Abstract: A cutting apparatus and method are disclosed to form the preferential fracture line of a capsule for closing containers, in which a rotating carousel carries a plurality of spindles, each of which can engage a respective capsule that is rolled against a contact surface made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and in which a fixed blade with a circular sector performs the cut on the rolling capsule, the cutting apparatus and method being applicable to capsules of different dimensions and types.

Abstract: In a method according to the invention for the manufacture of tear notches (22) in can lids (11), the can lid (11) is subjected in the press tool (10) to a laser engraving during which the desired tear notch (22) is generated. The laser ablation process occurs preferably, with the press tool (10) closed, within a time period of less than 30 ms. During this time, the focal spot (27) of the laser beam (26) is moved over the whole desired contour of the tear notch (22) so that an uninterrupted groove-like cavity is formed. With the use of laser engraving in the press tool, the mechanical wear of the press tool and of the press molds can be minimized and in this way the tool operating life can be increased. In particular, the manufacture of can lids with consistently high quality is ensured.

Abstract: A tooling assembly for scoring a can end is provided. First and second opposing tool members cooperate to create a depression in the can end, and to form a scoreline within the depression. A conversion press for converting a can end shell into a can end, and a method for scoring a can end are also provided. The method includes engaging a first side of the can end with a score knife, supporting at least a portion of a second side of the can end with a score anvil, depressing the can end into a cavity of the score anvil to form the depression, and forming the scoreline within the depression. The depression and scoreline are formed substantially simultaneous within the same tool station of the conversion press. A sealant, which is applied to the scoreline, forms a pool within the depression, thereby completely covering the scoreline.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The mold apparatus has a pair of upper and lower molds being used for forming a score on one side surface of an easy-opening can end fabricated by a laminated metal sheet. The upper mold has a convex part for forming the score, and the cross sectional shape of the convex part at the portion contacting the laminated metal sheet is composed of a curve having a change rate of inclination of 0.08 or smaller to the upper surface of the facing lower mold, or having the curve and a straight line. The formed score has a maximum width of 0.80 mm or smaller.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a flexible tab used to open beer/beverage can ends and food can ends. The tab has a plurality of slots provided in about a middle part of the tab between a nose portion and a lift portion on opposing sides of the tab. The slots combine to form a fulcrum that extends generally transverse to an axis that passes along a length of the tab. The fulcrum allows the lift portion to pivot upwards and downwards in relation to the nose portion. The tab also has a paneled or beaded area adjacent to the slots at about the middle part of the tab. Tooling for the manufacture of the flexible tab is also provided. A method for manufacturing the flexible tab is additionally provided as well.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a fracture cut between the cup and the safety ring in plastic caps, which comprises rotary elements provided with at least one mandrel that can be arranged inside the cup and is suitable to produce the rolling, about its own axis of symmetry, of the side wall of the cup along the cutting edge of a blade for making the cut, the blade being associated with an inlet path portion adapted to axially offset the cup with respect to the rotation axis of the mandrel by clamping the side wall against the mandrel; the apparatus also comprises elements for recentering the cup with respect to the rotation axis.

Abstract: A tooling assembly for scoring a can end is provided. First and second opposing tool members cooperate to create a depression in the can end, and to form a scoreline within the depression. A conversion press for converting a can end shell into a can end, and a method for scoring a can end are also provided. The method includes engaging a first side of the can end with a score knife, supporting at least a portion of a second side of the can end with a score anvil, depressing the can end into a cavity of the score anvil to form the depression, and forming the scoreline within the depression. The depression and scoreline are formed substantially simultaneous within the same tool station of the conversion press. A sealant, which is applied to the scoreline, forms a pool within the depression, thereby completely covering the scoreline.

Abstract: A non-circular can end for a container having walls which form an opening includes a corner-mounted pull tab opener secured to a severable panel portion by an integral rivet. The corner-mounted opener facilitates easy opening of the can end. A pair of generally parallel bead recesses on either side of the integral rivet stiffen the severable panel portion in order to facilitate bending of the panel aft of the rivet to easily open the can end. The severable panel optionally further includes a mustache-shaped scoreline to reduce the amount of force required to lift the opener. Tooling and a conversion press for converting shells into the non-circular can ends are also disclosed.

