RECIPIENTE DE METAL COM ANEL TRANSPORTADOR E MÉTODOS DE FABRICAÇÃO DO MESMO

Abstract

A method of forming a carrier ring (18) on a metal article (10, 10') having an open end (11) and a sidewall (14) extending therefrom. The method includes contacting an inner surface of the sidewall (14) with an inner roller (226) to form a protrusion and contacting an outer surface of the sidewall (14) with an outer roller (224a) to form a first groove positioned below the protrusion. The protrusion forms a gap therein. The method further includes contacting a portion of the outer sidewall (14) with at least one second outer roller (224b, 224c) to form a second groove below the protrusion. The method further includes contacting a portion of the outer sidewall (14) with at least one third outer roller (224c, 224d, 224') to flatten the protrusion, such that the gap is substantially reduced or eliminated. The flattened protrusion forms the carrier ring (18).

Description

1 / 76 “METAL CONTAINER WITH CONVEYOR RING AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME” CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED ORDERS

[001] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 452,988, filed March 17, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 613,396, filed December 21, 2023, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD

[002] The present invention generally relates to the field of forming or processing an article, such as a container. More specifically, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming a metal container with a conveyor ring, together with the resulting metal container. BACKGROUND

[003] Plastic containers, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, have a feature known as a conveyor ring. The conveyor ring serves multiple purposes. According to one of them, the conveyor ring is the main contact point when using a pneumatic conveyor to transport plastic containers through processing lines, such as a manufacturing line or a filling line. The conveyor ring slides along a pneumatic conveyor channel. Air forces the plastic containers to slide along the pneumatic conveyor channel while the container is suspended by the conveyor ring. For example, the pneumatic conveyor channel can transport plastic bottles from a blow molding machine or depalletizer to the inlet of a washer / filler / sealer in a filling line.

[004] Brand owners are looking for an alternative to plastic packaging. Metal containers are a viable alternative. No Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 10 / 187 2 / 76 However, metal containers do not have support rings due to differences in how metal containers are shaped compared to plastic containers, which makes it difficult to include a support ring in metal containers.

[005] Thus, it would be desirable to have a metal container that includes a conveyor ring that makes the containers compatible with existing manufacturing lines with overhead conveyor channels for transporting the containers and assists in the filling and closing processes. It would also be desirable to have a process for manufacturing metal containers with a conveyor ring. SUMMARY

[006] A first implementation of the present disclosure includes a turret head assembly to form an article. The turret head assembly includes a top plate and a housing extending from a first side of the top plate in a first direction. The housing includes a plurality of cams rigidly fixed to it. The turret head assembly also includes a base plate with a generally central opening configured to receive an open end of the item through it. The base plate is coupled to the top plate by means of a plurality of alignment pins. The turret head assembly also includes a bearing assembly slidingly coupled to the base plate. The bearing assembly includes a plurality of roller arms. Each of the plurality of roller arms has a roller coupled to it.Each of the plurality of roller arms further includes a cam follower configured to engage a respective cam of the plurality of cams, so that the rollers are configured to move radially with respect to an axis of the turret head assembly that generally extends through the center of the turret head assembly between the top plate and the base plate. The radial movement corresponds to the movement. Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 11 / 187 3 / 76 axial forming tool.

[007] One aspect of the first implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first implementation, includes the article including a narrow neck extending from the open end, a body portion, and a shoulder portion bridging the neck and the body portion. The generally central opening of the lamination assembly includes a guide configured to allow the item's neck to pass through it and to lock the item's shoulder portion.

[008] One aspect of the first implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first implementation, includes the guide being slidingly coupled along the axis of the training tool, and the guide being axially coupled to a resilient device configured to impel the guide in the first direction.

[009] One aspect of the first implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first implementation, includes the turret head assembly further having a plurality of resilient devices coupled to the plurality of alignment pins.

[0010] One aspect of the first implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first implementation, includes the turret head assembly, which further has a pilot positioned through the opening in the base plate and configured to be received by the open end of the article. The pilot includes a step configured to contact the open end of the article.

[0011] One aspect of the first implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first implementation, includes the pilot being slidably coupled for axial movement relative to the bearing assembly and being axially coupled to the bearing assembly by means of a resilient device.

[0012] An aspect of the first implementation, alone or in Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 12 / 187 4 / 76 combination with any other aspect of the first implementation, includes the plurality of roller arms, including at least one outer roller arm having an outer roller attached to it and one inner roller arm having an inner roller attached to it.

[0013] One aspect of the first implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first implementation, includes the inner roller that extends through the opening in the base plate.

[0014] One aspect of the first implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first implementation, includes at least one outer roller arm being coupled to the inner roller arm by means of a resilient device.

[0015] One aspect of the first implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first implementation, includes radial movements of at least one outer roller and the inner roller in generally opposite directions.

[0016] One aspect of the first implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first implementation, includes a plurality of roller arms including a plurality of outer roller arms having respective outer rollers attached to them.

[0017] One aspect of the first implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first implementation, includes each of the plurality of outer rollers including more than one bearing surface for contact with the article, and more than one bearing surface is separated by a recess.

[0018] One aspect of the first implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first implementation, includes the radial movement of the rollers being generally perpendicular to the axis of the turret head assembly.

[0019] One aspect of the first implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the first implementation, includes Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 13 / 187 5 / 76 the turret head assembly still having at least one cam follower positioned adjacent to a second side of the top plate.

[0020] A second implementation of the present disclosure includes a method for forming a carrier ring in a metal article. The method includes providing at least one turret head assembly, including a top plate. The at least one turret head assembly further includes a housing extending from a first side of the top plate in a first direction. The housing includes a plurality of cams rigidly fixed to it. The at least one turret head assembly further includes a base plate with a generally central opening configured to receive an open end of the article through it. The base plate is coupled to the top plate by means of a plurality of alignment pins.At least one turret head assembly further includes a bearing assembly, including a plurality of roller arms. Each of the roller arms has a roller attached to it. Each of the roller arms of the plurality further includes a cam follower configured to engage a respective cam of the plurality of cams, so that the rollers are configured to move radially about the axis of the turret head assembly, generally extending through the center of the turret head assembly, between the top plate and the base plate. The radial movement corresponds to the axial movement of the forming tool. The method further includes the axial advance of at least one of the bearing assemblies and an open end of an article toward each other, so that the open top end of the article passes through the opening in the forming tool of the base plate.This axial advance causes the plurality of cam followers to engage the plurality of cams, thus radially moving the rollers towards the axis of the turret head assembly. The method also includes the rotation of at least one. Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 14 / 187 6 / 76 between the tower head assembly or the article around the axis of the tower head assembly. The method further includes engaging the rollers with a part of the article, thus forming, at least partially, a conveyor ring in the article.

[0021] One aspect of the second implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second implementation, includes the article including a narrow bottleneck extending from the open end, a body portion, and a shoulder portion bridging the bottleneck and the body portion.

[0022] One aspect of the second implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second implementation, includes the axial advance that occurs through the shoulder portion to abut and apply a force against the opening of the base plate.

[0023] One aspect of the second implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second implementation, includes axial advance occurring by means of an external mechanism.

[0024] One aspect of the second implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second implementation, includes the external mechanism being a cam mechanism, a linkage mechanism, a servomechanism, a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, a linear motor, or any combination thereof.

[0025] One aspect of the second implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second implementation, includes the turret head assembly coupled to a forming turret. The turret head assembly has a cam follower configured to engage with a cam in the forming turret. The engagement causes the laminating assembly to move axially toward the open end of an item.

[0026] An aspect of the second implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second implementation, Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 15 / 187 7 / 76 includes the cam featuring a profile such that, once the bearing assembly advances to a maximum travel position, the bearing assembly disengages from the article and retracts to its initial position.

[0027] One aspect of the second implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second implementation, includes the cam including a profile. The profile includes a working portion during which the laminating assembly contacts the item. The working portion is inclined along its entire length.

[0028] One aspect of the second implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second implementation, includes a plurality of resilient devices coupled to the top plate and the forming tool.

[0029] One aspect of the second implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second implementation, includes axial forward compression of the plurality of resilient devices.

[0030] One aspect of the second implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second implementation, includes at least one turret head assembly, further including a pilot positioned through the opening in the base plate. The pilot includes a step configured to contact the open end of the article.

[0031] One aspect of the second implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second implementation, includes the step that assists in applying an axial load to the open end of the article.

[0032] One aspect of the second implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second implementation, includes the maximum axial load being approximately 890 Newtons. Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 16 / 187 8 / 76

[0033] One aspect of the second implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second implementation, includes the axial advance that occurs through the open end of the article that engages the pilot.

[0034] One aspect of the second implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second implementation, includes a plurality of roller arms, including at least one outer roller arm having an outer roller attached to it and one inner roller arm having an inner roller attached to it.

[0035] One aspect of the second implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second implementation, includes the inner roll extending through the opening in the base plate through the open end of the article.

[0036] One aspect of the second implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second implementation, includes at least one outer roller arm being coupled to the inner roller arm by means of a resilient device.

[0037] One aspect of the second implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second implementation, includes radial movements of at least one outer roller and the inner roller in generally opposite directions.

[0038] One aspect of the second implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second implementation, includes a plurality of roller arms including a plurality of outer roller arms having a plurality of outer rollers coupled to them.

[0039] One aspect of the second implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second implementation, includes each of the plurality of external rollers including more than one bearing surface for contact with the article, and the more than one Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 17 / 187 9 / 76 bearing surfaces are separated by a recess.

[0040] One aspect of the second implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second implementation, includes at least one turret head assembly, being at least three turret head assemblies. Furthermore, the plurality of roller arms of a first turret head assembly includes at least one outer roller arm with an outer roller coupled to it and one inner roller arm with an inner roller coupled to it. The plurality of roller arms of a second turret head assembly includes a plurality of outer roller arms with a plurality of outer rollers coupled to them. The plurality of roller arms of a third turret head assembly includes a second plurality of outer roller arms with a second plurality of outer rollers coupled to them. The second plurality of outer rollers includes more than one bearing surface for contact with the article.The multiple bearing surfaces are separated by a recess. The article is engaged by the first, second, and third turret head assemblies in sequence.

[0041] One aspect of the second implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second implementation, includes the radial movement of the rollers being generally perpendicular to the axis of the turret head assembly.

[0042] One aspect of the second implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second implementation, includes the method that further involves moving at least one of the turret head assemblies and the article away from each other, so that the article that has the carrier ring formed on it is configured to be removed from the opening in the base plate.

[0043] An aspect of the second implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second implementation, Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 18 / 187 10 / 76 includes at least one turret head assembly being incorporated into a machine line.

[0044] One aspect of the second implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second implementation, includes at least one turret head assembly, being at least four turret head assemblies. The plurality of roller arms of a fourth turret head assembly includes a third plurality of outer roller arms, having a third plurality of outer rollers coupled to them. The third plurality of outer rollers includes more than one bearing surface for contact with the article, being separated by a recess. The recess of the third plurality of outer rollers is smaller than the recess of the second plurality of outer rollers.

[0045] A third implementation of the present description includes a metallic vessel. The metallic vessel includes a base, an open upper end, and a side wall connecting the base to the open upper end. The metallic vessel also includes an inwardly curved projection extending upward from the side wall. The metallic vessel also includes a neck extending upward from the projection. The neck includes a carrier ring with an upper surface and a lower surface around the neck. The neck also includes a first groove formed in the neck adjacent to the upper surface of the carrier ring. The neck also includes a second groove formed in the neck adjacent to the lower surface of the carrier ring. An annealing level in a portion of the neck containing the carrier ring is no greater than an annealing level in other portions of the vessel.

[0046] One aspect of the third implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the third implementation, includes the radius of the conveyor ring measured from a centerline through Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 19 / 187 11 / 76 of the neck being approximately 12 mm to approximately 21 mm.

[0047] One aspect of the third implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the third implementation, includes the radius of the carrier ring being about 7% to about 25% larger than the radius of the open upper end.

[0048] One aspect of the third implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the third implementation, includes the upper surface of the carrier ring being positioned from about 10 mm to about 35 mm from the open upper end.

[0049] A fourth implementation of the present disclosure includes a method for forming a metal article. The method includes providing at least one turret head assembly. The at least one turret head assembly includes a top plate and a housing with a first end extending from a first side of the top plate in a first direction. The housing includes a plurality of cams rigidly fixed to it. The at least one turret head assembly further includes a base plate positioned adjacent to a second end of the housing. The base plate has an opening generally central configured to receive an open end of the item through it. The at least one turret head assembly further includes a bearing assembly that includes an outer roller arm and an inner roller arm. The outer roller arm has an outer roller attached to it. The inner roller arm has an inner roller attached to it.Each of the outer and inner roller arms includes a cam follower configured to engage one of the plurality cams, so that the rollers are configured to move radially relative to an axis of the turret head assembly that generally extends through the center of the turret head assembly between the top plate and the base plate. The radial movement corresponds to the axial movement of the forming tool. Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 20 / 187 Method 12 / 76 further includes the axial advancement of at least one of the rolling assemblies and an open end of an article toward each other, such that the open upper end of the article passes through the opening in the base plate and such that the inner roll is generally positioned within the open end of the article. The axial advancement causes the cam follower of the inner roll arm to engage one of the multiple cams, thus radially moving the inner roll outward to contact an inner side wall of the article. The method further includes the axial advancement of at least one of the rolling assemblies and an open end of an article toward each other. The additional axial advancement causes the cam follower of the outer roll arm to engage one of the multiple cams, radially moving the outer roll inward to contact the outer side wall of the article.The engagement of the inner rollers with the inner side wall of the article forms a protrusion, and the engagement of the outer roller with the outer side wall of the article forms a groove.

[0050] A fifth implementation of the present disclosure includes a method for forming a conveyor ring in a metallic article with an open end and a side wall extending from it. The method includes contacting an inner surface of the side wall with an inner roller to form a protrusion and contacting an outer surface of the side wall with an outer roller to form a first groove positioned below the protrusion. The protrusion forms an opening therein. The method further includes contacting a portion of the outer side wall with at least one second outer roller to form a second groove below the protrusion. The method further includes contacting a portion of the outer side wall with at least one third outer roller to flatten the protrusion, so that the opening is substantially reduced or eliminated, the flattened protrusion forming the conveyor ring. Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 21 / 187 13 / 76

[0051] One aspect of the fifth implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the fifth implementation, includes the method which further includes providing a pilot with a portion generally inclined inwards. The pilot is positioned within the open end during contact of the outer surface portion of the sidewall with at least one second outer roller.

[0052] One aspect of the fifth implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the fifth implementation, includes each second outer roller of at least one second outer roller having a single contact area.

[0053] One aspect of the fifth implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the fifth implementation, includes each of the inner and outer rollers having a single contact area.

[0054] One aspect of the fifth implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the fifth implementation, includes the method that further includes the application of an axial load to the open end of the article during at least one of the contact steps.

[0055] One aspect of the fifth implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the fifth implementation, includes the method which further includes contacting a portion of the outer surface of the side wall with at least one outer fourth roller to flatten the protrusion before contacting the portion of the outer surface of the side wall with at least one outer third roller. Each outer fourth roller of the at least one outer fourth roller has two contact areas separated by a recessed portion.

[0056] One aspect of the fifth implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the fifth implementation, includes the method which further includes providing a pilot within the open end during contact of the outer surface portion of the sidewall with at least one outer roll. The pilot does not Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 22 / 187 14 / 76 extends axially to the projection within the side wall.

[0057] One aspect of the fifth implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the fifth implementation, includes a first contact area of ​​the two contact areas having an upper formation radius of about 1.52 to about 3.05 mm and a lower formation radius of about 0.76 to about 2.29 mm, and a second contact area of ​​the two contact areas having an upper formation radius of about 1.27 to about 3.05 mm and a lower formation radius of about 2.03 to about 6.35 mm.

[0058] One aspect of the fifth implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the fifth implementation, includes a height of the recessed portion being from about 0.127 to about 3.05 mm.

[0059] One aspect of the fifth implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the fifth implementation, includes each third outer roller of at least one third outer roller having a first contact area and a second contact area separated by a recessed portion.

[0060] One aspect of the fifth implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the fifth implementation, includes the first contact area having an upper formation radius of about 1.01 to about 1.52 mm and a lower formation radius of about 1.01 mm, and the second contact area having an upper formation radius of about 1.01 mm and a lower formation radius of about 4.06 mm.

[0061] One aspect of the fifth implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the fifth implementation, includes a recessed portion height of about 0.89 to about 1.78 mm.

