Abstract: A single action press for forming a shell used to make a can end includes a first tool and an opposed second tool. The first tool includes a die center insert that performs a forming operation on disc cut from a sheet of end material. The first tool is configured and arranged wherein force is supplied to the die center insert during the downstroke and force is removed from the die center insert at the bottom of the downstroke and at the start of the upstroke, to thereby enable the die center insert to disengage from the shell. One specific embodiment uses a die center piston and compressed air to apply force to the die center insert. Another embodiment uses a cam and cam follower arrangement to remove axial forces at the bottom of the downstroke and either springs or gas pressure to apply force to the die center insert during the downstroke.

Abstract: A container is provided having a can body defining an interior region for containing a product. The can body is of a metal/plastic multi-layer structure construction. The can body includes a side wall, a bottom profile comprising an annular rim defining a stand for the can body, an outer transition portion integral with the annular rim, and an inner transition portion connecting the annular rim to a central dome portion. In one embodiment a plurality of reinforcing ribs e.g., between 15 and 120, inclusive, are formed in the metal/plastic multi-layer structure in at least one of the outer transition portion and the inner transition portion. The ribs are formed in a spaced apart relation around the perimeter of such portion(s). In another embodiment a can body is made from a metal plastic laminate which is drawn and ironed. In one embodiment, the upper portion is die necked in a plurality of necking steps.

Abstract: A multi-pack arrangement for cans includes upper and lower cans in axial alignment and a wrapper such as shrink wrap film covering the cans. A tear strip is provided to facilitate removal of the wrapper from the cans. A token such as a chip, coin, a piece of paper or a piece of plastic is positioned within the arrangement between the upper and lower cans. The presence of a token is only revealed after the wrapper has been removed and the cans separated from each other. Other embodiments include promotional information printed on a tear strip in a multi-container arrangement, and promotional information on the interior surface of a wrapper joining two containers together.

Abstract: An all-metal beverage can with a pour spout is disclosed. The can includes a can body for containing a beverage and a closure member. The closure contains a metal pour spout and a cap covering the pour spout. The pour spout and cap are in a recessed condition within the can body prior to opening the can, allowing the can to be shipped and stacked in the normal fashion. The closure further comprises a first layer forming the pour spout, a second layer forming the cap, and a scored area formed in the second layer. The cap separates from the closure by the user grasping the cap and breaking of the scored area (e.g., by twisting) and then removing the cap from the pour spout. When the container is opened, the pour spout is extendable from the can body to facilitate pouring of the beverage. In one possible embodiment, the pour spout is threaded. The cap threads onto the pour spout, enabling a resealing of the can.

Abstract: Ends for cans are made in a single press, eliminating the need for separate shell and conversion presses, balancers, track work, and other equipment, as compared to existing can end manufacturing systems, while reducing floor space and capital investment requirements for installation of a new can end line. A sheet of end material or stock is introduced into the press and fed to a series of work stations. The sheet is maintained in a substantially continuous and void free state as the work stations perform forming operations on the sheet of material to form one or more ends therein. After the forming operation is complete, the end is ejected from the press. The maintenance of the sheet of material in a substantially continuous and void free state permits precise movement of the sheet through the press, and registration of the sheet relative to the tooling in the press.