Abstract: A non-circular can end for a container having walls which form an opening includes a corner-mounted pull tab opener secured to a severable panel portion by an integral rivet. The corner-mounted opener facilitates easy opening of the can end. A pair of generally parallel bead recesses on either side of the integral rivet stiffen the severable panel portion in order to facilitate bending of the panel aft of the rivet to easily open the can end. The severable panel optionally further includes a mustache-shaped scoreline to reduce the amount of force required to lift the opener. Tooling and a conversion press for converting shells into the non-circular can ends are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tamper indicating closure comprising a base wall and a peripheral skirt having an internal thread adapted to engage the threads of a container wherein a tamper indicating band is provided on the skirt by a plurality of circumferentially spaced bridges. The band includes portions adapted to engage an annular bead on the container. The bridges are formed by using a primary knife having an interrupted cutting edge to produce a circumferential score in the side wall of the closure leaving spaced connectors or bridges followed by using a secondary knife having a continuous cutting edge to provide a continuous external score line and an accurately dimensional radial thickness of the bridges. In a preferred method and apparatus, the closures engage the successive primary and secondary knives and are moved such that the closures roll relative to the knives.

Abstract: An easy open safety end having a central portion and a rim portion separated by a score line. A tab applies a force to the end adjacent the score line so as to shear the score line at opening. A circumferentially extending fold is formed in either the central portion or the rim portion, or both, to protect the user from being cut by the sharp edge the results upon shearing the score line. A first circumferential portion of the fold is tight, whereas a second portion, which is preferably proximate the tab is loose. The fold is displaced below a portion of the end adjacent the score line by a circumferentially extending gap. In the tight portion of the fold, the width of the gap is less than the thickness of the end, and preferably less than one half the thickness, whereas in the loose portion of the fold, the width of the gap is greater than the thickness of the end, and is preferably at least twice the thickness of the end.

Abstract: Movement of rollers used for reforming an inner wall of a metal container bottom such as an aluminum beverage container is controlled at least partially using a rigid link coupled to other components of a reformer apparatus by a pin having a stepped profile. The stepped-profile pin preferably defines first and second shoulder regions. Undesired spaces or gaps in the pin-axial or thrust direction are reduced or eliminated by closely-positioning bushing flanges or thrust washers adjacent the shoulders.

Abstract: A can lid having a top plate, a tab, a rivet, a score, a tongue, a first deboss, an emboss, a second deboss, and an embossed ridge. The first deboss is formed entirely within the score. The second deboss and emboss are formed entirely within the first deboss. The second deboss is formed by matching arcuate sidewalls, and has a sloped bottom surface. The rivet is offset from a center of the lid. The tongue is disposed between the rivet and top plate perimeter where the rivet is closest to the perimeter. The emboss is uniformly spaced from the score. An embossed ridge is uniformly spaced from the score outside of the score. In another embodiment, the second deboss is replaced with a contact emboss. A die insert for forming the first deboss, emboss, and second deboss (and, alternatively, contact emboss) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A can lid of the fully-open type has a disk-shaped panel, a score notched endlessly in a surface of the panel along an outer circumferential edge of the panel, for forming an opening in the panel, and a tab fixed to the panel by a rivet. The tab is attached in a direction substantially perpendicular to an initial tear-off line of the score. The surface of the panel which is concealed from view by the tab is printed with a circular mark representing a rolling direction in which the material of the panel has been rolled. The score is defined such that the rolling direction extends substantially at a right angle to the initial tear-off line of the score. The panel has an auxiliary score defined in the surface thereof near the rivet and positioned across the rivet from the initial tear-off line substantially parallel to the initial tear-off line and separate therefrom.

Abstract: An easy open safety end having a central portion and a rim portion separated by a score line. A tab applies a force to the end adjacent the score line so as to shear the score line at opening. A circumferentially extending fold is formed in either the central portion or the rim portion, or both, to protect the user from being cut by the sharp edge the results upon shearing the score line. A first circumferential portion of the fold is tight, whereas a second portion, which is preferably proximate the tab is loose. The fold is displaced below a portion of the end adjacent the score line by a circumferentially extending gap. In the tight portion of the fold, the width of the gap is less than the thickness of the end, and preferably less than one half the thickness, whereas in the loose portion of the fold, the width of the gap is greater than the thickness of the end, and is preferably at least twice the thickness of the end.