[0062] A sixth implementation of this disclosure includes a Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 23 / 187 15 / 76 A metallic container comprising a base, an open upper end, and a unitary side wall connecting the base and the open upper end. The side wall includes a first portion with a first diameter. The side wall also includes a neck with a second diameter, which is smaller than the first diameter, and a first end of the neck terminates at the open upper end. The side wall also includes a curved projection connecting the first portion and a second end of the neck. The neck includes a carrier ring that forms a projection on the side wall. The carrier ring includes an upper side wall portion and a lower side wall portion. The inner surfaces of the upper and lower side wall portions are in contact with each other. The carrier ring has a second diameter, which is about 7% to about 45% larger than the diameter of the open upper end.The neck also includes a first groove adjacent to the upper side wall portion of the conveyor ring and a second groove adjacent to the lower side wall portion of the conveyor ring. The neck has a wall thickness between approximately 0.025 and 0.356 mm.

[0063] One aspect of the sixth implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the sixth implementation, includes the first groove having a radius of about 0.76 to about 3.05 mm.

[0064] One aspect of the sixth implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the sixth implementation, includes the second groove having a radius of about 1.27 to about 6.35 mm.

[0065] One aspect of the sixth implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the sixth implementation, includes the first groove having a third diameter. The third diameter is smaller than the diameter of the open top end.

[0066] One aspect of the sixth implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the sixth implementation, includes Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 24 / 187 16 / 76 the second groove with a quarter diameter. The fourth diameter is smaller than the diameter of the open top end.

[0067] One aspect of the sixth implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the sixth implementation, includes the portions of the upper and lower side walls forming a thickness of the carrier ring, which is from about 0.33 mm to about 0.46 mm.

[0068] One aspect of the sixth implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the sixth implementation, includes a thickness of an outer portion of the carrier ring being greater than a thickness of an inner portion of the carrier ring.

[0069] One aspect of the sixth implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the sixth implementation, includes the open upper end including a curve formed therein.

[0070] A seventh implementation of the present disclosure includes a method for forming a metal article with a neck using a conveyor ring. The method includes positioning an inner roll against the inner surface of the neck of a cylindrical metal preform. The method further includes deforming the preform neck outward, under pressure from the inner roll, in a region of the preform neck to form an initial protrusion. The method further includes positioning an outer roll against the outer surface of the preform neck, adjacent to the initial protrusion, while the inner roll is positioned against the inner surface at the initial protrusion. The method further includes deforming the preform neck inward, under pressure from the outer roll, while the inner roll rests against the inner surface at the initial protrusion. The method further includes reworking the initial protrusion to form the conveyor ring.

[0071] An eighth implementation of the present disclosure includes a method for forming a metal article with a neck with a ring. Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 25 / 187 17 / 76 conveyor. The method includes the relative positioning of a rolling mill assembly and a pre-formed metal article with a neck, so that the neck extends into the forming tool. The method further includes causing the relative rotation of the pre-formed article and the forming tool around an axis perpendicular to an open end of the neck, while displacing an inner roll of the rolling mill assembly radially outward against an inner surface of the neck to deform the neck radially outward under pressure from the inner roll, until the inner roll reaches a desired maximum radial displacement, to form a metal conveyor ring. The method further includes retracting the inner roll from the inner surface of the neck, so that the inner roll disengages from the inner surface of the neck when the inner roll reaches the desired maximum radial displacement, so that the inner roll does not remain at the desired maximum radial displacement.The method also includes reworking the initial protrusion to form a metallic carrier ring.

[0072] One aspect of the eighth implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the sixth implementation, includes the inner roll disengaging from the inner surface of the neck within 20 degrees of revolution of the relative rotation of the preformed article and the rolling assembly.

[0073] One aspect of the eighth implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the sixth implementation, includes the inner roll disengaging from the inner surface of the neck within 10 degrees of revolution of the relative rotation of the preformed article and the rolling assembly.

[0074] One aspect of the eighth implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the sixth implementation, includes the inner roller disengaging from the inner surface of the neck within 1 degree of revolution of the relative rotation of the pre-formed article and the Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 26 / 187 18 / 76 rolling mill assembly.

[0075] One aspect of the eighth implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the sixth implementation, includes the inner roller retracting from the inner surface of the neck within 2 to 5 revolutions of the relative rotation of the preformed article and the bearing assembly after initial contact between the inner roller and the inner surface of the neck.

[0076] A ninth implementation of the present disclosure includes a method for deforming the neck of a pre-formed metal article. The method includes forming an initial protrusion around the neck of the pre-formed article. The method further includes the relative positioning of a rolling mill and the pre-formed article so that the neck of the pre-formed article extends into the rolling mill and a pilot extends into the neck. The pilot has a first portion positioned adjacent to an open upper end of the neck and a second portion positioned deeper within the neck than the first portion. The first portion has an outer diameter. The second portion has an outer diameter that defines a clearance with the inner surface of the neck, the outer diameter of the second portion being smaller than the outer diameter of the first portion.The method also includes fitting an outer surface of the neck with a forming roll and deforming the neck in the gap towards the second portion of the pilot under pressure from the forming roll.

[0077] One aspect of the ninth implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the ninth implementation, includes the pilot, including a third portion positioned externally and adjacent to the open upper end of the neck. The diameter of the third portion is greater than the diameter of the open upper end of the neck. Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 27 / 187 19 / 76

[0078] One aspect of the ninth implementation, alone or in combination with any other aspect of the ninth implementation, includes the method which further includes applying an axial load to the open upper end during the engagement of the outer surface of the neck with the forming roll.

[0079] A tenth implementation of the present disclosure includes a method for forming a metal article with a neck using a conveyor ring. The method includes the relative positioning of a rolling mill and a pre-formed metal article with a neck, such that the neck of the bottle preform extends into the forming tool. The method also includes causing the relative rotation of the pre-formed article and the rolling mill around an axis generally perpendicular to the open end of the neck, while displacing an inner roll of the rolling mill radially outward against an inner surface of the neck to deform the neck radially outward under pressure from the inner roll, thus forming an initial bulge around the neck.The method also includes reworking the initial overhang, under pressure applied by a second forming tool, to form a metallic carrier ring with substantially parallel upper and lower surfaces and a thickness approximately equal to twice the thickness of the side wall of the preformed article. The maximum axial load applied by the first and second rolling sets to the preformed article is less than 890 Newtons.

[0080] An eleventh implementation of the present disclosure includes a method for forming a metallic article with a carrier ring. The method includes forming an initial bulge around the neck of a pre-formed metallic article under pressure applied by a first roller displaced radially outward, within the neck. The method also includes the axial collapse of the initial bulge by means of Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 28 / 187 20 / 76 pressure is applied by a second roller displaced radially inward, outside the neck, and an axial load is applied to an open upper end of the preformed article, to form a metallic conveyor ring that extends outward from the neck. The metallic conveyor ring has substantially parallel upper and lower surfaces that meet at a distal edge of the conveyor ring. The distal edge has an outer radius of curvature approximately equal to the thickness of the preformed article neck.

[0081] It should be understood that both the previous general description and the detailed description below are merely exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0082] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, which are briefly described below.

[0083] Figure 1 illustrates a line of machines for forming items, according to a modality.

[0084] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a finished article with a conveyor ring, according to one embodiment.

[0085] Figure 2B illustrates articles resulting from various stages of a carrier ring forming process, according to one embodiment.

[0086] Figure 2C illustrates a close-up view comparing profiles of a bottleneck portion of an article during various stages of a conveyor ring forming process, according to one embodiment.

[0087] Figure 3A illustrates a perspective bottom view of a tower head assembly used in one stage of a conveyor ring forming process, according to one embodiment. Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 29 / 187 21 / 76

[0088] Figure 3B illustrates the turret head assembly of Figure 3A with one housing removed.

[0089] Figure 3C illustrates a bottom perspective view of the inner and outer rollers of the turret head assembly of Figures 3A and 3B.

[0090] Figure 3D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the turret head assembly of Figures 3A-3C in a non-compressed position.

[0091] Figure 3E illustrates a cross-sectional view of the turret head assembly of Figures 3A-3D in a compressed position.

[0092] Figure 3F illustrates a schematic close-up side view of the inner and outer rollers of the turret head assembly of Figures 3A-3E in contact with the neck of an article.

[0093] Figure 3G illustrates a close-up schematic view of the positions of the inner and outer rollers of Figures 3A-3F in relation to an unformed bottleneck of the article and to each other, according to one embodiment.

[0094] Figure 3H illustrates a comparison of the article bottleneck of Figures 3A-3G before and after the formation stage of Figures 3A3G, according to a modality.

[0095] Figure 3I illustrates a cross-sectional side view detailing the bearing assembly of Figures 3A-3H.

[0096] Figure 3J illustrates a graph comparing the position of a pressure plate (cam profile) activating an article and the loads applied to the article according to a modality.

[0097] Figure 4A illustrates a perspective top view of a part of a tower head assembly used in another stage of a conveyor ring forming process described herein, according to one embodiment.

[0098] Figure 4B illustrates a top perspective view of Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 30 / 187 22 / 76 turret head assembly of Figure 4A showing additional components attached to it.

[0099] Figure 4C illustrates a perspective top view of the turret head assembly of Figures 4A-4B showing additional components attached to it.

[00100] Figure 4D illustrates a top perspective view of the turret head assembly of Figures 4A-4C showing additional components attached to it.

[00101] Figure 4E illustrates a bottom perspective view of the turret head assembly shown in Figures 4A-4D.

[00102] Figure 4F illustrates a bottom perspective view of the turret head assembly of Figure 4E having a housing mounted on it.

[00103] Figure 4G illustrates a cross-sectional view of the turret head assembly of Figures 4A-4F in an uncompressed position.

[00104] Figure 4H illustrates a cross-sectional view of the turret head assembly of Figures 4A-4G in a compressed position.

[00105] Figure 4I illustrates a perspective bottom view of the outer rollers of the turret head assembly of Figures 4A-4H, according to one embodiment.

[00106] Figure 4J illustrates a schematic close-up side view of the outer rollers of the turret head assembly of Figures 4A-4I in an uncompressed position, before contacting the neck of an article.

[00107] Figure 4K illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a partially formed neck of an article formed according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[00108] Figure 4L illustrates a graph comparing the position of a pressure plate (cam profile) activating an article and the loads. Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 31 / 187 23 / 76 applied to the article according to a modality.

[00109] Figure 5A illustrates a perspective bottom view of a tower head assembly used in another stage of a conveyor ring forming process described herein, according to one embodiment.

[00110] Figure 5B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the turret head assembly of Figure 5A coupled with an article.

[00111] Figure 5C illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the turret head assembly of Figures 5A and 5B in an uncompressed position, before contacting the neck of an article.

[00112] Figure 5D illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the outer rollers of the turret head assembly of Figures 5A-5C in an uncompressed position, before contacting the neck of an article.

[00113] Figure 5E illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the outer rollers of the turret head assembly of Figures 5A-5D in a compressed position as they come into contact with the article neck.

[00114] Figure 5F illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a partially formed neck of an article formed according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[00115] Figure 5G illustrates a graph comparing the position of a pressure plate (cam profile) activating an article and the loads applied to the article according to another embodiment.

[00116] Figure 6A illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional side view of rollers from a tower head assembly used in another stage of a conveyor ring forming process described herein, according to one embodiment, before coming into contact with a bottleneck of an article.

[00117] Figure 6B illustrates a side view in cross-section. Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 32 / 187 24 / 76 enlarged view of the turret head assembly rollers in Figure 6A in a compressed position, as they come into contact with the neck of an article.

[00118] Figure 6C illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of a conveyor ring formed according to one embodiment.

[00119] Figure 6D illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a partially formed neck of an article formed according to another embodiment disclosed herein.

[00120] Figure 6E illustrates a graph comparing the position of a pressure plate (cam profile) that activates the article and the loads applied to the article according to a embodiment.

[00121] Figure 6F illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of a conveyor ring formed according to another embodiment.

[00122] Figure 7A illustrates an exploded view of double rollers according to an embodiment.

[00123] Figure 7B illustrates double rollers according to a modality.

[00124] Figure 7C illustrates double rolls according to another embodiment.

[00125] Figure 8A illustrates a perspective top view of a tower head assembly used in one stage of a conveyor ring forming process, according to another embodiment.

[00126] Figure 8B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the turret head assembly of Figure 8A.

[00127] Figure 9A illustrates a bottom view of a tower head assembly used in one stage of a conveyor ring forming process, according to another embodiment.

[00128] Figure 9B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the turret head assembly of Figure 9A along line 9B-9B.

[00129] Figure 9C illustrates an exploded view of the assembly of Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 33 / 187 25 / 76 turret head of Figures 9A-9B.

[00130] Figure 9D illustrates another exploded view of the turret head assembly of Figures 9A-9C.

[00131] Figure 10A illustrates a perspective view of a turret head assembly mounted on a rotary forming turret according to one embodiment.

[00132] Figure 10B illustrates the tower head and forming tower assembly of Figure 10A with certain components removed.

[00133] Figure 10C is a front view of the turret head and forming turret assembly of Figures 10A-10B mounted on a base.

[00134] Figure 10D is a cross-sectional view generally through line 10D-10D of Figure 10C.

[00135] Figure 11A illustrates a side view of the turret head assembly of Figures 9A-9B coupled to an actuator, according to one embodiment.

[00136] Figure 11B illustrates a side perspective view of the turret head assembly of Figure 11A.

[00137] Figure 11C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the turret head assembly of Figures 11A-11B along line 11C-11C of Figure 11A.

[00138] Figure 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an article formed according to the methods discussed here.

[00139] Figure 13 illustrates hypothetical movements for an article and tool actuator in a forming turret with a process angle of 180°.

[00140] Although the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific forms have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described here in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but, on the contrary, the intention is to encompass all Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 34 / 187 26 / 76 the modifications, equivalents and alternatives that fit within the spirit and scope of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00141] The objectives of the present invention relate to a metallic article (e.g., a container) that can replace current containers made of plastic resins, such as PET, PVC, etc., and to methods for manufacturing the metallic container. The metallic container includes a conveyor ring that projects radially from the neck of the metallic container. The conveyor ring is dimensioned in a manner desirable to be compatible with current container processing lines that use plastic containers. The conveyor ring allows the metallic container to be conveyed through existing processing lines, such as washing, filling, and closing lines.

[00142] Referring to Figure 1, an exemplary machine line 102 for article forming is shown. The machine line 102 includes a plurality of modules 103. Each module 103 is configured to perform at least one work step on an incoming article 10 (see Figure 2A) before passing the article 10 downstream. The modules 103 generally include one or more forming towers 120 configured to perform a work operation on the article 10. The forming tower(s) generally include at least one forming star wheel with a plurality of cavities and tools configured to perform a work operation on an article 10 within a respective cavity.

[00143] Modules 103 generally also include at least one transfer star wheel (e.g., transfer star wheels 121) with a plurality of cavities. The cavities are configured to receive items 10 from an upstream star wheel and transport them to a downstream star wheel. Optionally, a recirculation system may be employed. An example of a system of Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 35 / 187 27 / 76 recirculation is described in document PCT / US2015 / 018119, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[00144] The items described herein may be a can or container, any suitable container for food or beverages, a jar, a bottle, or any other suitable item. As shown, for example, in Figures 2A-2B, the articles described herein 10 have an open upper end 11 (through which the contents of the article 10 may flow) opposite a closed base 12 and a side wall 14 that extends upward from the base 12 and connects an upper edge 25 and the base 12. Alternatively, the article 10 may be open at both ends. The article 10 further includes a bulge 15 that curves inward and upward from the side wall 14 and a narrow neck 16 that extends upward from the bulge 15 to the upper end 11. A top cap, lid, or other closure may be added to the article 10 after the necking process.Article 10 can be attached to a respective device (e.g., a pusher device) using, for example, a push cylinder with a vacuum coupled to it.

[00145] During narrowing procedures, the neck 16 of a generally cylindrical preformed article is diametrically reduced in stages to form a generally smooth finished neck 16' of a preformed article with a neck 10' (see Figure 2B). The procedure is performed in several stages to help prevent deformation, rupture or cracking.

