness, wherein the reduced original thickness is between about 0.0055 inches and 0.0110 inches, between about 0.0050 inches and 0.0096 inches, or about 0.0079 inches, where after the material is formed 1006 to include the center panel 14 , the annular portion 16 , the collet wall 18 and the bead 20 and bead 20 each have a final thickness, wherein the final thickness is substantially the same as the reduced original thickness, i.e., between about 0.0055 inches and 0.0110 inches, between about 0.0050 inches and 0.0096 inches, or about 0.0079 inches.

In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the reduced gauge construction 11 includes a reinforced annular countersunk portion 110 and/or an annular tapered portion 112 . That is, in this embodiment, the annular portion 16 includes a reinforced annular countersunk portion 110 and/or an annular tapered portion 112 . As used herein, "reinforced annular countersunk head" refers to a countersunk head that is part of the tank end 12 where the panel depth is between approximately eight and nine times the final thickness of the center panel 14 . Additionally, "reinforced annular countersunk head" means that the countersunk head does not start and end in the same plane. In contrast, "reinforced annular countersunk" 110 includes a curved portion 122 (discussed below) or an arcuate portion (shown by line "EAC" in Figure 12A) between about 115° and 160°, or about 135°. Additionally, as used herein, a "reinforced annular countersunk head" is radially wider than a standard seam clamp 502, as discussed below. That is, as shown in FIG. 13 , the existing annular countersunk portion 7 (imaginary portion) has approximately the same radial width as the standard seam clamp 502 . However, the radial width of the reinforced annular countersunk portion 110 is much wider than that of a standard seam clamp 502 .

In the exemplary embodiment, annular planar portion 54 is a “reinforced annular planar section” 120 disposed between center panel 14 and annular countersunk portion 52 . As used herein, "reinforced annular planar portion" means that the height of the annular planar portion 54 (ie, the distance measured perpendicular to the plane of the center panel 14 as shown in FIG. 12A ) is approximately eight to nine times the final thickness of the center panel 14 between. In this configuration, the depth of the annular countersunk 52 , measured from the bottom of the annular countersunk 52 to the bottom of the center panel 14 , is greater than the depth of the annular countersunk 52 on the existing tank end 12 . This solves the above problem. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing annular planar portion 120 extends generally perpendicular to the plane of the center panel 14 .

In the exemplary embodiment, reinforcing annular planar portion 120 is disposed proximate and extends around center panel 14 . Furthermore, the reinforcing annular countersunk portion 110 is disposed immediately adjacent to the reinforcing annular planar portion 120 and extends around the reinforcing annular planar portion 120 . As shown in FIG. 12A , the reinforcing annular countersunk portion 110 is generally curvilinear, or generally arcuate, when viewed in cross-section, and is hereinafter identified as generally curvilinear portion 122 . The reinforcing annular countersunk portion 110, or generally curved portion 122, extends between approximately 115° and 160°, or approximately 135°. In the exemplary embodiment, generally curved portion 122 is generally arcuate. Additionally, the generally curved portion 122 has a radius of between about 0.015 inches and 0.050 inches, or about 0.020 inches.

In the exemplary embodiment, the reinforced annular countersunk portion 110 is surrounded or surrounded by the annular tapered portion 112 . That is, the annular tapered portion 112 is disposed immediately adjacent to the reinforcing annular countersunk portion 110 and extends around the reinforcing annular countersunk portion 110 . As used herein, an "annular tapered portion" is angled, that is, not generally perpendicular or generally parallel to the plane of the center panel 14 . As shown, the annular tapered portion 112 is at an angle (as shown by angle α) of between approximately 25° and 50° relative to the plane of the center panel 14 (which is also the original plane or parallel to the original plane). As used herein, an angle between about 25° and 50° is not generally perpendicular or generally parallel to the reference plane. In this embodiment, the annular tapered portion 112 is generally straight (when viewed in the cross-section shown), and is a "straight annular tapered portion" 112 as used herein. That is, as used herein, "straight annular tapered portion" 112 refers to an annular tapered portion 112 that does not include a "step" or similar variation, such as a double step, as defined below.

