Abstract: A can end (10) has a curl (14) extending circumferentially about a longitudinal axis (50). A circumferential wall (15) extends downwardly. A strengthening member (16) is joined to lower segment of the circumferential wall (15). A center panel (12) extends radially inwardly from the circumferential strengthening member (16). A rivet (38) attaches a tab (28) to the center panel (12). A cover is attached to the tab (28) and is rotation therewith. A frangible score (24) in the center panel (12) is breakable to form a pour opening (27) in the center panel (12). The cover is rotatable to overlay the pour opening (27) and effectively reclose the pour opening (27) in a reclosed condition of the can end (10).
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 24, 2022
Date of Patent:
October 13, 2026
Assignee:
BALL CORPORATION
Inventors:
Charles H. Carson, Erik E. Gatewood, John Finn
Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for marking a container for tracking and tracing the container throughout the lifecycle of the container. The mark can be applied, for example, on the closed end, bottom dome, or an end closure of the container. Tracking and tracing a container at various points during its lifecycle such as point of sale, where the container is recycled or destroyed, etc. provides valuable information that can be used to improve and incentivize recycling and deposit return public policies and environmental programs.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 3, 2026
Publication date:
October 1, 2026
Applicant:
Ball Corporation
Inventors:
Jason M. Kelly, Sarah I. Merrill, Adam P. Stowitts
Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to the manufacture and sealing of containers formed of metallic material or glass with metallic closures, and more specifically to an apparatus and methods used to seal containers with a Roll-on Pilfer Proof (ROPP) closure or a prethreaded closure. The closure includes a floating liner that is not attached to the closure such that the liner can move relative to a lower surface of the closure. The floating liner may comprise a polymer, a metal, a high-durometer material, and/or an elastic material. The floating liner includes an inner plug seal that seals or seats on an inner surface of a curl of the container. The floating liner can optionally include an outer alignment support configured to align with and/or be positioned adjacent to an outer surface of the curl.
Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for marking a container for tracking and tracing the container throughout the lifecycle of the container. The mark can be applied, for example, on the closed end, bottom dome, or an end closure of the container. Tracking and tracing a container at various points during its lifecycle such as point of sale, where the container is recycled or destroyed, etc. provides valuable information that can be used to improve and incentivize recycling and deposit return public policies and environmental programs.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 25, 2022
Date of Patent:
June 23, 2026
Assignee:
BALL CORPORATION
Inventors:
Jason M. Kelly, Sarah I. Merrill, Adam P. Stowitts
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:
July 29, 2025
Publication date:
May 7, 2026
Applicant:
Ball Corporation
Inventors:
Jonathan A. Whitmore, Sean K. Fitzsimons, Linda A. Hines
Abstract: A can end (10) for a two-piece beverage container (1) has a public side (32) opposite a product side (34). A cured coating (76) is on the product side (34) of the can end (10) and forms a substantially continuous thin layer thereon. A circumferential curl (12) is centered about a longitudinal axis (50). A circumferential chuckwall (14) extends downwardly from the curl (12). A circumferential U-shaped countersink (16) is located downwardly from the chuckwall (14). The countersink (16) has an annular bead defining a lowermost vertical extent of the can end (10). A center panel (18) is located radially inwardly from the countersink (16) and is centered about the longitudinal axis (50). The center panel (18) has a means for providing an opening in the can end (10). A circumferential second coating (92) forms an annular layer on the product side (34) of the circumferential curl (12) and the cured coating (76). The second coating (92) provides a layer on one or more fractures in the cured coating (76).
Abstract: Apparatus and methods of heating metallic containers in an oven which includes electric heater housings are provided. The electric heater housings include an electric induction element. The electric heater housings heat the metallic containers to a predetermined temperature to dry moisture on the metallic containers or to cure inks and coatings. Air within the oven may be at a temperature that is less than the predetermined temperature.
Abstract: Novel recycled 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 recycled aluminum for use in the impact extraction process.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 4, 2020
Date of Patent:
August 12, 2025
Assignee:
BALL CORPORATION
Inventors:
John L. Siles, Samuel Melancon, Stanley M. Platek, Anthony Chatey