Patents Assigned to Ball Corporation
  • Patent number: 11897021
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a container that may be sealed and reclosed with a threaded closure. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods of manufacturing a metallic container having an opening with inwardly facing threads. The threads are formed on the metallic container by pressing a neck portion of the metallic container against closure threads of a threaded closure which is inserted at least partially into the opening. The container threads may optionally be formed while the threaded closure is in tension. In this manner, after the container threads are formed, the closure threads can apply a force to the container threads such that the threaded closure is in tension. The container opening may be selectively sealed and reclosed with the threaded closure which releasably engages the container threads. Novel apparatus and methods of sealing metallic containers and forming threads on the metallic containers are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: BALL CORPORATION
    Inventors: John R. Ross, Anthony J. Scott, Howard C. Chasteen, Linda A. Hines
  • Patent number: 11891208
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a container that may be sealed and reclosed with a threaded closure. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods of manufacturing a metallic container having an opening with inwardly facing threads that are formed after a threaded closure is inserted at least partially into the opening. The container opening may be selectively sealed and reclosed with the threaded closure which releasably engages the container threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: BALL CORPORATION
    Inventors: John R. Ross, Anthony J. Scott, Howard C. Chasteen, Linda A. Hines
  • Patent number: 11813657
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a tool operable to releasably join a metallic end closure to a metallic container. In one embodiment, the tool is configured to form a thread in the closure and the container. The tool may optionally crimp the closure to the container. Once sealed, the container can be opened by rotating the closure in an opening direction. The closure can subsequently re-close the container by rotating the closure in a closing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: BALL CORPORATION
    Inventor: John R. Ross
  • Publication number: 20230302517
    Abstract: A metal cup and method of forming the same is provided. Metal cups of the present disclosure comprise a plurality of thin, straight-walled sections and a tapered profile. A domed portion is provided in the bottom of the cup. The cup may comprise a disposable cup, a reusable cup, or a recyclable cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: Ball Corporation
    Inventors: Sean K. Fitzsimons, Matthias Van De Liefvoort, Jonathan A. Whitmore, John L. Siles
  • Patent number: 11703778
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods of decorating a metallic container are provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods used to provide a decoration or indicia on a predetermined portion of an outer surface of a metallic container body. The decorator includes at least one digital print unit, a transfer blanket, and a support element. The digital print unit transfers a decorating material to the transfer blanket to form a decoration on the transfer blanket. The support element then moves a metallic container into contact with the transfer blanket. In this manner, the decorating material is transferred to an exterior surface portion of the metallic container to decorate the metallic container. In one embodiment, the digital print unit is an electrophotographic system which transfers a toner material to the transfer blanket. In another embodiment, the digital print unit includes an inkjet print head which transfers an ink to the transfer blanket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: BALL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Adam P. S. Stowitts
  • Publication number: 20220404818
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for marking a metallic workpiece for tracking and tracing the metallic workpiece throughout its production and consumer lifecycle are disclosed. The mark may be formed on a sheet of a metallic material. In some embodiments, a bodymaker forms a cup from a blank cut from the sheet into the metallic workpiece with the mark positioned on a closed end of the metallic workpiece. The mark is scanned for tracking and tracing at various points during the production of the metallic workpiece and during the lifecycle of the metallic workpiece, such as at a point of filling, point of sale and a collection point where the metallic workpiece is recycled or destroyed. Information collected as the mark is scanned provides valuable information that can be used to improve the manufacturing process, strategic production and distribution, incentivize recycling of the metallic workpiece, and to improve deposit return programs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Applicant: Ball Corporation
    Inventors: Julian Stock, Maxwell Peevey, John Efner, Adam P.S. Stowitts, Kaitlyn Bock, Brandon Rinehart, John Ross, Alin Scorosanu
  • Patent number: 11519057
    Abstract: Novel aluminum alloys are provided for use in an impact extrusion manufacturing process to create shaped containers and other articles of manufacture. In one embodiment blends of recycled scrap aluminum are used in conjunction with relatively pure aluminum to create novel compositions which may be formed and shaped in an environmentally friendly process. Other embodiments include methods for manufacturing a slug material comprising mixtures of aluminum alloys for use in the impact extraction process, a container manufactured using the aluminum alloy in an impact extrusion process, and the container, wherein the material of the container is the aluminum alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: BALL CORPORATION
