Metal container with a carrying ring, and method for making a metal container with a carrying ring.

Abstract

A method for forming a transport ring (18) on a metal article (10, 10') having an open end (11) and a side wall (14) extending from the open end (11). The method includes contacting the inner surface of the side wall (14) with an inner roller (226) to form a projection, and contacting the outer surface of the side wall (14) with an outer roller (224a) to form a first groove located below the projection. The projection forms a gap within itself. The method further includes contacting a portion of the outer side wall (14) with at least one second outer roller (224b, 224c) to form a second groove below the projection. The method further includes contacting a portion of the outer side wall (14) with at least one third outer roller (224c, 224d, 224') to flatten the projection so that the gap is substantially reduced or eliminated. The flattened projection forms a transport ring (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 452,988, filed on March 17, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 613,396, filed on December 21, 2023, and those patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to the field of forming or processing articles such as containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming a metal container with a carrying ring, and the resulting metal container.

Background Art

[0003] Plastic containers, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, have features known as carrying rings. Carrying rings serve multiple purposes. According to one purpose, a carrying ring serves as the main contact when using an air conveyor to transport a plastic container through a processing line such as a manufacturing line or a filling line. The carrying ring slides along the air conveyor passage. Air slides the container along the air conveyor passage while the plastic container is suspended by the carrying ring. As an example, an air conveyor passage can transport a plastic bottle from a blow molding machine or a depalletizer to the infeed of a bottle washer / filler / capper on a filling line.

[0004] Brand owners are looking for alternatives to plastic containers. Metal containers are a viable alternative. However, metal containers are difficult to include a carrying ring and do not have a carrying ring because there are differences in the way they are formed compared to plastic containers.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] PCT / US2015 / 018119 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to obtain metal containers that can be adapted to existing production lines with air conveyor passages for transporting containers and that have transport rings to assist in the filling and lid-tightening processes. It is also desirable to obtain a process for manufacturing metal containers with transport rings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first implementation of the present disclosure includes a turret head assembly for forming an article. The turret head assembly comprises a top plate and a housing extending in a first direction from a first side of the top plate. A plurality of cams are securely mounted to the housing. The turret head assembly further comprises a base plate having a substantially central opening configured to allow and receive the open end of an article. The base plate is connected to the top plate via a plurality of alignment pins. The turret head assembly further comprises a rolling assembly slidably connected to the base plate. The rolling assembly comprises a plurality of roller arms. A roller is connected to each of the plurality of roller arms. Each of the plurality of roller arms further comprises a cam follower configured to engage with one of the plurality of cams such that the roller is configured to move radially with respect to a turret head assembly axis extending generally 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.

[0008] A first embodiment, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the first embodiment, includes an article comprising a slender neck portion extending from an open end, a body portion, and a shoulder portion spanning the neck portion and the body portion. A substantially central opening of the rolled assembly is provided with a guide portion configured to allow the neck portion of the article to pass through and to obstruct the shoulder portion of the article.

[0009] A first embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the first embodiment, a guide being slidably connected along the axis of a forming tool, and the guide being axially connected to an elastic device configured to bias the guide in a first direction.

[0010] A first embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the first embodiment, a turret head assembly further comprising a plurality of elastic devices connected to a plurality of alignment pins.

[0011] A first embodiment, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the first embodiment, further includes a pilot configured to be positioned through an opening in a base plate and to be received through the open end of an article. The pilot includes a step configured to contact the open end of the article.

[0012] A first embodiment of the implementation includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the first embodiment, a pilot being slidably connected to the rolled assembly for axial movement relative to the rolled assembly and axially connected to the rolled assembly via an elastic device.

[0013] A first embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the first embodiment, a plurality of roller arms comprising at least one outer roller arm to which an outer roller is connected, and an inner roller arm to which an inner roller is connected.

[0014] The first embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the first embodiment, an inner roller extending through an opening in the base plate.

[0015] A first embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the first embodiment, at least one outer roller arm being connected to an inner roller arm via an elastic device.

[0016] The first embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the first embodiment, that the radial movement of at least one outer roller and the radial movement of the inner roller are generally in opposite directions.

[0017] A first embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the first embodiment, a plurality of roller arms comprising a plurality of outer roller arms, each having an outer roller connected to it.

[0018] A first embodiment, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the first embodiment, comprises each of a plurality of outer rollers having two or more rolling surfaces for contact with an article, wherein the two or more rolling surfaces are separated by a recess.

[0019] The first embodiment, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the first embodiment, includes the radial movement of the roller being generally perpendicular to the turret head assembly axis.

[0020] A first embodiment, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the first embodiment, further comprises a turret head assembly having at least one cam follower positioned adjacent to the second side of the upper plate.

[0021] A second implementation of the present disclosure includes a method for forming a transport ring in a metal article. The method includes the step of providing at least one turret head assembly having a top plate. The at least one turret head assembly further comprises a housing extending in a first direction from a first side of the top plate. A plurality of cams are securely mounted to the housing. The at least one turret head assembly further comprises a base plate having a substantially central opening configured to allow and receive the open end of an article through it. The base plate is connected to the top plate via a plurality of alignment pins. The at least one turret head assembly further comprises a rolling assembly comprising a plurality of roller arms. A roller is connected to each of the plurality of roller arms. Each of the plurality of roller arms further comprises a cam follower configured to engage with one of the plurality of cams such that the roller is configured to move radially between the top plate and the base plate with respect to a turret head assembly axis extending generally through the center of the turret head assembly. The radial movement corresponds to the axial movement of the forming tool. The method includes the step of advancing a rolled assembly and at least one of the open ends of an article toward each other such that the open upper end of the article passes through an opening in a base plate, the axial advance further including engaging a plurality of cam followers with a plurality of cams, thereby moving the roller radially toward the turret head assembly axis. The method further includes the step of rotating at least one turret head assembly or at least one of the articles around the turret head assembly axis. The method further includes engaging the roller with a portion of the article, thereby forming a transport ring at least partially in the article.

[0022] A second embodiment, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the second embodiment, includes an article comprising a slender neck portion extending from an open end, a body portion, and a shoulder portion spanning the neck portion and the body portion.

[0023] A second embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the second embodiment, that axial advancement is carried out via the shoulder portion to abut against and apply force to an opening in the base plate.

[0024] The second embodiment includes that the axial advancement is performed via an external mechanism, either alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second embodiment.

[0025] The second embodiment includes that the external mechanism is a cam mechanism, a link mechanism, a servo mechanism, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, a linear motor, or any combination thereof, either alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second embodiment.

[0026] The second embodiment includes that the turret head assembly is connected to the forming turret, either alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second embodiment. The turret head assembly has a cam follower configured to engage a cam in the forming turret. The engagement axially moves the swaging assembly toward the open end of the article.

[0027] The second embodiment includes that the cam includes a profile such that when the swaging assembly advances to the maximum displacement position, it disengages from the article and retreats to its initial position, either alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second embodiment.

[0028] The second embodiment includes that the cam includes a profile. The profile includes a machining portion while the swaging assembly contacts the article. The machining portion is inclined along its entirety.

[0029] The second embodiment includes that a plurality of elastic devices are connected to the upper plate and the forming tool, either alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second embodiment.

[0030] The second embodiment includes that the step of axially advancing includes compressing a plurality of elastic devices, either alone or in combination with any other aspect of the second embodiment.

[0031] A second embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the second embodiment, at least one turret head assembly further comprising a pilot positioned through an opening in a base plate. The pilot comprises a step configured to contact the open end of an article.

[0032] A second embodiment of the implementation includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the second embodiment, a step that assists in applying an axial load to the open end of the article.

[0033] A second embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the second embodiment, a maximum axial load of approximately 890 Newtons.

[0034] A second embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the second embodiment, that axial advancement is performed through the open end of an article engaging with a pilot.

[0035] A second embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the second embodiment, a plurality of roller arms comprising at least one outer roller arm to which an outer roller is connected and an inner roller arm to which an inner roller is connected.

[0036] A second embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the second embodiment, an inner roller extending through the open end of the article through an opening in the base plate.

[0037] A second embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the second embodiment, at least one outer roller arm being connected to an inner roller arm via an elastic device.

[0038] A second embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the second embodiment, that the radial movement of at least one outer roller and the radial movement of the inner roller are generally in opposite directions.

[0039] A second embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the second embodiment, a plurality of roller arms comprising a plurality of outer roller arms to which a plurality of outer rollers are connected.

[0040] A second embodiment of the second embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the second embodiment, each of a plurality of outer rollers having two or more rolling surfaces for contact with an article, wherein the two or more rolling surfaces are separated by a recess.

[0041] A second embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the second embodiment, that at least one turret head assembly is at least three turret head assemblies. Furthermore, the plurality of roller arms of the first turret head assembly comprises at least one outer roller arm to which an outer roller is connected and an inner roller arm to which an inner roller is connected. The plurality of roller arms of the second turret head assembly comprises a plurality of outer roller arms to which a plurality of outer rollers is connected. The plurality of roller arms of the third turret head assembly comprises a second plurality of outer roller arms to which a second plurality of outer rollers is connected. The second plurality of outer rollers comprises two or more rolling surfaces for contacting an article. The two or more rolling surfaces are separated by a recess. The article is engaged sequentially by the first turret head assembly, the second turret head assembly, and the third turret head assembly.

[0042] A second embodiment, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the second embodiment, includes the radial movement of the roller being generally perpendicular to the turret head assembly axis.

[0043] A second embodiment of the method, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the second embodiment, further includes the step of moving at least one of the turret head assembly and the article away from each other, such that the article on which the transport ring is formed is removed from the opening in the base plate.

[0044] A second embodiment includes incorporating at least one turret head assembly into a machine line, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the second embodiment.

[0045] A second embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the second embodiment, that at least one turret head assembly is at least four turret head assemblies. The plurality of roller arms of the fourth turret head assembly comprises a plurality of third outer roller arms to which a plurality of third outer rollers are connected. The plurality of third outer rollers has two or more rolling surfaces for contacting an article, separated by recesses. The recesses of the third plurality of outer rollers are smaller than the recesses of the second plurality of outer rollers.

[0046] A third implementation of this disclosure includes a metal container. The metal container comprises a base, an open upper end, and a side wall spanning between the base and the open upper end. The metal container further comprises a shoulder portion that curves inward and extends from the side wall. The metal container further comprises a neck portion that extends upward from the shoulder portion. The neck portion comprises a transport ring having an upper and lower surface around the neck portion. The neck portion further comprises a first groove formed in the neck portion adjacent to the upper surface of the transport ring. The neck portion further comprises a second groove formed in the neck portion adjacent to the lower surface of the transport ring. The level of annealing in the portion of the neck portion having the transport ring is not higher than the level of annealing in the other portion of the container.

[0047] A third embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the third embodiment, a radius of the transport ring measured from the center line passing through the neck being between approximately 12 mm and approximately 21 mm.

