Can end with incising and method for producing same

Abstract

A can end for a beverage container is described. The can end has a public and an opposing product side. A center panel extends radially outwardly from a central longitudinal axis. The center panel has a means for opening the center panel and a symbol conveying information to a user on the public side. The symbol is at least partially surrounded by a spacing member in the center panel. The spacing member is dimensioned and located to provide a relative height differential between the spacing member and the symbol. A reinforcing wall is located about a peripheral edge of the center panel. A circumferential wall extends upwardly from the reinforcing wall. A curl is joined to the circumferential wall defining an outer perimeter of the can end.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a can end having incising on the public side. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a can end having information incised on the public side with improved clarity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Common easy open end closures for beer and beverage containers have a central or center panel that has a frangible panel (sometimes called a “tear panel,” “opening panel,” or “pour panel”) defined by a score formed on the outer surface, the “consumer side,” of the end closure. Popular “ecology” can ends are designed to provide a way of opening the end by fracturing the scored metal of the panel, while not allowing separation of any parts of the end. For example, the most common such beverage container end has a tear panel that is retained to the end by a non-scored hinge region joining the tear panel to the reminder of the end, with a rivet to attach a leverage tab provided for opening the tear panel. This type of container end, typically called a “stay-on-tab” (“SOT”) end has a tear panel that is defined by an incomplete circular-shaped score, with the non-scored segment serving as the retaining fragment of metal at the hinge-line of the displacement of the tear panel.

The container is typically a drawn and ironed metal can, usually constructed from a thin sheet of aluminum or steel. End closures for such containers are also typically constructed from a cut-edge of thin sheet of aluminum or steel, formed into a blank end, and manufactured into a finished end by a process often referred to as end conversion. These ends are formed in the process of first forming a cut-edge of thin metal, forming a blank end from the cut-edge, and converting the blank into an end closure which may be seamed onto a container.

The seaming process typically requires the container and the can end to be elevated and clamped between a base plate and a seaming chuck. A first set of seaming rollers are rotated about the seaming chuck along the open end of the container with sufficient pressure to form the first portion of a double joining seam. When the first step in forming the double seam has been completed, the first pair of opposed seaming rollers is retracted, and the seaming rollers of a second pair are actuated to complete the double seam. When the seaming of the can end to the can body is complete, the second set of seaming rollers is retracted, and the base plate piston is retracted. At the same time, a seamer knockout piston carried centrally of the seaming chuck is actuated to ensure freeing of the sealed container from the chuck to complete the seaming operation.

The can ends are generally provided with information on an upper or public side prior to seaming. The information is typically directed to recycling information and the like. The information is added to the end during the manufacture of the end by stamping or incising. The incising process leaves extra metal adjacent the lettering. A pressure within the can may also cause the center panel of the can end to flex or bow slightly upward. This may cause the incising to distort and/or flex upwardly as well. During seaming, the excess metal and/or the distorted incising may cause metal build up on the seamer knockout. Thinner gauge can ends also tend to pucker from the incising which may compound the build-up. As the excess material builds on the seamer knockout, it leaves a circumferential scratch on subsequent can ends as the rotating can ends are engaged by the stationary seamer knockout.

The present invention is provided to solve the problems discussed above and other problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by prior can ends of this type. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a can end for a beverage container. The can end has a public side and an opposing product side and comprises a center panel, a reinforcing wall, a circumferential wall, and a curl. The center panel extends radially outwardly from a central longitudinal axis and has a means for opening the center panel and a symbol conveying information to a user on the public side. A spacing member is adapted to provide a relative height differential between adjacent areas of the center panel and the symbol. The reinforcing wall is located about a peripheral edge of the center panel. The circumferential wall extends upwardly from the reinforcing wall. The curl is joined to the circumferential wall and defines an outer perimeter of the can end.

In one embodiment, the symbol is at least partially surrounded by a deboss in the center panel. The symbol may be located between the means for opening the center panel and a peripheral edge of the center panel. The symbol may be created by displacing a portion of the center panel. The symbol may be incised into the public side of the center panel. The information conveyed to the user may be related to recycling. The symbol may be located adjacent the peripheral edge of the center panel. The can end may further comprise a plurality of aligned symbols located adjacent the peripheral edge of the center panel, each of the plurality of symbols may be at least partially surrounded a deboss in the center panel. The plurality of aligned symbols may follow an arc-shaped pattern. The plurality of aligned symbols may follow the shape of the peripheral edge of the center panel. Each of the plurality of incised symbols may be at least partially surrounded by a corresponding discreet deboss in the center panel.