Abstract: A can lid having a top plate, a tab, a rivet, a score, a tongue, a first deboss, an emboss, a second deboss, and an embossed ridge. The first deboss is formed entirely within the score. The second deboss and emboss are formed entirely within the first deboss. The second deboss is formed by matching arcuate sidewalls, and has a sloped bottom surface. The rivet is offset from a center of the lid. The tongue is disposed between the rivet and top plate perimeter where the rivet is closest to the perimeter. The emboss is uniformly spaced from the score. An embossed ridge is uniformly spaced from the score outside of the score. In another embodiment, the second deboss is replaced with a contact emboss. A die insert for forming the first deboss, emboss, and second deboss (and, alternatively, contact emboss) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for forming an easy open lid comprising a central panel having a score strip with a score thereon, a crimping edge and a ring enabling the lid to be opened by perforation of the score. The score on the lid is formed from a metal lid outline supported by an anvil by displacing a punch of angle alpha thereover and causing an asymmetrical flow of metal between the punch and the anvil during the displacing. This reduces the risk of crack formation in the metal at the bottom portion of the score or beneath the score.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for scoring a metallic container wall, which facilitates scoring thin gauge, hard temper metal such as coated or uncoated aluminum to reduced score residuals wherein the scoring tool has a secondary antifracture score indenter on one or both sides of a primary indenter and in which the outboard secondary indenter has an outboard face angled about 30 to 40 degrees to vertical.

Abstract: A method of seaming a circular cover panel (1) provided with a turnable pull ring (2) onto the body of a can. The cover panel comprises a circumferential score line (5) as close as possible to the rim portion (6) of said panel. The pull ring (2) on the cover panel used is mounted in a non-radial position on said cover panel (1) with the result that a clearance (a) is provided between the rim portion (6) of the cover panel and the nose (3) of the pull ring, and a clearance (b) is provided between the rim portion (6) of the cover panel and the handle part (2) of the pull ring. As a result, a closing chuck can be inserted in these clearances (a, b) during the seaming of the cover panel. In this manner the seaming operation is very simple and very rational because it is not necessary to use a particular closing chuck, and because the cover panel need not be angularly positioned on the seaming machine before the closing chuck and the cover panel are moved towards each other.

Abstract: A process for further treating a closure end made of sheet material is provided, particularly for beverage cans, in which an annular fringe region is radially coupled between the central panel portion and a radius of curvature coupled to a core groove with an inner leg. The central panel portion is squeezed such that material is displaced (flows) from the fringe region in a substantially radial outward direction towards the radius of curvature. The squeezing is accomplished by a coining tool having a coining surface operable to contact the closure end. The closure surface is pressed against the closure end causing the thickness of the sheet material of the closure end to be reduced in the annular fringe region. The reduction in thickness gradually decreasing in the direction of the radius of curvature. The material displaced by the squeezing flowing towards the radius of curvature.

Abstract: Scoreline, profiling and reinforcing features are provided for an easy-access sheet metal end closure (20) and an integral opener (44). An endwall panel (28) is formed so as to substantially eliminate flexing of the sheet metal during rupture of residual metal of scoreline means defining a U-shaped tear strip (30). Such tear strip is oriented with its arcuately-shaped closed end (32) contiguous to the periphery of such endwall panel -with scoreline legs (34, 35) directed toward a portion at its geometric center (26). The opener is fabricated with a chisel-point (92) at its working end (66) to initiate puncture of such arcuate-shaped scoreline by Class I lever action. Rupturing of the scoreline is followed by pivoting of the opener about a pair of fulcrum points, (82, 83) which contact the panel one each external to a, side of opening 62, with movement of the opening about such fulcrum points rupturing the scoreline legs by Class; II lever action.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in chime seam joinder of a sheet metal convenience-feature end closure (133) to a sheet metal can body (153) having a non-cylindrical sidewall. Countersunk panel (112) with unitary chuck wall (100) interfit within an open end of the can body. A peripheral scoreline (102) in the countersunk panel, which contiguous to the chuck wall, defines the separable endwall panel. After that separation, substantially no obstruction to removal of solid-pack contents, as a single piece, remains. Seaming chuck tooling (172) provides continuous backing support peripherally along the inner surface of the chuck wall during chime seam joinder. Cutaway shaping (180) of seaming chuck portions 176, 177 eliminates registry concerns as to whether a single longitudinally-rigid integral opener (148), with its working edge (136) contiguous to the panel peripheral scoreline and the chuck wall, is located at either distal end of a centrally located axis (174) of the end closure.

