Abstract: A platform panel or module is provided to construct a surface for a deck, floor, wall, ceiling, or roof. The panel or module comprises a decorative top layer integral with or joined to a structural, composite molded platform. Each platform panel or module has two complementary module-coupling sides that take advantage of the full width of each joist that supports the platform. Also, male and female connecting members are disposed along the module-coupling sides that enable one platform panel or module to be efficiently and positively interlocked with an adjacent panel or module. Each panel or module can be fastened on one side to a single joist while being secured on its opposite side to an adjoining panel or module. The panels or modules are also designed to cover over an entire joist substructure, including the beginning-of-sequence and end-of-sequence joists.

Abstract: A two piece container having a hidden peripheral seam is described. The seam between the upper portion and the lower portion of the container is formed of mating flanges on the upper and lower portions of the container and it is effectively hidden from view by placing the seam at the base of the neck in containers having a relatively long slender neck above a relatively larger diameter main body portion or by placing the seam immediately below a relatively larger diameter shoulder near the base of the upper section of the container so that the seam is visually obscured by the shoulder section. Other complimentary decoration and finishing techniques for reducing the visibility of the seam on such a container are also described.

Abstract: A container such as a can of carbonated beverage, including an upwardly open metal body having a sidewall with an annular upper portion having a reduced-diameter neck formed therein, and a metal top structure such as a lid having an annular portion secured to the annular upper portion of the sidewall along an annular seam extending outwardly and substantially horizontally or downwardly, from the sidewall. The sidewall edge portion is formed into an outwardly projecting annular flange immediately above the neck, the annular lid portion overlies the annular flange, and the seam includes a metal member holding the annular peripheral lid portion and the annular flange together. The lid may be upwardly domed by internal pressure. A method of producing the container by filling it, adhesively bonding the lid to the flange, and forming the metal seam member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for seaming a can end to a can body and a can made thereby. The can end has a side wall forming an angle in the range of about 12° to 15°. A seaming chuck is inserted into the can end adjacent its side wall. The seaming chuck has upper and lower walls. The upper wall is essentially cylindrical or slightly negatively tapered. The lower wall is disposed at an angle very close to that of the can end side wall so that the upper and lower chuck side walls form an obtuse angle in the range of about 162° to 168°. A can seamed using such a chuck will have a segmented, kinked side wall comprising upper and lower substantially straight sections intersecting at a circumferentially extending crease and forming an obtuse angle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for seaming a can end to a can body and a can made thereby. The can end has a side wall forming an angle in the range of about 12.degree. to 15.degree.. A seaming chuck is inserted into the can end adjacent its side wall. The seaming chuck has upper and lower walls. The upper wall is essentially cylindrical or slightly negatively tapered. The lower wall is disposed at an angle very close to that of the can end side wall so that the upper and lower chuck side walls form an obtuse angle in the range of about 162.degree. to 168.degree.. A can seamed using such a chuck will have a segmented, kinked side wall comprising upper and lower substantially straight sections intersecting at a circumferentially extending crease and forming an obtuse angle.