In another embodiment, the spacing member is an upwardly extending bead in the center panel. The bead is located adjacent the symbol wherein a height of the bead is greater than a height of the symbol. The symbol may be located between the means for opening the center panel and a peripheral edge of the center panel. The symbol may be created by displacing a portion of the center panel. The symbol may be incised into the public side of the center panel. The information conveyed to the user may be related to recycling. The symbol may be located adjacent the peripheral edge of the center panel. The can end may further comprise a plurality of aligned symbols located adjacent the peripheral edge of the center panel, each of the plurality of symbols may be at least partially surrounded a deboss in the center panel. The plurality of aligned symbols may follow an arc-shaped pattern. The plurality of aligned symbols may follow the shape of the peripheral edge of the center panel. Each of the plurality of incised symbols may be at least partially surrounded by a corresponding discreet deboss in the center panel.

The present invention is further directed to a can end for a beverage container. The can end has a public side and an opposing product side. The can end comprises a center panel, a reinforcing wall, a circumferential wall, and a curl. The center panel extends radially outwardly from a central longitudinal axis. The center panel has a means for opening the center panel and a symbol for conveying information to a user on the public side. The symbol includes a first character created by displacing a portion of the public side of the center panel. The first character is at least partially surrounded by a recess in the center panel. The reinforcing wall is located about a peripheral edge of the center panel. The circumferential wall extends upwardly from the reinforcing wall. The curl is joined to the circumferential wall and defines an outer perimeter of the can end. The first character may be located between the means for opening the center panel and a peripheral edge of the center panel. The recess may fully surround an outer perimeter of the first character. The symbol may further comprise a second character at least partially surrounded by a second discreet recess in the center panel. The first character may comprise an incising. The recess may be located on one side of the incising. The recess may be located on opposite sides of the incising. Portions of the center panel adjacent to the recess may not be recessed.

The present invention is further directed to a can end for a beverage container. The can end has a public side and an opposing product side, a center panel extending radially outwardly from a central longitudinal axis, a reinforcing wall located about a peripheral edge of the center panel, a circumferential wall extending upwardly from the reinforcing wall; and a curl joined to the circumferential wall defining an outer perimeter of the can end. The can end is attachable to the beverage container by seaming the curl to an open end of the beverage container during a seaming operation wherein a seamer knockout separates a seaming chuck from the public side of the can end to complete the seaming operation by engaging the public side of the center panel with a force. The can end comprises an incising and a spacing member. The incising forms at least one symbol for conveying information to a user on the public side of the center panel. The incising is created by displacing a portion of the center panel. The spacing member is located on the center panel and is dimensioned and located to be engaged by a seamer knockout during a seaming operation. The spacing member provides a gap between the incising and the seamer knockout during the seaming operation. The adjacent portions of the center panel are engaged by the seamer knockout during the seaming operation. The spacing member removes the incising from contact with the seamer knockout.

In another embodiment, the incising may be located between the means for opening the can end and the reinforcing wall.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a can end seaming operation illustrating an extended seamer knockout in engagement with a can end upon completion of a seaming operation wherein the can end is seamed to a can body;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a can end seamed to a can body showing a seamer knockout in contact with the public side of the can end, the seamer knockout being removed from a seaming apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a container after a seaming operation including a can end seamed to a can body;

FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional view of the can end of FIG. 3 taken along 3a-3a of FIG. 3 and further showing a seamer knockout in communication with an excess metal from an incising on the can end, a pressure within the seamed container causing a center panel of the can end to bow upwardly and distort the incising to cause further contact of the incising excess metal to engage the seamer knockout;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a can end exhibiting a scratched center panel adjacent an incising;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a can end after a seaming operation, a public side of the can end exhibiting an arc-shaped scratching caused by the seamer knockout and intersecting a recycling information located adjacent a peripheral edge of a center panel of the can end;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a can end according to the present invention having recycling information recessed on the center panel within a deboss panel;

FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view taken along 6a-6a of FIG. 6 and showing a seamer knockout in engagement with the public side of the can end and a clearance or space between the seamer knockout and the recycling information;

FIG. 7 is a top view of a can end according to the present invention having recycling information recessed on the center panel wherein each symbol of the recycling information is recessed within a discreet a deboss panel;

FIG. 7a is a cross-sectional view taken along 7a-7a of FIG. 7 and showing a seamer knockout in engagement with the public side of the can end and a clearance or space between the seamer knockout and the recycling information;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a can end according to the present invention having an upwardly extending bead in the center panel adjacent information conveyed by incisings formed on the public side of the center panel;

FIG. 8a is a cross-sectional view of the can end of FIG. 8 taken along 8a-8a of FIG. 8 and further showing a seamer knockout in contact with the bead in the center panel wherein a clearance or space between the seamer knockout is formed, and the seamer knockout does not contact the information conveying incision;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

The present invention is directed to a can end having information conveying symbols and/or lettering incised within the public side of the can end. The symbols and/or lettering are located within a recess or debossed area at least partially around the symbols to eliminate knockout contact with the symbols during a seaming operation, including attaching a can end to a can body and contacting the can end with a seamer knockout to remove the seamed container from the seaming chuck. Alternatively, an upwardly extending bead may be positioned adjacent the lettering to deflect the seamer knockout away from the lettering and eliminate knockout contact with the symbols during the seaming operation.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, in a typical seaming operation, a knockout 1 removes the beverage container 2 from a seaming chuck 3 by engaging the can end 4 with a force. As shown in FIG. 2, the seamer knockout 1 contacts the public side of the center panel of the can end 4, radially inwardly of the attachment of the can end 4 to the can body 5.

Referring to FIGS. 3-3a, the can end 4 is generally provided with information 6 on an upper or public side 7 prior to seaming. The information is added to the end 4 during the manufacture of the end 4 by stamping or incising. The incising process leaves extra metal 8 adjacent the lettering 6. A pressure within the can may also cause the center panel of the can end to flex or bow slightly upward. This may cause the incising to distort and/or flex upwardly as well. During seaming, the excess metal 8 and/or the distorted incising may cause metal build up on the seamer knockout 1. Thinner gauge can ends 4 also tend to pucker, or have a waving surface, from the incising which may compound the build-up. As the excess material 8 builds on the seamer knockout 1, it may leave a circumferential scratch on subsequent can ends as the rotating can ends are engaged by the stationary seamer knockout 1.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a previously seamed end member 10 for a container has a curl 12, a circumferential wall 14, a reinforcing wall 16, typically a circumferential curved wall such as an annular countersink or a folded structure, and a center or central panel wall 18 extending radially outwardly from a central longitudinal axis 50. The container is typically a drawn and ironed metal can such as the common beer and beverage containers, usually constructed from a thin sheet of aluminum or steel that is delivered from a large roll called coil stock of roll stock. End closures for such containers are also typically constructed from a cut edge of thin sheet of aluminum or steel delivered from coil stock, formed into blank end, and manufactured into a finished end by a process often referred to as end conversion. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the end member 10 is joined to a container by the curl 12 which is joined to a mating curl of the container body. The seaming curl 12 of the end closure 10 is integral with the circumferential wall 14 which is joined to a radially outer peripheral edge portion 20 of the center panel 18 by the curvilinear reinforcing wall 16. This type of means for joining the end member 10 to a container body is presently the typical means for joining used in the industry, and the structure described above is formed in the process of forming the blank end from a cut edge of metal sheet, prior to the end conversion process.

The center panel 18 has a means for opening the end 10. The means for opening the end 10 may include a displaceable closure member such as a membrane or thin foil or, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a tear panel 22 defined by a curvilinear frangible score 24 and a non-frangible hinge segment 26. The hinge segment 26 is defined by a generally straight line between a first end and a second end of the frangible score 24. The tear panel 22 of the center panel 18 may be opened, that is the frangible score 24 may be severed and the tear panel 22 displaced at an angular orientation relative to the remaining portion of the center panel 18, while the tear panel 22 remains hingedly connected to the center panel 18 through the hinge segment 26. In this opening operation, the tear panel 22 is displaced at an angular deflection, as it is opened by being displaced away from the plane of the panel 18.