Additionally, as used herein, an "annular tapered portion" slopes upward and outward. That is, the end of the annular tapered portion 112 adjacent the reinforced annular countersunk 110 has a smaller radius relative to the end of the annular tapered portion 112 adjacent the chuck wall 18 and the end of the annular tapered portion 112 adjacent the reinforced annular The end of the countersunk portion 110 has a greater offset (ie, a distance perpendicular to the plane of the center panel 14 ) relative to the end of the annular tapered portion 112 adjacent the chuck wall 18 . In the exemplary embodiment, the radial width of the annular tapered portion 112 is between approximately six and eight times the final thickness of the center panel. As used herein, “radial width” refers to a distance measured generally parallel to the plane of center panel 14 .

In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figures 14, 14A, and 14B, annular tapered portion 112A includes first section 130 and second section 132. The first section 130 of the annular tapered portion is disposed around and adjacent the reinforcing annular countersunk portion 110 . The second section 132 of the annular tapered portion is disposed around and proximate the first section 130 of the annular tapered portion. The first section 130 of the annular tapered portion is at an angle of between approximately 35° and 65°, or approximately 55°, with the plane of the center panel 14 . The second section 132 of the annular tapered portion is at an angle between approximately 15° and 30° or approximately 20° with the plane of the center panel 14 . In this configuration, the interface 134 between the first section 130 of the annular tapered portion and the second section 132 of the annular tapered portion defines a "step" 136 when viewed in cross-section. As used herein, a "step" is the transition area between two planes. In this embodiment, as used herein, annular tapered portion 112A is a "stepped annular tapered portion" 112A. That is, as used herein, "stepped annular tapered portion" 112A means the annular tapered portion 112 as described above also including "steps."

The step 136 and the "standard clamp wall" 18A above the step 136 are configured and engaged by the standard seam clamp 502, as shown in Figure 14B. As used herein, a "standard collet wall" is a collet wall 18 configured to engage a seaming collet configured to seam the ends of prior art cans, and with prior art collet wall 18A (FIG. 2) The same or substantially the same. Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment, the first section 130 of the annular tapered portion has a height between approximately 0.040 inches and 0.085 inches, and the second section 132 of the annular tapered portion has a height between approximately 0.010 inches and 0.030 inches. height between.

In the exemplary embodiment, collet wall 18 is a "standard" collet wall 18A. As used herein, a "standard" collet wall 18A is configured to be joined by a standard seam collet 502 . That is, container 70 is generally of standard size, such as, but not limited to, a 12 ounce beverage container (not shown). Food and beverage manufacturers obtain can ends 12 and can bodies 60 processed in seam press 500 from various manufacturers, as described below. For the can end 12 and the can body 60 to be machined, they must be of standard size. Thus, as used herein, "standard" collet wall 18A means a collet wall configured and engaged by a standard seaming collet 502 for common container sizes known in the art. Furthermore, "standard seaming chuck" refers to a seaming chuck configured to seam common prior art shell or can ends 1 . It should be understood that different sized containers are associated with different sized seaming collets; therefore, a "standard seaming collet" refers to a seaming collet associated with a particular size container. In other words, just as an example, a 12-ounce beverage container has one size of "standard seam collet," while a 3.5-ounce sardine container has a different size of "standard seam collet."

As previously described, the standard chuck wall 18A is disposed around and adjacent the annular countersunk portion 52 . The crimp 20 is disposed around and adjacent the standard chuck wall 18A. That is, bead 20 extends radially outward from standard collet wall 18A. As is well known, the can end 12 is coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to the can body 60 to form the container 70 .

In another exemplary embodiment, annular portion 16 includes each of annular ridge 50 , reinforced annular countersunk portion 110 , and annular tapered portion 112 , or any combination thereof, each as described above. In other words, the reduced gauge construction 11 of the can end 12 includes an annular ridge 50 , a reinforced annular countersunk 110 and an annular tapered portion 112 . The use of these reduced gauge constructions 11 solves the above problems, thereby reducing the original and final thickness of the can end 12 relative to known techniques.

