Abstract: Methods and apparatus of decorating metallic containers are provided. More specifically, the present invention provides novel apparatus and methods of forming an indicia or a decorative shape on a closed end-wall of a metallic container body. A tool of one embodiment of the present invention is operable to form an indicia in a metallic sheet. A cupping apparatus can subsequently form a cup from the metallic sheet which includes the indicia. The cup can be formed into a container body by a bodymaker. In another embodiment, a tool of a bodymaker is operable to form an indicia or a decorative shape in a closed end-wall during formation of a metallic container body. The indicia or decorative shape can be formed by coining, punching, embossing, debossing, and other techniques of forming and shaping metal material from which the metallic container body is formed. In this manner, the indicia may include one or more raised portions and sunken portions in the closed end-wall.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and a necking apparatus to reduce a first diameter of an open end of a container body to a second diameter. The necking apparatus includes a necking die and a die guide. The die guide is selectively moveable relative to the necking die to guide the open end of the container body into engagement with the necking die. The die guide includes a flange that extends into a cylindrical bore of the die guide. The flange is configured to engage a shoulder of the container body when the die guide is in a first clamping position relative to the necking die. After engaging the container shoulder with the flange, the die guide moves toward the necking die into a second necking position such that the open end contacts the necking die and the first diameter of the open end is reduced to the second diameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to forming a threaded neck in a metal bottle manufactured by a process known as impact extrusion. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods, apparatus and alloy compositions used in the impact extrusion manufacturing of containers and other articles with sufficient strength characteristics to allow threading the container necks to receive a threaded closure on the threaded neck.

Abstract: A clipless pedal system is provided. In various embodiments, systems of the present disclosure comprise pedals and cleats for interaction with the pedals. At least one of a pedal and an associated cleat comprises a magnet, and at least one of the pedal and the associated cleat comprises a ferrous metal for interaction with the magnet. Geometric features are provided to enable both a secure connection between a cleat and a pedal and to enable a user-friendly release of the cleat from the pedal.

Abstract: A clipless pedal system is provided. In various embodiments, systems of the present disclosure comprise pedals and cleats for interaction with the pedals. At least one of a pedal and an associated cleat comprises a magnet, and at least one of the pedal and the associated cleat comprises a ferrous metal for interaction with the magnet. Geometric features are provided to enable both a secure connection between a cleat and a pedal and to enable a user-friendly release of the cleat from the pedal.

Abstract: A clipless pedal system is provided. In various embodiments, systems of the present disclosure comprise pedals and cleats for interaction with the pedals. At least one of a pedal and an associated cleat comprises a magnet, and at least one of the pedal and the associated cleat comprises a ferrous metal for interaction with the magnet. Geometric features are provided to enable both a secure connection between a cleat and a pedal and to enable a user-friendly release of the cleat from the pedal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of decorating metallic containers are provided. More specifically, the present invention provides novel apparatus and methods of forming an indicia or a decorative shape on a closed end-wall of a metallic container body. A tool of one embodiment of the present invention is operable to form an indicia in a metallic sheet. A cupping apparatus can subsequently form a cup from the metallic sheet which includes the indicia. The cup can be formed into a container body by a bodymaker. In another embodiment, a tool of a bodymaker is operable to form an indicia or a decorative shape in a closed end-wall during formation of a metallic container body. The indicia or decorative shape can be formed by coining, punching, embossing, debossing, and other techniques of forming and shaping metal material from which the metallic container body is formed. In this manner, the indicia may include one or more raised portions and sunken portions in the closed end-wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to forming a threaded neck in a metal bottle manufactured by a process known as impact extrusion. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods, apparatus and alloy compositions used in the impact extrusion manufacturing of containers and other articles with sufficient strength characteristics to allow threading the container necks to receive a threaded closure on the threaded neck.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to forming a threaded neck in a metal bottle manufactured by a process known as impact extrusion. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods, apparatus and alloy compositions used in the impact extrusion manufacturing of containers and other articles with sufficient strength characteristics to allow threading the container necks to receive a threaded closure on the threaded neck.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to forming a threaded neck in a metal bottle manufactured by a process known as impact extrusion. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods, apparatus and alloy compositions used in the impact extrusion manufacturing of containers and other articles with sufficient strength characteristics to allow threading the container necks to receive a threaded closure on the threaded neck.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to forming a threaded neck in a metal bottle manufactured by a process known as impact extrusion. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods, apparatus and alloy compositions used in the impact extrusion manufacturing of containers and other articles with sufficient strength characteristics to allow threading the container necks to receive a threaded closure on the threaded neck.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to forming a threaded neck in a metal bottle manufactured by a process known as impact extrusion. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods, apparatus and alloy compositions used in the impact extrusion manufacturing of containers and other articles with sufficient strength characteristics to allow threading the container necks to receive a threaded closure on the threaded neck.

