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: A closed loop coolant system which ensures the isolation of coolant fluid within an apparatus for producing a metal container by wall ironing. The apparatus includes a die toolpack which reduces the thickness of the container side wall, a ram 5 and a ram guidance assembly 10 which guides the ram along a bore of a tubular assembly. The tubular assembly has a fluid inlet, and the surface of the bore of the tubular assembly has grooves 13 for passage of coolant fluid between the bore and around the outside of the ram 5 and seals for minimising leakage of oil into the coolant. Coolant is directed back to a tank 20 via a heat exchanger 21 and any oil is skimmer off the coolant by an oil skimmer 24. This oil can then be filtered, cleaned and recycled, or disposed of.

Abstract: A thermal barrier liner is provided to maintain a beverage within a container at a desired temperature. The thermal barrier liner is installed so to make intimate contact with the internal surface of the container. The thermal barrier liner may be provided in various embodiments including a closed cell substrate, a base layer having gas or liquid filled microcapsules, a base layer having microencapsulated solid-liquid phase change material, or combinations thereof. In the closed cell substrate embodiments, when the thermal barrier liner is under pressure within the container such as prior to the container being opened, the thermal barrier liner maintains a minimum profile or thickness. However, when the container is opened and as pressure is released within the container, the barrier liner expands to achieve equilibrium. The expanded or thickened barrier liner provides an effective thermal barrier thereby maintaining the beverage at a desired temperature for a longer period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a container body that utilizes frictional forces rather than the engagement of gears to rotate the container body is provided. Such an apparatus may include a stationary housing and a turret rotating on a shaft proximate to the housing. The turret may have a plurality of pockets and a roller assembly disposed within each pocket. Each roller assembly may have a body portion and a drive roller portion. Each body portion may have a contact portion for contacting a container body received in a respective pocket. Each drive roller may be in contact with the housing such that as the turret rotates, friction between the drive rollers and the housing causes each roller assembly to rotate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a can end (1) providing improved tab access for a consumer. A further aspect of the present invention relates to a container incorporating such a can end (1). The can end (1) includes a moveable portion (30) located beneath all or part of the handle (20b) of the can end, with the moveable portion deformable from an ‘up’ position (30a) to a ‘down’ position (30b) to provide increased tab access for a consumer. The can end (1) is provided with one or more downwardly inclined annular steps (31), which has been found to greatly increase the force required to deform the panel from the ‘down’ to the ‘up’ position, therefore resulting in a far greater likelihood of the consumer receiving a container (40) incorporating the can end (1) with the moveable portion (30) in the ‘down’ position (30b), thereby facilitating tab access.

Abstract: An improved metallic can has an integral base that defines a standing ring that is more resistant to buckling than conventional designs. It includes a vertically oriented cylindrical sidewall and a unitary end wall having a recessed central portion and a downwardly flanged rim portion that defines the standing ring. The downwardly flanged rim portion preferably includes a first outer convexly curved annular surface that when viewed in vertical cross-section has a first radius of curvature R1, a second, lower convexly curved annular surface that when viewed in vertical cross-section has a second radius of curvature R2, and a third, inner convexly curved annular surface that when viewed in vertical cross-section has a third radius of curvature R3. Advantageously, the first, second and third radii of curvature R1, R2 and R3 are each different from each other.