[00146] According to the embodiments described herein, as the pre-formed article with neck 10' is passed downstream, work operations are performed on the neck 16' to form a conveyor ring 18 (see Figure 2A). Figures 2B-2C illustrate profile views of a plurality of items 10', 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d at various stages of a conveyor ring 18 forming process, according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 2C, as a result Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 36 / 187 28 / 76 of the various forming stages described herein, the carrier ring 18 generally moves downwards in the neck 16 of article 10 (i.e., closer to the shoulder 15 and base 12 of article 10) as the forming process continues through the various forming stages (described in detail below). For example, the location of the carrier ring may move downwards about 1 millimeter (mm) to about 2 mm from the open top end 11 of the article. In other embodiments, the carrier ring may move upwards (closer to the open top end 11) as the forming process continues through the various forming stages.

[00147] It is considered that other narrowing operations may also be performed to further modify the neck 16 of article 10 and / or to form a finish 22 with threads 20, a corrugation 24, a fastening strip, etc. The finished neck 16 may be configured to accept a cap to seal article 10. It is considered that the finished neck 16 may include threads 20 or may be smooth with a snap-fit ​​closure.

[00148] Although a specific geometry and profile are illustrated, it is considered that the conveyor rings of the articles 10 described herein may have any suitable geometry or profile. In one or more embodiments, however, the geometry and profile of article 10 may be identical or similar to the geometry and profile of a plastic container. In particular, article 10 may have the same geometry and profile as a plastic container that article 10 is configured to replace. Identical or similar geometry and profile allow item 10, for example, to fit into air conveyor rails configured for the similarly shaped plastic container.

[00149] In one or more embodiments, the neck 16 may have geometry and profile similar to that of a corresponding plastic container, but the remainder of the article 10 (e.g., base 12, wall) Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 37 / 187 The 29 / 76 side 14, the shoulder 15, or any combination thereof) may have different geometry or profile. The neck 16, with the same geometry and profile, configures the article 10 to fit into existing processing lines, as the neck 16 of the article 10 is the portion that interfaces with an air conveyor channel of the existing processing lines. In one or more embodiments, the neck 16 may conform to the ISBT (International Society of Beverage Technologists) 38 mm or 28 mm PCO (Plastic Closure Only) specifications 1881, 1816, or 1810. It is considered that the embodiments described herein may be used to form articles with any desired opening width / diameter in the neck 16.

[00150] The 10 items described here are made of metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel, or any other metal or metal alloy that can be recycled. As a result, Article 10 is more sustainable and recyclable than a similar plastic container, such as a PET container.

[00151] The conveyor rings 18 formed using the processes described herein generally have the shape of a ring projecting radially from the neck 16 of article 10. The conveyor ring 18 may have various cross-sectional shapes, such as rounded, triangular, square, rectangular, etc. In one or more embodiments, the upper surface 26a (see Figure 2B) of the conveyor ring 18 is generally inclined downwards. Such a configuration may be desirable so that any excess moisture can roll more easily out of the conveyor ring 18. In one or more embodiments, the shape of the conveyor ring 18 may depend on the shape of the conveyor ring of the plastic container that the metal article 10 is intended to replace. In one or more embodiments, the shape of the conveyor ring 18 may correspond to the shape required for an air conveying channel within which the article 10 will be used or to the shape required for the Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 38 / 187 30 / 76 processing of article 10, such as subsequent rinsing, filling and / or closing processes.

[00152] According to the embodiments of the present description, the conveyor ring 18 is integrally formed in the neck 16 of the article 10 during manufacturing. As illustrated in Figure 2A, the conveyor ring 18 is formed around the neck 16 and below the finish 22, similar to the location of a conveyor ring in a corresponding plastic container. The conveyor ring 18 is formed in such a way that, for example, the article 10 can travel along the air conveyor rails to a corresponding plastic container. For this purpose, the conveyor ring 18 can be dimensioned to correspond to the corresponding conveyor ring in a plastic container. For example, the conveyor ring 18 can be dimensioned according to the dimensions of the PCO 1881, 1816 or 1810 specifications, for example, 38 mm or 28 mm, discussed above. It is considered that the embodiments described herein can be used to form articles with any desired opening width / diameter in the neck 16.This makes the 18 conveyor ring compatible with air conveyor rails and other machines used with plastic containers.

[00153] As plastic containers are available in various sizes, the conveyor ring 18 can also be supplied in various sizes. In one or more embodiments, the size of the conveyor ring 18 may depend on the overall size of the article 10. For example, the larger the article 10, the larger the conveyor ring 18 can be, in order to support greater loads during manufacturing or processing with the conveyor ring 18.

[00154] In some embodiments, after Step / Stage 1 (as described in detail below), the middle of the conveyor ring 18a can be positioned approximately 20 mm to approximately 42 mm from the open upper end 11 of an unfinished article 10a (see Figure 2B). In other Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 39 / 187 In embodiments, after Stage 1, the middle of the conveyor ring 18a can be positioned from about 23 mm to about 39 mm from the open upper end 11 of the unfinished article 10a. In other embodiments, after Stage 1, the middle of the conveyor ring 18a can be positioned from about 26 mm to about 36 mm from the unfinished upper end 11 of the article 10a. However, the location of the conveyor ring 18a may vary depending, for example, on the size of the article 10a.

[00155] In some embodiments, after Stage 2 (as described in detail below), a middle of the conveyor ring 18b can be positioned from about 20 mm to about 42 mm from an open upper end 11 of the unfinished article 10b (see Figure 2B). In other embodiments, after Stage 2, the middle of the conveyor ring 18b can be positioned from about 23 mm to about 39 mm from the open upper end 11 of the unfinished article 10b.In other embodiments, after Stage 2, the middle of the conveyor ring 18b can be positioned approximately 26 mm to approximately 36 mm from the open upper end 11 of the unfinished article 10b. However, the location of the conveyor ring 18b may vary depending, for example, on the size of the article 10b.

[00156] In some embodiments, after Stage 3 (described in detail below), a carrier ring 18c may be positioned approximately 19 mm to approximately 41 mm from the open upper end 11 of an unfinished article 10c. In other embodiments, after Stage 3, the carrier ring 18c may be positioned approximately 22 mm to approximately 38 mm from the open upper end 11 of the unfinished article 10c. In other embodiments, after Stage 3, the carrier ring 18c may be positioned approximately 25 mm to approximately 35 mm from the open upper end 11 of the unfinished article 10c. However, the location of the carrier ring 18c may vary depending, for example, on the size of the article 10c. Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 40 / 187 32 / 76

[00157] In some embodiments, after Step 4 (described in detail below), the conveyor ring 18d can be positioned from about 18 mm to about 40 mm from the open upper end 11 of the unfinished article 10d (see Figure 2B). In other embodiments, after Step 4, the conveyor ring 18d can be positioned from about 21 mm to about 37 mm from the open upper end 11 of the unfinished article 10d. In other embodiments, after Stage 4, the conveyor ring 18d can be positioned from about 24 mm to about 33 mm from the upper end 11 of the unfinished article 10d. However, the location of the conveyor ring 18 may vary depending, for example, on the size of the article 10.

[00158] In some embodiments, a means of the carrier ring 18 of the finished article (e.g., threaded, coiled) 10 may be positioned about 13 mm to about 34 mm from the top of the bunch 24 (see Figure 2A). In other embodiments, the middle of the conveyor ring 18 of the finished article 10 can be positioned from about 16 mm to about 31 mm from the top of the bunch 24. In other embodiments, the middle of the conveyor ring 18 of the finished article 10 can be positioned from about 19 mm to about 28 mm from the top of the bunch 24. For example, the middle of the conveyor ring 18 of the finished article 10 can be located about 17 mm from the top of the bunch 24. In another embodiment, the middle of the conveyor ring 18 of the finished article 10 can be located about 21.2 mm from the top of the bunch 24. In yet another embodiment, the middle of the conveyor ring 18 of the finished article 10 can be located about 23.4 mm from the top of the bunch 24.However, the location of the conveyor ring 18 may vary depending on, for example, the size of item 10.

[00159] In some embodiments, the outer radius of the carrier ring 18 (for example, an item 10 with an open-end diameter of about 28 mm) radially outward may be about Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 41 / 187 33 / 76 mm to approximately 21 mm larger than the radius of the open upper end 11 of the unfinished article 10. In other embodiments, the outer radius of the carrier ring 18 may be approximately 14 mm to approximately 19 mm larger than the radius of the open upper end 11 of the unfinished article 10. In other embodiments, the outer radius of the carrier ring 18 may be approximately 16 mm to approximately 17 mm larger than the radius of the open upper end 11 of the unfinished item 10.

[00160] In some embodiments, the outer radius of the finished conveyor ring 18 may be from about 7% to about 45% larger than the outer radius of the upper edge 25 of article 10. In other embodiments, the outer radius of the finished conveyor ring 18 may be from about 11% to about 40% larger than the outer radius of the upper edge 25 of article 10. In still other embodiments, the outer radius of the finished conveyor ring 18 may be from about 14% to about 35% larger than the outer radius of the upper edge 25 of article 10.

[00161] In some embodiments, the outer radius of the finished conveyor ring 18 may be about 15% to about 40% larger than the radius of the adjacent grooves 32', 30d (see Figure 2B) of the article neck 10d. In other embodiments, the outer radius of the finished conveyor ring 18 may be about 20% to about 35% larger than the outer radius of the adjacent grooves 32', 30d of the article neck 10. In still other embodiments, the outer radius of the finished conveyor ring 18 may be about 25% to about 30% larger than the outer radius of the adjacent grooves 32', 30d of the article neck 10.

[00162] According to a non-limiting example, the thickness of the side wall of the neck 16 of Article 10 used with the systems and processes described herein varies from about 0.254 mm to about 0.356 mm (about 0.010 inch to about 0.014 inch). The initial body of the preform container, generally cylindrical, in one embodiment has an outside diameter of about 58.9 mm (about 2.32 inches). Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 42 / 187 34 / 76 inches). The neck 16 of the preform may be reduced diametrically during one or more necking processes to a diameter of about 28.2 mm (about 1.11 inches) (see item 10 of Figure 2B) before the carrier ring forming process. The preform may start with a sidewall thickness of about 0.22 mm to about 0.23 mm (about 0.0085 inch to about 0.0090 inch), which may increase to an average of about 0.318 mm (about 0.0125 inch) during the narrowing process. The sidewall material of neck 16, which is usually cylindrical, may vary by + / - 0.0127 mm (+ / - 0.0005 inch). During the conveyor ring forming process described here, the thickness of the article's side wall can be reduced by up to about 0.051 mm (about 0.0020 inch), generally without compromising the integrity of the material and coatings.

[00163] In accordance with aspects of this disclosure, apparatus and methods for improving the bottlenecking processes of articles (e.g., containers) are described. Although the embodiments described herein are discussed in relation to the processes of forming support rings, it is considered that the apparatus and methods for using them can also be applied in association with other processes that result in the formation of a ring, protrusion and / or recessed portion / groove or in the processing / modification of a bottleneck of an article, generally adjacent to or near an open upper end of the article.

[00164] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the axial movement of a portion of a turret head assembly (e.g., turret head assemblies 200a-d of Figures 3A-6) used to form a conveyor ring in the neck of an article, in turn, causes radial movement of the tool (e.g., rollers) relative to the axis of the turret head assembly. For example, in Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 43 / 187 35 / 76 In some embodiments, the mechanical drive of a turret head assembly into a position to form a processing operation on an article being shaped or modified is performed using the article itself. This can be advantageous because external components or mechanisms are not needed, for example, to drive rollers to contact the neck of the article so that a conveyor ring can be formed on it. Thus, less equipment may be required, thereby reducing the cost associated with forming the conveyor ring. In other embodiments, the radial movement of the tool may be driven by a secondary mechanism (e.g., a cam actuator) external to the turret head assembly, causing axial movement of the components of the turret head assembly.

[00165] Figures 3A-3I illustrate an example of a 200a tower head assembly used in a first step or stage (“Stage 1”) of a conveyor ring forming process, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The turret head assembly 200a includes, on the top plate 206, a base plate 208 and a housing 204. The top plate 206 and the housing 204 support alignment pins 213. The top plate 206 is slidingly coupled to the base plate 208 by alignment pins 213 and a bearing assembly 210a (for roll forming tools, for example, the outer roll 224a and the inner roll 226 (see Figure 3B)). The bearing assembly 210a is positioned and slides within the housing 204. A shaft of the turret head assembly 203 is defined as generally extending through the center of the turret head assembly 200a.In Figures 3A-3I, shaft 203 extends through the center of the outer diameters of top plate 206 and housing 204. When a force is applied to bearing assembly 210a (for example, when an article 10 is inserted into turret head assembly 200a, as per...) Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 44 / 187 36 / 76 described in detail below), the bearing assembly 210a (and the components coupled to it, as described in detail below) slides upward along the axis of the turret head assembly 203 relative to the housing 204 in the direction of arrow A.

[00166] In the non-limiting embodiment of Figures 3A-3I, the turret head retaining device 202 is a screw that secures the top plate 206 of the rotating turret head assembly 200a to the forming turret (see Figures 10A-10D). In other embodiments, the turret head retaining device 202 may be, for example, a drawbar or other suitable device. In embodiments where the article is rotated (instead of the turret head assembly 200a being rotated), the turret head retaining device 202 simply retains the turret head assembly 200a on a non-rotating element that is in axial alignment with the forming turret and / or a spindle that rotates the article to be formed.

[00167] The turret head assembly 200a further includes a plurality of spring guides 212 with a corresponding plurality of resilient devices (e.g., compression springs 214) coupled to them to maintain the bearing assembly 210a in an open / decompressed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring guides 212 are fixed to the base plate 208. The top plate 206 may include a clearance hole through which the spring guide 212 may be slidably positioned. In other embodiments, the design of the spring guide 212 may be reversed, so that the spring guide 212 is mounted on the top plate 206 with a clearance hole in the base plate 208.

[00168] In embodiments where the compression springs 214 have a length-to-diameter ratio large enough to possibly bend when compressed, the spring guides 212 may provide support to the compression springs 214.If sufficient space is available, use 214 compression springs with diameters larger than... Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 45 / 187 37 / 76 are not susceptible to buckling and can be used, in which case the 212 spring guides can be eliminated.

[00169] The turret head assembly 200a further includes alignment pins 213 configured to maintain the alignment of the bearing assembly 210a as it moves (alternates). In one embodiment, the base plate 208 is rigidly attached to the alignment pins 213, and the bearing assembly 210a is slidingly coupled to the alignment pins 213. In another embodiment, the top plate 206 is slidingly coupled to the alignment pins 213, and the bearing assembly 210a is rigidly attached to the alignment pins 213.

[00170] In some embodiments, other mechanisms internal or external to the turret assembly 200a may be used to move (e.g., force the return) the bearing assembly 210a. For example, the compression springs 214 may be removed from the turret assembly 200a, and the spring guides 212 may extend through the top plate 206, where a force from an external source may be applied. In another embodiment, air cylinders, air springs, leaf springs or the like may be installed in place of the compression springs 214.

[00171] The bearing assembly 210a includes at least one outer roller arm 220a (see Figures 3B, 3D and 3E-3G) and an inner roller arm 222 (see Figure 3D), each of which has a respective outer roller 224a and inner roller 226 coupled to a lower end thereof. In a non-limiting embodiment, the inner roll 226 has a radius of formation 227a (measured axially) (see radius of formation r in Figure 12) of about 0.63 to about 2 mm (about 0.025 to about 0.080 inch), and the outer roll 224a has a radius of formation 227b (measured axially) of about 1 to about 5 mm (about 0.05 to about 0.20 inch) (see Figure 3F-3G, see also (see radius of formation R)). Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 46 / 187 38 / 76 of Figure 12). The outer roller arm 220a and the inner roller arm 222 can be coupled to each other by means of a resilient device (e.g., arm spring 230, as shown in Figures 3D-3E). The outer roller arm 220a and / or the inner roller arm 222 are considered to be coupled to other portions of the bearing assembly 210a, for example, using one or more resilient devices. An outward-facing side of the outer roller arm 220a and the inner roller arm 222 includes an outer roller arm cam follower 240a and an inner roller arm cam follower 242 coupled to them.Each of the cam followers of the outer roller arm 240a (see Figures 3B, 3D, 3E and 3I) and the cam follower of the inner roller arm 242 (see Figures 3D, 3E and 3I) is configured to contact an outer roller cam 244a (see Figures 3B, 3D, 3E and 3I) and an inner roller cam 246 (see Figures 3D, 3E and 3I) coupled to an inner surface of the housing 204.

[00172] Although only a single outer roller arm 220a (and the corresponding outer roller 224a) is shown in the embodiment of Figures 3A to 3I, it is considered that any suitable number of outer roller arms and outer rollers may be used. However, in some embodiments, a single outer roller arm may be desirable so that more material from the neck 16 of article 10 can be displaced during the formation of the conveyor ring.