[0048] A third embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the third embodiment, a radius of the transport ring being larger than the radius of the open upper end by about 7% to about 25%.

[0049] A third embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the third embodiment, that the upper surface of the transport ring is positioned between approximately 10 mm and approximately 35 mm from the open upper end.

[0050] A fourth implementation of the present disclosure includes a method for forming a metal article. The method includes the step of providing at least one turret head assembly. The at least one turret head assembly comprises a top plate and a housing having a first end extending in a first direction from a first side of the top plate. A plurality of cams are securely mounted to the housing. The at least one turret head assembly further comprises a base plate positioned adjacent to a second end of the housing. The base plate has a substantially central opening configured to allow and receive an open end of an article. The at least one turret head assembly further comprises a rolling assembly comprising an outer roller arm and an inner rolling arm. An outer roller is coupled to the outer roller arm. An inner roller is coupled to the inner roller arm. Each of the outer roller arm and the inner roller arm further comprises a cam follower configured to engage with one of a plurality of cams such that the roller is configured to move radially with respect to a turret head assembly axis extending generally through the center of the turret head assembly between the top plate and the base plate. Radial movement corresponds to axial movement of the forming tool. The method further includes the step of advancing the rolled assembly and at least one of the open ends of the article toward each other in the axial direction such that the open upper end of the article passes through an opening in the base plate and the inner roller is generally positioned within the open upper end of the article. The axial advance engages the cam follower of the inner roller arm with one of a plurality of cams, thereby moving the inner roller radially outward to contact the inner sidewall of the article. The method further includes the step of advancing the rolled assembly and at least one of the open ends of the article toward each other in the axial direction. Further axial advance engages the cam follower of the outer roller arm with one of a plurality of cams, thereby moving the outer roller radially inward to contact the outer sidewall of the article. The engagement of the inner roller with the inner sidewall of the article forms a projection, and the engagement of the outer roller with the outer sidewall of the article forms a groove.

[0051] A fifth implementation of the present disclosure includes a method for forming a transport ring on a metal article having an open end and a side wall extending from the open end. The method includes the steps of bringing the inner surface of the side wall into contact with an inner roller to form a projection, and bringing the outer surface of the side wall into contact with an outer roller to form a first groove located below the projection. The projection forms a gap within itself. The method further includes the step of bringing a portion of the outer side wall into contact with at least one second outer roller to form a second groove below the projection. The method further includes the step of bringing a portion of the outer side wall into contact with at least one third outer roller to flatten the projection so that the gap is substantially reduced or eliminated, the flattened projection forming a transport ring.

[0052] A fifth embodiment of the method further includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the fifth embodiment, the step of providing a pilot having a portion that is generally inclined inward. The pilot is positioned within the open end while a portion of the outer surface of the side wall is in contact with at least one second outer roller.

[0053] A fifth embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the fifth embodiment, that each of the second outer rollers of at least one second outer roller has a single contact area.

[0054] A fifth embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the fifth embodiment, that each of the inner roller and the outer roller has a single contact area.

[0055] A fifth embodiment, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the fifth embodiment, further includes a step of applying an axial load to the open end of the article during at least one of the contact steps.

[0056] A fifth embodiment, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the fifth embodiment, further includes the step of bringing a portion of the outer surface of the side wall into contact with at least one fourth outer roller in order to flatten a projection, prior to the step of bringing a portion of the outer surface of the side wall into contact with at least one third outer roller. Each of the at least one fourth outer roller has two contact areas separated by a recess.

[0057] A fifth embodiment, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the fifth embodiment, further includes the step of providing a pilot in the open end during the step of bringing a portion of the outer surface of the side wall into contact with at least one fourth outer roller. The pilot does not extend axially to any projection in the side wall.

[0058] A fifth embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the fifth embodiment, that the first of two contact areas has an upward forming radius of about 1.52 mm to about 3.05 mm and a downward forming radius of about 0.76 mm to about 2.29 mm, and the second of two contact areas has an upward forming radius of about 1.27 mm to about 3.05 mm and a downward forming radius of about 2.03 mm to about 6.35 mm.

[0059] The fifth embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the fifth embodiment, a recessed portion having a height of approximately 0.127 mm to approximately 3.05 mm.

[0060] A fifth embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the fifth embodiment, that each of the third outer rollers of at least one third outer roller has a first contact area and a second contact area separated by a recess.

[0061] A fifth embodiment, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the fifth embodiment, includes a first contact area having an upward forming radius of about 1.01 mm to about 1.52 mm and a downward forming radius of about 1.01 mm, and a second contact area having an upward forming radius of about 1.01 mm and a downward forming radius of about 4.06 mm.

[0062] The fifth embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the fifth embodiment, a recessed portion having a height of approximately 0.89 mm to approximately 1.78 mm.

[0063] A sixth implementation of the present disclosure comprises a metal container comprising a base, an open top, and a single side wall spanning between the base and the open top. The side wall comprises a first portion having a first diameter. The side wall further comprises a neck portion having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, the first end of the neck portion terminating at the open top. The side wall further comprises a curved shoulder portion spanning between the first portion and the second end of the neck portion. The neck portion comprises a transport ring forming a projection on the side wall. The transport ring comprises an upper side wall portion and a lower side wall portion. The inner surfaces of the upper side wall portion and the lower side wall portion are in contact with each other. The transport ring has a second diameter, the second diameter being larger than the diameter of the open top by about 7% to about 45%. The neck portion further comprises a first groove adjacent to the upper side wall portion of the transport ring and a second groove adjacent to the lower side wall portion of the transport ring. The neck section has a wall thickness of approximately 0.025 mm to 0.356 mm.

[0064] A sixth embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the sixth embodiment, that the first groove has a radius ranging from about 0.76 mm to about 3.05 mm.

[0065] A sixth embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the sixth embodiment, having a second groove with a radius ranging from about 1.27 mm to about 6.35 mm.

[0066] A sixth embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the sixth embodiment, that the first groove has a third diameter, the third diameter being smaller than the diameter of the open upper end.

[0067] A sixth embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the sixth embodiment, that the second groove has a fourth diameter, the fourth diameter being smaller than the diameter of the open upper end.

[0068] A sixth embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the sixth embodiment, an upper wall portion and a lower wall portion forming the thickness of the transport ring, with a thickness ranging from about 0.33 mm to about 0.46 mm.

[0069] A sixth embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the sixth embodiment, that the thickness of the outer portion of the transport ring is greater than the thickness of the inner portion of the transport ring.

[0070] A sixth embodiment includes, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the sixth embodiment, a spiral being formed at the open upper end.

[0071] A seventh implementation of this disclosure includes a method for forming a metal article having a neck with a transport ring. The method includes the step of positioning an inner roller against the inner surface of the neck of a metal cylindrical preform article. The method further includes the step of deforming the neck of the preform outward under pressure from the inner roller in the area of ​​the neck of the preform article to form an initial projection. The method further includes the step of positioning an outer roller against the outer surface of the neck of the preform article adjacent to the initial projection while the inner roller is positioned against the inner surface of the initial projection. The method further includes the step of deforming the neck of the preform article inward under pressure from the outer roller while the inner roller is pressing against the inner surface of the initial projection. The method further includes the step of reworking the initial projection to form a transport ring.

[0072] An eighth implementation of the present disclosure includes a method for forming a metal article having a neck with a transport ring. The method includes positioning a rolled assembly and a metal preform article having a neck relative to each other such that the neck extends toward a forming tool. The method includes causing relative rotation between the preform article and the forming tool about an axis perpendicular to the open end of the neck, while displacing the inner roller radially outward against the inner surface of the neck, to form a metal transport ring by deforming the neck radially outward under pressure from the inner roller until the inner roller of the rolled assembly reaches a desired maximum radial displacement. The method further includes causing the inner roller to retract from the inner surface of the neck so that the inner roller disengages from the inner surface of the neck once the inner roller reaches a desired maximum radial displacement, so that the inner roller does not remain at the desired maximum radial displacement. The method further includes reworking an initial projection to form a metal transport ring.

[0073] An eighth embodiment, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the eighth embodiment, includes the inner roller disengaging from the inner surface of the neck within a 20-degree rotation of the relative rotation between the preformed article and the rolled assembly.

[0074] An eighth embodiment, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the eighth embodiment, includes the inner roller disengaging from the inner surface of the neck within a 10-degree rotation of the relative rotation between the preform article and the rolled assembly.

[0075] An eighth embodiment, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the eighth embodiment, includes the inner roller disengaging from the inner surface of the neck within one rotation of the relative rotation between the preform article and the rolled assembly.

[0076] An eighth embodiment, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the eighth embodiment, includes the inner roller pulling away from the inner surface of the neck within two to five turns of relative rotation between the preformed article and the rolled assembly, after initial contact between the inner roller and the inner surface of the neck.

[0077] A ninth implementation of the present disclosure includes a method for deforming the neck of a metal preform article. The method includes the step of forming an initial projection around the neck of the preform article. The method further includes the step of positioning the rolled assembly and the preform article relative to each other such that the neck of the preform article extends toward the rolled assembly and a pilot extends toward the neck. The pilot has a first portion positioned adjacent to the open upper end of the neck and a second portion positioned further into the neck than the first portion. The first portion has an outer diameter. The second portion has an outer diameter that defines a gap with the inner surface of the neck, and the outer diameter of the second portion is smaller than the outer diameter of the first portion. The method further includes the step of engaging the outer surface of the neck with a forming roller and, under pressure from the forming roller, deforming the neck toward the second portion of the pilot toward the gap.

[0078] A ninth embodiment, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the ninth embodiment, further comprises a third portion positioned adjacent to the outside of 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.

[0079] A ninth embodiment, either alone or in combination with any other embodiment of the ninth embodiment, further includes the step of applying an axial load to the open upper end while engaging the outer surface of the neck with the forming roller.

[0080] A tenth implementation of the present disclosure includes a method for forming a metal article with a neck having a transport ring. The method includes positioning a rolled assembly and a metal preform article having a neck of a bottle preform relative to each other such that the neck extends toward a forming tool. The method further includes causing relative rotation between the preform article and the rolled assembly about an axis generally perpendicular to the open end of the neck, while displacing the inner roller radially outward against the inner surface of the neck, thereby forming an initial projection around the neck. The method further includes reworking the initial projection under pressure applied by a second forming tool to form a metal transport ring having substantially parallel upper and lower surfaces and a thickness approximately equal to twice the wall thickness of the sidewall of the preform article. The maximum axial load applied to the preform article by the first and second rolled assemblies is less than 890 Newtons.

[0081] An eleventh implementation of the present disclosure includes a method for forming a metal article with a transport ring. The method includes forming an initial projection around the neck of a metal preform article under pressure applied by a first roller displaced radially outward inside the neck of the neck. The method further includes axially crushing the initial projection by pressure applied by a second roller displaced radially inward outside the neck and an axial load applied to the open upper end of the preform article in order to form a metal transport ring extending outward at the neck. The metal transport ring has substantially parallel upper and lower surfaces that converge at the distal edge of the transport ring. The distal edge has an outer bending radius approximately equal to the thickness of the neck of the preform article.