The frangible score 24 is preferably a generally V-shaped groove formed into a public side 32 of the center panel 18. A residual is formed between the V-shaped groove and a product side 34 of the end member 10.

The illustrated opening means has a tab 28 secured to the center panel 18 adjacent the tear panel 22 by a rivet 38. The rivet 38 is formed in the typical manner. Often, and as illustrated, the opening means is recessed within a deboss panel 40. In some instances, manufacturer specific information is incised within the deboss panel, under the tab 28, and visible through a finger hole 39 in the tab 28. This manufacturer specific information is generally a code of the manufacturer which would have no meaning to an ordinary user or even to another manufacturer unless decoded.

The curvilinear reinforcing wall 16 is located about a peripheral edge 20 of the center panel 18. Accordingly, the curvilinear reinforcing wall 16 extends circumferentially about the center panel 18. The curvilinear wall 16 extends radially outwardly from the peripheral edge 20 of the center panel 18 and joins the center panel with the circumferential wall 14.

The circumferential wall 14 joins the curvilinear reinforcing wall 16 with the curl 12 so that an uppermost portion of the wall 14 is directly connected to the curl 12 and a lowermost portion of the wall 14 is directly connected to the curvilinear reinforcing wall 16. Accordingly, the circumferential wall 14 extends upwardly from the curvilinear reinforcing wall 16. The circumferential wall 14 may be angled outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis 50 or have an arcuate segment.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the center panel 18 frequently includes symbols or characters 60 for conveying information to a user. Each symbol 60 may include a plurality of characters, including alphanumeric characters, pictures, currency signs and the like, and are used primarily in connection with regional recycling programs, although many other types of information can be provided as well. The symbols 60 are generally located on the public side 32 of the center panel 18 and formed by displacing a portion of the center panel 18. An incising or plurality of incisings 64 is/are often used to create the symbols 60. Typically, the residual of the center panel 18 is greater between the symbols 60 and the product side 34 than between the score groove 22 and the product side 34. Adjacent characters are typically aligned and located adjacent the peripheral edge of the center panel, following the shape of the peripheral edge 20 and/or in an arc-shaped pattern.

These symbols 60 are located between the means for opening the can end 10 and the curvilinear reinforcing wall 16, typically adjacent and spaced slightly radially inwardly from the peripheral edge 20 of the center panel 18. Each symbol 60 is generally aligned with an adjacent symbol. The symbols may be in a straight line, follow an arc-shaped pattern, or follow the shape of the peripheral edge 20 of the center panel 18.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, after the seaming operation, the center panel 18 is often left with arc-shaped scratches 68. As described above, these scratches 68 are believed to be caused by a build-up of metal on the seamer knockout. As the rotating can end meets the stationary seamer knockout, the build-up on the knockout produces unsightly scratches 68 on the public side 32 of the center panel 18.

Referring to FIGS. 6-8a, can ends 10 of the present invention are illustrated. In each of the embodiments, the symbol 60 comprises a plurality of alphanumeric characters. A spacing member, such as a deboss 70 and/or an upwardly extending bead 71, is located on the center panel 18. The spacing member displaces at least a portion of the center panel 18 wherein a seamer knockout 74 in contact with the center panel 18 cannot engage any excess metal provided by the symbol 60. In other words, the knockout 74 is spaced from the excess metal because the spacing member is offset from the symbol 60 in such a way that the spacing member is preferably engaged by the knockout rather than symbol 60 wherein a space or gap is created between the knockout 74 and the symbol 60. This is generally accomplished by creating a change in height of the center panel 18 in the area adjacent the symbol 60 relative to a height of the symbol 60. Stated another way, the spacing member is adapted, as in dimensioned and located, to provide a relative height differential between adjacent portions of the center panel 18 and the symbol 60.