[00173] The bearing assembly 210a is configured to be moved axially relative to the axis of the turret head assembly 203. For example, in one embodiment, the lower end of the bearing assembly is configured to be activated by an article passing through an opening, usually central, in the base plate 208 (as shown in Figures 3 to 6). In another embodiment (shown in Figures 8 to 11), the bearing assembly is configured to be activated by an external mechanism, for example, a cam / follower assembly. Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 47 / 187 39 / 76 came.

[00174] As shown in the embodiment of Figure 3D-3H, the opening in the base plate 208 includes a pilot 250 mounted thereon. The diameter of the pilot 250 is configured to allow the passage of the generally straight neck 16' of the article 10' through it. Bearings within the pilot 250 allow the article 10' to remain generally stationary while the turret head assembly 200a rotates. In addition, a portion of the inner roller arm 222, with the inner roller 226 coupled to it, extends through an inner surface of the pilot 250, so that the inner roller 226 can be positioned within the neck 16' of the article. The pilot 250 of Figures 3D-3H can be used with or without axial compliance.

[00175] In one embodiment, article 10' (see Figure 2B) is introduced into the tower assembly 200a by a ram and a pressure plate that follow a path. Thus, the upper edge 25 of article 10' is guided into the tower assembly 200a and received by the pilot 250. The upper edge 25 attaches to a step 252 (see Figure 3F) positioned at the distal end of the pilot 250. The step 252 has a smaller diameter than the upper edge 25 of article 10'. Thus, the step 252 acts as a stop for the upper edge 25 and optionally applies an axial load to it. Continuing to advance article 10' in the direction of Arrow A in Figure 3F activates the upward movement of at least a portion of the bearing assembly 210a in the direction of arrow A.In another embodiment, the Stage 1 turret head assembly 200a (see Figure 3A and Figure 8A, described in detail below) includes a front guide assembly (similar to a front guide 270 of Figures 4I-7 and described in more detail below) rigidly fixed and / or axially conforming to the base plate 208 (see Figure 3B).

[00176] As bearing assembly 210a moves upward, spring 230 between the arms of the outer and inner rollers 220a and 222 Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 48 / 187 40 / 76 causes the respective outer and inner cam followers 240a and 242 to engage with the respective outer and inner cams 244a and 246. The outer and inner roller cams 244a and 246 generally have a slanted and inclined shape, so that the upper part of the 244a and 246 cam has a greater width than the lower part. The angle 243a (see Figure 3D) formed by the outer roller cam 244a can vary from about 1° to about 30°. In another embodiment, the angle 243a formed by the outer roller cam 244a can vary from about 4° to about 25°. In another embodiment, the angle 243a formed by the outer roller cam 244a can vary from about 7° to about 15° (e.g., about 9°). The angle 243b formed by the inner roller cam 246 can vary from about 1° to about 19°. In another embodiment, the angle 243b formed by the inner roller cam 246 can vary from about 4° to about 16°.In another embodiment, the angle 243b formed by the inner roller cam 246 can vary from about 7° to about 13° (for example, about 10°). Angles 243a and 243b can be adjusted depending, for example, on the desired amount of forming and material displacement.

[00177] The cams of the outer and / or inner rollers 244a, 246 are considered to have a combination of more than one angle or curve. Thus, the rate at which the rollers 224a, 226 move radially inward / outward can be adjusted so that it is not constant. For example, two angled surfaces can be connected by a small radius, so that the corresponding roller 224a, 226 starts moving inward at a faster rate and ends moving inward at a slower rate.

[00178] The engagement between cams 244a and 246 and their respective cam followers 240a and 242 causes the outer roller arm 220a to move radially inward in a generally linear (slightly arched) manner, causing the outer roller 224a coupled to it to also move inward. Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 49 / 187 41 / 76 moves radially inward toward the center (e.g., the axis of the turret head assembly 203) of the turret head assembly 200a to contact an outer surface of the neck 16' of article 10'. The upward movement of the bearing assembly 210a further causes the inner roller arm 222 and the inner roller 226 coupled to it to move radially outward in a generally linear manner to contact an inner surface of the neck 16' of article 10'. The distance by which the outer and inner rollers 224a, 226 are moved radially inward can be varied, for example, by varying the shape of the cams of the outer and inner rollers 244a, 246 and / or the angles 243a, 243b associated with them. The outer and inner rollers 224a, 226, moving towards each other in generally opposite directions, result in lower loads on the central pilot.However, it is anticipated that the outer and inner rollers 224a, 226 may also move in different directions.

[00179] The movement of the arms of the inner and outer rollers 222, 220a in a generally linear manner (i.e., generally perpendicular to the article rather than in a fully arced motion) may be desirable to avoid any interference between the respective rollers 224a, 226 and the conveyor ring 18a formed during Step 1 (see Figure 2B) and / or adjacent grooves / recesses. In a non-limiting embodiment, the rollers 224a, 226 form an inward arc with a radius of about 89 mm (radius of about 3.50 inches).

[00180] When the bearing assembly 210a is moved in the direction of arrow A, an external force from the springs 214 can cause an axial load to be applied from the pilot 250 to the upper edge 25 of article 10', thus assisting the rollers 224a, 226 with a controlled formation of the carrier ring 18 and groove 30a by compression of the neck 16' of article 10'.

[00181] As best observed in Figures 3F-3G, the axial position Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 50 / 187 42 / 76 of the inner roller 226 is further inward (closer to the center of the axis of the turret head assembly 200a / turret head assembly 203) and closer to the open upper end 11 of article 10 than that of the outer roller 224a, so that a small gap 225d (see Figure 3G) corresponding, in general, to the thickness of the neck 16' of article 10' is formed between them. In one embodiment, the gap 225d at the end of the forming stroke / in the compressed position is from about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm (about 0.02 to about 0.11 inch).

[00182] In some embodiments, the inner roll 226 contacts the inner surface of the neck 16' of the article 10' before the outer roll 224a contacts the outer surface of the neck 16' of the article 10'. For example, in one embodiment, when the inner roll 226 contacts the inner surface of the neck 16', the outer roll 224a may be about 2.5 mm (about 0.1 inch) away from the outer surface of the neck 16'. As the forming process begins, the outer roll 224a moves radially inward, while the inner roll 226 moves radially outward, so that both the outer and inner rolls 224a and 226 come into contact with the neck 16'.

[00183] When the Stage 1 tower assembly 200a is in the compressed position of Figures 3E-3F, the radial positions of the outer and inner rolls 224a and 226 slightly overlap. In one embodiment, the overlap is from about 1 mm to about 4 mm. Thus, when the tower assembly 200a is in the compressed position of Figures 3E-3F, the outer and inner rolls 224a and 226 interleave the neck 16' between them, so that a partial conveyor ring 18a can be formed over them. The contact between the inner roll 226 and the inner surface of the neck 16', while causing relative rotation between the article and the rolling assembly around an axis generally perpendicular to the open upper end 11, causes the neck 16' to deform. Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 51 / 187 43 / 76 outwards, under pressure caused by the outward radial displacement of the inner roller 226, until a maximum displacement position is reached to form an initial protrusion, or partial conveyor ring 18a. Similarly, the contact between the outer roller 224a and the outer surface of the neck 16' causes the neck 16' of the preformed article 10' to deform inwards, under pressure from the outer roller 224a, while the inner roller 226 rests against the inner surface of the partial conveyor ring 18a.

[00184] In a non-limiting embodiment, the outer roller 224a pushes the neck 16' inward by a distance 225a of about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm (about 0.02 inch to about 0.8 inch) beyond its initial position, and the inner roller 226 pushes the neck 16' outward by a distance 225b of about 3 mm (about 0.04 inch to about 0.12 inch) beyond its initial position (see Figure 3G). In a non-limiting embodiment, the axial distance 225c (y1 of Figure 12) between the centers of the inner and outer rollers 226 and 224a is about 2 mm to about 8 mm (about 0.08 inch to about 0.31 inch).

[00185] In one embodiment, the turret head assembly 200a generally rotates rapidly around the axis of the turret head assembly 203 relative to the article (which generally remains stationary within the pilot 250 by friction), so that the outer and inner rollers 224a and 226 move circumferentially along the neck 16'. Thus, the outer and inner rollers 224a and 226 roll against the neck 16' of the article 10'. As a result, the inner roller 226 drives a portion of the neck 16' outward, forming a partial conveyor ring 18a with increased diameter, and the outer roller 224a drives a portion of the neck 16' directly below the partial conveyor ring 18a inward, forming a partial groove 30a (see Figures 2B, 3E-3F). In some configurations, the 200a turret head assembly may Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 52 / 187 44 / 76 rotate at a speed of 2,000 rpm or more. It is considered that the article can rotate rapidly relative to the 200a turret head assembly, which can generally remain stationary.

[00186] After the formation of the partial conveyor ring 18a and the completion of Step 1 of the process, the inner roller 226 is retracted away from the inner surface of the neck 16a, so that the inner roller 226 disengages from the inner surface of the neck 16a, returning to the original initial position of the process. The resulting article 10a is then retracted away from the tower head assembly 200a.

[00187] Thus, spring 230 decompresses, and the engagement of the outer and inner cam followers 240a and 242 with the respective outer and inner cams 244a and 246 causes the outer roller arm 220a to move radially outward and the inner roller arm 222 to move radially inward, in the decompressed position of Figure 3D. Compression springs 214, positioned in spring guides 212 (or other suitable mechanism), further drive the bearing assembly downward, in the direction of arrow B. As a result, the outer roller 224a and the inner roller 226 break contact with the neck 16a of article 10a and provide clearance for the removal of article 10a from the turret head assembly 200a.

[00188] Figure 3H compares the dimensions of Article 10' before Stage 1 with those of Article 10a subsequent to Stage 1 of the training process described herein, according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 3H, the reduction in height 253a of neck 16 is from about 0.5 mm to about 3.0 mm (about 0.05 inch to about 0.06 inch) due to material displacement while the upper axial load is applied. The diameter 253b of the partial conveyor ring 18a formed during Stage 1 may be about 10% to about 15% larger than the initial diameter of neck 253c. The reduced diameter of the neck 253d of the partial groove 30a may be about 3% to about Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 53 / 187 45 / 76 10% smaller than the original diameter of the 253c neck (e.g., approximately 28.19 mm (approximately 1.1 inches), reduced to approximately 26.41 mm (approximately 1.04 inches)).

[00189] According to one embodiment, the axial / process load for the Stage 1 forming and rolling assembly is approximately 45 kg to 90 kg, or 60 kg to 73 kg. According to one embodiment, the load required to activate the rolling (rotating) assembly without forming is approximately 11 to 34 kg. As there is no guide on the front of the illustrated 200a turret head assembly, the article receives most of the applied axial load. Resistance to material movement (both inward and outward) creates higher process loads. This load may vary as material properties, material thickness, diameters, and the like change in other applications.

[00190] Referring now to Figure 3J, a graph comparing the position of the pulse activating the item towards the turret head assembly 200a and the loads applied to the item during Stage 1 is shown, according to one embodiment. Line 228a represents the position of the impulse plate, which corresponds to the cam profile along which the impulse plate cam follower moves. Line 228b represents the bottle forming load at each impulse plate position. Line 228c illustrates static load measurements (no bottle present), where the bearing assembly is generally stationary / not rotating. The loads associated with line 228c generally result, for example, from spring compression and the resistance of the turret head assembly 200a.

[00191] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 3J (and similarly in Figures 4L and 5G), a working portion 233 of cam profile 228a generally does not include any stops or flat portions. In other words, the working portion 228a of the profile Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 54 / 187 The cam profile of the illustrated embodiments is inclined along the entire profile to promote continuous axial movement of the article (towards or away from the forming tool) and to keep the material moving during forming, which can help minimize cracking and fracturing. Consequently, by eliminating any stoppage in the cam profile – especially in article-activated embodiments, such as those illustrated in Figures 3 to 6, where the load applied to the article is generally higher – when the desired forming is achieved, such as when the rolls reach the desired maximum radial displacement, contact with the rolls ceases and the article is retracted / removed from the forming tool.For example, it is anticipated that the rollers will disengage from the article at approximately 20 degrees of rotation, or even 10 degrees of rotation, or even 1 degree of rotation of the rollers relative to the article, or even immediately, once the desired maximum radial displacement of the rollers is achieved, to avoid a stop. However, it is considered that a stop may be included in the cam profiles of the embodiments described herein. In any embodiment, for example, with or without a stop, it is anticipated that the desired maximum radial displacement of the rollers can be achieved in approximately 2 to 5 revolutions of the rollers relative to the article.

[00192] As shown in Figure 3J, the exemplary cam profile 228a includes a first ascending portion 234a, a second ascending portion 234b, a first retractable portion 235a, and a second retractable portion 235b. During the first ascending portion 234a, the article and the rolling assembly are brought closer together, i.e., the distance between them is reduced. The formation of the carrier ring occurs during the second ascending portion 234b. The formation is generally completed at the end of the second ascending portion 234b. During the first retractable portion 235a, the speed and acceleration of the movement are adjusted to the capabilities and limits of the turret head assembly 200a, to Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 55 / 187 47 / 76 as the article is retracted, but remains in contact with the tower head assembly 200a. During the second retractable portion 235b, the thrust pad is retracted so that the article can be safely transferred to another star wheel. Although the cam profile has been described with respect to the Stage 1 pressure plate cam, it is anticipated that a similar cam profile can be used for any of the cams used to drive the bearing assemblies described herein.

[00193] After completion of Step 1, the resulting article 10a (see Figure 2B) can be passed on to the subsequent steps of the carrier ring forming process. For example, Figures 4A to 4J illustrate Step 2 of the carrier ring forming process, Figures 5A to 5E illustrate Step 3 of the carrier ring forming process, and Figures 6A to 6C illustrate Step 4 of the carrier ring forming process, according to one embodiment. However, it is foreseen that more or fewer steps or stages may be used to form the desired carrier ring.

[00194] In the embodiments illustrated, the 200b-200d tower head assemblies of the subsequent stages of conveyor ring formation operate in a manner similar to that described above with respect to Stage 1. The differences include, for example, the number of inner and / or outer rollers (and consequently the number of respective inner and outer roller arms), the manner in which the tower head assembly is driven, combinations thereof or similar.

[00195] For example, in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 4A-7 and 9A-9B, the tower head assemblies 200b-200d, 1200' of Stages 2 to 4 of the conveyor ring forming process include three outer rollers 224b, 224c and 224d spaced approximately 120 degrees apart. It is considered, however, that any suitable number of outer rollers 224 may be included in the tower head assemblies. Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 56 / 187 48 / 76 200b-200d, 1200'. Furthermore, in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 4A-7 and 9A-9B, Stages 2 to 4 eliminate the inner roller of Stage 1. It is considered, however, that an inner roller may be included in any or all of Stages 2 to 4. The differences between the 200b-200d, 1200' tower assemblies of Stages 2-4 compared to those of Stage 1 are detailed further below.

[00196] Furthermore, in the embodiments illustrated, each of the turret head assemblies 200b-d, 1200', of subsequent Stages 2 to 4, includes an optional front guide 270 (see Figure 4I) mounted concentrically with the turret head assembly and including a generally central opening 272 through which a pilot 260 can be accessed. The front guide 270 may include a profile with a generally recessed diameter and with a shape that generally corresponds to that of the projection 15 of article 10. Thus, the front guide 270 is configured to receive the projection 15 of article 10 formed during the previous stage, when article 10 is inserted into the turret head assembly 200.

[00197] The front guide 270 may be made of a non-damaging material, generally soft and smooth enough to protect the item 10 or its decorations / designs from scratches. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, plastic resins (e.g., DELRIN® (DuPont Polymers, Inc., Wilmington, Delaware)) or any other suitable material or combinations thereof.

[00198] In one embodiment, when inserted into the turret head assembly 200 in the direction of arrow A through a central opening 272, the shoulder 15 of article 10 presses against the front guide 270, imposing a force that assists in causing the bearing assembly 210 to move in the direction of arrow A to the compressed position, as shown in Figures 4H and 4J for Stage 2, Figures 5D-5E for Stage 3 and Figure 6B for Stage 4. It is also contemplated that other mechanisms (e.g., external) may be used to Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 57 / 187 49 / 76 cause the bearing assembly 210 to be in the compressed position.