Abstract: A tamper indicating closure comprising a base wall and a peripheral skirt having an internal thread adapted to engage the threads of a container wherein a tamper indicating band is provided on the skirt by a plurality of circumferentially spaced bridges. The band includes portions adapted to engage an annular bead on the container. The bridges are formed by using a primary knife having an interrupted cutting edge to produce a circumferential score in the side wall of the closure leaving spaced connectors or bridges followed by using a secondary knife having a continuous cutting edge to provide a continuous external score line and an accurately dimensional radial thickness of the bridges. In a preferred method and apparatus, the closures engage the successive primary and secondary knives and are moved such that the closures roll relative to the knives.

Abstract: A pressurized container end has a frangible member covering an opening in the end. The frangible member is cut away from the end by the action of increased pressure from within the container against the member. A protrusion in a portion of the end is depressed into the container for increasing pressure in the container. In an alternate form of the invention, the container itself is depressed inwardly for causing the increased pressure sufficient to cut the frangible member away from the end. Various opening geometries are each formed with a cutting edge.

Abstract: Convenience-feature sheet metal end closure structure and tooling apparatus including a new scoring tool configuration (94) which enables a peripheral scoreline (102), which defines a separable convenience-feature endwall panel (112), to be located contiguous to the end closure chuck wall (100) which interfits about its periphery with the open end of a container side wall. The resulting convenience-feature endwall panel is separated such that substantially no obstruction to removal of solid-pack contents as a single piece remains. The separable panel (112) can be formed with a multiple-layer fold (127) of sheet metal extending along its periphery so as to shield torn residual metal remaining with the panel after severance along such peripheral scoreline.

Abstract: Forming a convenience-feature, sheet metal end closure structure (180, 216) for a container having a non-cylindrical side wall (250). Scoring and back-up tooling enable peripheral scoring (102, 130, 142) on either surface of such end closure to define a separable panel (160, 218) with its peripheral scoreline located contiguous to the end closure chuck wall (132, 144); which interfits within the open end of the container body. Separation of such endwall panel leaves substantially no obstruction to removal of solid-pack contents. The separable panel is provided with means to prevent tear-out of a segment of the endwall panel and retain an integral opener (148) with the panel.

Abstract: An easy-open container end includes a displacable panel defined by a score line having curved tails which is in parallel relationship with adjacent means for reinforcing, thereby reducing opening failures, while controlling tearing. A score die and anvil is further provided wherein a four bolt pattern provides greater resistance to distortion and more even mounting stress distribution, resulting in more even score line residuals and reduced opening failures.

Abstract: A punch press has first and second sets of tooling mounted longitudinally of a press conveyor belt. The second set of tooling is located externally of the usual press columns. A second ram slidably mounted on the outside of the columns is driven by a connecting arm eccentrically mounted on a crankshaft extension. The second ram drives the upper tooling of the second tooling set in a reciprocating manner. The second ram can be operated out of phase with the main ram to reduce the total tonnage required of the press.