    Inventors: John L. Siles, Samuel Melancon, Stanley Platek, Anthony Chatey
  • Publication number: 20220347736
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a tool operable to releasably join a metallic end closure to a metallic container. In one embodiment, the tool is configured to form a thread in the closure and the container. The tool may optionally crimp the closure to the container. Once sealed, the container can be opened by rotating the closure in an opening direction. The closure can subsequently re-close the container by rotating the closure in a closing direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Applicant: BALL CORPORATION
    Inventor: John R. Ross
  • Patent number: 11485539
    Abstract: An end closure for food and beverage containers provides controlled opening characteristics to prevent the unintentional missiling of a tear panel. The end closure comprises a score line that defines a portion of the tear panel, and the end closure may comprise one or more anti-missile features that inhibit the propagation of a fracture down a score line, which reduces the likelihood that a tear panel will inadvertently detach from the end closure and injure the user or another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: BALL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Dennis K. Frank
  • Publication number: 20220324689
    Abstract: Methods of sealing a metallic container are provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods that reduce the amount of force applied to a metallic bottle to seal the metallic bottle with a ROPP closure. The methods include use of a capping apparatus that may include more thread rollers than known capping apparatus. Optionally, the thread rollers may use more forming passes to form threads on the ROPP closure. The capping apparatus may also rotate one or more of the ROPP closure and the metallic container in a closing direction before the metallic container is discharged. In one embodiment, the thread rollers form the closure threads before or after a pilfer roller applies a sideload to the ROPP closure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Applicant: BALL CORPORATION
    Inventors: John R. Ross, David J. Bonfoey
  • Patent number: 11459223
    Abstract: Methods of sealing a metallic container are provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods that reduce the amount of force applied to a metallic bottle to seal the metallic bottle with a ROPP closure. The methods include use of a capping apparatus that may include more thread rollers than known capping apparatus. Optionally, the thread rollers may use more forming passes to form threads on the ROPP closure. The capping apparatus may also rotate one or more of the ROPP closure and the metallic container in a closing direction before the metallic container is discharged. In one embodiment, the thread rollers form the closure threads before or after a pilfer roller applies a sideload to the ROPP closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: BALL CORPORATION
    Inventors: John R. Ross, David J. Bonfoey
  • Patent number: 11446730
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a tool operable to releasably join a metallic end closure to a metallic container. In one embodiment, the tool is configured to form a thread in the closure and the container. The tool may optionally crimp the closure to the container. Once sealed, the container can be opened by rotating the closure in an opening direction. The closure can subsequently re-close the container by rotating the closure in a closing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: BALL CORPORATION
    Inventor: John R. Ross
  • Publication number: 20220289431
    Abstract: A metal cup and method of forming the same is provided. Metal cups of the present disclosure comprise a plurality of thin, straight-walled sections and a tapered profile. A domed portion is provided in the bottom of the cup. The cup may comprise a disposable cup, a reusable cup, or a recyclable cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Applicant: BALL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Anthony J. Scott
  • Patent number: D968893
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: BALL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Whitmore, Mark A. Jacober, Anthony J. Scott
  • Patent number: D974845
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: BALL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Whitmore, Adam D. Mitchell, Sean K. Fitzsimons
  • Patent number: D978618
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: BALL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Whitmore, Adam D. Mitchell, Sean K. Fitzsimons
  • Patent number: D980069
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Ball Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony J. Scott
  • Patent number: D982458
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Ball Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Whitmore, Linda A. Hines
  • Patent number: D1000962
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Ball Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Whitmore, Linda A. Hines
  • Patent number: D1012617
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: BALL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sean K. Fitzsimons, Jonathan A. Whitmore, Linda Hines