[00199] The Stage 2 tower head assembly 200b of the conveyor ring forming process, according to one embodiment, is shown in Figures 4A-4J. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer roll 224b of Stage 2 has a forming radius 227c (measured axially) of about 0.7 to about 5 mm (about 0.03 to about 0.20 inch) (see Figures 4H and 4J). In Stage 2 of the process, a groove 32 is rolled above the partial conveyor ring 18 (see Figure 2B). Similar to Stage 1, the Stage 2 turret head assembly 200b described herein includes an internal pilot 260 mounted in a generally central opening 272 of the turret head assembly 200b to assist in guiding the bottleneck 16a of Article 10a into and through the turret head assembly 200b and into position. As shown in the Figures.4H and 4J, the open upper end 11 of the article receives the pilot 260 so that the pilot 260 supports the inner surface of the neck 16a of the article 10a as the article 10a is moved into the turret head assembly 200b, thus assisting in the precise formation of the next stage of the conveyor ring 18 and adjacent grooves.

[00200] In some embodiments, there is a diametral clearance of about 0.127 mm to about 0.254 mm (about 0.005 inch to about 0.010 inch) between the inner side wall of the neck 16a of article 10a and the outer diameter of the pilot 260. In some embodiments, the pilot 260 includes a spring feature to aid in process control. The pilot 260 can be used with or without axial compliance. For example, in some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4J, the pilot 260 includes a step 252b with a diameter larger than the body of the pilot 260 and the open upper edge 25 of the neck 16a of article 10a to secure the upper edge 25 of article 10a. Bearings inside the pilot Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 58 / 187 50 / 76 Pilots 260 can assist in maintaining the overall stability of article 10a while the turret head assembly 200b rotates. In some embodiments, pilot 260 can be inserted to a depth of about 12.7 mm to about 31.75 mm (about 0.50 inch to about 1.25 inch) into the open end of article 10a. In other embodiments, pilot 260 can be inserted to a depth of about 19.05 mm to about 25.4 mm (about 0.75 inch to about 1 inch) into the open end of article 10a. In some embodiments, pilot 260 rotates freely by means of a rotating support (not shown), such as, but not limited to, ball bearings, tapered roller bearings, bushings, etc.

[00201] In the uncompressed position of Figures 4G and 4J, the distance 245 between the neck 16a of Article 10a and the outer rollers 224b can be from about 0.254 mm to about 1.27 mm (about 0.01 inch to about 0.05 inch) (see Figure 4G). As discussed in detail in relation to Step 1, the movement of Article 10 in the direction of Arrow A by a ram and a pressure plate along a path causes the open upper end 11 of Article 10 to push against the step 252b of the pilot 260, which applies an axial load to the open upper end 11 and activates the bearing assembly 210b. Thus, the cams of the outer rollers 244b engage with the respective cam followers of the outer rollers 240b positioned on the arms of the outer rollers 220b.This engagement causes the arms of the outer rollers 220b to move radially inward, causing the outer rollers 224b coupled to the arms of the outer rollers 220b to also move radially inward in unison, generally linearly, towards the center of the turret head assembly 200b until the maximum point inward, to come into contact with the neck 16a of article 10a. In a non-limiting embodiment, from the point of contact with article 10a, the outer rollers 224b move approximately... Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 59 / 187 51 / 76 to 2 mm (0.06 to 0.08) inches (radially) to a final bearing position.

[00202] Like the Stage 1 external roller cams 244a, the Stage 2 external roller cams 244b generally have an angled and inclined shape, so that the upper part of each external roller cam 244b has a greater width than the lower part. The angle 243b (see Figure 4G) formed by the external roller cam 244b can vary from about 1° to about 19°. In another embodiment, the angle 243b can vary from about 4° to about 16°. In yet another embodiment, the angle 243b can vary from about 7° to about 13°. The angle 243b can be adjusted depending, for example, on the desired amount of forming and material displacement.

[00203] Figure 4J shows the engagement of the outer rollers 224b with the neck 16a of the article during Step 2 of the conveyor ring forming process, according to one embodiment. In Step 2, the outer rollers 224b are positioned to contact a portion 255 of the neck 16a adjacent to and above the partial conveyor ring 18a formed during Step 1, thus forming a first portion or groove 32 of reduced diameter (see also article 10b of Figure 2B). When the resulting article 10b is removed from the turret head assembly 200b in the direction of arrow B, the turret head assembly 200b returns to the decompressed position, as shown in Figure 4G.

[00204] Notably, at the beginning of Step 2, the shoulder 15 of article 10a generally does not contact the front guide 270. As the neck 16a is wound by the rolling assembly 210b and axial load is applied to the top edge 25 of article 10a to assist in forming, a slight reduction in the height of neck 16a / article 10a occurs due to material displacement while the top axial load is applied. As a result, the shoulder 15 of article 10b resulting from the Step 2 process contacts the front guide 270, which causes Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 60 / 187 52 / 76 so that at least part of the load is transferred to the shoulder 15 via the front guide 270 and further assists in the actuation of the laminating assembly 210b in the direction of Arrow A.

[00205] As discussed above in relation to Stage 1, in some embodiments, the length of the item (e.g., the neck portion) may change slightly during the Stage 2 rolling process. During Stage 2 forming, the outer rolls 224b displace the material inward, resulting in some thinning of the material. Thus, in some embodiments, after completion of Stage 2 forming, the height of Article 10b is greater than the height of Article 10a after Stage 1 (e.g., by about 0.127 to about 0.254 mm, or about 0.005 to about 0.010 inch).

[00206] In a non-limiting embodiment, the outer rollers 224b of Stage 2 initially move inward a distance of about 1.52 mm (about 0.06 inch) from contact with the article, thereby pushing the neck 16a inward by the same distance. The elastic return of the neck material may cause the neck to expand outward, for example, by about 30% to about 45% of the distance it was initially displaced. Thus, the resulting groove 32, formed in Stage 2, may radially displace the sidewall of the article inward, thereby decreasing the diameter of the portion 255 of the neck adjacent to and above the partial conveyor ring 18a by about 2 to about 1.3 mm (about 0.01 to about 0.05 inch).In some non-limiting embodiments, after Step 2, the outside diameter of portion 255 of the neck adjacent to and above the partial conveyor ring 18a is displaced inward by about 1% to about 6%, or by about 2% to about 5%, or by about 3% to about 4% of its initial diameter. In some embodiments, after completion of the formation of Step 2, the diameter of the resulting partial conveyor ring 18b is expanded by up to about 0.2 mm (about 0.005 inch). Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 61 / 187 53 / 76

[00207] Figure 4K illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a partially formed neck 16b of a subsequent article to Step 2, according to an embodiment. Various wall thicknesses are shown (in inches) along various portions of the formed neck 16b. The three cross-sectional views in Figure 4K are intended to show the same article; multiple views are shown due to space constraints.

[00208] Referring now to Figure 4L, a graph is shown comparing the position of the pressure plate that activates the article towards the turret head assembly 200b and the loads applied to the article during Stage 2, according to one embodiment. Line 229a represents the position of the pressure plate, which corresponds to the cam profile along which the pressure plate cam follower moves. Line 229b represents the forming load of the bottle at each position of the pressure plate. Line 229c represents the forming load of the bottle at each position of the pressure plate. The loads associated with line 229c generally result, for example, from spring compression and the resistance of the turret head assembly 200b.

[00209] Figures 5A to 5E illustrate a turret head assembly 200c of a subsequent Stage 3 of the carrier ring forming process, according to one embodiment. In Stage 3, the shape of the carrier ring is defined in more detail. As in the previous stage, the open upper end 11 of article 10b formed in Stage 2 is guided into the assembly by means of a pilot 260'. At the distal end of the pilot 260', there is a step 252c with a diameter larger than the body of the pilot 260' and the open upper end 11 of the neck 16b of article 10b to attach an upper edge 25 of article 10b.

[00210] The 200c turret head assembly, the 224c external roller movement, and the process associated with Stage 3 are generally Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 62 / 187 54 / 76 similar to those of Stage 2, except that the position and shape of the outer rollers 224c are different. Specifically, in Stage 3, the outer rollers 224c are double outer rollers, i.e., they come into contact with two different portions of the neck 16b of article 10b (see Figure 7B). In other words, as shown in Figures 5A-5E and 7A-7B, the double outer rollers 224c have a first contact area 280a configured to contact and shape a portion 285a of the neck 16b adjacent to and above the partially formed conveyor ring 18b, a second contact area 280b configured to contact and shape a portion 285b of the neck 16b adjacent to and below the partially formed conveyor ring 18b, and a recessed portion 280c connecting the first and second contact areas 280a, 280b.In a non-limiting embodiment, the first contact area 280a has an upper forming radius 281a (measured axially) of about 1.52 mm to about 3.05 mm (about 0.06 to about 0.12 inch) and a lower forming radius 281b (configured to contact the partially formed carrier ring 18b) of about 0.76 mm to about 2.29 mm (about 0.03 to about 0.09 inch) (see Figure 5C). The second contact area 280b has an upper forming radius 283a (measured axially) (configured to contact the partially formed carrier ring 18b) of about 1.27 mm to about 3.05 mm (about 0.05 to about 0.12 inch) and a lower forming radius 283b (configured to contact shoulder 15) of about 2.03 mm to about 6.35 mm (about 0.08 to about 0.25 inch) (see Figure 5C).In a non-limiting embodiment, the distance between the first and second contact areas 280a, 280b (i.e., the height of the recessed portion 280c) is from about 0.13 mm to about 3.05 mm (about 0.005 to about 0.120 inch).

[00211] As shown in Figure 7A, the double rollers used in Steps 3-4 can be formed by coupling two Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 63 / 187 55 / 76 independent rotary roller elements 290a and 290b on a single shaft. In other embodiments, the double roller is usually unitary, so that the first and second contact areas are continuous and integrated.

[00212] Notably, as in Stage 2, at the beginning of Stage 3, the shoulder 15 of article 10b generally does not come into contact with the front guide 270. As the neck 16b is rolled by the rolling assembly 210c and an axial load is applied to the top edge 25 of article 10b to assist in forming, a slight reduction occurs (e.g., about 0.13 mm to about 2 mm (about 0.005 to about 0.08 inch)) in the height 253a of neck 16b / article 10b due to material displacement while the top axial load is applied. In other embodiments, the reduction in height 253a of neck 16b during Stage 3 is about 1 to about 1.2 mm (about 0.03 to 0.05 inch).As a result, shoulder 15 of article 10c resulting from the Stage 3 process comes into contact with front guide 270, which causes at least part of the load to be transferred to shoulder 15 via front guide 270 and further assists in guiding bearing assembly 210c in the direction of arrow A.

[00213] As described above in relation to the preceding stages, in Stage 3, article 10b can be driven into the turret head assembly 200c by a ram and pressure plate that follow along a path, causing the open upper end 11 of article 10b to push against the pilot step 252c, which applies an axial load to the open upper end 11 of article 10b and activates the bearing assembly 210c. In a non-limiting embodiment, from the point of contact with article 10b, the second contact area 280b of the outer rollers 224c moves about 2 to about 5 mm (0.08 to about 0.2 inch) (radially) to a final bearing position, shown in Figure 5E. In a non-limiting embodiment Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 64 / 187 56 / 76 limiting, the Step 3 process increases the diameter of the resulting partial carrier ring 18c by about 1% to about 5%, or about 2% to about 3% relative to the diameter of the partial carrier ring 18b resulting from the Step 2 process. In some embodiments, after completion of the Step 3 forming, the diameter of the resulting partial carrier ring 18c is expanded by about 0.2 to about 1.3 mm (about 0.01 to about 0.05 inch). As a result of the Step 3 forming, the partial carrier ring 18c of the resulting article 10c is further defined, as shown in Figures 2B and 5F.

[00214] Figure 5F illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a partially formed neck of a 10c article subsequent to Step 3, according to an embodiment. Various wall thicknesses are shown (in inches) along different portions of the formed neck. The three cross-sectional views in Figure 5F are intended to show the same article; multiple views are shown due to space constraints.

[00215] Referring now to Figure 5G, a graph comparing the position of the impulse plate that activates the item toward the 200c turret head assembly and the loads applied to the item during Stage 3 is shown, according to one embodiment. Line 231a represents the position of the impulse plate, which corresponds to the cam profile along which the impulse plate cam follower moves. Line 231b represents the bottle forming load at each impulse plate position. Line 231c illustrates static load measurements (no bottle present), where the bearing assembly is generally stationary / not rotating. The loads associated with line 231c generally result from spring compression and the resistance of the 200c turret head assembly.

[00216] Figures 6A-6B illustrate a turret head assembly. Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 65 / 187 57 / 76 200d of a subsequent Stage 4 of the process, according to one embodiment. In Stage 4, the shape of the conveyor ring 18 is defined more precisely (narrowed or tightened). The turret head assembly 200d and the process associated with Stage 4 are generally similar to those of Stage 3, except that the position and shape of the outer rollers 224c used with the turret head assembly 200d are different. Specifically, as in Stage 3, the turret head assembly 200d of Stage 4 includes double outer rollers 224c that are shaped to better define the shape of the conveyor ring 18 (see Figure 7C). More specifically, as shown in the Figures. In Figures 6A, 6B, and 7C, the double outer rollers 224d include a recessed portion 280c' positioned between the first and second contact areas 280a', 280b'. The recessed portion 280c' has a lower height than that of Stage 3, so the distance between the first and second contact areas 280a', 280b' is smaller.

[00217] In a non-limiting embodiment, the first contact area 280a' has an upper forming radius 281a' (measured axially) of about 1.02 mm to about 1.52 mm (about 0.04 to about 0.06 inch) and a lower forming radius 281b' (configured to contact the partially formed carrier ring 18c) of about 1 to about 2 mm (about 0.03 to about 0.08 inch). (see Figures 5C-5E). The second contact area 280b' has an upper forming radius 283a' (measured axially) (configured to contact the partially formed carrier ring 18c) of about 1 to about 2 mm (about 0.03 to about 0.08 inch) and a lower forming radius 283b' (configured to abut the shoulder 15) of about 4 to about 5 mm (about 0.1 to about 0.2 inch) (see Figures 6A-6B).In a non-limiting embodiment, the distance between the first and second contact areas 280a', 280b' (i.e., the height of the lowered portion 280c') is from about 0.89 to about. Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 66 / 187 58 / 76 1.78 mm (approximately 0.035 to approximately 0.07 inch). Thus, the Stage 4 double outer rollers 224d assist in pinching the conveyor ring into the desired shape. Thus, as a result of Stage 4 forming (especially in combination with the upper axial forming load that compresses the conveyor ring), the shape of the resulting conveyor ring 18d (see Figure 2B) is further defined. Furthermore, the Stage 4 process is such that a circumferential gap between the upper and lower portions 271a, 271b of the resulting conveyor ring 18d (see Figures 6B-6C) is generally eliminated. In other words, the inner surfaces of the upper and lower portions 271a, 271b of the conveyor ring 18d are generally leveled, at least around a continuous circumference of the resulting conveyor ring 18d.In this way, the chance of the article material warping / failing during subsequent processing operations (e.g., throttling, curling) where additional loads are applied is minimized. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the article includes a coating, for example, to protect the metal from corrosion, etc. The coating on the inner surfaces of the upper and lower portions 271a, 271b may join together to help seal the gap.

[00218] As shown in Figures 6C-6D, the final shape of the conveyor ring 18d may include an intermediate portion 21a with a thickness smaller than the outer portion 21b. In other words, the thickness of the outer portion 21b of the conveyor ring 18d may be greater than the thickness of the intermediate / inner portion of the conveyor ring. This shape may be a result of the lamination process in Step 4, used to finish the conveyor ring.

[00219] However, it is considered that the resulting metallic carrier ring 18 may have substantially parallel upper and lower surfaces (see Figure 6F) that meet at a distal edge of the carrier ring 18. In such an embodiment, the distal edge has a radius of Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 67 / 187 59 / 76 external curvature 19 approximately equal to the thickness of the side wall of the article. Furthermore, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6F, the gap between the substantially parallel upper and lower surfaces of the carrier ring 18d is eliminated or substantially eliminated so that the inner surfaces of the upper and lower surfaces come into contact with each other along the entire carrier ring 18d.

[00220] The Step 4 forming process essentially creates a controlled collapse to produce the desired final diameter and location of the carrier ring 18d. If the carrier ring is not collapsed (e.g., if there is a substantial gap between the upper and lower surfaces 271a, 271b of the resulting carrier ring 18d), uncontrolled loads can deform the shape and / or integrity of the formed carrier ring. Furthermore, the diameters of the adjacent grooves 32', 30d (above and below) the carrier ring 18d are further reduced during Step 4. In some embodiments, after completion of Step 4 forming, the diameter of the resulting partial carrier ring 18d is expanded to about 1 mm (0.04 inch).