Abstract: For welding tongues (12) onto sheet-metal parts (10), particularly tear-open can parts, a welding machine having at least one pair of welding electrodes (62, 63) is provided. The sheet-metal parts (10) can be moved through the machine steps between the welding electrodes (62, 63), one behind the other, by a sheet-metal conveyor (15) and be located in a defined position by a positioning device (17). The tongues (12) can each be placed against a sheet-metal part (10) between the welding electrodes (62, 63) in synchronism with the working cycle of the sheet-metal conveyor (15) by a tongue conveyor (18).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the spacing between a metal forming punch and a die pad in which the method includes supporting the work-piece on a fluid supported pad and the periphery of the work-piece on a fluid supported sleeve, engaging the workpiece with a forming punch and, during a portion of the travel of the forming punch, moving the pressure sleeve and the support pad for the central portion of the workpiece simultaneously while maintaining the spacing between the top of the pad and the bottom of the punch. The apparatus includes a die pad riser attached to the pad and to a pressure sleeve, both of which are movable in response to movement of the punch during a portion of the travel of the punch. The pressure sleeve is secured to the die pad riser so that the spacing between the punch and the die pad is maintained during such movement.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements to easy opening container ends. More particularly, it relates to a new improved method of forming a hinged connection between a tab and an end panel.

Abstract: An easy open can end having a retained tear strip extending diametrically partly across the can end defined by a score line, and a graspable pull tab adjacent and outside the open end of the score line. The pull tab is provided with a nose portion to initiate a tear along the score line upon lifting of the pull tab. The edges of the nose portion are curled into a cylindrical cross-sectional shape to provide a high beam strength and to rigidize the nose portion and to prevent failure by bending before the tear strip is opened. A method for manufacture of the pull tab includes forming at least one relief knotch in the peripheral edge of the pull tab blank at the nose end thereof, whereby to relieve compressive forces when the edge is curled, and curling the peripheral edge of the nose portion in successive steps to form an edge portion of continuous cylindrical cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: This relates to the formation of a line of weakening in the form of a score in a metal sheet for defining a line along which the metal sheet may be ruptured. It has been found that when the metal sheet in the area which is to be scored is compressed, the metal sheet may be more easily scored to a controlled residual with a minimum of undue fracture. Accordingly, beads are coined on the underside of the metal sheet on opposite sides of the intended position of the score in a first operation to compress the metal. The then compressed metal is engaged by a conventional scoring die on the opposite surface thereof and scoring of the metal is effected in the normal manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making metallic-convenience closure for a cylindrical container by forming a panel with an endless severing line formed in the panel and defining a central removable portion and a peripheral fixed portion adapted for attaching a closure to the end of a container to close the end and attaching manually graspable pull-tab is attached to the removable portion of the panel, the pull-tab having a nose portion movable upon lifting of the tab into position adjacent the score line for severing the score line. The tab includes a first portion which is attached by a rivet to the removable portion of the panel, a second portion extending radially outwardly toward the score line, and a manual graspable portion integral with the second portion and extending radially inwardly.

Abstract: A method of providing a can end plate with a score and a tab for facilitating the opening of the can. The method comprises the steps of lining the can end plate with a layer of a thermoplastic resin at at least one side thereof, forming a score in the can end plate through the layer of thermoplastic resin and attaching a tab member to the can end plate, and heating and pressing the thermoplastic resin to melt, press and charge the thermoplastic resin into the score while sealing the juncture between the tab member and the can end plate by means of the thermoplastic resin, thereby to completely eliminate any leak or exudation of the content through the score and the juncture between the tab member and the can end plate.

Abstract: A resilient stop block for gradually loading the ram of a press for scoring easy open can ends to assure an accurately controlled residual and reduce press noise. The resilient stop block replaces the conventional solid stop block and comprises a metallic member having a longitudinal bore and vertically spaced overlying pairs of diametrically opposed angularly oriented segmental slots extending inwardly through the sides of the block into the bore. The resilient stop block is compressable by the overlying solid stop block as the ram approaches the press bed.

Abstract: A non-silver scored metal end closure member, and an apparatus and method for forming the same, are disclosed, characterized by the provision of a continuous scoreline between the radius and central panel portions of the end. The scoreline includes, in cross-sectional profile, a horizontal flat bottom wall, and outwardly divergent outer and inner side walls. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the scoreline is contained in the upper horizontal surface of the metal end, the other side wall of the scoreline being concave and having a radius less than that of the radius portion of the metal end, the bottom wall being tangent to the outer side wall. The inner side wall comprises either a flat surface arranged at an obtuse angle of about 165.degree. relative to the bottom wall, or a concave surface tangent to the bottom wall. In another modification, the inner side wall is concave and tangent to the bottom wall, the radius of the inner side wall being at least as great as that of the outer side wall.