The can end 12 with the reinforced annular countersunk portion 110 and/or the annular tapered portion 112 is formed in the tool 100 generally as described above. Also note that to form the reinforced annular countersunk portion 110 and/or the annular tapered portion 112, the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 are configured to cooperate to form the material disposed therebetween into the can end 12, the can end 12. The end portion 12 includes a center panel 14, an annular portion 16 disposed about the center panel 14, a standard collet wall 18A disposed about the annular portion 16, and a bead 20 extending radially outwardly from the standard collet wall 18A.

In the exemplary embodiment, upper tool assembly 102 and lower tool assembly 104 are substantially similar to the tool assemblies of U.S. Patent 5,857,374, except that the peripheral contour of the center of the mold (element 52 of U.S. Patent 5,857,374) is shaped to substantially correspond to that described above. The annular countersunk portion 110 and the straight annular tapered portion 112 or the stepped annular tapered portion 112A are reinforced. That is, the upper tool assembly 102 includes a punch configured to form a reinforced annular countersunk as defined above.

In the exemplary embodiment, upper tool assembly 102 and lower tool assembly 104 are configured to form a reinforced annular planar portion 120 extending generally perpendicular to the plane of center panel 14 . Additionally, upper tool assembly 102 and lower tool assembly 104 are configured to form and do form an annular tapered portion 112 at an angle between approximately 25° and 50° relative to the plane of center panel 14 , and upper tool assembly 102 and lower The tool assembly 104 is configured to form, and does form, an annular tapered portion 112 having a radial width approximately six to eight times the final thickness of the center panel. The can end 12 is then processed by a seaming assembly including a known standard seaming chuck 502 .

Thus, as shown in Figure 15, a method of manufacturing a can end 12 having a reinforced annular countersunk portion 110 and/or an annular tapered portion 112 includes: providing 1000 a sheet material defining an original plane; providing 1002 an upper tool assembly 102 and Tool 100 of lower tool assembly 104; introduce 1004 material between upper tool assembly 102 and lower tool assembly 104 (as described above); cut 1005 blank 10 from sheet material; and shape 1006 the material to include a center panel 14. An annular portion 16 disposed about the center panel 14, a standard collet wall 18A disposed about the annular portion 16, and a bead 20 extending radially outwardly from the standard collet wall 18A; the annular portion 16 is formed 2008 to include reinforcement. An annular countersunk portion 110 and an annular tapered portion 112 , wherein the annular tapered portion 112 is disposed around the reinforced annular countersunk portion 110 .

Additionally, forming 2008 the annular portion 16 to include the reinforced annular countersunk portion 110 and the annular tapered portion 112 includes forming 2010 the reinforced annular countersunk portion 110 as an arc having a single center and being between approximately 115° and 160° or approximately 135°. extending upward; forming 2012 the reinforced annular countersunk portion 110 to a radius of between about 0.015 inches and 0.050 inches or about 0.020 inches; forming the straight annular tapered portion 112 to have a radius of between about 25° and 50° relative to the original plane Angle. Additionally, forming 2008 the annular portion 16 to include a reinforced annular countersunk portion 110 and a stepped annular tapered portion 112A includes forming 2020 the annular tapered portion 112 to have a first section 130 and a second section 132, the annular tapered portion 112A. A first section 130 of the annular countersunk section 110 is arranged around the reinforced annular countersunk section 110 and a second section 132 of the annular conical section is arranged around the first section 130 of the annular conical section with the central The plane of the panel 14 forms an angle between approximately 35° and 65°, and the second section 132 of the annular tapered portion forms an angle between approximately 15° and 30° with the plane of the central panel 14 .

In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 16-18, a can end 12A having a reduced gauge construction 11 includes a "subsurface step" 150 and is constructed from a blank having a "reinforced diameter" and "reduced original thickness" Body 10A is formed. As mentioned above, there is an "established thickness" for each specific type, model and/or style of can and/or can end. Likewise, there are "established blank dimensions" for each specific type, model and/or style of can and/or can end. As used herein, "a given blank size" means that the blank has the original diameter of a given type, model and/or style of can and/or can end as is well known in the art. Additionally, as used herein, a blank 10A having a "reinforced diameter" refers to a blank 10A that forms a can end 12A that is sized to be consistent with known can ends for a particular type, model, and/or style of can. Correspondingly, the diameter of the green body is greater than the "established green body size". Additionally, as used herein, "reinforced can end" 12A or "reinforced can end body" 40A means a can end 12A or can end body 40A formed from a blank having a "reinforced diameter." That is, as used herein, "reinforced can end" 12A or "reinforced can end body" 40A refers to the blank 10A in which the "reinforced can end" 12A or "reinforced can end body" 40A is formed. It is a green body 10A with a "reinforced diameter" and does not mean a product produced according to the process.

