Abstract: A retainer assembly includes a retaining member assembly and a motion assembly. The retaining member assembly is structured to selectively retain at least one shell in a transfer belt assembly belt recess. The retaining member assembly includes a retaining member. The motion assembly is structured to move the retaining member between a first position, wherein the retaining member is spaced from the transfer belt assembly transfer belt, and, a second position, wherein the retaining member is disposed a retaining distance from the transfer belt assembly transfer belt.

Abstract: A transfer belt assembly includes a plurality of transfer belts. The transfer belt assembly is structured to move any of an increased number of shells, a very increased number of shells, or an extremely increased number of shells through said conversion press.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a steel sheet provided with a protective layer for producing a ring-pull top or a can having a ring-pull top, where the steel sheet is made of an unalloyed or low-alloy steel having a carbon content of less than 0.1% by weight, and also an associated process. The problem proceeding from known steel sheets having a protective layer, namely to provide a steel sheet by means of which ring-pull tops which for a constant residual wall thickness of the notch line have a lower tear-off force can be produced by means of the ring-pull top, is solved by the steel sheet being recrystallizingly heat treated at a heating rate of more than 75 K/s and after the recrystallizing heat treatment cooled at a cooling rate of at least 100 K/s and then coated with the protective layer.

Abstract: A metal closure is described, in the form of a foil lid (1) bonded to a metal annular component (such as a container body or separate intermediate ring). The foil lid (1) and annular component are made of dissimilar metals, with the closure adapted to prevent bimetallic corrosion at the interface between the dissimilar metals of the foil lid and the annular component. The closure is adapted such that the lid comprises a peripheral wall which is upstanding from the annular component such that a gap is maintained between the annular component and an exposed metal peripheral edge of the lid. Further aspects of the invention include: i. a method for making such a metal closure; and ii. an apparatus for making such a metal closure.

Abstract: A lid (2) for a can (1) has a general shape defining a main plane (9) and a depression (10) arranged in the lid. The bottom wall of the depression is tilted relative to the main plane of the lid, and to a method for orientating lids.

Abstract: A resealable and recloseable beverage can end closure includes a base plate beneath the center panel and a tab plate above the center panel. The closure is slidable relative to the center a panel to uncover the pour aperture and then to position the closure over the pour aperture to enable resealing.

Abstract: In the area of manufacturing covers with tear-open foils, the cover blanks, or covers are always secured against an undesired take-off from the transport means during the transport and the processing. This allows a very high manufacturing cadence equally for light covers and particularly for aluminium covers.

Abstract: An improved convenience closure that is adapted for sealing an end of a can includes an end panel having a peripheral score, a rivet formation, a mustache score and a flex line score defined therein. The mustache score may include a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on the end panel relative to the rivet formation. The central portion is preferably curved, with a concave side of the curvature facing the rivet formation. The mustache score also may include first and second preferably symmetrical end portions, each of which is continuous with the central portion. Most of the total length of each of the end portions may be curved away from a nearest portion of the peripheral score, with a convex side of curvature facing the nearest portion of the peripheral score. Tooling for making the convenience closure and a method of making such a convenience disclosure are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved convenience closure that is adapted for sealing an end of a can includes an end panel having a peripheral score, a rivet formation, a mustache score and a flex line score defined therein. The mustache score may include a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on the end panel relative to the rivet formation. The central portion is preferably curved, with a concave side of the curvature facing the rivet formation. The mustache score also may include first and second preferably symmetrical end portions, each of which is continuous with the central portion. Most of the total length of each of the end portions may be curved away from a nearest portion of the peripheral score, with a convex side of curvature facing the nearest portion of the peripheral score. Tooling for making the convenience closure and a method of making such a convenience disclosure are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved convenience closure that is adapted for sealing an end of a can includes an end panel having a peripheral score, a rivet formation, a mustache score and a flex line score defined therein. The mustache score may include a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on the end panel relative to the rivet formation. The central portion is preferably curved, with a concave side of the curvature facing the rivet formation. The mustache score also may include first and second preferably symmetrical end portions, each of which is continuous with the central portion. Most of the total length of each of the end portions may be curved away from a nearest portion of the peripheral score, with a convex side of curvature facing the nearest portion of the peripheral score. Tooling for making the convenience closure and a method of making such a convenience disclosure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making an easy-open end for a container includes steps of forming first and second grooves in a panel of a can end blank, the grooves extending below the level of the panel to form inner and outer beads and forming a central bead in the panel between the first and second grooves so that the central bead extends above the panel. A score is then formed along the central bead by simultaneously forming the score and compressing the central bead, so that the depth of the score and the thickness of the central bead are both positively controlled. The inner and outer beads are then forced toward each other and then toward the panel, and the central bead is forced toward the panel. A pull-tab is then fixed to the end. This process permits the score residual to be controlled to a greater tolerance than the conventional processes, and is also more material efficient.