[00221] Notably, as in Steps 2 and 3, at the beginning of Step 4, the shoulder 15 of item 10c generally does not come into contact with the front guide 270. As the neck 16c is wound by the rolling assembly 210d and an axial load is applied to the top edge 25 of item 10c to assist in forming, a slight additional reduction occurs (e.g., about 0.5 to about 0.6 mm (about 0.01 to about 0.03 inch)) in the height of the neck 16c / item 10c due to material displacement while the top axial load is applied. As a result, the shoulder 15 of article 10d resulting from the Step 4 process comes into contact with the front guide 270, which causes at least part of the load to be transferred to the shoulder 15 through the front guide 270 and further assists in the actuation of the assembly. Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 68 / 187 60 / 76 lamination 210d in the direction of Arrow A.

[00222] As described above in relation to the previous stages, in Stage 4, article 10c can be driven into the turret head assembly 200d by a ram and pressure plate that follow along a path, causing the open top end 11 of article 10c to push against a step 252d of a 260'' pilot, which applies an axial load to the open top end 11 of article 10c and activates the lamination assembly 210d. This process can cause the shortening of the neck height 16c / article 10c. In some embodiments, the article height is shortened by about 1 to about 3 mm (about 0.04 to about 0.09 inches) during Stage 4. In some embodiments, the article height is shortened by about 1.4 to about 1.8 mm (about 0.05 to about 0.07 inches) throughout the carrier ring forming process.In a non-limiting embodiment, from the point of contact with article 10c, the second contact area 280b' of the outer rolls 224d moves about 2 to about 3 mm (about 0.08 to about 0.12 inch) (radially) to a final rolling position, shown in Figure 6B. In one embodiment, the Step 4 process increases the diameter of the resulting partial conveyor ring 18b. As a result of the Step 4 formation, the resulting partial conveyor ring 18d of article 10d is further defined, as shown in Figures 2B and 6C.

[00223] Figure 6D illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a partially formed neck 16d of an article subsequent to Step 4, according to an embodiment. Various wall thicknesses are shown (in inches) along various portions of the formed neck 16d. The three cross-sectional views in Figure 6D are intended to show the same article; multiple views are shown due to space constraints.

[00224] Referring now to Figure 6E, a graph is shown Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 69 / 187 Figure 61 / 76 compares the position of the impulse plate that activates the item toward the 200d turret head assembly and the loads applied to the item during Step 4, according to one embodiment. Line 232a represents the position of the impulse plate, which corresponds to the cam profile along which the impulse plate cam follower moves. Line 232b represents the bottle forming load at each impulse plate position. Line 232c illustrates static load measurements (no bottle present), where the bearing assembly is generally stationary / not rotating. The loads associated with line 232c generally result from spring compression and the resistance of the 200d turret head assembly.

[00225] Like the cams of the outer rolls 244a and 244b of Stages 1 and 2, the cams of the outer rolls of Stages 3 and 4 generally have a slanted and inclined shape, so that the upper part of each cam of the outer rolls has a greater width than the lower part. The angle formed by the cams of the outer rolls of each of Stages 3 and 4 may be the same or different. The angle formed by the cam of the outer rolls of Stages 3 and 4 may vary from about 2° to about 30°. In another embodiment, the angle may vary from about 10° to about 27°. In yet another embodiment, the angle may vary from about 18° to about 24°. The angle formed by the cams of the outer rolls of each of Stages 3 and 4 may be adjusted depending, for example, on the desired amount of forming and material displacement.

[00226] As discussed previously, during the lamination of one or more of Stages 1 to 4 described above, an axial load may be applied to the upper edge 25 of article 10 to assist in material displacement, controlling material flow, preventing material thinning and / or material fracture. Any suitable amount of axial load may be applied. The axial load Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 70 / 187 62 / 76 can be applied, for example, through contact between the pilot step and the upper edge 25 of the article, pushing against the pilot step, for example, to slide the laminating assembly in the direction of Arrow A. In some embodiments, the pilot may include a spring device to assist in providing an axial load on the open upper edge 25 of the article 10. The type of springs and / or the preload set on the springs of the spring device can be adjusted to achieve the desired axial load to be applied to the article 10.

[00227] In some embodiments, the amount of axial load applied to the upper edge 25 of Article 10 may vary according to the stage of formation. For example, the amount of axial load may be different in each or some of Stages 1 to 4. For example, the axial load applied during Stage 1 and / or Stage 2 may be from approximately 52.5 kg to 79.4 kg. The axial load applied during Stage 3 may be from approximately 63.5 kg to 97.4 kg. The axial load applied during Stage 4 may be from approximately 54.5 kg to 84.4 kg.

[00228] Although four stages of conveyor ring formation (e.g., Stages 1 to 4) are described herein, it is considered that any number of suitable steps / stages may be used to shape the conveyor ring 18 into the desired shape. It is also considered that additional rolling or flattening processes may be used to reshape the conveyor ring 18. For example, additional processing operations may cause the conveyor ring 18 to deform slightly, resulting in an undesirable ring shape. Therefore, one or more additional process steps may be implemented to correct this.

[00229] It is considered that one or more forming operations may be applied to Article 10 before or after any of the carrier ring forming steps described herein. For example, it may be desirable to perform a trimming operation on Article 10. Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 71 / 187 63 / 76 before or after one of the steps. In a non-limiting example, a trimming operation is performed on the 10c article subsequent to Step 3 to trim the open top end 11 of the 10c article formed in Step 3 to a specified and generally uniform overall height and / or to remove any variations caused by previous forming steps. Such a trimming operation may be desirable so that, for example, the open top end 11 of the article is generally uniform / flat to ensure proper contact with the step in the pilot of the subsequent step, so that a generally uniform / constant axial load can be applied to it in the subsequent step(s). Additionally, it may be beneficial to include a trimming step before the final step (e.g., Step 4) so ​​that the heights of the resulting 10d articles are consistent.

[00230] Furthermore, although the turret head assemblies 200ad of the exemplary embodiments are activated by the axial movement of article 10 (for example, by means of the open upper end 11 of the article in contact with the step on the pilot and / or by means of the shoulder 15 of the article in contact with and pushing against the front guide 270), it is contemplated that the components of the turret head assemblies of any of the stages discussed herein may be activated by any part of the article or any other external mechanism that causes axial movement of the bearing assemblies 210 of the turret head assemblies 200 relative to article 10. For example, in some embodiments, the turret head assembly 200 used in any of the stages described herein is compressed independently of article 10.For example, the bearing assembly 210 of the turret head assembly 200 can be moved axially, for example, by means of a cam actuator driving a cam positioned on the forming turret to which the turret head assembly 200 is coupled, thereby compressing the turret head assembly 200 and... Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 72 / 187 64 / 76 consequently, causing radial movement of the outer and / or inner rollers 224, 226 of the forming tool.

[00231] Referring, for example, to Figures 8A-8B and 9A-9B, the turret head assemblies 1200 and 1200' are illustrated according to other embodiments, in which the bearing assemblies 210' and 210'' are driven independently of Article 10. The turret head assembly 1200 of Figures 8A-8B is similar to the turret head assembly 200a of Stage 1 detailed above, and the turret head assembly 1200' of Figures 9A-9D is similar to the turret head assembly 200b-d of subsequent Stages 2 to 4 detailed above. For example, the turret head assembly of Figures 1200. Figures 9A-9D include a top plate 206', a base plate 208', a housing 204', external rollers 224' (which are double rollers in the non-limiting illustrated embodiment), external roller cams 244', external roller cam followers 240', a pilot 260' with a step 252', a guide 270' and the like.However, unlike the turret head assemblies 200a-d detailed above, which are driven by means of the axial movement of article 10, the bearing assemblies 210', 210'' of the forming tools of Figures 8A-8B and 9A-9B are driven by means of an external mechanism.

[00232] A plurality of turret head assemblies 200, 1200 and 1200' described herein may be mounted on a forming turret 1300, for example, by means of a spindle shaft. This is illustrated in Figures 10A to 10D in relation to the turret head assembly 1200 of Figures 8A to 8B. As shown, the spindle shaft 1201 aligns the turret head assembly 1200 with the article 10 to be processed. A similar arrangement may be used in relation to, for example, the turret head assembly 1200' of Figures 9A to 9D. It is considered that a turret shaft, a motor shaft or other suitable device may also be used with the turret head assemblies 1200 Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 73 / 187 65 / 76 and 1200'. The housing and / or bearing assemblies of the 1200, 1200' turret head assemblies in Figures 8A-8B and 9A-9B can be axially displaced using a cam mechanism (e.g., a cam actuator), a linkage mechanism, a servo mechanism, a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, a linear motor, or any other suitable mechanism or combination thereof.

[00233] Referring to Figures 10A-10D and 11A-11C, a non-limiting example of the turret head assembly 1200 of Figures 9A-9B is shown coupled to a forming turret 1300 by means of a tool actuator 1205. The turret 1300 includes a cam 1211 for activating the bearing assembly of the turret head assembly 1200. The cam 1211 is fixed to the base of the turret 1300.

[00234] The actuator 1205 includes a spindle housing 1204 mounted on a plate 1206 that rotates with the turret head assembly 1200. The actuator 1205 further includes a drive spindle shaft 1208 that generally extends through its center. The actuator 1205 further includes a cam follower 1210 coupled to a pushrod mounting plate 1212 and configured to slide contact the cam 1211 in the forming tower 1300. The pushrod mounting plate 1212 is coupled to the spindle housing 1204 by a plurality of pushrods 1214 with a corresponding plurality of springs 1216. As the forming tower 1300 rotates about the axis of a shaft 1217 generally positioned at its center, the cam followers 1210 roll around the surface and are actuated by the cam 1211.Thus, the mounting plate of the pressure rod 1212 is pushed towards the tower head assembly 1200, thereby actuating the bearing assembly contained therein to come into contact with article 10.

[00235] Steps 1 to 4 are considered to be able to be performed at room temperature. In a non-limiting embodiment, the rollers Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 74 / 187 The outer 66 / 76 rollers comprise D-2 Rc 58-62, with a surface finish of 16. The inner rollers may comprise 4140 HT, with a hardness of 26-32 Rc or D-2 Rc 58-62, and may have a surface finish of 16.

[00236] As discussed above, in embodiments where the turret head assemblies are driven by the item (see Figures 3-6), the ram and pressure plate that drive the item include a cam follower that follows along a cam profile on the forming turret. In some embodiments where the turret head assemblies are driven by external mechanisms (see Figures 8-11), each turret head assembly may include a cam follower that follows along a cam profile on the forming turret to which the turret head assembly is coupled. For example, a cam follower may be coupled to a portion of the rolling assembly or to the housing at one end of the turret head assembly opposite the base plate. The movement of the cam follower along the cam profile causes the rolling assembly and the housing to move axially relative to each other.In some embodiments, the cam actuation allows the laminating assembly to be activated and remain activated to come into contact with the article until the step is completed, at which point the laminating assembly can be retracted away from the article.

[00237] Figure 13 shows a graph illustrating the hypothetical movements of a workpiece and a turret head assembly (coupled to a tool actuator) in a forming turret with a process angle of 180°. The motion curves correspond to the cam profiles used to drive the workpiece and the tool actuator and are shown to clarify the relative movement of the workpiece and the tool actuator coupled to the turret head assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the workpiece approaches the turret head assembly, followed by the tool actuator moving towards the workpiece. Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 75 / 187 67 / 76 (see period 1302). The magnitude and angles of the movements may vary, and other modalities are practical and possible.

[00238] As shown in Figure 13, in area 1302, the tool actuator movement begins before the article is fully in its processing position. This is because filling part of the clearance required for loading before the container movement is complete can help minimize process problems. The rapid upward movement 1305 during period 1303, before the constant speed movement period 1307, serves to fill the clearance quickly and allow for a longer duration for the subsequent constant speed movement.

[00239] At or near the second intersection point 1308, the tool actuator movement ends after the article begins to move away from its processing position, as some clearance for unloading is made available before the tool movement returns to its rest position. This serves to take advantage of the clearance as early as possible, allowing for a longer duration for the constant speed movement that precedes it.

[00240] In the turret head assemblies 1200, 1200' of Figures 8A-8B and 9A-9D, as well as in the turret head assemblies 200ad detailed above, the rolling assemblies 210', 210'' rotate relative to the processed items. It is expected that one or both of the items or rolling assemblies (or their components) 210, 210', 210'' may rotate. In an embodiment in which the rolling mill assembly 210, 210', 210'' rotates, the tower head assembly 200, 1200, 1200' is mounted on a rotating shaft coupled to the forming tower (see, for example, Figures 10A-10D), and a thrust bearing (for example, the thrust bearing 1202 with a thrust bearing plate 1203 of Figure 8B) is included to support the axial load applied to the tower head assembly 200, 1200, 1200'. In embodiments in which the Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 76 / 187 68 / 76 article rotates and the tooling apparatus / rolling assembly 210, 210', 210 is generally stationary, the turret head assemblies 200, 1200, 1200' can be fixed by means of a simple fixed mount aligned with the article axis, and the thrust bearing elements can be eliminated.

[00241] The axial load applied to the article, provided by all 200a-d, 1200 and 1200' turret head assemblies described and contemplated in this document, assists in controlling the material flow, thus helping to prevent unwanted thinning of the material in the resulting conveyor ring. The axial load applied to the articles by the 200a-d article-activated turret head assemblies described in this document may vary based on spindle speed. For example, when the turret head assemblies described in this document rotate at higher speeds, the resulting centrifugal force may push the corresponding rolling assemblies outward and create a greater axial process load. Thus, at higher speeds, more force may be required to activate the rolling assembly than the article can withstand.Therefore, it may be desirable to relieve the extra load applied to the item and apply only the amount of load necessary to keep the item in contact with the pressure plate and piston assembly, preventing the item from rotating due to roller friction. For the 1200 and 1200' turret head assemblies in Figures 8 to 11 that are not driven by the item itself, the spindle speed generally does not influence the axial load, resulting in a more consistent preload.

[00242] In some embodiments, the rollers that come into contact with the article and form the conveyor ring have a shape complementary to the desired shape of the conveyor ring 18 and adjacent portions to be formed at the neck 16 of the article. For example, the outer rollers 224 in the illustrated embodiments are rounded so as to Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 77 / 187 69 / 76 that the engagement of the outer rollers 224 with the outer surface of the neck 16 of article 10 reduces the diameter of the fitted neck 16 to form the desired groove(s) / recess(es) and pushes the material outward to assist in the formation of the conveyor ring 18. Similarly, the inner roller 226 of the illustrated embodiments may be rounded so that the engagement of the inner roller 226 with the inner surface of the neck 16 of the item increases the diameter of the fitted neck 16 to form the desired partial conveyor ring 18a. The width of the conveyor ring 18 and the depth of the adjacent grooves can be predetermined, for example, by adjusting the configuration of the tower head assembly, for example, the amount of force applied by rollers 224 and 226 on the neck 16, the dimensions of rollers 224 and 226, the configuration of the cam / cam follower arrangements, any combination thereof, or similar.Furthermore, the plurality of rollers 224 and 226 helps prevent or minimize unwanted deformations, providing a balanced load at the neck of the article.

[00243] As discussed above, the 200, 1200, and 1200' turret head assemblies described herein are configured to rotate about the axis of the 203 turret head assembly. The turret head assembly is considered to rotate at various speeds. In some embodiments, the rotational speed may be from about 50 to 350 rpm. In other embodiments, the rotational speed may be from about 100 to 200 rpm. In still other embodiments, the rotational speed may be about 120 rpm. In some embodiments, the turret head assembly is rotatably mounted on the forming turret, so that the turret head assembly rotates around the axis of the turret head assembly 203 independently of the rotation of the forming turret 1300. In some embodiments (for example, where the item rotates), the turret head assembly 200 is non-rotatingly mounted on the forming turret 1300. Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 78 / 187 70 / 76

[00244] Any suitable ratio between the rotations / speed of the forming tower and the rotations of the tower head assembly may be used. For example, the ratio used in Stage 1 may be from about 17:1 to about 21:1, the ratio in Stage 2 may be from about 15:1 to about 17:1, and the ratio in Stages 3 and / or 4 may be from about 18:1 to about 19:1. It is considered that the speed of the tower head assemblies may be varied at different forming tower speeds.

[00245] Beneficially, the turret head assemblies 200 described herein may include tools for simultaneously performing operations on the article, such as trimming, flanging, rolling, threading, etc. In some embodiments, the tools are fixed to the turret head retaining device 202. In other embodiments, once the conveyor ring 18 is completely formed on the articles, the articles are further processed (e.g., necking, threading, additional necking and / or rolling).