Furthermore, since a specific can end, i.e., each specific type, model, and/or style of can end, has a "given thickness" and a "given blank size," i.e., diameter, each specific can end has There is a "established volume". That is, the blank used to form a particular can end has a "given volume." The blank 10A used to form the reinforced can end 12A using the reduced gauge construction 11 has a "reduced volume". That is, as used herein, a "reduced volume" body 10A refers to a body that is less than a "given volume" of a particular type, model and/or type of can end while also having a larger diameter for a "given body size" body. Furthermore, a "reduced volume" can end 12A refers to a can end 12A formed from a "reduced volume" blank 10A. That is, as used herein, the term "volume-reduced" can end 12A refers to the volume, ie, structure, of the can end 12A and does not imply the product made by a process. Similarly, a "reduced volume" can end body 40A refers to a can body 40A formed from a "reduced volume" blank 10A. That is, as used herein, the term "volume-reduced" can end body 40A refers to the volume, ie, structure, of the can end body 40A and does not imply a product made by a process.

Additionally, as used herein, "subsurface step" refers to a "step" in the can end annular portion 16 that is disposed below the plane of the upper surface or product side of the center panel 14. Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment, a "subsurface step" 150 is disposed within or immediately adjacent to the "reinforced annular tapered portion" 112B, and is identified herein as a "reinforced annular tapered portion" Surface Lower Steps” 150. That is, "reinforced annular tapered portion" refers to a portion of the annular portion 16 that is disposed around the annular countersunk portion 7 and has an angle of about 0 Between ° and 30° or an upward angle of approximately 5°. As shown, a "subsurface step" 150 is disposed between the reinforced annular tapered portion 112B and the standard chuck wall 18A; as used herein, this configuration is a "standard collet subsurface step." Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment, a "subsurface step" 150 is disposed adjacent or immediately proximate the "box" annular countersunk portion 52A. As used herein, a "box" annular countersunk head 52A refers to a countersunk head 52 disposed between a first annular planar portion 54A and a second annular planar portion 54B, where the first annular planar portion 54A and the second annular planar portion 54B are generally perpendicular to the plane of the center panel 14 . As used herein, a "subsurface step" 150 disposed adjacent or immediately proximate the "box" annular countersunk portion 52 is a "super" subsurface step 150. Therefore, the subsurface step 150 disposed between the "box" annular countersunk portion 52A and the standard chuck wall 18A is, as used herein, a "standard chuck metasurface substep" 150.

That is, as shown in Figure 16, in this embodiment, the can end 12A includes a body 40 having a center panel 14, annular portion 16, collet wall 18 and bead 20, as described above. Can end body 40 is a reinforced can end body and can end 12A is a reinforced can end. That is, the can end 12A is initially a blank 10 having a "reinforced diameter." Additionally, the can end 12A as well as the can end body 40 have a reduced original thickness.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the annular portion 16 includes a first annular planar portion 54A, an annular countersunk portion 52, a second annular planar portion 54B, a reinforcing annular tapered portion 112B, and a subsurface step 150. In the exemplary embodiment, first annular planar portion 54A extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of center panel 14 . Similarly, second annular planar portion 54B extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of center panel 14 . The annular countersunk 52 is disposed between the first annular planar portion 54A and the second annular planar portion 54B and is therefore a "box" annular countersunk 52A as defined above. Thus, the annular countersunk portion 52 extends around the first annular planar portion 54A and the second annular planar portion 54B extends around the annular countersunk portion 52 . Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, annular countersunk portion 52 is generally arcuate and extends over an arc of generally 180 degrees. That is, the annular countersunk portion 52 is generally semicircular when viewed in cross-section as shown in FIG. 18 .

