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.

Abstract: An infeed system for a can body decorator in which undecorated can bodies are transported from an upstream supply in a conveyor (21). In the conveyor (21), the can bodies have a linear pitch as they are touching each other. One or more infeed turrets (22, 23; 25, 27; 28, 9, 3) separate each can body and change the pitch to the circular pitch of a separator turret and, ultimately to that of the mandrel wheel (10) in the decorator assembly.

Abstract: A beverage can end has a vent that includes a button. The vent is actuated by downward force of a pull tab that is transmitted to the vent score through the button.

Abstract: A two-part closure (1) which has a disc (2) and a skirt (3). In one example, the skirt wall is smooth between upper and lower rims so that the disc is moveable between the rim features. Typically in a metal skirt or ring, the upper rim feature is a curl (11) and the lower rim feature is a curled edge (12) with equi-spaced lugs (13) on the skirt wall.

Abstract: An easy open closure (10) for food or beverage containers and comprising a centre panel (27) surrounded by a circumferential score (16) and an outer seaming panel (17). The closure further comprises a tab (11), the tab being fixed to the centre panel by a rivet (12) formed in the centre panel (27) such that lifting of a radially inner region of the tab (11) forces a nose portion (24) of the tab into contact with a region of the centre panel adjacent to a radially inner edge of the circumferential score (16), thereby causing the score to fracture. A bead (19) is formed in and extending circumferentially around the centre panel inside and adjacent to the circumferential score (16) and at a radius outside of the rivet (12), the bead deviating inwardly from its circumferential path as it approaches the region in which the rivet (12) is formed, and the bead terminating adjacent to and on either side of the rivet.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises holder (20) with a seating face on which a container such as a cupshaped article (1) stands. Air is supplied through channels and air pressure is balanced so as to hold the article (1) against the face. The profile of the apparatus guides a base feature, or “stand” of the article (1) into the holder (20) and onto the seating face (23), and contacts the article (1) radially outside the seating face (23). The apparatus also has a concentric outer sleeve (25) to provide the additional radial contact and resist lateral movement of the article (1) while maintaining concentricity.

Abstract: A screw lid for a food container comprises a series of radially extending asymmetric protrusions arranged around a peripheral edge region, wherein the asymmetric protrusions facilitate enhanced gripping when the lid is turned in an opening direction as compared to the gripping facilitated when the lid is turned in a closing direction.

Abstract: A metal can body formed from a base stretching, drawing, and ironing process has a base having a hardness that is greater than the raw sheet, a thickness that is less than raw sheet, and a grain aspect ratio that is elongated relative to the raw sheet.

Abstract: An aerosol container (1) comprising a body (50) and cone (60) and encasing a composite spout (30) and bag (40) combination. The composite spout (30) has a metal tubular section (10), adapted to accommodate a valve arrangement (70, 75) and a polymer fishtail section (20), adapted to form a leak-proof seal with the bag (40). A product is filled into the bag (40) and propellant is filled into the sealed chamber defined between the outside of the bag (40) and the internal surface of the body (50)/cone (60).

Abstract: A horizontal can necking machine assembly includes a plural of main turrets and a plural of transfer starwheels. Each main turret includes a main turret shaft, a main gear mounted on the main turret shaft, a pusher assembly, and a die capable of necking a can body upon actuation of the turret shaft. Each transfer starwheel includes a transfer shaft and a transfer gear mounted on the transfer shaft. The main gears are engaged with the transfer gears such that lines through the main gear center and the centers of opposing transfer gears form an included angle of less than 170 degrees, thereby increasing the angular range available for necking the can body. The main turrets and transfer starwheels may operate to neck and move at least 2800 cans per minute, and each pusher assembly may have a stroke length relative to the die that is at least 1.5 inches.

Abstract: A container or part of a container may comprise fragrance encapsulated in microcapsules configured to release fragrance emitting substance at at least one predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A transfer turret assembly is provided for transferring can bodies between process stations in a can necking machine. The transfer turret assembly includes a rotatable transfer starwheel. A plurality of pockets is formed in the starwheel that can each receive a can body. The turret assembly includes a vacuum assembly having a first zone that is under vacuum and a second zone separated from the first region by a boundary. The first zone vacuum retention force to vacuum ports formed in the pockets to retain the can bodies within the pockets. The boundary between the first zone and the second zone is adjustable to correspondingly adjust the vacuum retention force according to desired starwheel rotation speed.

Abstract: A system and method for laser marking can end, including a can end center panel and/or pull tab. The decorated can end and/or tabs may have a machine readable image.

Abstract: A tobacco container having a plastic insert body and a method of attaching the insert body are disclosed. Some embodiments disclose an insert body that is configured to accommodate dimensional variations in the tobacco container. Some embodiments disclose an insert body that is configured to decrease weight in the tobacco container.

Abstract: A beverage can end for pressurized contents includes a score that defines a pair of The lobes have longitudinal axes that are not mutually parallel and in some embodiments substantially perpendicular to improve flow.

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: A system and method for laser marking can end, including a can end center panel and/or pull tab. The decorated can end and/or tabs may have a machine readable image.

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.