Abstract: A can for packaging food, comprising a metal can body and a diaphragm lid (16) formed of lidding material which comprises a multilayer structure with at least an aluminum layer of from 6 to 90 microns thickness and a bond layer for fixing the lid (16) directly to the can body. One method for forming the can forms the lidding material by using an outwardly extending curl (20) at one end of the metal can body as the draw die. Lidding material which is carried by the body maker punch is drawn around the curl of the can body draw die so as to form the lidding material into a cup shape.

Abstract: A metal container body 1 comprises a base and a generally cylindrical side wall 3. The top edge of the cylindrical side wall is rolled over to form a hollow annular bead 5 surrounding the upper open end of the container body and a notch 6 is formed at a circumferential point in the annular bead. The container body is for use with a releasable closure 2 formed with an end wall 7 and a depending skirt 8 and having an annular layer of sealing material 9 provided on the inside of the end wall adjacent the skirt. When the closure is pressed onto the container body, the annular bead engages the annular layer of sealing material and some of that material extends into the notch 6. The closure is held on the container only by the partial vacuum formed therein during processing of a food product in the container. After processing, the user opens the container by rotating the closure. Sealing material in the notch forces the closure to lift off from the container to break the seal and release the closure.

Abstract: A method for manufacture of a metal can body is described in which two or more stretching operations are used so as to reduce the thickness of the central part of a cup base, prior to drawing the cup sidewall and forming a can body. By using two or more stretching operations, it has been found possible to control the thickness of the base without significantly reducing pressure performance of the finished can. Alternative embodiments of apparatus comprising tooling for carrying out this method are also described.

Abstract: A beverage can end for seaming onto a can body may include a peripheral wall, a center panel (26), a tab (attached to the center panel by a rivet (28), a tear panel (60), a main reference line (Rm), a transverse reference line (R1), and a score (30). The end includes an anti-fracture score (40) proximate a vent score (70). The center panel includes a recess (27), in which the main score, an antifracture score, and (optionally) the anti-tension score (50) are located. The score is configured such that lifting the tab from its horizontal rest position to an intermediate position ruptures the main score portion to pivot the tear panel main portion about the hinge (70) and a second lifting operation or twisting operation of the tab ruptures the main score extension (34).

Abstract: A drawn and ironed can body includes relatively thick base having a relatively large standing ring and a beveled outer wall, enhancing the pressure rating of the can body for use with aerosols. A combination steel aerosol end and aluminum can body includes a seam that overcomes or improves prior art fracture problems.

Abstract: A full aperture unseamed can end having a vent test rating of at least 90 psi comprising a center panel having an periphery and including a coined portion proximate a rivet, a first score defining a removable panel, a tab, including a nose, mounted to of the removable panel, and a second score disposed on the removable panel, the second score having (i) a central portion spaced apart from the coined portion; (ii) a pair of check slots disposed on either side of the central portion; (iii) a pair of lateral portions that extend from the check slots; and (iv) a pair of side portions that extend from the lateral portions, respectively.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a method of forming a can end comprising: holding a peripheral portion of a blank between inner (60, 70) and outer (80, 90, 100) peripheral tool sets; drawing a central portion of the blank against an outer center panel tool (80) having a central region and a sloping peripheral edge (84) extending to a peripheral wall (86) by moving the outer center panel tool (80) inwardly relative to the peripheral tool sets to form a drawn can end shell (10); and reforming the can end shell (10) against an inner center panel tool (60) having a central region and a peripheral region by moving the inner center panel tool (60) outwardly relative to the peripheral tool sets to reform the drawn central portion to have a center panel defined by the central region of the inner center panel tool (60) and a recessed reinforcing structure extending around the center panel, wherein the sloping peripheral edge (84) of the outer center panel tool (80) has a convex radius of curvature of 2 mm or more and 30 mm

Abstract: A system and method for laser marking can ends, especially pull tabs, includes coating a portion of the can end and/or pull tab with a lacquer having a photonically active material and directing a laser to the lacquer to alter the appearance of the of the photonically active material to form an image, especially a high resolution image. The decorated can end and/or tabs may have a high resolution image.

Abstract: A beverage can end has a vent (40) that includes a button (50). The vent is actuated by downward force of a pull tab (70) that is transmitted to the vent score (42) through the button. The center panel (18) includes beads.

Abstract: A container comprises a releasable metal closure formed with an end wall and a depending skirt and having an annular layer of sealing compound provided on the inside of the end wall adjacent the skirt and a container body comprising a neck with an annular sealing surface surrounding a circular opening and adapted to seal against the annular layer of sealing compound over an annular sealing interface in the closed position of the closure on the container body. The container body and the closure are formed with no mechanical means for coupling them together to form or maintain a seal therebetween and the seal is provided by a partial vacuum formed in the container during processing.

Abstract: A beverage can end for seaming onto a can body may include a peripheral wall, a center panel, a tab attached to the center panel by a rivet (56), a tear panel (41b), a main reference line (RM), a transverse reference line (RT), and a score (31b). The score may include arcuate main score (31b) that defines a main portion of the tear panel (41b) and a score extension (32b) that defines a vent portion. The score may be configured such that actuation of the tab from its horizontal rest position to an intermediate position ruptures the main score portion (31b) to pivot the tear panel main portion (40b) about the hinge and further actuation of the tab by twisting from the intermediate position ruptures the score extension (32b).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed which are suitable for use in the manufacture of two-piece metal containers. In particular, a way of making cups from metal sheet is disclosed using a combination of stretching and drawing operations. The resulting cups have the advantage of having a base thickness that is thinner relative to the ingoing gauge of the metal sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed which are suitable for use in the manufacture of two-piece metal containers. In particular, the method and apparatus disclose a way of making cups from metal sheet using a combination of stretching and (re-)drawing operations. The resulting cups have the advantage of reducing the thickness of the base of the cup relative to the ingoing gauge of material.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved closure in the form of an annular component (2) closed by a peelable lidding material (9). More particularly, it relates to a closure which, in use on a container, is better able to respond differential pressure changes whilst also providing peelability.