As shown in FIGS. 6-7a, the center panel 18 of the can end 10 includes a symbol 60. The symbol 60 comprises a plurality of alphanumeric characters at least partially surrounded by a recess, preferably a deboss 70, in the center panel 18. The symbol 60 is located between the means for opening the center panel 18 and the curl 12, and the deboss 70 is sufficiently deep to create a space 72 between a seamer knockout 74 and the symbol 60 when the seamer knockout 74 is otherwise in engagement with the center panel 18. This space 72 eliminates contact between the symbol 60 and the seamer knockout 74 so that material cannot build-up on the engagement surface of the seamer knockout.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 6a, a single deboss 70 completely surrounds the plurality of alphanumeric characters making up the symbol 60. In this embodiment, a deboss 70 includes a generally smooth and flat surface 76 on which the symbol 60 is placed. Again, the typical method of placing the symbol 60 on the center panel 18 is by displacing a portion of the center panel 18 by incising.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 7a, in another embodiment, each discreet character of a symbol 60 is at least partially surrounded by a corresponding discreet deboss 70 wherein each discreet character is recessed within the discreet deboss 70. Each symbol 60 generally comprises a plurality of characters with each character incised within the center panel 18. Each deboss 70 is located on one or opposing sides of each incising. Preferably, each of the plurality of incised characters in the center panel 18 are fully surrounded by the corresponding deboss 70 wherein an outer perimeter of each character is surrounded a discreet recess in the center panel. Further, adjacent portions of the center panel 18 are not recessed.

In these embodiments, the can end 10 has a plurality of incisings 64 forming at least one symbol 60 on the public side of the center panel 18 for conveying information to a user. The incisings 64 are created by displacing material on a portion of the center panel 18. A recess, preferably a deboss 70, in the center panel 18 at least partially surrounds the symbol, or, as illustrated in FIG. 7a, each incising. The recess displaces at least a portion of the incising 64 vertically below adjacent portions of the center panel 18 public side 32. The adjacent portions of the center panel 18 are engaged by a seamer knockout 74 during a seaming operation. The recess removes the incising 64 from contact with the seamer knockout 74 by creating a space 72 between the incising 64 and the seamer knockout 74.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 8 and 8a, the center panel 18 of the can end 10 includes a symbol 60. The symbol 60 comprises a plurality of alphanumeric characters located adjacent one or more upwardly extending beads 71. The symbol 60 is located between the means for opening the center panel 18 and the curl 12, and the beads 71 are of a sufficient height to create a space 72 between a seamer knockout 74 and the symbol 60 when the seamer knockout 74 is otherwise in engagement with the center panel 18. This space 72 eliminates contact between the symbol 60 and the seamer knockout 74 so that material cannot build-up on the engagement surface of the seamer knockout.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 8a the beads 71 are preferably contacted by the knockout 74. That is, the knockout 74 is more inclined to engage the beads 71 than an area of the center panel 18 surrounding the beads 71, including the symbol 60.

In the embodiment illustrated, the can end 10 has a plurality of incisings 64 forming at least one symbol 60 on the public side of the center panel 18 for conveying information to a user. Again, the incisings 64 are created by displacing material on a portion of the center panel 18. An upwardly extending portion of the center panel 18, preferably a bead 71, in the center panel 18 is adapted, as in sized and located, to be engaged by a seamer knockout 74 preferentially over surrounding areas of the center panel 18, including the area or areas of the center panel 18 including the incisings 64. In other words, when the seamer knockout 74 engages the bead 71, a space 72 is created between the seamer knockout 74 and adjacent areas of the center panel 18, including the incisings 64, to prevent contact by the knockout 74 with the adjacent areas of the center panel 18, including the incisings 64.

An alternative method of preventing scratching or scuffing of can ends caused by the seamer knockout is to alter the material used to produce the knockout. For instance, the knockout can be produced with a titanium-nickel (TiN) coating. This alternative is preferably used in combination with one or more of the previously described embodiments.

While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims.

Claims

1. A can end for a beverage container, the can end having a public side and an opposing product side, the can end comprising:

a center panel extending radially outwardly from a central longitudinal axis, the center panel having a means for opening the center panel, a symbol conveying information to a user on the public side, and a spacing member is adapted to provide a relative height differential between adjacent portions of the center panel and the symbol;

a reinforcing wall located about a peripheral edge of the center panel;

a circumferential wall extending upwardly from the reinforcing wall; and

a curl joined to the circumferential wall defining an outer perimeter of the can end.

2. The can end of claim 1 wherein the spacing member is a deboss panel in the center panel, the symbol at least partially surrounded by the deboss in the center panel.

