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: A metallic container end closure is provided that generally comprises a dispensing opening and a vent opening. The vent opening improves pourability through the dispensing opening and provides an alternative option for consuming the contents of the container. The end closure may include features to ease opening of the vent opening, such as stiffeners and/or vent form features.

Abstract: A metallic container end closure is provided that generally comprises a primary pour opening and an extended or secondary score which is opened with a secondary tool to form a secondary pour opening. The fact that a secondary tool is required allows the secondary score to be shallower, and thus more secure than deeper scores that are openable by finger pressure alone. Once the secondary tool is used to fracture the secondary score, a secondary pour opening is produced adjacent to the primary pour opening to form a larger opening. A user may insert materials such as ice or oranges through the enlarged pour opening.

Abstract: A metallic container end closure is provided that generally comprises a dispensing opening and a vent opening. The vent opening improves pourability through the dispensing opening and provides an alternative option for consuming the contents of the container. The end closure may include features to ease opening of the vent opening, such as stiffeners and/or vent form features.

Abstract: A metallic container end closure is provided that generally comprises a dispensing opening and a vent opening. The vent opening improves pourability through the dispensing opening and provides an alternative option for consuming the contents of the container. The end closure may include features to ease opening of the vent opening, such as stiffeners and/or vent form features.

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: A metallic container end closure is provided that generally comprises a primary pour opening and an extended or secondary score which is opened with a secondary tool to form a secondary pour opening. The fact that a secondary tool is required allows the secondary score to be shallower, and thus more secure than deeper scores that are openable by finger pressure alone. Once the secondary tool is used to fracture the secondary score, a secondary pour opening is produced adjacent to the primary pour opening to form a larger opening. A user may insert materials such as ice or oranges through the enlarged pour opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an opening device for a beverage container. More specifically, the invention relates to a metal end closure having a primary opening area and at least one optional secondary vent opening which can be opened with the same pull tab. The primary opening area and the secondary vent opening area are defined by a score line which is interrupted by a check slot to inhibit propagation of a fracture along the score line.

Abstract: A metallic container end closure is provided that generally comprises a primary pour opening and an extended or secondary score which is opened with a secondary tool to form a secondary pour opening. The fact that a secondary tool is required allows the secondary score to be shallower, and thus more secure than deeper scores that are openable by finger pressure alone. Once the secondary tool is used to fracture the secondary score, a secondary pour opening is produced adjacent to the primary pour opening to form a larger opening. A user may insert materials such as ice or oranges through the enlarged pour opening.

Abstract: An end closure for food and beverage containers is provided. The end closure comprises a score fracture force reduction feature. Thus, less force is required by a user to fracture the score and open the opening in the end closure. In one embodiment, the score fracture force reduction feature is a collapsible form raised above the center panel and having a score line and a coined area.

Abstract: A reform apparatus for reforming a bottom portion of a metallic beverage container is provided. The reform apparatus generally includes a pair of reform rollers interconnected to pivot arms. Spring are operably interconnected to the reform rollers such that the reform rollers a biased radially inwardly in an unactuated state. The springs at least one of spring bushings and compression springs. The reform rollers rotate radially outwardly when a wedge member pushes axially between the two pivot arms. The wedge member engages and imparts rotation to the pivot arms. An annular edge of each of the reform rollers contacts an inner wall portion of the bottom portion of the beverage container to form a groove of a predetermined size and shape.

Abstract: An end closure for food and beverage containers is provided that comprises a novel center panel for collecting and distributing fluids and solids into a pour opening of the end closure. The fluids and solids may be juice and fruit or vegetable pieces. The end closure may further comprise a novel pull tab for assisting in the collection and distribution of the fluids and solids into the pour opening of the end closure. In one embodiment, the center panel comprises a catch basin and a luge for collecting and directing fluids and solids into the pour opening.

Abstract: A metallic container end closure is provided that generally comprises a dispensing opening and a vent opening. The vent opening improves pourability through the dispensing opening and provides an alternative option for consuming the contents of the container. The end closure may include features to ease opening of the vent opening, such as stiffeners and/or vent form features.

Abstract: A metallic container end closure is provided that generally comprises a dispensing opening and a vent opening. The vent opening improves pourability through the dispensing opening and provides an alternative option for consuming the contents of the container. The end closure may include features to ease opening of the vent opening, such as stiffeners and/or vent form features.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an opening device for a beverage container. More specifically, the invention relates to a metal end closure having a primary opening area and at least one optional secondary vent opening which can be opened with the same pull tab. The primary opening area of the metal end closure may be opened by utilizing a pull tab interconnected to a central panel, the pull tab being adapted for applying a downward force to form a first opening. Subsequently, the pull tab is rotated and the tail end lifted to form a second opening in the end closure.