Reinforced annular tapered portion 112B is similar to annular tapered portion 112 described above, but has an angle relative to the plane of center panel 14 of between about 0° and 30°, or about 5°. That is, as used herein, "reinforced annular tapered portion" is similar to "annular tapered portion" but with a cone angle of between approximately 0° and 30° relative to the plane of the center panel 14 . As used herein, "specifically reinforced annular tapered portion" is similar to "annular tapered portion" but with a cone angle of about 5° relative to the plane of the center panel 14 .

The subsurface step 150 is disposed below the plane of the center panel 14 and, as shown, below the plane of the bottom surface of the center panel 14 . A subsurface step 150 is provided between the reinforced annular tapered portion 112B and the chuck wall 18 . That is, the subsurface step 150 defines the transition from the reinforced annular tapered portion 112B to the collet wall 18 . In the exemplary embodiment, the collet wall 18 is a standard collet wall 18A as defined above. Standard collet wall 18A is disposed around annular portion 16 and proximate subsurface step 150 and/or reinforced annular tapered portion 112B.

As previously described, the can end 12A is configured and coupled, directly coupled, secured or seamed to the filled can body 60 to form the container 70, as described above.

Can end 12A with box annular countersunk 52A and/or subsurface step 150 is formed in tool 100 generally as described above. It is further noted that to form the box annular countersunk portion 52A and/or the subsurface step 150, the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 are configured to cooperate to form the material disposed therebetween into the can end 12A. Can end 12A includes a center panel 14, an annular portion 16 disposed about the center panel 14, a standard collet wall 18A disposed about the annular portion 16, and a bead 20 extending radially outwardly from the standard collet wall 18A. Additionally, the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 are configured to cooperate to form material disposed therebetween into a first annular planar portion 54A, an annular countersunk portion 52, a second annular planar portion 54B, a reinforced annular tapered portion 112B and surface lower step 150.

In the exemplary embodiment, upper tool assembly 102 and lower tool assembly 104 are substantially similar to the tool assemblies of U.S. Patent 5,857,374, except that the peripheral contour of the center of the mold (element 52 of U.S. Patent 5,857,374) is shaped to substantially correspond to that described above. Box annular countersunk head 52A and/or subsurface step 150. That is, upper tool assembly 102 includes a punch configured to form box annular countersunk 52A and/or subsurface step 150 as defined above. In the exemplary embodiment, upper tool assembly 102 and lower tool assembly 104 are further configured to form reinforced annular tapered portion 112B. The can end 12A is then processed by a seaming assembly including a known standard seaming chuck 502 .

Additionally, as shown in Figure 19, a method of manufacturing a can end 12A having a box annular countersunk portion 52A and/or a subsurface step 150 includes providing 1000 a sheet material defining an original plane; providing 1002 an upper tool assembly 102 and Tool 100 of lower tool assembly 104; introduce 1004 material between upper tool assembly 102 and lower tool assembly 104 (as described above); cut 1005 blank 10 from sheet material; and shape 1006 the material to include a center panel 14. An annular portion 16 disposed about the center panel 14, a standard collet wall 18A disposed about the annular portion 16, and a bead 20 extending radially outward from the standard collet wall 18A; the annular portion 16 is formed 2008A to include An annular planar portion 54A, annular countersunk portion 52, a second annular planar portion 54B, a reinforcing annular tapered portion 112B and a lower surface step 150. Additionally, forming 2008A the annular portion 16 to include the first annular planar portion 54A, the annular countersunk portion 52, the second annular planar portion 54B, the reinforced annular tapered portion 112B, and the subsurface step 150 includes forming the reinforced annular tapered portion 112B. 2010A is an angle between about 0° and 30° or about 5° relative to the plane of the center panel 14 .