Abstract: An easy opening can end is provided whose can end panel is made of steel sheet having both sides coated with resin layers which each include at least one type of thermoplastic resin and which have elongation after break of 100% or more, tensile strength of 10 kg/mm2 or more, Young modulus of 100 kg/mm2 or more and a thickness in range of 10 to 100 &mgr;m. A score is formed on at least one of a front or a back side of the can end panel so as to be capable of breakage for opening the can end. The score has a bottom cross-section in a shape of an arc having a radius in a range of 0.10 to 1.0 mm, and a thinnest section of the score has a thickness t in a range of 0.025 to 0.080 mm. The easy opening can end has no problem of resin layer damage when the score is formed and has excellent can openability to such an extent that children and the aged may easily open the can end, so that the easy opening can end is most suitable for a can end of a beverage can and a food can.

Abstract: A method of coining the score line of container end panels having displaceable portions includes holding a portion of the end panel and coining the score line area thereof between the tapered peripheral edges of the ends of a coining punch and a coining die while controlling the flow of material from the coined area. The apparatus includes a pressure sleeve for engaging a portion of the end panel against the top of the coining die, a control die for supporting the remainder of the end panel and a coining punch for engaging the end panel in the area to be scored. The coining punch and coining die are provided with tapered or beveled shoulders which cooperate to coin the metal therebetween.

Abstract: A modular tooling system for use in combination with a conversion press has an upper base member adapted to be removably mounting into the conversion press, a tooling holder, a tooling insert and means for retaining the tooling insert within the tooling holder. The tooling holder is adapted for attachment to the upper base member. The tooling holder defines a chamber therein extending therethrough. The chamber includes a shoulder portion. The tooling insert is adapted to be removably mounted in the tool holder. The insert has a first end, a second end, and a shoulder portion adapted to cooperate with the tooling holder shoulder portion. Bushings and spacers secure the insert within the tooling holder. Both the tooling holder chamber and the tooling insert are of a predetermined cross section which are adapted to correspond with each other and define a keyed relationship.

Abstract: An easy-open, reseable closure assembly for a beverage can (10) comprises a metal lid (12) and two threadedly connected molded plastic closure elements (40, 60) with engageable annular reseal surfaces (46, 76). The lid is scored (30) to define a circular tear panel (28) and a hinge (32). The spout element (40) is attached to the lid (12) with the bottom surface of the cap element (60) directly above and aligned with the periphery of the tear panel (28). Rotation of the cap element (60) by a user ruptures the tear panel and pivots the tear panel (28) downward about the hinge (32), providing a passage through the spout element (40) for pouring and driking. Initial rupture and rupture propagation of the tear panel (28) is controlled by the spacing of the cap element (60) from the tear panel (28) and their configurations. When the cap element (60) is replaced on the spout (40), reseal surfaces (46, 76) engage.

Abstract: A metal easy open can lid, and a process for producing the same, wherein the can openability is improved and the occurrence of defects in the resin film at the time of shaping is eliminated whereby repair coating of the inner and outer surfaces are made unnecessary by making the cross-sectional shape of the opening guide groove of the easy open can lid an S-shape are provided, wherein, when forming the opening piece for easy manual opening in the metal lid, the properties of the resin film on the metal sheet, the shape and dimensions of the shoulder portions of the punch and die, the clearance, the residual thickness of the opening guide groove, the degree of the push-back processing, etc. are specified so as to achieve a superior can openability without breakage of the resin film by forming an opening guide groove with an S-shaped cross-section.

Abstract: A process for further treating a closure end made of sheet material is provided, particularly for beverage cans, in which an annular fringe region is radially coupled between the central panel portion and a radius of curvature coupled to a core groove with an inner leg. The central panel portion is squeezed such that material is displaced (flows) from the fringe region in a substantially radial outward direction towards the radius of curvature. The squeezing is accomplished by a coining tool having a coining surface operable to contact the closure end. The closure surface is pressed against the closure end causing the thickness of the sheet material of the closure end to be reduced in the annular fringe region. The reduction in thickness gradually decreasing in the direction of the radius of curvature. The material displaced by the squeezing flowing towards the radius of curvature.