[0082] It is understood that both the general description above and the detailed description below are for illustrative and explanatory purposes only and do not limit the invention as claimed.

[0083] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, the appended claims, and the appended exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings briefly described below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0084] [Figure 1] This is a diagram of a machine line for forming an article according to one embodiment. [Figure 2A] This is a perspective view of a finished article with a transport ring according to one embodiment. [Figure 2B] This is a diagram of an article obtained as a result of various stages of a transport ring forming process according to one embodiment. [Figure 2C] This is an enlarged view comparing the contours of the neck portion of an article during various stages of a transport ring forming process according to one embodiment. [Figure 3A] This is a perspective view of a turret head assembly used in one step of a transport ring formation process according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B] Figure 3A shows the turret head assembly with the casing removed. [Figure 3C] Figures 3A and 3B are perspective views of the inner and outer rollers of the turret head assembly from below. [Figure 3D] Figures 3A and 3C show cross-sectional views of the turret head assembly in the uncompressed position. [Figure 3E] Figures 3A to 3D show cross-sectional views of the turret head assembly in the compressed position. [Figure 3F] Figures 3A to 3E are enlarged schematic side views of the inner and outer rollers of the turret head assembly that contact the neck of the article. [Figure 3G] This is an enlarged schematic diagram showing the positions of the inner roller and outer roller in Figures 3A to 3F relative to the unformed neck portion of an article, according to one embodiment. [Figure 3H] This figure shows a comparison of the neck portions of the articles in Figures 3A to 3G before and after the formation process according to one embodiment. [Figure 3I] Figures 3A to 3H are detailed cross-sectional side views illustrating the rolled assembly. [Figure 3J] This graph compares the position of the push plate (cam contour) that moves the article and the load applied to the article, according to one embodiment. [Figure 4A] This is a perspective top view of a portion of a turret head assembly used in another stage of the transport ring forming process described herein, according to one embodiment. [Figure 4B] Figure 4A is a perspective top view of the turret head assembly showing the additional components that are connected. [Figure 4C] Figures 4A and 4B are perspective top views of the turret head assembly showing the additional components that are connected. [Figure 4D] Figures 4A to 4C are perspective top views of the turret head assembly showing the additional components that are connected. [Figure 4E] Figures 4A to 4D are perspective views of the turret head assembly from below. [Figure 4F] Figure 4E is a perspective view of the turret head assembly on which the housing is mounted. [Figure 4G] Figures 4A to 4F show cross-sectional views of the turret head assembly in the uncompressed position. [Figure 4H] Figures 4A to 4G show cross-sectional views of the turret head assembly in the compressed position. [Figure 4I] Figures 4A to 4H show a perspective view of the outer roller of the turret head assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 4J] These are enlarged schematic side views of the outer rollers of the turret head assembly shown in Figures 4A to 4I in the uncompressed position before contact with the neck of the article. [Figure 4K] This is a cross-sectional side view of a partially formed neck portion of an article formed by an embodiment disclosed herein. [Figure 4L] This graph compares the position of the push plate (cam contour) that moves the article and the load applied to the article, according to one embodiment. [Figure 5A]This is a perspective view of a turret head assembly used in another stage of the transport ring forming process described herein, according to one embodiment. [Figure 5B] This is a cross-sectional side view of the turret head assembly shown in Figure 5A, engaged with an article. [Figure 5C] Figures 5A and 5B are cross-sectional side views of the turret head assembly in its uncompressed position before contact with the neck of the article. [Figure 5D] Figures 5A to 5C are enlarged cross-sectional side views of the outer roller of the turret head assembly in its uncompressed position before contact with the neck of the article. [Figure 5E] Figures 5A to 5D are enlarged cross-sectional side views of the outer rollers of the turret head assembly in the compressed position while in contact with the neck of the article. [Figure 5F] This is a cross-sectional side view of a partially formed neck portion of an article formed by an embodiment disclosed herein. [Figure 5G] This graph compares the position of the push plate (cam contour) that moves the article, and the load applied to the article, according to other embodiments. [Figure 6A] This is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a roller of a turret head assembly used in another step of the transport ring forming process described herein, according to one embodiment, before contact with the neck of an article. [Figure 6B] This is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the roller of the turret head assembly in Figure 6A at the compression position while in contact with the neck of the article. [Figure 6C] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a transport ring formed according to one embodiment. [Figure 6D] This is a cross-sectional side view of a partially formed neck of an article formed by other embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 6E] This graph compares the position of the push plate (cam contour) that moves the article and the load applied to the article, according to one embodiment. [Figure 6F] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a transport ring formed according to another embodiment. [Figure 7A] This is an exploded view of a double roller according to one embodiment. [Figure 7B] This is a diagram of a double roller according to one embodiment. [Figure 7C] This is a diagram of a double roller according to another embodiment. [Figure 8A] This is a perspective top view of a turret head assembly used in a step of a transport ring forming process according to another embodiment. [Figure 8B] Figure 8A is a cross-sectional view of the turret head assembly. [Figure 9A] This is a bottom view of a turret head assembly used in a step of a transport ring forming process according to another embodiment. [Figure 9B] This is a cross-sectional side view of the turret head assembly in Figure 9A along line 9B-9B. [Figure 9C] Figures 9A and 9B show exploded views of the turret head assembly. [Figure 9D] Figures 9A to 9C show other exploded views of the turret head assembly. [Figure 10A] This is a perspective view of a turret head assembly mounted on a rotary forming turret according to one embodiment. [Figure 10B] Figure 10A shows the turret head assembly and formed turret with certain components removed. [Figure 10C] Figures 10A and 10B show the turret head assembly and the formed turret mounted on the base, and are front views of these components. [Figure 10D] This is a cross-sectional view roughly passing through line 10D-10D in Figure 10C. [Figure 11A] This is a side view of the turret head assembly shown in Figures 9A-9B, connected to an actuator, according to one embodiment. [Figure 11B] Figure 11A is a perspective side view of the turret head assembly. [Figure 11C] Figures 11A and 11B show cross-sectional views of the turret head assembly along line 11C-11C in Figure 11A. [Figure 12]This is a cross-sectional view of an article formed by an embodiment described in detail herein. [Figure 13] This figure shows the hypothetical motion of the article and tool actuators in a forming turret with a process angle of 180°. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0085] The present invention can take on various modifications and alternative forms, some of which are illustrated by example in the drawings and described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0086] The object of the present invention is directed to a metal article (e.g., a container) that can replace current containers made from plastic resins such as PET and PVC, and to a method for making a metal container. The metal container comprises a transport ring projecting radially from the neck of the metal container. The transport ring is preferably sized to be compatible with current container processing using plastic containers. The transport ring transports the metal container through existing processing lines, such as washing, filling, and lid-tightening processing lines.

[0087] Referring to Figure 1, an exemplary machine line 102 for forming articles is shown. The machine line 102 comprises several modules 103. Each module 103 is configured to perform at least one processing step on an article 10 (see Figure 2A) before passing the received article 10 downstream. Modules 103 generally comprise one or more forming turrets 120 configured to perform processing operations on the article 10. The forming turrets generally comprise at least one forming star wheel having multiple pockets and tools, for performing processing operations on the article 10 within each pocket.

[0088] Module 103 generally further comprises at least one transfer star wheel (e.g., transfer star wheel 121) having multiple pockets. The pockets are configured to receive articles 10 from an upstream star wheel and transport articles 10 to a downstream star wheel. Optionally, a recirculation system may be used. An example of a recirculation system is described in PCT / US2015 / 018119 (Patent Document 1), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0089] The articles described herein may be cans, containers, any suitable food or beverage containers, jars, bottles, or any other suitable articles. For example, as shown in Figures 2A-2B, the article 10 described herein has an open upper end 11 opposite a closed base 12 (through which the contents of the article 10 can flow) and a side wall 14 extending upward from the base 12 and spanning between the upper edge 25 and the base 12. Alternatively, the article 10 may be open at both ends. The article 10 further comprises a shoulder 15 curving inward and upward from the side wall 14 and a slender neck 16 extending upward from the shoulder 15 to the upper end 11. A top lid or other closure may be added to the article 10 after the necking process. The article 10 may be held in their respective devices (e.g., pusher devices) using a push ram or the like connected to a vacuum.

[0090] During the necking process, the neck 16 of the generally cylindrical preform article is gradually reduced in the diametrical direction to form a generally smooth finished neck 16' of the preform neck-forming article 10' (see Figure 2B). The process is carried out in multiple stages to help prevent distortion, tearing, or cracking.

[0091] According to embodiments described herein, as the preformed neck-formed article 10' is passed downstream, a processing operation is performed at the neck 16' to form a transport ring 18 (Figure 2A). Figures 2B–2C show contour diagrams of several articles 10', 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d at various stages of the process of forming the transport ring 18 according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 2C, as a result of the various forming stages described herein, the transport ring 18 moves the neck 16 of the article 10 generally downward (i.e., closer to the shoulder 15 and base 12 of the article 10) as the forming process continues through various forming stages (described in detail below). For example, the location of the transport ring can move downward by about 1 millimeter (mm) to about 2 mm from the open upper end 11 of the article. In other embodiments, the transport ring may move upward (closer to the open upper end 11) as the forming process continues through various forming stages.

[0092] Further necking operations may be performed to further deform the neck 16 of the article 10 and / or to form a finished product 22 having threads 20, a spiral 24, an anti-tampering band, etc. The finished neck 16 may be configured to receive a lid for sealing the article 10. It has been considered that the finished neck 16 may include threads 20 or be smooth with a press-fit / snap-fastening closure.

[0093] While specific shapes and contours are shown, it is considered that the conveying rings for article 10 described herein may have any suitable shape or contour. However, in one or more embodiments, the shape and contour of article 10 may be identical or similar to the shape and contour of a plastic container. Specifically, article 10 may have the same shape and contour as a plastic container in which article 10 is configured to replace it. Identical or similar shapes and contours may, for example, allow article 10 to be fitted into an air conveyor rail configured for a similarly molded plastic container.

[0094] In one or more embodiments, the neck portion 16 may have a shape and contour similar to that of the corresponding plastic container, while the rest of the article 10 (e.g., the base 12, sidewalls 14, shoulder portion 15, or any combination thereof) may have a different shape or contour. A neck portion 16 having the same shape and contour constitutes the article 10 to fit into an existing processing line, since the neck portion 16 of the article 10 is the part that interacts with the air conveyor passage of the existing processing line. In one or more embodiments, the neck portion 16 may conform to the ISBT (International Society of Beverage Technologists) 38 mm or 28 mm PCO (Plastic Closure Only) 1881, 1816, or 1810 specifications. It has been considered that embodiments described herein can be used to form an article having a desired width / diameter of opening in the neck portion 16.