[00246] The turret head assemblies 200, 1200 and 1200' can be incorporated into one of the machines in the machine line 102. For example, an item 10 can be received by a turret star wheel fitting. While the turret star wheel rotates continuously around a turret star wheel axis, the distance between the open upper end 11 of item 10 and the turret head assembly is reduced, and the bearing assembly 210a is driven into a compressed position.

[00247] During engagement, the tower head assembly 200, 1200, 1200' can rotate around the axis of the tower head assembly 203. This rotational movement of the tower head assembly 200, 1200, 1200' can cause the rollers 224, 226 to rotate freely. During the rotation of the tower head assembly 200, 1200, 1200', the rollers 224, 226 engage with the neck 16 to form the conveyor ring 18 and Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 79 / 187 71 / 76 the adjacent grooves.

[00248] In some embodiments, the turret head assembly 200, 1200, 1200' is rotated around the axis of the turret head assembly 203 by an independent motor. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 10A, the turret head assembly is in a planetary gear configuration, so that the rotation of the forming turret drives the rotation of the turret head assemblies mounted on it. As shown, a main gear 1213a positioned in the forming turret 1300 can be used to drive the spindle pinion gears 1213b coupled to the actuators 1205 of the respective turret head assemblies. The main gear 1213a is mounted in a housing which, in turn, is fixed to the shaft with bearings. The housing can be driven by a belt and a motor. This allows the spindle speed to be varied with the motor, as needed, during the conveyor ring forming process.

[00249] In some embodiments, the turret head assembly rotates continuously during the axial movement of the turret head assembly and / or article 10. In some embodiments, the turret head assembly is rotated around the axis of the turret head assembly 203 by a servomotor.

[00250] Beneficially, the 200 turret head assemblies disclosed here can be added to existing modules on an existing machine line 102. Beneficially, the free rotation of the rollers contributes to increased longevity of the turret head assembly and decreases the likelihood of creating additional aberrations compared with non-rotating tools or members.

[00251] In some embodiments described herein, the item is advanced axially (for example, by means of a thrust piston assembly) towards the turret head mechanism. In others Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 80 / 187 In embodiments 72 / 76, article 10 is generally stationary and the turret head assembly 200 is advanced axially along the axis of the turret head assembly 203 (e.g., by means of cam drive) to engage article 10. In other embodiments, both article 10 and the turret head assembly 200 are advanced axially along the axis of the turret head assembly 203 in opposite directions toward each other to engage a part of item 10 with a component of the turret head assembly 200.

[00252] It is considered that the pre-formed article with a neck of the embodiments described herein may be formed from any suitable material, including, but not limited to, aluminum alloy 3104. Non-limiting examples of tempers that may be used include H-10, H2E27, H-24 and H-26.

[00253] The conveyor ring forming operations described herein are considered to be responsible for the springback of the material. Specifically, the rolls may be configured to distort the material to a slightly greater degree than is required for the final article / conveyor ring, to account for the fact that the material may shrink slightly after the rolling process is complete and the rolls break contact with the article.

[00254] The embodiments detailed here are also considered to be usable with vessels that do not have a narrow neck (for example, a generally straight-walled vessel).

[00255] It is considered that the tower head assemblies of the embodiments described herein can process items at various speeds. The speeds may depend on the length of the neck portion and, consequently, on the duration of the stroke required for the item to come into contact with the tower head assembly. In some embodiments, the 200 tower head assemblies can process items at a speed of approximately 400 to 800 bottles / minute. Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 81 / 187 73 / 76 In other configurations, the 200 tower head assemblies can process items at a speed of approximately 500 to 700 bottles / minute. In other configurations, they can process items at a speed of approximately 600 bottles / minute.

[00256] The turret head assemblies (or their components) of the embodiments described herein are considered to be able to perform any suitable number of forming revolutions after contact with the article, so that the desired amount of forming is achieved. For example, Stage 1 may include 2 to 7 revolutions, 3 to 6 revolutions, or 4 to 5 revolutions after contact with the article. Stage 2 may include 1 to 5 revolutions, 2 to 4 revolutions, or about 3 revolutions after contact with the article. Stage 3 may include 1 to 6 revolutions, 2 to 5 revolutions, or 3 to 4 revolutions after contact with the article. Stage 4 may include 1 to 4 revolutions or 2 to 3 revolutions after contact with the article.

[00257] The metal containers of the embodiments in this disclosure can be used in existing process lines for similarly shaped plastic containers. For example, the metal containers can be transported through the processing lines by conveyor rings that support them in overhead conveyor channels. This allows metal containers to be filled with liquids using the same technology currently used to fill a PET container. The conveyor rings on the metal containers in this disclosure can also be used for securing and anti-rotation during a closing process. The conveyor rings can also be used for the precise positioning of the metal containers in the processing line machines. Thus, the washing, filling, and closing processing lines do not need modifications to accept metal containers.Instead, the metal containers of the present. Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 82 / 187 74 / 76 disclosure can be used as complete replacements for plastic containers, requiring only the replacement of the containers.

[00258] It is considered that the articles resulting from the processes described herein may also include a tamper-evident security device to indicate when the container has been previously opened / unsealed. For example, the neck 16 of article 10 may include a security band at its lower end, positioned over and wrapped around a groove in the neck of the article to axially lock the security band. In some cases, the groove is formed below an annular bead positioned below or on the bottom of the threaded portion, but generally above the carrier ring. Typically, due to processing requirements, the radius of the support band is larger than that of the annular bead.

[00259] Beneficially, the processes for forming a conveyor ring described herein do not require localized annealing, for example, at the neck of the article. In other words, once the standard pre-formed article with a neck is provided (e.g., article 10' of Figure 2B), the conveyor ring, according to the embodiments described herein, can be formed by mechanical processes, without the need for thermal processes or annealing. Instead, the geometry of the rolls, the profiles of the cams used to move the article and the tool towards each other, and / or the percentage and rate of material displaced during each rolling stage assist in the formation of the conveyor ring 18 without the need for annealing. For example, in some embodiments, a specific geometry is used in the portion of the roll that comes into contact with the article, so that it has a lower probability of collapse.In other embodiments, the cam profile is such that the article fits into the tool several times / in multiple iterations. In some embodiments, the metal alloy used in the articles on which the carrier ring will be formed may be... Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 83 / 187 75 / 76 selected to assist in the formation of the carrier ring 18 without the need for additional annealing steps. For example, a material with greater malleability (less brittle) may be used.

[00260] Each of the above embodiments and their obvious variations are contemplated as being within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is presented in the following claims. Furthermore, the present concepts expressly include any and all combinations and subcombinations of the preceding elements and aspects.

[00261] As used herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning, in harmony with common usage and accepted by those with common knowledge of the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure relates. It should be understood by those with knowledge of the art reviewing this disclosure that these terms are intended to permit a description of certain described and claimed features without restricting the scope of those features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Consequently, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the described and claimed matter are considered within the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[00262] It should be noted that the terms “exemplary” and “example,” as used herein to describe various modalities, are intended to indicate that such modalities are possible examples, representations, and / or illustrations of possible modalities (and such terms are not intended to connote that such modalities are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

[00263] Any references herein to the positions of elements (e.g., top, bottom, above, below, etc.) are Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 84 / 187 76 / 76 are used merely to describe the orientation of the various elements in the Figures. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments and that such variations should be covered by this disclosure.

[00264] Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, experts in the field who review it will readily understand that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes, and proportions of the various elements, parameter values, assembly arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the new teachings and advantages of the subject described herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed from multiple parts or elements, the position of the elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any steps in the process or method may be varied or resequenced according to alternative embodiments.Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may also be made to the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 85 / 187

Claims

1 / 21 CLAIMS 1. Method for forming a conveyor ring (18) in a metallic article (10, 10') having an open end (11) and a side wall (14) extending from it, characterized in that it comprises: placing an inner surface of the side wall (14) in contact with an inner roller (226) to form a protrusion and placing an outer surface of the side wall (14) in contact with an outer roller (224a) to form a first groove positioned above the protrusion, the protrusion forming an opening therein; placing a portion of the outer side wall (14) in contact with at least one second outer roller (224b, 224c) to form a second groove above the protrusion; and place a portion of the outer side wall (14) in contact with at least one third outer roller (224c, 224d, 224') to flatten the protrusion, so that the gap is substantially reduced or eliminated, forming the flattened protrusion the conveyor ring (18).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that each second outer roller (224b, 224c) of at least one second outer roller (224b, 224c) has a single contact area.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each of the inner (226) and outer (224a) rollers has a single contact area.

4. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it further comprises applying an axial load to the open end (11) of the article (10, 10') during at least one of the contact steps.

5. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it further comprises contacting a portion of the outer surface of the side wall (14) with at least a fourth outer roller (224c) to flatten the protrusion before contact of the portion of the outer surface of the side wall (14) with at least a third outer roller (224c, 224d, 224'), each fourth outer roller (224c) of the at least one fourth outer roller (224c) having two contact areas (280a, 280b) separated by a recessed portion (280c).

6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that it further comprises providing a pilot (260''') within the open end (11) during contact of the outer surface portion of the side wall (14) with at least one outer roll (224c), wherein the pilot (260''') does not extend axially to the protrusion within the side wall (14).

7. Method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that a first contact area (280a) of the two contact areas has an upper forming radius of about 1.52a about 3.05 mm and a lower forming radius of about 0.76a about 2.29 mm, and a second contact area (280b) of the two contact areas has an upper forming radius of about 1.27a about 3.05 mm and a lower forming radius of about 2.03a about 6.35 mm.

8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the height of the recessed portion (280c) is from about 0.127 to about 3.05 mm.

9. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that each third outer roller (224c, 224d, 224') of at least one third outer roller (224c, 224d, 224') has a first contact area (280a') and a second contact area (280b') separated by a recessed portion (280c').

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the first contact area (280a') has an upper forming radius of about 1.01 to about 1.52 mm and a lower forming radius of about 1.01 mm, and the second contact area (280b') has an upper forming radius of about 1.01 mm and a lower forming radius of about 4.06 mm.

11. Method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the height of the recessed portion (280c') is from about 0.89 to about 1.78 mm.

12. Tower head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') to form an article (10, 10'), the tower head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') characterized in that it comprises: a top plate (206, 206'); a housing (204, 204') extending from a first side of the top plate (206, 206') in a first direction, the housing (204, 204') including a plurality of cams (244a, 244b, 244') rigidly fixed to it; a base plate (208, 208') having a generally central opening configured to receive an open end (11) of the article (10, 10') through it, the base plate (208, 208') being coupled to the top plate (206, 206') by means of a plurality of alignment pins (213); and a bearing assembly (210, 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d, 210', 210'') slidingly coupled to the base plate (208, 208'), the bearing assembly (210, 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d, 210',210'') including a plurality of roller arms (220, 222), each of the plurality of roller arms (220, 222) having a roller (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224', 226) coupled to it, each of the plurality of roller arms (220, 220a, 220b, 222) further including a cam follower (240, 240a, 240b, 240', 242) configured to engage a respective cam of the plurality of cams (244a, 244b, 244') such that the rollers (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224', 226) are configured to Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 111 / 187 4 / 21 move radially in relation to an axis of the turret head assembly (203) that generally extends through the center of the turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') between the top plate (206, 206') and the base plate (208, 208'), the radial movement corresponding to the axial movement of the bearing assembly (210, 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d, 210', 210'').

13. Turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200'), according to claim 12, characterized in that the article (10, 10') includes a narrow neck (16, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16') extending from the open end (11), a body portion and a shoulder portion (15) bridging the neck (16, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16') and the body portion, the generally central opening of the base plate (208, 208') including a guide (270, 270', 270'') configured to allow the neck (16, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16') of article (10, 10') through it and block the shoulder portion (15) of article (10, 10').

14. Tower head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200'), according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that it further comprises a pilot (250, 260, 260', 260'') positioned through the opening in the base plate (208, 208') and configured to be received through the open end (11) of the article (10, 10'), the pilot (250, 260, 260', 260'') including a step (252, 252') configured to contact the open end (11) of the article (10, 10').

15. Tower head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200'), according to claim 14, characterized in that the pilot (250, 260, 260', 260'') is slidingly coupled for axial movement relative to the bearing assembly (210, 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d, 210', 210'') and is axially coupled to the bearing assembly (210, 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d, 210', 210'') per Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 112 / 187 5 / 21 means of a resilient device.

16. Turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200'), according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the plurality of roller arms (220, 222) includes at least one outer roller arm (220, 220a, 220b) having an outer roller (224a) coupled to it and an inner roller arm (222) having an inner roller (226) coupled to it.

17. Tower head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200'), according to claim 16, characterized in that the inner roller (226) extends through the opening in the base plate (208, 208').

18. Tower head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200'), according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that at least one outer roller arm (220) is coupled to the inner roller arm (222) by means of a resilient device (230).

19. Turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200'), according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the radial movements of at least one outer roller (224a) and of the inner roller (226) are in generally opposite directions.

20. A turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200'), according to any one of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that the plurality of roller arms (220, 222) includes a plurality of outer roller arms (220, 220a, 220b) having respective outer rollers (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224') coupled to them.

21. Tower head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200'), according to claim 20, characterized in that each of the plurality of outer rollers (224, 224a, Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 113 / 187 6 / 21 224b, 224c, 224d, 224') includes more than one bearing surface (280a, 280a', 280b, 280b') for contact with the article (10, 10'), the more than one bearing surface being separated by a recess (280c, 280c').

22. Turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200'), according to any one of claims 12 to 21, characterized in that it further comprises at least one cam follower (1210) positioned opposite a second side of the top plate (206).

23. Metal container, characterized in that it comprises: a base (12); an open upper end (11); and a unitary side wall (14) bridging the base (12) and the open upper end (11), the side wall including a first portion (14) having a first diameter, a neck (16, 16') having a second diameter, the second diameter being smaller than the first diameter, a first end of the neck (16, 16') terminating at the open upper end (11), and a curved shoulder (15) bridging the first portion (14) and a second end of the neck (16, 16'), the neck (16, 16') including a carrier ring (18) forming a projection on the side wall, the carrier ring (18) including an upper side wall portion and a lower side wall portion, the inner surfaces of the upper and lower side wall portions being in contact with each other, the carrier ring (18) having a second diameter,the second diameter being about 7% to about 45% larger than the diameter of the open upper end (11), Petition 870250083335, dated 16 / 09 / 2025, p. 114 / 187 7 / 21 a first groove (32') adjacent to the upper side wall portion of the conveyor ring (18), and a second groove (30d) adjacent to the lower side wall portion of the conveyor ring (18), the neck (16, 16') having a wall thickness between about 0.025 and 0.356 mm., 24. Metal container (10, 10'), according to claim 23, characterized in that the first groove (32') has a radius of about 0.76 to about 3.05 mm.

25. Metal container (10, 10'), according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the second groove (30d) has a radius of about 1.27 to about 6.35 mm.

26. Metal container (10, 10'), according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that the first groove (32') has a third diameter, the third diameter being smaller than the diameter of the open upper end (11).

27. Metal container (10, 10'), according to any one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that the second groove (30d) has a fourth diameter, the fourth diameter being smaller than the diameter of the open upper end (11).

28. Metal container (10, 10'), according to any one of claims 23 to 27, characterized in that the portions of the upper and lower side walls form a thickness of at least one portion of the carrier ring (18), the thickness being from about 0.33 mm to about 0.46 mm.

29. Metal container (10, 10'), according to any one of claims 23 to 28, characterized in that the thickness of an outer portion of the conveyor ring (18) is greater than the thickness of an inner portion of the conveyor ring (18).

30. Metal container (10, 10'), according to any Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 115 / 187 8 / 21 one of claims 23 to 29, characterized in that the open upper end (11) includes a curve (24) formed therein.