Abstract: Scoreline, profiling and reinforcing features are provided for an easy-access sheet metal end closure (20) and an integral opener (44). An endwall panel (28) is formed so as to substantially eliminate flexing of the sheet metal during rupture of residual metal of scoreline means defining a U-shaped tear strip (30). Such tear strip is oriented with its arcuately-shaped closed end (32) contiguous to the periphery of such endwall panel -with scoreline legs (34, 35) directed toward a portion at its geometric center (26). The opener is fabricated with a chisel-point (92) at its working end (66) to initiate puncture of such arcuate-shaped scoreline by Class I lever action. Rupturing of the scoreline is followed by pivoting of the opener about a pair of fulcrum points, (82, 83) which contact the panel one each external to a, side of opening 62, with movement of the opening about such fulcrum points rupturing the scoreline legs by Class; II lever action.

Abstract: An easy open end for food and beverage cans having reduced aluminum content is provided in an end having a metal polymer metal laminate construction. An opening panel as defined in the end body by a pair of first and second spaced apart score lines disposed in the first and second major surfaces, respectively. Each of the first and second score lines define an area of reduced thickness for both the metal layer and the adjacent polymer layer. The opening panel can be displaced from the remainder of the end body to provide an easy opening can by perforating the end body at a point along the first and second score lines.

Abstract: Scoreline, profiling and reinforcing features are provided for an easy-access sheet metal end closure (20) and an integral opener (44). An endwall panel (28) is formed so as to substantially eliminate flexing of the sheet metal during rupture of residual metal of scoreline means defining a U-shaped tear strip (30). Such tear strip is oriented with its arcuately-shaped closed end (32) contiguous to the periphery of such endwall panel with scoreline legs (34,35) directed toward a portion at its geometric center (26). The opener is fabricated with a chisel-point (92) at its working end (66) to initiate puncture of such arcuate-shaped scoreline by Class I lever action. Rupturing of the scoreline is followed by pivoting of the opener about a pair of fulcrum points (82,83) which contact the panel one each external to a side of opening 62, with movement of the opening about such fulcrum points rupturing the scoreline legs by Class II lever action.

Abstract: Forming a convenience-feature, sheet metal end closure structure (180, 216) for a container having a non-cylindrical side wall (250). Scoring and back-up tooling enable peripheral scoring (102, 130, 142) on either surface of such end closure to define a separable panel (160, 218) with its peripheral scoreline located contiguous to the end closure chuck wall (132, 144); which interfits within the open end of the container body. Separation of such endwall panel leaves substantially no obstruction to removal of solid-pack contents. The separable panel is provided with means to prevent tear-out of a segment of the endwall panel and retain an integral opener (148) with the panel.

Abstract: A method is described for producing a can end from metal with at least one opening tab to be pushed in towards the inside portion of the can end. The method of this invention comprises the steps of forming a bulge which is directed upwards, partial punching of the opening tab for leaving a hinged area, displacing of the opening tab in relation to the edge area of the aperture towards the inside of the can end, final reforming of the edge area of the aperture and/or opening tab into a final form, and, if applicable, also coining the edge area of the opening tab so that the edge area of the aperture covers the edge area of the outside of the can end in the form of a ring. During the complete reforming and, if applicable, the coining operation, the two edge areas are held at a mutual axial distance from each other.

Abstract: An improved easy open can end having a retained tear strip extending diametrically partly across the can end defined by a score line, and a graspable pull tab adjacent and outside the open end of the score line. The pull tab is attached to the can end by means of a rivet, the can end around the base of the rivet being deformed so as to slightly tilt the rivet toward the finger end of the pull tab. Accordingly, initial lifting of the pull tab is fully directed to the initial fracture of the score line immediately in front of the rivet, thereby ensuring desirable venting action of internal pressure and allowing opening of the can end with less effort.

Abstract: A stamped and scored one-piece container lid with an integral push-in tear tab has a tab-defining score line formed with a bottom wall, an inclined first side wall and a second side wall opposite to the first side wall and which is upset onto the bottom wall and the lower portion of the first side wall forming a ring around the latter with the result that the tab is relatively easy to push in, but is able to withstand an appreciable outward force due to pressure inside the associated container.

Abstract: A can end (1) made from metal for cans whose contents is under inside pressure is provided with at least one opening tab (4) partly punched from the end leaving a hinge area (6) and a relative aperture (2) formed by the partial punching, with the opening tab (4) and/or the area of the end surrounding the aperture (2) being cold formed so that the edge area (8) of aperture (2) covers the edge area (4a) of opening tab (4) on the end outside (1a). On the end inside (1b), plastisol (10) is applied in ring-form to the edge areas (4a, 8) of opening tab (4) and of aperture (2) and jellied under heating. Before its application and gelation respectively, the plastisol (10) has a viscosity .eta..sub.D4441s -1 (40.degree. C.) of about 2000-2800 mPa.s, and an edge angle .alpha. of about 0.4-1.0 N/mm.sup.2, and a maximum elongation of 120-250%.