[0095] Article 10 described herein is formed from a metal, such as aluminum, stainless steel, or a recyclable metal alloy. As a result, Article 10 is more sustainable and recyclable than similar plastic containers, such as PET containers.

[0096] The transport ring 18 formed using the process described herein is broadly in the shape of a ring projecting radially from the neck 16 of the article 10. The transport ring 18 may have various cross-sectional shapes, such as circular, triangular, square, or rectangular. In one or more embodiments, the upper surface 26a (Figure 2B) of the transport ring 18 is generally inclined downward. Such a configuration may be desirable as it may allow excess moisture to roll off the transport ring 18 more easily. In one or more embodiments, the shape of the transport ring 18 may depend on the shape of the transport ring of the plastic container in which the metal article 10 is intended to be replaced. In one or more embodiments, the shape of the transport ring 18 may be adapted to the shape required for the air conveyor passage in which the article 10 is used, or to the shape required for the processing of the article 10, such as subsequent rinsing, filling, and / or lidding processes.

[0097] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the transport ring 18 is integrally formed with the neck 16 of the article 10 during manufacturing. As shown in Figure 2A, the transport ring 18 is formed below the finished product 22 around the neck 16, similar to the location of the transport ring in the corresponding plastic container. The transport ring 18 is formed so, for example, that the article 10 can ride on an air conveyor rail for the corresponding plastic container. To do so, the transport ring 18 may be sized to fit the corresponding transport ring in the plastic container. For example, the transport ring 18 may be sized to the dimensions of the previously considered 38 mm or 28 mm PCO 1881, 1816, or 1810 specifications. It has been considered that embodiments described herein can be used to form an article having a desired width / diameter of opening in the neck 16. This allows the transport ring 18 to be fitted with air conveyor rails and other machinery used with the plastic container.

[0098] Since plastic containers come in various sizes, the transport rings 18 can also come in a variety of different sizes. In one or more embodiments, the size of the transport rings 18 may depend on the overall size of the article 10. For example, as the article 10 becomes larger, the transport rings 18 can also become larger to support larger loads during manufacturing or processing using the transport rings 18.

[0099] In some embodiments, after step / stage 1 (as described in detail below), the middle of the transport ring 18a may be positioned approximately 20 mm to approximately 42 mm from the open upper end 11 of the unfinished article 10a (see Figure 2B). In other embodiments, after stage 1, the middle of the transport ring 18a may be positioned approximately 23 mm to approximately 39 mm from the open upper end 11 of the unfinished article 10a. In yet another embodiment, after stage 1, the middle of the transport ring 18a may be positioned approximately 26 mm to approximately 36 mm from the unfinished upper end 11 of the article 10a. However, the position of the transport ring 18a may vary depending, for example, on the size of the article 10a.

[0100] In some embodiments, after step 2 (as described in detail below), the middle of the transport ring 18b may be positioned about 20 mm to about 42 mm from the open upper end 11 of the unfinished article 10b (see Figure 2B). In other embodiments, after step 2, the middle of the transport ring 18b may be positioned about 23 mm to about 39 mm from the open upper end 11 of the unfinished article 10b. In yet another embodiment, after step 2, the middle of the transport ring 18b may be positioned about 26 mm to about 36 mm from the open upper end 11 of the unfinished article 10b. However, the position of the transport ring 18b may vary depending, for example, on the size of the article 10b.

[0101] In some embodiments, after step 3 (described in detail below), the middle of the transport ring 18c may be positioned between approximately 19 mm and 41 mm from the open upper end 11 of the unfinished article 10c. In other embodiments, after step 3, the middle of the transport ring 18c may be positioned between approximately 22 mm and 38 mm from the open upper end 11 of the unfinished article 10c. In yet another embodiment, after step 3, the middle of the transport ring 18c may be positioned between approximately 25 mm and 35 mm from the open upper end 11 of the unfinished article 10c. However, the position of the transport ring 18c may vary depending, for example, on the size of the article 10c.

[0102] In some embodiments, after step 4 (described in detail below), the transport ring 18d may be positioned approximately 18 mm to approximately 40 mm from the open upper end 11 of the unfinished article 10d (see Figure 2B). In other embodiments, after step 4, the transport ring 18d may be positioned approximately 21 mm to approximately 37 mm from the open upper end 11 of the unfinished article 10d. In yet another embodiment, after step 4, the transport ring 18d may be positioned approximately 24 mm to approximately 33 mm from the upper end 11 of the unfinished article 10d. However, the position of the transport ring 18 may vary depending, for example, on the size of the article 10.

[0103] In some embodiments, the middle of the transport ring 18 for the finished article 10 (e.g., threaded, spiral-shaped) can be positioned about 13 mm to about 34 mm from the spiral 24 (see Figure 2A). In other embodiments, the middle of the transport ring 18 for the finished article 10 can be positioned about 16 mm to about 31 mm from the spiral 24. In yet another embodiment, the middle of the transport ring 18 for the finished article 10 can be positioned about 19 mm to about 28 mm from the top of the spiral 24. For example, the middle of the transport ring 18 for the finished article 10 can be positioned about 17 mm from the top of the spiral 24. In another embodiment, the middle of the transport ring 18 for the finished article 10 can be positioned about 21.2 mm from the top of the spiral 24. In yet another embodiment, the middle of the transport ring 18 for the finished article 10 can be positioned about 23.4 mm from the top of the spiral 24. However, the location of the transport ring 18 may vary depending, for example, on the size of the item 10.

[0104] In some embodiments, the outer radius of the transport ring 18 radially outward (for example, for an article 10 having an open end diameter of about 28 mm) may range from about 12 mm to about 21 mm, which is greater than the radius of the open upper end 11 of the unfinished article 10. In other embodiments, the outer radius of the transport ring 18 may range from about 14 mm to about 19 mm, which is greater than the radius of the open upper end 11 of the unfinished article 10. In yet another embodiment, the outer radius of the transport ring 18 may range from about 16 mm to about 17 mm, which is greater than the radius of the open upper end 11 of the unfinished article 10.

[0105] In some embodiments, the outer radius of the completed transport ring 18 may be about 7% to about 45% larger than the outer radius of the upper edge 25 of the article 10. In other embodiments, the outer radius of the completed transport ring 18 may be about 11% to about 40% larger than the outer radius of the upper edge 25 of the article 10. In yet another embodiment, the outer radius of the completed transport ring 18 may be about 14% to about 35% larger than the outer radius of the upper edge 25 of the article 10.

[0106] In some embodiments, the outer radius of the completed transport ring 18 may be about 15% to about 40% larger than the radii of the adjacent grooves 32' and 30d (see Figure 2B) on the neck of the article 10d. In other embodiments, the outer radius of the completed transport ring 18 may be about 20% to about 35% larger than the radii of the adjacent grooves 32' and 30d on the neck of the article 10. In yet another embodiment, the outer radius of the completed transport ring 18 may be about 25% to about 30% larger than the radii of the adjacent grooves 32' and 30d on the neck of the article 10.

[0107] According to one non-limiting example, the sidewall thickness of the neck portion 16 of article 10 used in the systems and processes described herein ranges from about 0.254 mm to about 0.356 mm (about 0.010 inches to about 0.014 inches). In one embodiment, the initial generally cylindrical preform container has an outer diameter of about 58.9 mm (about 2.32 inches). The neck portion 16 of the preform is reduced diametrically to a diameter of about 28.2 mm (about 1.11 inches) during the necking process, prior to the transport ring forming process (see article 10' in Figure 2B). The preform may start with a sidewall thickness of about 0.22 mm to about 0.23 mm (about 0.0085 inches to about 0.0090 inches) and can be increased to an average of about 0.318 mm (about 0.0125 inches) during the necking process. The sidewall material of the neck 16, which is generally cylindrical, may vary by ±0.0127 mm (±0.0005 inches). During the conveying ring forming process described herein, the sidewall thickness of the article can generally be reduced to about 0.051 mm (about 0.0020 inches) without impairing the integrity of the material and the coating in that material.

[0108] Apparatus and methods for improving the necking process of articles (e.g., containers) are described according to aspects of this disclosure. While the embodiments described herein are considered in relation to a conveying ring forming process, it is considered that the apparatus and methods of using the apparatus may be applied in connection with other processes that result in forming rings, projections and / or recesses / grooves or otherwise processing / modifying the neck of an article generally adjacent to or near the open upper end of the article.

[0109] According to some aspects of this disclosure, axial movement of a portion of a turret head assembly used to form a transport ring on the neck of an article (e.g., turret head assemblies 200a to 200d in Figures 3A to 6) further results in radial movement of a tool (e.g., a roller) relative to the turret head assembly axis. For example, in some embodiments, the mechanical movement of the turret head assembly to a predetermined position for forming a machining operation on the article being formed or modified is achieved using the article itself. This can be advantageous because it does not require external components or mechanisms, such as operating a roller to contact the neck of the article so that a transport ring can be formed. Thus, fewer pieces of equipment are required, thereby reducing the costs associated with forming the transport ring. In other embodiments, the radial movement of the tool may be actuated by an external secondary mechanism (e.g., a cam actuator) of the turret head assembly that causes axial movement of components of the turret head assembly.

[0110] Figures 3A to 3I show an example of a turret head assembly 200a used in a first step or stage ("Stage 1") of a transport ring forming process according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The turret head assembly 200a comprises a 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 slidably connected to the base plate 208 by alignment pins 213 and a rolling assembly 210a for roller forming tools such as outer rollers 224a and inner rollers 226 (see Figure 3B). The rolling assembly 210a is positioned and slides inside the housing 204. The turret head assembly axis 203 is defined as extending generally through the center of the turret head assembly 200a. In Figures 3A to 3I, the shaft 203 extends through the center of the outer diameter of the top plate 206 and the housing 204. When a force is applied to the rolled assembly 210a (for example, when the article 10 is inserted into the turret head assembly 200a, as will be described in detail later), the rolled assembly 210a (and the components connected to the rolled assembly 210a, as will be described in detail later) slide upward along the turret head assembly shaft 203 relative to the housing 204 in the direction of arrow A.

[0111] In the non-limiting embodiments shown in Figures 3A to 3I, the turret head retaining device 202 is a screw that fastens the upper plate 206 of the rotating turret head assembly 200a to the forming turret (see Figures 10A to 10D). In other embodiments, the turret head retaining device 202 may be a tension rod 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 holds the turret head assembly 200a to a non-rotating feature that is axially aligned with the forming turret, and / or to a spindle that rotates the article being formed.

[0112] The turret head assembly 200a further comprises a plurality of spring guides 212, through which a plurality of corresponding elastic devices (e.g., compression springs 214) are connected to maintain the rolled assembly 210a in an open / uncompressed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring guides 212 are fixed to a base plate 208. The top plate 206 may have through holes through which the spring guides 212 can be slidably positioned. In other embodiments, the design of the spring guides 212 may be reversed so that the spring guides 212 are mounted on the top plate 206 through through holes in the base plate 208.