3. The can end of claim 2 wherein the symbol is located between the means for opening the center panel and a peripheral edge of the center panel.

4. The can end of claim 2 wherein the symbol is created by displacing a portion of the center panel.

5. The can end of claim 4 wherein the symbol is incised into the public side of the center panel.

6. The can end of claim 4 wherein the information conveyed to the user is related to recycling.

7. The can end of claim 4 wherein the symbol is located adjacent the peripheral edge of the center panel.

8. The can end of claim 4 further comprising a plurality of aligned symbols located adjacent the peripheral edge of the center panel, each of the plurality of symbols at least partially surrounded a deboss in the center panel.

9. The can end of claim 8 wherein the plurality of aligned symbols follows an arc-shaped pattern.

10. The can end of claim 9 wherein the plurality of aligned symbols follows the shape of the peripheral edge of the center panel.

11. The can end of claim 8 wherein each of the plurality of incised symbols is at least partially surrounded by a corresponding discreet deboss in the center panel.

12. The can end of claim 2 wherein the means for opening the center panel is located within a second deboss panel recessed on the center panel.

13. The can end of claim 1 wherein the spacing member is an upwardly extending bead in the center panel, the bead located adjacent the symbol wherein a height of the bead is greater than a height of the symbol.

14. The can end of claim 13 wherein the symbol is located between the means for opening the center panel and a peripheral edge of the center panel.

15. The can end of claim 13 wherein the symbol is created by displacing a portion of the center panel.

16. The can end of claim 15 wherein the symbol is incised into the public side of the center panel.

17. The can end of claim 15 wherein the information conveyed to the user is related to recycling.

18. The can end of claim 15 wherein the symbol is located adjacent the peripheral edge of the center panel.

19. The can end of claim 15 further comprising a plurality of aligned symbols located adjacent the peripheral edge of the center panel.

20. The can end of claim 19 wherein the plurality of aligned symbols follows an arc-shaped pattern.

21. The can end of claim 19 wherein the plurality of aligned symbols follows the shape of the peripheral edge of the center panel.

22. The can end of claim 13 wherein the means for opening the center panel is located within a second deboss panel recessed on the center panel.

23. A can end for a beverage container, the can end having a public side and an opposing product side, the can end comprising:

a center panel extending radially outwardly from a central longitudinal axis, the center panel having a means for opening the center panel and a symbol for conveying information to a user on the public side, the symbol including a first character created by displacing a portion of the public side of the center panel, the first character at least partially surrounded by a recess in the center panel;

a reinforcing wall located about a peripheral edge of the center panel;

a circumferential wall extending upwardly from the reinforcing wall; and

a curl joined to the circumferential wall defining an outer perimeter of the can end.

24. The can end of claim 23 wherein the first character is located between the means for opening the center panel and a peripheral edge of the center panel.

25. The can end of claim 23 wherein the recess fully surrounds an outer perimeter of the first character.

26. The can end of claim 23 wherein the symbol further comprises a second character at least partially surrounded by a second discreet recess in the center panel.

27. The can end of claim 23 wherein the first character comprises an incising.

28. The can end of claim 27 wherein the recess is located on one side of the incising.

29. The can end of claim 27 wherein the recess is located on opposite sides of the incising.

30. The can end of claim 29 wherein portions of the center panel adjacent to the recess are not recessed.

31. A can end for a beverage container, the can end having a public side and an opposing product side, a center panel extending radially outwardly from a central longitudinal axis, a reinforcing wall located about a peripheral edge of the center panel, a circumferential wall extending upwardly from the reinforcing wall; and a curl joined to the circumferential wall defining an outer perimeter of the can end, the can end attachable to the beverage container by seaming the curl to an open end of the beverage container during a seaming operation wherein a seamer knockout separates a seaming chuck from the public side of the can end to complete the seaming operation by engaging the public side of the center panel with a force, the can end comprising:

an incising forming at least one symbol for conveying information to a user on the public side of the center panel, the incising created by displacing a portion of the center panel;

a spacing member on the center panel dimensioned and located to be engaged by a seamer knockout during a seaming operation, the spacing member providing a gap between the incising and the seamer knockout during the seaming operation.