Container end closure with improved chuck wall and countersink

Abstract

The present invention describes a beverage can end which utilizes less material and has an improved internal buckle strength based on the geometric configuration of a chuck wall, inner panel wall and central panel, and which, in one embodiment utilizes an arcuate shaped chuck wall with a radius of curvature between about 0.150 inches and 0.250 inches with at least one transition zone positioned between an upper and lower end of the chuck wall.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 613,988, filed Sep. 27, 2004, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention generally relates to containers and container end closures, and more specifically metallic beverage container end closures adapted for interconnection to a beverage can body. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Containers and more specifically metallic beverage containers are typically manufactured by interconnecting a beverage can end closure on a beverage container body. In some applications, an end closure may be interconnected on both a top side and a bottom side of a can body. More frequently, however, a beverage can end closure is interconnected on a top end of a beverage can body which is drawn and ironed from a flat sheet of blank material such as aluminum. Due to the potentially high internal pressures generated by carbonated beverages, both the...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] In another aspect of the present invention, a container end closure is provided which is manufactured with conventional manufacturing equipment and thus generally eliminates the need for expensive new equipment required to make the beverage can container end closure. Thus, existing and well known manufacturing equipment and processes can be implemented to quickly and effectively initiate the production of an improved beverage can container end closure in an existing manufacturing facility, i.e., can plant.

[0010] In another aspect of the present invention, a beverage can end closure is provided with a countersink having an inner panel wall with a distinct non-linear, outwardly oriented radius of curvature of between about 0.025 inches and 0.080 inches. As referred to herein, the term “outwardly” refers to a direction oriented generally toward the container neck or sidewalls, while “inwardly” generally refers to a direction away from the container neck or sidewalls. Preferably, the curved portion of the inner panel wall is positioned just below the point of interconnection with the central panel, and has been shown to improve the strength of the end closure.

[0011] It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a beverage can end closure which saves material costs by reducing the size of the blank material and / or utilizing thinner materials which have improved aluminum alloy properties. Thus, the integrity and strength of the beverage can end closure is not compromised, while material costs are significantly reduced as a result of the blank reduction, and / or improved aluminum alloy properties provided therein.

[0014] It is yet a further aspect of the present invention to reduce the distance between the inner and outer panel walls of the countersink, and to thus save material costs while additionally improving the strength of the end closure. Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention the distance between the inner and outer panel walls is between about 0.045 inches and 0.055 inches, and more preferably about 0.052 inches.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, the beverage container end closure described in the '634 patent has not proven to be completely reliable with regard to leaking, and does not utilize standard double seaming processes which are well known and used in the industry.

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