[0113] In embodiments where the compression spring 214 has a length-to-diameter ratio large enough to buckle as much as possible when compressed, the spring guide 212 can provide support to the compression spring 214. If sufficient space is available, a compression spring 214 with a larger diameter that is less prone to buckling can be used, in which case the spring guide 212 may be omitted.

[0114] The turret head assembly 200a further comprises alignment pins 213 configured to maintain the alignment of the rolled assembly 210a during translation (reciprocating motion). In one embodiment, the base plate 208 is securely fixed to the alignment pins 213, and the rolled assembly 210a is slidably connected to the alignment pins 213. In another embodiment, the top plate 206 is slidably connected to the alignment pins 213, and the rolled assembly 210a is securely fixed to the alignment pins 213.

[0115] In some embodiments, other mechanisms inside or outside the turret head assembly 200a may be used to move the rolled assembly 210a (for example, to force the rolled assembly 210a to return). For example, the compression spring 214 can be removed from the turret head assembly 200a, and the spring guide 212 can extend through the upper plate 206, where a force from an external source may be applied. In other embodiments, an air cylinder, air spring, or leaf spring, etc., can be installed in place of the compression spring 214.

[0116] The rolled assembly 210a comprises 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 an outer roller 224a and an inner roller 226 connected to their lower ends. In one non-limiting embodiment, the inner roller 226 has a forming radius 227a (measured axially) from about 0.63 mm to about 2 mm (from about 0.025 inches to about 0.080 inches) (see forming radius r in Figure 12), and the outer roller 224a has a forming radius 227b (measured axially) from about 1 mm to about 5 mm (from about 0.05 inches to about 0.20 inches) (see Figures 3F–3G, also see forming radius R in Figure 12). The outer roller arm 220a and the inner roller arm 222 may be connected to each other via an elastic device (e.g., an arm spring 230 as shown in Figures 3D to 3E). It has been considered that the outer roller arm 220a and / or the inner roller arm 222 may be connected to other parts of the rolled assembly 210a, for example, using an elastic device. The outward-facing sides of each of the outer roller arm 220a and the inner roller arm 222 are provided with their respective outer roller arm cam followers 240a and inner roller arm cam followers 242 connected thereto. Each of the outer roller arm cam followers 240a (see Figures 3B, 3D, 3E, and 3I) and the inner roller arm cam followers 242 (see Figures 3D, 3E, and 3I) is configured to contact the respective outer roller cams 244a (see Figures 3B, 3D, 3E, and 3I) and inner roller cams 246 (see Figures 3D, 3E, and 3I) which are connected to the inner surface of the housing 204.

[0117] Although only a single outer roller arm 220a (and corresponding outer roller 224a) is shown in the embodiments of Figures 3A to 3I, it has been considered that any suitable number of outer roller arms and outer rollers may be used. However, in some embodiments, it is desirable that a single outer roller arm allows more material from the neck portion 16 of the article 10 to be displaced during the formation of the conveying ring.

[0118] The rolling assembly 210a is configured to be moved axially relative to the turret head assembly axis 203. For example, in one embodiment, the lower end of the rolling assembly is configured to be actuated by an article passing through a nearly central opening in the base plate 208 (as shown in Figures 3 to 6). In other embodiments (shown in Figures 8 to 11), the rolling assembly is configured to be actuated by an external mechanism such as a cam / cam follower assembly.

[0119] As shown in the embodiments in Figures 3D to 3H, the opening in the base plate 208 includes a pilot 250 mounted on the base plate 208. The diameter of the pilot 250 is configured to allow passage through the generally straight neck 16' of the article 10'. An internal bearing of the pilot 250 keeps the article 10' generally stationary as the turret head assembly 200a rotates. Additionally, a portion of the inner roller arm 222, to which the inner roller 226 is connected, extends through the 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 in Figures 3D to 3H can be used with or without axial compliance.

[0120] In one embodiment, article 10' (see Figure 2B) is driven towards a turret head assembly 200a by a ram and push plate that follow a path. This guides the upper edge 25 of article 10' towards the turret head assembly 200a, where it is received by a pilot 250. The upper edge 25 catches on a step 252 (see Figure 3F) located at the distal end of the pilot 250. The step 252 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the upper edge 25 of article 10'. Thus, the step 252 acts as a stopper for the upper edge 25, optionally applying an axial load to the upper edge 25. Continuing to advance article 10' in the direction of arrow A in Figure 3F results in upward movement of at least a portion of the rolled assembly 210a in the direction of arrow A. In other embodiments, the stage 1 turret head assembly 200a (see Figures 3A and 8A, which are described in detail below) includes a front guide assembly (similar to the front guide section 270 in Figures 4I to 7, which are described in more detail below) that is securely attached to the base plate 208 and / or securely attached to the base plate 208 with axial compliance.

[0121] As the rolled assembly 210a moves upward, the spring 230 between the outer roller arm 220a and the inner roller arm 222 engages the respective outer cam followers 240a and 242 with the respective outer cams 244a and 246. The outer roller cams 244a and 246 generally have an angled, inclined shape such that the upper part of the cams 244a and 246 is wider than the lower part. The angle 243a formed by the outer roller cam 244a (see Figure 3D) may range from about 1° to about 30°. In other embodiments, the angle 243a formed by the outer roller cam 244a may range from about 4° to about 25°. In yet another embodiment, the angle 243a formed by the outer roller cam 244a may range from about 7° to about 15° (e.g., about 9°). The angle 243b formed by the inner roller cam 246 may range from about 1° to about 19°. In other embodiments, the angle 243b formed by the inner roller cam 246 may range from about 4° to about 16°. In yet another embodiment, the angle 243b formed by the inner roller cam 246 may range from about 7° to about 13° (e.g., about 110°). The angles 243a and 243b may be adjusted, for example, depending on the desired magnitude of formation and material displacement.

[0122] The outer roller cam 244a and / or inner roller cam 246 may have two or more combinations of angles or curvatures. This allows the speed at which the rollers 224a, 226 move radially inward / outward to be adjusted so as not to be constant. For example, two angled surfaces may be connected by a small radius such that the corresponding rollers 224a, 226 begin moving inward at a faster speed and end moving inward at a slower speed.

[0123] 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 arc-shaped) manner, thereby similarly moving the outer roller 224a connected to the outer roller arm 220a radially inward toward the center of the turret head assembly 200a (e.g., the turret head assembly axis 203) to contact the outer surface of the neck 16' of the article 10'. The upward movement of the rolling assembly 210a further moves the inner roller arm 222 and the inner roller 226 connected to the inner roller arm 222 radially outward in a generally linear manner to contact the inner surface of the neck 16' of the article 10'. The distance by which the outer roller 224a and the inner roller 226 are moved radially inward can be varied, for example, by changing the shape of the outer roller cam 244a and the inner roller cam 246, and / or the angles 243a, 243b associated with the outer roller cam 244a and the inner roller cam 246. Generally, the outer roller 224a and the inner roller 226 moving toward each other in opposite directions results in a smaller load at the central pilot. However, it has also been considered that the outer roller 224a and the inner roller 226 can move in different directions.

[0124] The movement of the inner roller arm 222 and the outer roller arm 220a in a generally linear manner (e.g., generally perpendicular to the article, rather than a perfectly arc-shaped movement) may be desirable to avoid interference between the respective rollers 224a, 226 and the transport ring 18a formed between stage 1 (see Figure 2B) and / or adjacent grooves / recesses. In one non-limiting embodiment, the rollers 224a, 226 are arc-shaped inward with a radius of about 89 mm (a radius of about 3.50 inches).

[0125] As the rolled assembly 210a is moved in the direction of arrow A, the outward force from the spring 214 causes an axial load to be applied from the pilot 250 to the upper edge 25 of the article 10', thereby compressing the neck 16' of the article 10' and helping the rollers 224a and 226 control and form the transport ring 18 and groove 30a.

[0126] As is best seen in Figures 3F to 3G, the axial position of the inner roller 226 is further inward (closer to the center of the turret head assembly 200a / turret head assembly axis 203) and closer to the open upper end 11 of the article 10, so that a small gap 225d (see Figure 3G) is formed between the inner roller 226 and the outer roller 224a, generally corresponding to the thickness of the neck 16' of the article 10'. In one embodiment, the gap 225d at the end of the forming stroke / compression position is approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 3 mm (approximately 0.02 inches to approximately 0.11 inches).

[0127] In some embodiments, the inner roller 226 contacts the inner surface of the neck 16' of the article 10' before the outer roller 224a contacts the outer surface of the neck 16' of the article 10'. For example, in one embodiment, when the inner roller 226 contacts the inner surface of the neck 16', the outer roller 224a may be about 2.5 mm (about 0.1 inches) away from the outer surface of the neck 16'. As the forming process begins, the outer roller 224a moves radially inward, while the inner roller 226 moves radially outward so that both the outer roller 224a and the inner roller 226 contact the neck 16'.

[0128] When the turret head assembly 200a in stage 1 is in the compressed position shown in Figures 3E to 3F, the radial positions of the outer roller 224a and the inner roller 226 overlap slightly. In one embodiment, the amount of overlap is approximately 1 mm to 4 mm. Thus, when the turret head assembly 200a is in the compressed position shown in Figures 3E to 3F, the outer roller 224a and the inner roller 226 sandwich the neck 16' between them so that a partial transport ring 18a is formed. While resulting in relative rotation between the article and the rolling assembly around an axis generally perpendicular to the open upper end 11, the contact between the inner roller 226 and the inner surface of the neck 16' deforms the neck 16' outward to its maximum displacement position under pressure caused by the radially outward displacement of the inner roller 226, forming an initial protrusion or partial transport ring 18a. Similarly, while the inner roller 226 presses against the inner surface of the partial transport ring 18a, the contact between the outer roller 224a and the outer surface of the neck 16' deforms the neck 16' of the preformed article 10' inward under pressure from the outer roller 224a.

[0129] In one non-limiting embodiment, the outer roller 224a pushes the neck 16' inward over a distance 225a from about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm (about 0.02 inches to about 0.8 inches) beyond its initial position, and the inner roller 226 pushes the neck 16' outward over a distance 225b from about 3 mm (about 0.04 inches to about 0.12 inches) beyond its initial position (see Figure 3G). In one non-limiting embodiment, the axial distance 225c (y1 in Figure 12) between the center of the inner roller 226 and the center of the outer roller 224a is from about 2 mm to about 8 mm (about 0.08 inches to about 0.31 inches).

[0130] In one embodiment, the turret head assembly 200a rotates relatively quickly around the turret head assembly axis 203 relative to the article (which remains generally stationary in the pilot 250 via friction) such that the outer roller 224a and inner roller 226 move circumferentially along the neck 16'. Thereafter, the outer roller 224a and inner roller 226 roll in contact with the neck 16' of the article 10'. As a result, the inner roller 226 biases a portion of the neck 16' outward to form a partial transport ring 18a with an increased diameter, and the outer roller 224a biases a portion of the neck 16' inward just below the partial transport ring 18a to form a partial groove 30a (see Figures 2B, 3E-3F). In some embodiments, the turret head assembly 200a can rotate at speeds of 2000 rpm or more. It has been considered that the item can rotate quickly relative to the turret head assembly 200a, while the turret head assembly 200a may remain generally stationary.