31. Method for forming a conveyor ring (18) in a metallic article (10, 10'), characterized in that it comprises: providing at least one turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') including a top plate (206, 206'), a housing (204, 204') extending from a first side of the top plate (206) in a first direction, the housing (204, 204') including a plurality of cams (244a, 244b, 244') rigidly fixed to it, a base plate (208, 208') having a generally central opening configured to receive an open end (11) of the article (10, 10') through it, the base plate (208, 208') being coupled to top plate (206, 206') by means of a plurality of alignment pins (213), and a bearing assembly (210, 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d, 210', 210'') including a plurality of roller arms (220, 222), each of the plurality of roller arms (220, 222) having a roller (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224',226) coupled to it, each of the plurality of roller arms (220, 222) further including a cam follower (240, 240a, 240b, 240', 242) configured to engage a respective cam of the plurality of cams (244a, 244b, 244') so that the rollers (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224', 226) are configured to move radially relative to the axis of the turret head assembly (203) generally extending through the center of the turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') between the top plate (206, 206') and the base plate (208, 208'), the radial movement corresponding to the axial movement of the bearing assembly (210, 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d, 210', 210''); Petition 870250083335, dated 16 / 09 / 2025, p. 116 / 187 9 / 21 advance axially at least one of the bearing assemblies (210, 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d, 210', 210'') and an open end (11) of an article (10, 10') towards each other, so that the open upper end of the article (10,10') pass through the opening in the base plate (208, 208'), such axial advance causing the plurality of cam followers (240, 240a, 240b, 240', 242) to engage the plurality of cams (244a, 244b, 244'), radially moving the rollers (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224', 226) towards the axis of the turret head assembly (203); rotate at least one of the at least one turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') or the article (10, 10') around the axis of the turret head assembly (203); and hooking the rollers (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224', 226) with a portion of article (10, 10'), thus forming at least partially a conveyor ring (18) in article (10, 10').

32. Method according to claim 31, characterized in that the article (10, 10') includes a narrow neck (16, 16') extending from the open end (11), a body portion and a shoulder portion (15) that bridges the neck (16, 16') and the body portion.

33. Method according to claim 32, characterized in that the axial advance occurs through the shoulder portion (15) to abut and apply a force against the opening of the base plate (208, 208').

34. A method according to any one of claims 31 to 33, characterized in that the axial advance occurs by means of an external mechanism.

35. Method according to claim 34, characterized in that the external mechanism is a cam mechanism, a linkage mechanism, a servomechanism, a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, a linear motor, or any combination thereof.

36. Method according to any one of claims 31 to 35, characterized in that the tower head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') is coupled to a forming tower (120, 1300), the tower head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') having a cam follower (1210) configured to engage with a cam (1211) in the forming tower (120, 1300), the engagement causing the bearing assembly (210) to move axially towards the open end (11) of an article (10, 10').

37. Method according to claim 36, characterized in that the cam (1211) includes a profile such that, once the bearing assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) advances to a maximum displacement position, the bearing assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) disengages from the article (10, 10') and retracts to its initial position.

38. Method according to claim 36 or 37, characterized in that the cam (1211) includes a profile, the profile including a working portion during which the rolling assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) comes into contact with the article (10, 10'), the working portion being inclined along its entirety.

39. Method, according to any one of claims 31 to 38, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of resilient devices (214) coupled to the top plate (206, 206') and to the bearing assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d).

40. Method according to claim 39, characterized in that the axial advance compresses the plurality of resilient devices (214).

41. Method, according to any one of claims 31 to 40, characterized in that at least one set of Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 118 / 187 11 / 21 turret head (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') further comprises a pilot (250, 260, 260', 260') positioned through the opening in the base plate (208, 208'), the pilot (250, 260, 260', 260') including a step (252, 252') configured to contact the open end (11) of the article (10, 10').

42. Method according to claim 41, characterized in that the step (252, 252') assists in applying an axial load to the open end (11) of the article (10, 10').

43. Method according to claim 42, characterized in that the maximum axial load is about 890 Newtons.

44. Method, according to any one of claims 41 to 43, characterized in that the axial advance occurs through the open end (11) of the article (10, 10') engaging the pilot (250, 260, 260', 260').

45. Method, according to any one of claims 31 to 44, characterized in that the plurality of roller arms (220, 222) includes at least one outer roller arm (220, 220a, 220b) having an outer roller (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224') coupled to it and an inner roller arm (222) having an inner roller (226) coupled to it.

46. ​​Method according to claim 45, characterized in that the inner roller (226) extends through the opening in the base plate (208, 208') through the open end (11) of the article (10, 10').

47. Method according to claim 45 or 46, characterized in that at least one outer roller arm (220, 220a, 220b) is coupled to the inner roller arm (222) by means of a resilient device (230).

48. Method, according to any one of claims 45 to 47, characterized in that the radial movements of the outer roller (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224') and the inner roller (226) are in generally opposite directions.

49. Method, according to any one of claims 45 to 48, characterized in that the plurality of roller arms (220, 222) includes a plurality of outer roller arms (220, 220a, 220b) having a plurality of outer rollers (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224') coupled to them.

50. Method according to claim 49, characterized in that each of the plurality of outer rollers (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224') includes more than one rolling surface (280a, 280a', 280b, 280b') for contact with the article (10, 10'), the more than one rolling surface being separated by a recess (280c, 280c').

51. Method, according to any one of claims 31 to 50, characterized in that at least one turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') is composed of at least three turret head assemblies (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200'), wherein the plurality of roller arms (220, 222) of a first turret head assembly (200a, 1200) includes at least one outer roller arm (220a) having an outer roller (224a, 224') coupled to it and an inner roller arm (222) having an inner roller (226) coupled to it, the plurality of roller arms (220, 222) of a second turret head assembly (200b, 200c, 1200, 1200') includes a plurality of outer roller arms (220b) having a plurality of outer rollers (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224') coupled to them, and the plurality of roller arms (220, 222) of a third turret head assembly (200c, 200d,1200') includes a second plurality of external roller arms (220) having a second Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page. 120 / 187 13 / 21 plurality of external rollers (224c, 224d, 224') coupled to them, the second plurality of external rollers (224c, 224d, 224') including more than one bearing surface (280a, 280a', 280b, 280b') for contact with the article (10, 10'), the more than one bearing surface being separated by a recess (280c, 280c'), in which the article (10, 10') is engaged by the first (200a, 1200), second (200b, 200c, 1200, 1200') and third (200c, 200d, 1200') turret head assemblies in sequence.

52. Method, according to any one of claims 31 to 51, characterized in that the radial motion of the rollers (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224', 226) is generally perpendicular to the axis of the turret head assembly (203).

53. Method, according to any one of claims 31 to 52, characterized in that it further comprises moving at least one of the turret head assemblies (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') and the article (10, 10') away from each other, so that the article (10, 10') having the carrier ring (18) formed thereon is configured to be removed from the opening (272) in the base plate (208, 208').

54. Method according to any one of claims 31 to 53, characterized in that at least one set of turret heads (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') is incorporated into a machine line (102).

55. Method, according to any one of claims 31 to 54, characterized in that at least one turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') is composed of at least four turret head assemblies (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200'), the plurality of roller arms (222) of a fourth turret head assembly (200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') including a third plurality of outer roller arms (220, 220a, 220b) Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p.121 / 187 14 / 21 having a third plurality of external rollers (224c, 224d, 224') coupled to it, the third plurality of external rollers (224c, 224d, 224') including more than one bearing surface (280a, 280a', 280b, 280b') for contact with the article (10, 10') being separated by a recess (280c, 280c'), the recess (280c, 280c') of the third plurality of external rollers (224c, 224d, 224') being smaller than the recess (280c, 280c') of the second plurality of external rollers (224c, 224d, 224').

56. Metal container (10, 10'), characterized in that it comprises: a base (12); an open upper end (11); a side wall bridging the base (12) and the open upper end (11); a shoulder (15) curved inwards and extending upwards from the side wall; and a neck (16, 16') extending from the shoulder (15), the neck (16, 16') including a carrier ring (18) having an upper surface and a lower surface around the neck (16, 16'), a first groove (32') formed in the neck (16, 16') adjacent to the upper surface of the carrier ring (18), and a second groove (30d) formed in the neck (16, 16') adjacent to the lower surface of the carrier ring (18), wherein an annealing level in one portion of the neck (16, 16') having the carrier ring (18) is not greater than an annealing level in other portions of the vessel (10, 10').

57. Container according to claim 56, characterized in that the radius of the conveyor ring (18) measured from a centerline through the neck (16, 16') is from about 12 mm to about 21 mm. Petition 870250083335, dated 16 / 09 / 2025, p. 122 / 187 15 / 21 58. Container, according to claim 56 or 57, characterized in that the radius of the carrier ring (18) is about 7% to about 25% larger than the radius of the open upper end (11).

59. Container, according to any one of claims 56 to 58, characterized in that the upper surface (26a) of the conveyor ring (18) is positioned about 10 mm to about 35 mm from the open upper end (11).

60. Method of forming a metallic article (10, 10'), characterized in that it comprises: providing at least one turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') including a top plate (206, 206'), a housing (204, 204') having a first end extending from a first side of the top plate (206, 206') in a first direction, the housing (204, 204') including a plurality of cams (244a, 244b, 244') rigidly fixed to it, a base plate (208, 208') positioned adjacent to a second end of the housing (204, 204'), the base plate (208, 208') having a generally central opening configured to receive an open end. (11) of the article (10, 10') through it, and a bearing assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) including an outer roller arm (220, 220a) and an inner bearing arm, the outer roller arm (220, 220a) having an outer roller (224, 224a, 224') coupled to it,the inner roller arm (222) having an inner roller (226) coupled to it, each of the outer (224, 224a, 224') and inner (226) roller arms including a cam follower (240, 240', 242, 1210) configured to engage a respective cam of the plurality of cams (244a, 244b, 244') so that the rollers (224, 224a, 226) are configured to move radially in relation to an axis of Petition 870250083335, dated 16 / 09 / 2025, page. 123 / 187 16 / 21 turret head assembly (203) generally extending through the center of the turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') between the top plate (206, 206') and the base plate (208, 208'), the radial movement corresponding to the axial movement of the bearing assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d); advance axially at least one of the bearing assemblies (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) and an open end (11) of an article (10, 10') towards each other, so that the open top end (11) of the article (10,10') pass through the opening in the base plate (208, 208') and so that the inner roller (226) is generally positioned within the open end (11) of the article (10, 10'), the axial advance causing the cam follower (240, 240', 242) of the inner roller arm (222) to engage in one of the plurality of cams (244a, 244b, 244'), radially moving the inner roller (226) outward to come into contact with an inner side wall of the article (10, 10'); and advance axially at least one of the bearing assemblies (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) and an open end (11) of an article (10, 10') towards each other, the additional axial advance causing the cam follower (240, 240', 242) of the outer roller arm (220, 220a, 220b) to engage with one of the plurality of cams (244a, 244b, 244'), radially moving the outer roller (224, 224a, 224') inwards to contact an outer side wall of the article (10, 10'),the said engagement of the inner rollers (226) with the inner side wall of the article (10, 10') forming a protrusion and said engagement of the outer roller (224, 224a, 224') with the outer side wall of the article (10, 10') forming a groove., 61. Method for forming a metallic article (10, 10') with a neck (16, 16') having a conveyor ring (18), characterized Petition 870250083335, dated 16 / 09 / 2025, p.124 / 187 17 / 21 because it comprises: positioning an inner roller (226) against an inner surface of a neck (16, 16') of a cylindrical metal preformed article (10, 10'); deforming the neck (16, 16') of the preform outwards, under pressure from the inner roller (226), in a region of the neck (16, 16') of the preformed article (10, 10') to form an initial protrusion; while the inner roller (226) is positioned against the inner surface in the initial protrusion, positioning an outer roller (224, 224a, 224') against an outer surface of the neck (16, 16') of the preformed article (10, 10'), adjacent to the initial protrusion; deform the neck (16, 16') of the pre-formed article (10, 10') inwards, under pressure from the outer roll (224, 224a, 224'), while the inner roll (226) touches the inner surface at the initial protrusion; and reworking the initial protrusion to form the conveyor ring (18).

62. Method for forming a metallic article (10, 10') with a neck (16, 16') having a conveyor ring (18), characterized in that it comprises: positioning a rolling assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) and a metallic preform article (10, 10') having a neck (16, 16') relative to each other, so that the neck (16, 16') extends into the rolling assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d); cause relative rotation of the preformed article (10, 10') and the rolling assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d), around an axis perpendicular to an open end (11) of the neck (16, 16'), while displacing an inner roll (226) of the rolling assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) radially outward against an inner surface of the neck (16, 16') to deform the neck (16, 16') radially outward under pressure from the inner roll (226), until the inner roll (226) reaches Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page.125 / 187 18 / 21 a desired maximum radial displacement, to form a metal conveyor ring (18); and retract the inner roller (226) from the inner surface of the neck (16, 16'), so that the inner roller (226) disengages from the inner surface of the neck (16, 16'), when the inner roller (226) reaches the desired maximum radial displacement, so that the inner roller (226) does not remain at the desired maximum radial displacement; and rework the initial protrusion to form a metal conveyor ring (18).

63. Method according to claim 62, characterized in that the inner roll (226) disengages from the inner surface of the neck (16, 16') within 20 degrees of revolution of the relative rotation of the preformed article (10, 10') and the rolling assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d).

64. Method according to claim 62, characterized in that the inner roll (226) disengages from the inner surface of the neck (16, 16') within 10 degrees of revolution of the relative rotation of the preformed article (10, 10') and the rolling assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d).

65. Method according to claim 62, characterized in that the inner roll (226) disengages from the inner surface of the neck (16, 16') within 1 degree of revolution of the relative rotation of the preformed article (10, 10') and the rolling assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d).

66. Method, according to any one of claims 62 to 65, characterized in that the inner roller (226) retracts from the inner surface of the neck (16, 16') within 2-5 revolutions of the relative rotation of the pre-formed article (10, 10') and the bearing assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) after the initial contact between the inner roller (226) and the inner surface of the neck (16, 16'). Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 126 / 187 19 / 21 67. Method for deforming a neck (16, 16') of a metallic preform article (10, 10'), characterized in that it comprises: forming an initial protrusion around a neck (16, 16') of the preform article (10, 10');Position a rolling mill (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) and the preformed article (10, 10') relative to each other so that the neck (16, 16') of the preformed article (10, 10') extends into the rolling mill (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) and a pilot (250, 260, 260', 260') extends into the neck (16, 16'), the pilot (250, 260, 260', 260') having a first portion positioned adjacent to an open upper end (11) of the neck (16, 16') and a second portion positioned deeper into the neck (16, 16') than the first portion, the first portion having a outer diameter and the second portion having an outer diameter that defines a gap with the inner surface of the neck (16, 16'), the outer diameter of the second portion being smaller than the outer diameter of the first portion;and engage an outer surface of the neck (16, 16') with a forming roller (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224') and deform the neck (16, 16') at the opening towards the second portion of the pilot (250, 260, 260', 260') under pressure from the forming roller (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224').

68. Method according to claim 67, characterized in that the pilot (250, 260, 260', 260') further comprises a third portion positioned outside and adjacent to the open upper end (11) of the neck (16, 16'), the diameter of the third portion being greater than the diameter of the open upper end (11) of the neck (16, 16').

69. Method, according to claim 68, characterized Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 127 / 187 20 / 21 by the fact that it further comprises applying an axial load to the open upper end (11) during the engagement of the outer surface of the neck (16, 16') with the forming roll (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224').

70. Method for forming a metal article (10, 10') with a neck (16, 16') having a conveyor ring (18), characterized in that it comprises: positioning a rolling assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) and a metal preform article (10, 10') having a neck (16, 16') relative to each other, such that the neck (16, 16') of the bottle preform extends into the rolling assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d); cause relative rotation of the preformed article (10, 10') and the rolling mill assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) around an axis generally perpendicular to an open end (11) of the neck (16, 16') while displacing an inner roll (226) of the rolling mill assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) radially outward against an inner surface of the neck (16, 16') to deform the neck (16, 16') radially outward under pressure from the inner roll (226), thus forming an initial bulge around the neck (16, 16');and rework the initial overhang, under pressure applied by a second rolling set (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d), to form a metal carrier ring (18) having substantially parallel upper and lower surfaces and a thickness approximately equal to twice the wall thickness of a side wall (14) of the preformed article (10, 10'), wherein a maximum axial load applied by the first and second rolling sets (210) to the preformed article (10, 10') is less than 890 Newtons.; 71. Method for forming a metallic article (10, 10') with Petition 870250083335, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 128 / 187 21 / 21 a conveyor ring (18), characterized in that it comprises: forming an initial protrusion around a neck (16, 16') of a pre-formed metal article (10, 10') under pressure applied by a first roller (226) radially displaced outwards within the neck (16, 16'); and collapse the initial protrusion axially, by pressure applied by a second roller (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224') radially displaced inwards, out of the neck (16, 16') and an axial load applied to an open upper end (11) of the preformed article (10, 10'), to form a metal carrier ring (18) extending outwards into the neck (16, 16'), wherein the metal carrier ring (18) has a minimum thickness spaced from a distal edge and having a thickness approximately equal to twice the thickness of the metal wall. Petition 870250083335, dated 16 / 09 / 2025, p.129 / 187.

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