Accordingly, the can end 12A constructed as shown in FIGS. 16-18 uses less material than prior art can ends of the same type, model, and/or style. As a specific but non-limiting example, prior art "Standard 307" can ends are used in containers for tuna, vegetables, fruits, dog food, and other products. _The diameter of the "standard 307" can end in its final form is approximately 3 ^7/16 inches. This "Standard 307" is formed from a blank with an initial diameter of 3.933 inches and an initial thickness of 0.0087 inches. Therefore, the volume of the prior art blank for a "standard 307" can end is 0.1057 cubic inches. A "modified 307" can end 12A constructed as shown in Figures 16-18 is formed from a blank having an original diameter of 4.095 inches and an original thickness of 0.0075 inches. Therefore, as noted above, the "modified 307" can end 12A has a green volume of 0.0988 cubic inches. It should be noted that this "modified 307" can end 12A is a "reinforced can end" as defined above because the diameter of the blank used to form the "improved 307" can end 12A is larger than that of the prior art" Improved "established blank dimensions" for 307" can ends. Additionally, since the "established thickness" of the "standard 307" can end is 0.0087 inches, the "modified 307" can end 12A also has a "reduced original thickness." Furthermore, because the "Improved 307" can end 12A is made from a blank 10A having a "reduced original thickness" and a "reinforced diameter," the "Improved 307" can end 12A is "reduced in volume." Can end 12A, as defined above. This also means that the can end body 40A is a "reduced volume" can end body 40A. It should be understood that this is a non-limiting example and that those skilled in the art will be able to produce can ends having "reduced original thickness,""reinforceddiameter," or "reduced diameter" relative to those types, models, and/or styles of construction described above. Any other specified type, model and/or style of can end of any of the "small volume" categories.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and substitutions are possible in those details in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the specific arrangements disclosed are intended only to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the invention, which is to be given by the appended claims, along with the full scope of any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims (14)

1. A can end configured to be coupled to a can body, the can end comprising: tank end body; and wherein the tank end body includes a reduced gauge construction; The can end body includes a center panel, annular portion, collet wall and crimp; The annular portion is disposed around the center panel; the chuck wall is disposed around the annular portion; the bead extends radially outward from the collet wall; and wherein said annular portion includes a reinforcing annular tapered portion and a subsurface step disposed within or immediately adjacent said reinforcing annular tapered portion, wherein the annular portion further includes a first annular planar portion, a countersunk head and a second annular planar portion, in: the first annular planar portion is perpendicular to the center panel; and The second annular planar portion is perpendicular to the center panel. 2. The can end of claim 1, wherein the can end body has a reduced original thickness. 3. The can end of claim 1, wherein the can end body is a reinforced can end body. 4. The can end of claim 1, wherein the can end body is a reduced volume can end body. 5. The can end of claim 1, wherein the subsurface step is one of a reinforced annular tapered section subsurface step, a standard collet surface substep, a metasurface substep, or a standard collet metasurface substep. A sort of. 6. The can end of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing annular taper is an annular taper having a cone angle of 5° relative to the plane of the center panel. 7. The can end of claim 1, wherein: The center panel, the annular portion, the collet wall, and the bead each have a final thickness; and The final thickness is between 0.0055 inches and 0.0110 inches. 8. A container comprising: a tank body including a base and suspended side walls, the tank body defining an enclosed space; tank end body; wherein the tank end body includes a reduced gauge construction; the can end body is coupled to a distal end of a side wall of the can body; The can end body includes a center panel, annular portion, collet wall and crimp; The annular portion is disposed around the center panel; the chuck wall is disposed around the annular portion; the bead extends radially outward from the collet wall; and wherein said annular portion includes a reinforcing annular tapered portion and a subsurface step disposed within or immediately adjacent said reinforcing annular tapered portion, wherein the annular portion further includes a first annular planar portion, a countersunk head and a second annular planar portion, in: the first annular planar portion is perpendicular to the center panel; and The second annular planar portion is perpendicular to the center panel. 9. The container of claim 8, wherein the can end body has a reduced original thickness. 10. The container of claim 8, wherein the can end body is a reinforced can end body. 11. The container of claim 8, wherein the can end body is a reduced volume can end body. 12. The container of claim 8, wherein the subsurface step is one of a reinforced annular tapered portion surface substep, a standard chuck surface substep, a metasurface substep, or a standard chuck metasurface substep. . 13. The container of claim 8, wherein the reinforced annular tapered portion is an annular tapered portion with a cone angle of 5° relative to the plane of the center panel. 14. The container of claim 8, wherein: The center panel, the annular portion, the collet wall, and the bead each have a final thickness; and The final thickness is between 0.0055 inches and 0.0110 inches.