[0131] After the transport ring 18a is formed and step 1 of the process is completed, the inner roller 226 is retracted away from the inner surface of the neck 16a so that it disengages from the inner surface of the neck 16a and returns to its original starting position in the process. The resulting article 10a is retracted away from the turret head assembly 200a.

[0132] As a result, the spring 230 returns to its original position, and the engagement of the outer cam followers 240a and 242 with the outer cam 244a and inner cam 246, respectively, moves the outer roller arm 220a radially outward and the inner roller arm 222 radially inward to the uncompressed position in Figure 3D. The compression spring 214, positioned in the spring guide 212 (or other suitable mechanism), further biases the rolled assembly downward in the direction of arrow B. Consequently, the outer roller 224a and inner roller 226 eliminate contact with the neck portion 16a of the article 10a, providing clearance for removing the article 10a from the turret head assembly 200a.

[0133] Figure 3H compares the dimensions of article 10' prior to step 1 with article 10a after step 1 of the forming process described herein, according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 3H, the drop in height 253a of the neck 16 is from about 0.5 mm to about 3.0 mm (from about 0.05 inches to about 0.06 inches) due to the displacement of the material while an axial load is applied. The diameter 253b of the partial transport ring 18a formed during step 1 may be about 10% to about 15% larger than the initial neck diameter 253c. The reduced neck diameter 253d of the partial groove 30a may be about 3% to about 10% smaller than the original neck diameter 253c (e.g., about 28.19 mm (about 1.1 inches)), and may be reduced to about 26.41 mm (about 1.04 inches).

[0134] According to one embodiment, the axial / process load and resistance of the rolled assembly for forming in stage 1 are approximately 100 pounds to approximately 200 pounds, or approximately 130 pounds to approximately 160 pounds. According to one embodiment, the load required to operate the rolled assembly (rotation) without forming is approximately 25 to 75 pounds. Because there is no guide in front of the illustrated turret head assembly 200a, the article accepts most of the applied axial load. The resistance of material movement (both inward and outward) creates a greater process load. This load may vary as the properties of the material, the thickness of the material, the diameter, etc., vary in other applications.

[0135] Referring here to Figure 3J, a graph is shown comparing the pushing position that moves the article toward the turret head assembly 200a with the load applied to the article during stage 1, according to one embodiment. Line 228a represents the position of the push plate, which corresponds to the cam contour along which the cam follower of the push plate moves. Line 228b represents the bottle-forming load at each push plate position. Line 228c shows a static load measurement (no bottle present), where the rolling assembly is generally stationary / non-rotating. The load associated with line 228c generally arises from spring compression and resistance of the turret head assembly 200a, etc.

[0136] According to the embodiments shown in Figure 3J (and similarly in Figures 4L and 5G), the machined portion 233 of the cam contour 228a generally does not contain dwells or "flat" portions. In other words, the machined portion 233 of the cam contour in the illustrated embodiments is sloped along the entire contour to allow the material to move during forming, which can facilitate continuous axial movement of the article (either toward or toward the forming tool) and help minimize cracking and splitting. Therefore, in embodiments in which the article is moved, such as those shown in Figures 3-6, the elimination of dwells in the cam contour ends contact with the roller and the article is withdrawn / removed from the forming tool, particularly when the desired forming is achieved, such as when the roller reaches the desired maximum radial displacement, as the load applied to the article is generally higher. For example, it has been considered that the roller may disengage from the article within approximately 20 degrees of rotation of the roller relative to the article, even 10 degrees, or even 1 degree of rotation, or as soon as the desired maximum radial displacement of the roller is achieved in order to avoid the presence of a dwell. However, it has been considered that a dwell may be included in the cam contour of the embodiments described herein. For example, it has been considered that in any embodiment, whether with or without a dwell, the desired maximum radial displacement of the roller may be achieved within approximately 2 to 5 rotations of the roller relative to the article.

[0137] As shown in Figure 3J, the exemplary cam contour 228a includes a first lifting section 234a, a second lifting section 234b, a first retracting section 235a, and a second retracting section 235b. During the first lifting section 234a, the article and the rolled assembly are brought together, i.e., the distance between them is reduced. The formation of the transport ring takes place during the second lifting section 234b. The formation is generally completed at the end of the second lifting section 234b. During the first retracting section 235a, the speed and acceleration of the movement are matched to the capacity and limits of the turret head assembly 200a, as the article is retracted from the turret head assembly 200a but remains in contact with it. During the second retracting section 235b, the push pad is retracted so that the article can be safely transferred to the other star wheel. Although the cam profile is described for the push plate cam of stage 1, it has been considered that a similar cam profile may be used for any of the cams used to actuate the rolled assemblies described herein.

[0138] Once Stage 1 is completed, the resulting article 10a (see Figure 2B) is moved to a later stage of the transport ring formation process. For example, in one embodiment, Figures 4A to 4J show Stage 2 of the transport ring formation process, Figures 5A to 5E show Stage 3 of the transport ring formation process, and Figures 6A to 6C show Stage 4 of the transport ring formation process. However, more or fewer stages or steps may be used to form the desired transport ring.

[0139] In the illustrated embodiment, the turret head assemblies 200b–200d of the subsequent transport ring forming step operate in a manner similar to that described earlier with respect to step 1. Differences include, for example, the number of inner and / or outer rollers (and thus the number of each inner and outer roller arm), the manner in which the turret head assemblies are actuated, or combinations thereof.

[0140] For example, in the illustrated embodiments shown in Figures 4A-7 and 9A-9B, the turret head assemblies 200b-200d, 1200' of stages 2-4 of the transport ring forming process comprise three outer rollers 224b, 224c, 224d spaced approximately 120 degrees apart. However, it has been considered that any suitable number of outer rollers 224 may be included in the turret head assemblies 200b-200d, 1200'. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiments shown in Figures 4A-7 and 9A-9B, stages 2-4 eliminate the inner rollers of stage 1. However, it has been considered that inner rollers may be included in any or all of stages 2-4. The differences between the turret head assemblies 200b-200d, 1200' of stages 2-4 and those of stage 1 are described in further detail below.

[0141] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the subsequent turret head assemblies 200b-200d, 1200' in steps 2-4 includes an optional front guide section 270 (see Figure 4I) which is mounted coaxially with the turret head assembly and includes a substantially central opening 272 through which the pilot 260 can be accessed. The front guide section 270 may include a contour having a generally receding diameter and a shape that generally corresponds to the shape of the shoulder 15 of the article 10. Thus, the front guide section 270 is configured to receive the shoulder 15 of the article 10 that is formed during the previous steps when the article 10 is inserted into the turret head assembly 200.

[0142] The front guide portion 270 may be formed from a generally soft, smooth, non-scratching material that is generally sufficient to protect the article 10 or its decoration / design from being scratched. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, plastic resins (e.g., DELRIN® (DuPont Polymers, Inc., Wilmington, Delaware)), any other suitable material, or a combination thereof.

[0143] In one embodiment, as the article 10 is inserted into the turret head assembly 200 in the direction of arrow A through the central opening 272, as shown in Figures 4H and 4J for step 2, in Figures 5D to 5E for step 3, and in Figure 6 for step 4, the shoulder portion 15 of the article 10 presses against the front guide portion 270, providing a force that helps move the rolled assembly 210 to the compressed position in the direction of arrow A. It has also been considered that other (e.g., external) mechanisms may be used to bring the rolled assembly 210 to the compressed position.

[0144] A turret head assembly 200b in step 2 of the transport ring forming process according to one embodiment is shown in Figures 4A to 4J. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer roller 224b in step 2 has a forming radius 227c (measured axially) from about 0.7 mm to about 5 mm (from about 0.03 inches to about 0.20 inches) (see Figures 4H and 4J). In step 2 of the process, the groove 32 is rolled over the partial transport ring 18 (see Figure 2B). Similar to the turret head assembly 200 in step 1, the turret head assembly 200b in step 2 described herein includes an inner pilot 260 mounted in an opening 272 approximately in the center of the turret head assembly 200b to help guide the neck portion 16a of the article 10a into the turret head assembly 200b and through the turret head assembly 200b to a predetermined position. As shown in 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 portion 16a of the article 10a when the article 10a is moved toward the turret head assembly 200b, thereby helping to accurately form the next stage and adjacent grooves of the transport ring 18.

[0145] In some embodiments, there is a diametrical clearance of about 0.127 mm to about 0.254 mm (about 0.005 inches to about 0.010 inches) from the inner sidewall of the neck portion 16a of article 10a to the outer diameter of the pilot 260. In some embodiments, the pilot 260 is equipped with a spring mechanism feature to assist 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 is equipped with a step 252b having a diameter larger than the body of the pilot 260 and the upper edge 25 of the neck portion 16a of article 10a in order to engage with the upper edge 25 of article 10a. An internal bearing of the pilot 260 can help hold article 10a generally immobile as the turret head assembly 200b rotates. In some embodiments, the pilot 260 may be inserted into the open end of article 10a to a depth of approximately 12.7 mm to approximately 31.75 mm (approximately 0.50 inches to approximately 1.25 inches). In other embodiments, the pilot 260 may be inserted into the open end of article 10a to a depth of approximately 19.05 mm to approximately 25.4 mm (approximately 0.75 inches to approximately 1 inch). In some embodiments, the pilot 260 may be freely rotated via a rotatable mounting portion (not shown), such as a ball bearing, tapered bearing, or bushing.

[0146] When in the uncompressed position shown in Figures 4G and 4J, the distance 245 between the neck 16a of article 10a and the outer roller 224b can range from approximately 0.254 mm to approximately 1.27 mm (from approximately 0.01 inches to approximately 0.05 inches) (see Figure 4G). As described in detail with respect to stage 1, the movement of article 10 in the direction of arrow A by the ram and push plate along the path presses the open upper end 11 of article 10 against the step 252b of the pilot 260, which applies an axial load to the open upper end 11 and actsuates the rolled assembly 210b. Thereafter, the outer roller cam 244b engages with each outer roller cam follower 240b positioned on the outer roller arm 220b. Such engagement moves the outer roller arm 220b radially inward, thereby moving the outer roller 224b, which is connected to the outer roller arm 220b, to its maximum inward position, in a generally linear manner, radially inward and in harmony toward the center of the turret head assembly 200b, and into contact with the neck 16a of the article 10a. In one non-limiting embodiment, from the position of contact with the article 10a, the outer roller 224b is displaced radially by about 1 mm to about 2 mm (about 0.06 inches to about 0.08 inches) to the final rolling position.