Abstract: A metallic container end closure is provided which includes a channel or groove in a predetermined location in at least one of an inner panel wall, outer panel wall, or chuckwall, and which is formed by a shaping tool. An apparatus and method for spin-forming the end closure with the improved geometry is also provided herein.

Abstract: A metallic container end closure is provided which includes a channel or groove in a predetermined location in at least one of an inner panel wall, outer panel wall, or chuckwall, and which is formed by a shaping tool. An apparatus and method for spin-forming the end closure with the improved geometry is also provided herein.

Abstract: A metallic container end closure is provided which includes a channel or groove in a predetermined location in at least one of an inner panel wall, outer panel wall, or chuckwall, and which is formed by a shaping tool. An apparatus and method for spin-forming the end closure with the improved geometry is also provided herein.

Abstract: A metallic container end closure is provided which includes a channel or groove in a predetermined location in at least one of an inner panel wall, outer panel wall, or chuckwall, and which is formed by a shaping tool. An apparatus and method for spin-forming the end closure with the improved geometry is also provided herein.

Abstract: A metallic container end closure is provided which includes a channel or groove in a predetermined location in at least one of an inner panel wall, outer panel wall, or chuckwall, and which is formed by a shaping tool. An apparatus and method for spin-forming the end closure with the improved geometry is also provided herein.

Abstract: A reforming assembly for simultaneously reforming and reprofiling a bottom portion of a metallic container is provided. The reforming assembly generally includes a roller block having a pair of reform rollers and two pairs of outside reprofile rollers. A biasing means is operably interconnected to the reform rollers, such that the reform rollers extend to contact the inner surface of the bottom portion of the container when contacted by the bottom portion of the container. The outside reprofile rollers engage with an outer surface of the bottom portion of the container. The container reforming assembly is rotated, while maintaining the container body in a static non-rotating position, to create an internal can profile on the inner surface by the pair of reform rollers, and an external can profile on the outer surface by the outside reprofile rollers.

Abstract: A reforming assembly for simultaneously reforming and reprofiling a bottom portion of a metallic container is provided. The reforming assembly generally includes a roller block having a pair of reform rollers and two pairs of outside reprofile rollers. A biasing means is operably interconnected to the reform rollers, such that the reform rollers extend to contact the inner surface of the bottom portion of the container when contacted by the bottom portion of the container. The outside reprofile rollers engage with an outer surface of the bottom portion of the container. The container reforming assembly is rotated, while maintaining the container body in a static non-rotating position, to create an internal can profile on the inner surface by the pair of reform rollers, and an external can profile on the outer surface by the outside reprofile rollers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is shown for reforming the bottom of a container. The container is supported during processing by a container holder. A number of tooling rams each have a reforming roller supported by a pivot roller shaft that is in turn connectedly pinned to one end of a pivot arm. The opposite end of the pivot arm is connectedly pinned to an eccentric lug on a pivot base that is connected to a tooling drive shaft. The reforming roller is restrained axially by roller guide disks mounted to the tooling rams and is driven by the pivot arm such that the reforming roller travels along a circular orbital path of varying diameter in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the pivot roller shaft and having a center of curvature position coextensive with the container axis. The tooling drive shaft is supported rotatably in and moved axially with a tooling ram that moves axially toward or away from the container.