Abstract: A method of making a knockout plug in a sheet of metal is provided. The method comprises the steps of: shearing the sheet metal along a majority of a perimeter of a geometric shape so that a plug is produced retained to the sheet metal by at least one retaining strip; cold working at least one sheared area at a pressure sufficient to cause the sheared sheet metal in the area to coalesce; and shearing the retaining strip so that the sheet metal has been sheared along the entire perimeter of the geometric shape. An appliance having a metal casing and a knockout plug stamped in the casing for providing a vent in the cabinet is also provided. The knockout plug is fully sheared along its entire perimeter and has an area along its perimeter that has been cold worked to produce coalesce between the sheared metal.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing can ends having a push down vent tab and a push down main tab, with recessed score lines under a double folded ridge of metal, where part of the score lines are broken to facilitate opening the cans. The method of manufacture uses six stations to make the can ends. One station to bubble the surface of the can end. One station to reform the bubble into a side wall and a flat bottom having a raised vent button and a raised tab button. One station for scoring the vent score line and forming the bend ridge. One station for scoring the main score around the main tab. One station for folding the side walls. And one station for depressing the area around the folded side walls and for stenciling the top of the can end. The last step in the manufacture of the can end is to spray a sealant material on the bottom of the can end.

Abstract: A stamped and scored one-piece container lid with an integral push-in tear tab has a ridge embossed in the tear tab and a push location to the rear of the ridge. When the push location is depressed, the tab tears along its score line and rotates into the container. The ridge prevents the user's digit from sliding along the declining tab through the opening in the lid left by the tab and possibly contacting the sharp edge thereof. Special indentations may be formed in the lid at or near the opposite ends of the score line which make it easier to depress the tab to produce a large effective pour opening in the lid.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements to easy opening container ends. More particularly, it relates to a new improved method of forming a hinged connection between a tab and an end panel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bonded can of the key-opening type comprising a coated metal blank and a seam formed by lap-bonding outer and inner end edge portions of the coated metal blank to each other by a tape of a thermoplastic resin adhesive, wherein the adhesive is a polyamide type or polyester type adhesive, the inner end edge portion forming the seam of the bonded can is completely covered with the adhesive tape, the outer edge portion has a winding-starting tongue piece integrated therewith, a plurality of scores are formed on the outer surface of the coated metal blank from the base of the tongue piece along the entire circumference inclusive of the seam, the scores have a knife angle of 45.degree. to 120.degree. and a depth corresponding to 8 to 45% of the thickness of the metal blank, a coating of an epoxy resin having a thermal softening point of 65.degree. to 150.degree. C.

Abstract: An easy open can end having a retained tear strip extending diametrically partly across the can end defined by a score line, and a graspable pull tab adjacent and outside the open end of the score line. The pull tab is provided with a nose portion to initiate a tear along the score line upon lifting of the pull tab. The edges of the nose portion are curled into a cylindrical cross-sectional shape to provide a high beam strength and to rigidize the nose portion and to prevent failure by bending before the tear strip is opened. A method for manufacture of the pull tab includes forming at least one relief knotch in the peripheral edge of the pull tab blank at the nose end thereof, whereby to relieve compressive forces when the edge is curled, and curling the peripheral edge of the nose portion in successive steps to form an edge portion of continuous cylindrical cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: Apparatus for the manufacture of a rim for the wheel of a commercial load carrying or passenger service vehicle, which apparatus comprises in combination bending apparatus for bending steel strip and butt welding the edges thereof to form a cylindrical component and a plurality of press tools for converting the component into a rim wherein at least one of the press tools comprises an annular die having located within the opening thereof pressure plate adapted to ascend or descend within such opening and on which a cylindrical component to be formed into the rim is adapted to be located above the bottom of the annular die, and pressure elements mounted above the die and adapted to engage therewith through its opening in such a way as to subject the component to compressive load against the inner surface of the die whereby the contour of the die or of the die and the pressure elements is imparted to the component, wherein the pressure elements comprises a combination of upper and lower punch tools resiliently i

Abstract: An improved anti-skid tread or grating (10) design is provided with gripping members or rosettes (30) having a plurality of upstanding individual lobes (36) which are configured in such a way and project high enough to provide an excellent gripping surface. The lobes (36) of the design are self-cleaning, and have non-continuous gripping edges at their crests (40) that accommodate a greater build up of ice or mud without clogging the grating (10).

Abstract: An outlet tube comprising a unitary material sheet folded into a rectangular shape and having overlapping ends secured with rivets, the outlet tube further including flanges extending outwardly from one end of the walls of the rectangular shape, and notches at the corners of the other end of the walls to permit folding inward of the end portions of the walls to provide a taper to the rectangular shape.