[0147] Similar to the outer roller cam 244a of stage 1, the outer roller cam 244b of stage 2 generally has an angled, inclined shape such that the upper part of each outer roller cam 244b is wider than the lower part. The angle 243b formed by the outer roller cam 244b (see Figure 4G) may range from about 1° to about 19°. In other embodiments, the angle 243b may range from about 4° to about 16°. In yet another embodiment, the angle 243b may range from about 7° to about 13°. The angle 243b may be adjusted, for example, depending on the desired magnitude of formation and material displacement.

[0148] Figure 4J shows the engagement of the outer roller 224b with the neck 16a of the article during step 2 of the transport ring formation process according to one embodiment. In step 2, the outer roller 224b is positioned to contact a portion 255 of the neck 16a adjacent to the partial transport ring 18a formed during step 1 above, thereby forming a first reduced diameter portion or groove 32 (see also article 10b in 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 its restored position as shown in Figure 4G.

[0149] In particular, at the start of stage 2, the shoulder portion 15 of article 10a does not generally contact the front guide portion 270. When the neck portion 16a is rolled by the rolled assembly 210b and an axial load is applied to the upper edge 25 of article 10a to aid in formation, a slight drop in the height of the neck portion 16a / article 10a occurs due to the displacement of the material while the axial load is applied. As a result, the shoulder portion 15 of article 10b resulting from the process of stage 2 comes into contact with the front guide portion 270, which further assists in transmitting at least a portion of the load to the shoulder portion 15 via the front guide portion 270, driving the rolled assembly 210b in the direction of arrow A.

[0150] As previously discussed with respect to Stage 1, in some embodiments, the length of the article (e.g., the neck portion of the article) may change slightly during the rolling process of Stage 2. During the forming of Stage 2, the outer roller 224b displaces the material inward, which results in some material thinning. As a result, in some embodiments, after the forming of Stage 2 is completed, the height of the article 10b will be greater than the height of the article 10a after Stage 1 (e.g., from about 0.127 mm to about 0.254 mm, or from about 0.005 inches to about 0.010 inches).

[0151] In one non-limiting embodiment, the outer roller 224b in step 2 initially moves inward for a distance of about 1.52 mm (about 0.06 inches) from contact with the article, thereby pushing the neck 16a inward by the same distance. The rebound of the neck material may cause the neck to expand outward, for example, by about 30% to about 45% of the distance initially displaced. Thus, the resulting groove 32 formed in step 2 may displace the side wall of the article radially inward, thereby reducing the diameter of the adjacent neck portion 255 above the partial transport ring 18a by about 2 mm to about 1.3 mm (about 0.01 inches to about 0.05 inches). In some non-limiting embodiments, after step 2, the outer diameter of the adjacent neck portion 255 above the partial transport ring 18a is displaced inward by about 1% to about 6%, about 2% to about 5%, or about 3% to about 4% of its initial diameter. In some embodiments, after the formation of step 2 is complete, the diameter of the resulting partial transport ring 18b is expanded by up to about 0.2 mm (about 0.005 inches).

[0152] Figure 4K shows a cross-sectional side view of a partially formed neck 16b of the article after step 2, according to one 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, but multiple figures are shown due to space constraints.

[0153] Referring here to Figure 4L, a graph is shown comparing the position of the push plate that moves the article toward the turret head assembly 200b with the load applied to the article during stage 2, according to one embodiment. Line 229a represents the position of the push plate, which corresponds to the cam contour along which the cam follower of the push plate moves. Line 229b represents the bottle-forming load at each push plate position. Line 229c represents the bottle-forming load at each push plate position. The load associated with line 229c generally arises from spring compression and the resistance of the turret head assembly 200b, etc.

[0154] Figures 5A to 5E show a turret head assembly 200c in a subsequent step 3 of the transport ring formation process according to one embodiment. In step 3, the shape of the transport ring is further defined. As in the previous step, the open upper end 11 of the article 10b formed in step 2 is guided into the assembly via a pilot 260'. The distal end of the pilot 260' has a step 252c having a larger diameter than the open upper end 11 of the body of the pilot 260' and the neck portion 16b of the article 10b in order to catch on the upper edge 25 of the article 10b.

[0155] The movement of the turret head assembly 200c, the outer roller 224c, and the process associated with stage 3 are generally similar to those of stage 2, except that the position and shape of the outer roller 224c are different. Specifically, in stage 3, the outer roller 224c is a “double outer roller” that contacts, for example, two different portions of the neck portion 16b of the article 10b (see Figure 7B). In other words, as shown in Figures 5A–5E and 7A–7B, the double outer roller 224c has a first contact area 280a configured to contact and shape an adjacent portion 285a of the neck portion 16b above the partially formed transport ring 18b, a second contact area 280b configured to contact and shape an adjacent portion 285b of the neck portion 16b below the partially formed transport ring 18b, and a recessed portion 280c spanning between the first contact area 280a and the second contact area 280b. In one non-limiting embodiment, the first contact area 280a has an upward forming radius 281a (measured axially) ranging from about 1.52 mm to about 3.05 mm (about 0.06 inches to about 0.12 inches) and a downward forming radius 281b (configured to contact the partially formed transport ring 18b) ranging from about 0.76 mm to about 2.29 mm (about 0.03 inches to about 0.09 inches) (see Figure 5C). The second contact area 280b has an upward forming radius 283a (measured axially) ranging from approximately 1.27 mm to approximately 3.05 mm (approximately 0.05 inches to approximately 0.12 inches) (configured to contact the partially formed transport ring 18b) and a downward forming radius 283b (configured to abut the shoulder portion 15) ranging from approximately 2.03 mm to approximately 6.35 mm (approximately 0.08 inches to approximately 0.25 inches) (see Figure 5C). In a non-limiting embodiment, the distance between the first contact area 280a and the second contact area 280b (i.e., the height of the recess portion 280c) is approximately 0.13 mm to approximately 3.05 mm (approximately 0.005 inches to approximately 0.120 inches).

[0156] As shown in Figure 7A, the double roller used in steps 3-4 may be formed by connecting two independently rotating roller elements 290a, 290b on a single axis. In other embodiments, the double roller is generally single such that the first and second contact areas are continuous and integrated.

[0157] In particular, as in stage 2, at the start of stage 3, the shoulder portion 15 of article 10b does not generally come into contact with the front guide portion 270. As the neck portion 16b is rolled by the rolled assembly 210c and an axial load is applied to the upper edge 25 of the article 10b to aid in its formation, a slight drop in the height 253a of the neck portion 16b / article 10b (e.g., from about 0.13 mm to about 2 mm (about 0.005 inches to about 0.08 inches) occurs due to the displacement of the material while the axial load is applied. In other embodiments, the drop in the height 253a of the neck portion 16b during step 3 is from about 1 mm to about 1.2 mm (about 0.03 inches to about 0.05 inches). As a result, the shoulder portion 15 of the article 10c resulting from the process of step 3 contacts the front guide portion 270, which further assists in transmitting at least a portion of the load to the shoulder portion 15 via the front guide portion 270, thereby driving the rolled assembly 210c in the direction of arrow A.

[0158] As previously described with respect to the earlier stages, in stage 3, the article 10b can be driven to the turret head assembly 200c by a ram and push plate that travel along the path, pressing the open upper end 11 of the article 10b against the step 252c of the pilot 260', which applies an axial load to the open upper end 11 of the article 10b and actsuates the rolling assembly 210c. In one non-limiting embodiment, from the position of contact with the article 10b, the second contact area 280b of the outer roller 224c is displaced radially from about 2 mm to about 5 mm (about 0.08 inches to about 0.2 inches) to the final rolling position shown in Figure 5E. In one non-limiting embodiment, the process in stage 3 increases the diameter of the resulting partial transport ring 18c from about 1% to about 5% or from about 2% to about 3% compared to the diameter of the partial transport ring 18b resulting from the process in stage 2. In some embodiments, after the formation in step 3 is complete, the diameter of the resulting partial transport ring 18c is expanded from about 0.2 mm to about 1.3 mm (from about 0.01 inches to about 0.05 inches). As a result of the formation in step 3, the partial transport ring 18c of the resulting article 10c is further defined as shown in Figures 2B and 5F.

[0159] Figure 5F shows a cross-sectional side view of a partially formed neck of article 10c after step 3, according to one embodiment. Various wall thicknesses are shown (in inches) along various portions of the formed neck. The three cross-sectional views in Figure 5F are intended to show the same article, but multiple figures are shown due to space constraints.

[0160] Referring here to Figure 5G, a graph is shown comparing the position of the push plate that moves the article toward the turret head assembly 200c with the load applied to the article during stage 3, according to one embodiment. Line 231a represents the position of the push plate, which corresponds to the cam contour along which the cam follower of the push plate moves. Line 231b represents the bottle-forming load at each push plate position. Line 231c shows a static load measurement (no bottle present), where the rolling assembly is generally stationary / does not rotate. The load associated with line 231c generally arises from spring compression and the resistance of the turret head assembly 200c.

[0161] Figures 6A and 6B show a turret head assembly 200d in a subsequent step 4 of the process according to one embodiment. In step 4, the shape of the transport ring 18 is further defined (narrowed, or “tightened”). The turret head assembly 200d and the process associated with step 4 are generally similar to step 3, except that the position and shape of the outer rollers 224c used in the turret head assembly 200d are different. More specifically, as in step 3, the turret head assembly 200d of step 4 includes double outer rollers 224d which are molded to further define the shape of the transport ring 18 (see Figure 7C). More specifically, as shown in Figures 6A, 6B, and 7C, the double outer rollers 224d include a recessed portion 280c' located between a first contact area 280a' and a second contact area 280b'. The recessed portion 280c' has a height smaller than that of step 3, such that the distance between the first contact area 280a' and the second contact area 280b' becomes smaller.

[0162] In a non-limiting embodiment, the first contact area 280a' has an upward forming radius 281a' (measured axially) from about 1.02 mm to about 1.52 mm (about 0.04 inches to about 0.06 inches) and a downward forming radius 281b' (configured to contact the partially formed transport ring 18c) from about 1 mm to about 2 mm (about 0.03 inches to about 0.08 inches) (see Figures 5C to 5E). The second contact area 280b' has an upward forming radius 283a' (measured axially) of about 1 mm to about 2 mm (about 0.03 inches to about 0.08 inches) (configured to contact the partially formed transport ring 18c) and a downward forming radius 283b' (configured to abut the shoulder portion 15) of about 4 mm to about 5 mm (about 0.1 inches to about 0.2 inches) (see Figures 6A to 6B). In a non-limiting embodiment, the distance between the first contact area 280a' and the second contact area 280b' (i.e., the height of the recess portion 280c') is about 0.89 mm to about 1.78 mm (about 0.035 inches to about 0.07 inches). Thereafter, the double outer rollers 224d of stage 4 help to "tighten" the transport ring into the desired shape / form. Therefore, as a result of the formation in step 4 (particularly in combination with the forming axial upward load that compresses the transport ring), the shape of the resulting transport ring 18d (see Figure 2B) is further determined. Furthermore, the process in step 4 is designed to generally eliminate the circumferential gap between the upper portion 271a and the lower portion 271b of the resulting transport ring 18d (see Figures 6B-6C). In other words, the inner surfaces of the upper portion 271a and the lower portion 271b of the transport ring 18d are generally flat, at least over the continuous perimeter of the resulting transport ring 18d. This minimizes the possibility of the article material buckling / breaking during subsequent processing operations (e.g., necking, curling) where additional loads are applied. In some embodiments, the inner surfaces of the article include coatings to protect, for example, metal from corrosion. The coatings on the inner surfaces of the upper portion 271a and the lower portion 271b can together help seal the gap.

[0163] As shown in Figures 6C to 6D, the finished shape of the transport ring 18d may include an intermediate portion 21a having a smaller thickness than the outer portion 21b. In other words, the thickness of the outer portion 21b of the transport ring 18d may be greater than the thickness of the intermediate / inner portion of the transport ring. This shape may be the result of the rolling process in step 4 used to finish the transport ring.

[0164] However, it has been considered that the resulting metal transport ring 18 may have substantially parallel upper and lower surfaces (see Figure 6F) that converge at the distal edge of the transport ring 18. In such embodiments, the distal edge has an outer bending radius 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 transport ring 18d is eliminated or substantially eliminated such that the inner surfaces of the upper surface and the lower surface are in contact with each other along the entire length of the transport ring 18d.

[0165] The forming process in Stage 4 essentially creates a "controlled crushing" to create the final desired diameter and location of the transport ring 18d. If the transport ring is not crushed (for example, if a substantial gap exists between the upper surface 271a and the lower surface 271b of the resulting transport ring 18d), uncontrolled loads may deform the shape and / or integrity of the formed transport ring. Also, the diameters of the adjacent grooves 32', 30d (above and below) of the transport ring 18d are further reduced during Stage 4. In some embodiments, after the forming in Stage 4 is complete, the diameter of the resulting partial transport ring 18d is expanded to a maximum of about 1 mm (about 0.04 inches).

[0166] In particular, as in stages 2 and 3, at the start of stage 4, the shoulder portion 15 of article 10c does not generally contact the front guide portion 270. When the neck portion 16c is rolled by the rolled assembly 210d and an axial load is applied to the upper edge 25 of article 10c to aid in its formation, a further slight drop in the height of the neck portion 16c / article 10c (e.g., from about 0.5 mm to about 0.6 mm (about 0.01 inches to about 0.03 inches)) occurs due to the displacement of the material while the axial load is applied. As a result, the shoulder portion 15 of article 10d resulting from the process of stage 4 comes into contact with the front guide portion 270, which further assists in transmitting at least a portion of the load to the shoulder portion 15 via the front guide portion 270, thereby driving the rolled assembly 210d in the direction of arrow A.

[0167] As previously described in relation to the earlier stages, in stage 4, the article 10c can be driven to the turret head assembly 200d by a ram and push plate that travel along the path, pressing the open upper end 11 of the article 10c against the step 252d of the pilot 260", which applies an axial load to the open upper end 11 of the article 10c and actsuates the rolled assembly 210d. This process can shorten the height of the neck 16c / article 10c. In some embodiments, the height of the article is shortened from about 1 mm to about 3 mm (about 0.04 inches to about 0.09 inches) during stage 4. In some embodiments, the height of the article is shortened throughout the entire transport ring forming process. During this time, it is shortened from approximately 1.4 mm to approximately 1.8 mm (approximately 0.05 inches to approximately 0.07 inches). In one non-limiting embodiment, from the position of contact with the article 10c, the second contact area 280b' of the outer roller 224d is displaced (radially) from approximately 2 mm to approximately 3 mm (approximately 0.08 inches to approximately 0.12 inches) to the final rolling position shown in Figure 6B. In one embodiment, the process of step 4 increases the diameter of the resulting partial transport ring 18b. As a result of the formation of step 4, the resulting partial transport ring 18d of the article 10d is further defined as shown in Figures 2B and 6C.

[0168] Figure 6D shows a cross-sectional side view of a partially formed neck 16d of an article after step 4, according to one 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, but multiple figures are shown due to space constraints.

[0169] Referring here to Figure 6E, a graph is shown comparing the position of the push plate that moves the article toward the turret head assembly 200d with the load applied to the article during stage 4, according to one embodiment. Line 232a represents the position of the push plate, which corresponds to the cam contour along which the cam follower of the push plate moves. Line 232b represents the bottle-forming load at each push plate position. Line 232c shows a static load measurement (no bottle present), where the rolling assembly is generally stationary / does not rotate. The load associated with line 232c generally arises from spring compression and the resistance of the turret head assembly 200d.

[0170] Similar to the outer roller cams 244a and 244b of stages 1 and 2, the outer roller cams of stages 3 and 4 generally have an angled, inclined shape such that the upper part of each outer roller cam is wider than the lower part. The angles formed by each of the outer roller cams of stages 3 and 4 may be the same or different. The angles formed by the outer roller cams of stages 3 and 4 may range from about 2° to about 30°. In other embodiments, the angles may range from about 10° to about 27°. In yet another embodiment, the angles may range from about 18° to about 24°. The angles formed by each of the outer roller cams of stages 3 and 4 may be adjusted, for example, according to the desired magnitude of formation and material displacement.

[0171] As detailed previously, during one or more of the rolling processes described in steps 1-4 above, an axial load may be applied to the upper edge 25 of the article 10 to assist in material displacement, thereby controlling the material flow, preventing thinning of the material, and / or preventing cracking of the material. It has been considered that an axial load of any appropriate magnitude may be applied. The axial load may be applied, for example, through contact between the pilot step and the upper edge 25 of the article, pressing the pilot step against the pilot step to slide the rolled assembly in the direction of arrow A. In some embodiments, the pilot may be equipped with a spring-loaded feature to assist in providing an axial load to the open upper edge 25 of the article 10. The type of spring in the spring-loaded feature, and / or the preload set on the spring, may be adjusted to achieve the desired axial load applied to the article 10.

[0172] In some embodiments, the magnitude of the axial load applied to the upper edge 25 of the article 10 may vary based on the stage of formation, for example, the magnitude of the axial load may differ in each or some of stages 1 to 4. For example, the axial load applied during stage 1 and / or stage 2 may range from about 115 lb to about 175 lb. The axial load applied during stage 3 may range from about 140 lb to about 215 lb. The axial load applied during stage 4 may range from about 120 lb to about 185 lb.

[0173] Although four transport ring forming steps (e.g., steps 1-4) are described herein, it is considered that any number of suitable steps / stages may be used to form the desired shape of the transport ring 18. It is also considered that additional rolling or planarizing processes may be used to reshape the transport ring 18. For example, further processing operations may slightly deform the transport ring 18, resulting in an undesirable ring shape. Therefore, additional process steps may be carried out to correct this.

[0174] It has been considered that one or more forming operations may be applied to article 10 before or after any of the transport ring forming steps described herein. For example, it may be desirable to perform a trimming operation on article 10 before or after one of the steps. In a non-limiting example, a trimming operation is performed on article 10c following step 3 to trim the open upper end 11 of article 10c formed in step 3 to a specified generally constant overall height and / or to remove deformations introduced by the preceding forming step. Such a trimming operation may be desirable, for example, so that the open upper end 11 of the article is generally uniform / flat to ensure proper contact with the step in the pilot in a later step, so that a uniform / constant axial load can be applied to the article in a later step. It may also be beneficial to include a trimming step before the final step (e.g., step 4) so ​​that the resulting height of article 10d is consistent.

[0175] Furthermore, while the turret head assemblies 200a to 200d in the exemplary embodiments are actuated by the axial movement of the article 10 (for example, via the open upper end 11 of the article that contacts the pilot with a step, and / or via the shoulder portion 15 of the article that contacts and presses against the front guide portion 270), any turret head assembly in any of the stages considered herein may be actuated by any portion of the article, or by any other external mechanism that causes the axial movement of the rolled assembly 210 of the turret head assembly 200 relative to the article 10. For example, in some embodiments, the turret head assembly 200 used in any of the stages described herein is compressed independently of the article 10. For example, the rolling assembly 210 of the turret head assembly 200 can be moved axially, for example, via a cam actuator that acts on a cam positioned in the forming turret to which the turret head assembly 200 is connected, thereby compressing the turret head assembly 200 and, accordingly, causing radial movement of the outer roller 224 and / or inner roller 226 of the forming tool.

[0176] For example, referring to Figures 8A-8B and 9A-9B, the turret head assemblies 1200, 1200' are shown according to other embodiments in which the rolling assemblies 210', 210'' are operated independently of article 10. The turret head assembly 1200 in Figures 8A-8B is similar to the stage 1 turret head assembly 200a described earlier, and the turret head assemblies 1200' in Figures 9A-9D are similar to the later stage 2-4 turret head assemblies 200b-200d described earlier. For example, the turret head assemblies in Figures 9A-9D are It comprises a plate 206', a base plate 208', a housing 204', an outer roller 224' (which is a double roller in a non-limiting illustrated embodiment), an outer roller cam 244', an outer roller cam follower 240', a pilot 260' with a step 252', a guide 270', and similar components. However, unlike the turret head assemblies 200a-200d described earlier, which are actuated via the axial movement of the article 10, the rolling assemblies 210', 210'' of the forming tool in Figures 8A-8B and 9A-9B are actuated using an external mechanism.

[0177] The various turret head assemblies 200, 1200, and 1200' described herein can be mounted on a forming turret 1300, for example, via a spindle shaft. This is shown in Figures 10A to 10D with respect to the turret head assembly 1200 in Figures 8A to 8B. As illustrated, the spindle shaft 1201 aligns the turret head assembly 1200 with the article 10 to be machined. A similar arrangement may be used, for example, with respect to the turret head assembly 1200' in Figures 9A to 9D. It has been considered that a turret shaft, motor shaft, or other suitable device may be used with the turret head assemblies 1200 and 1200'. The housing and / or rolled assemblies of the turret head assemblies 1200, 1200' in Figures 8A-8B and 9A-9B can be displaced axially using a cam mechanism (e.g., a cam actuator), a linkage mechanism, a servo mechanism, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, a linear motor, any other suitable mechanism, or a combination thereof.

[0178] Referring to Figures 10A–10D and 11A–11C, a non-limiting example of the turret head assembly 1200 of Figures 9A–9B is shown, connected to the forming turret 1300 via a tool actuator 1205. The turret 1300 includes a cam 1211 for operating the rolling assembly of the turret head assembly 1200. The cam 1211 is fixed to the base of the turret 1300.

[0179] Actuator 1205 comprises a spindle housing 1204 mounted on a plate 1206 that rotates with the turret head assembly 1200. Actuator 1205 further comprises a drive spindle shaft 1208 extending generally through its center. Actuator 1205 further comprises a cam follower 1210 connected to a pushrod mounting plate 1212 and configured to slidably mount a cam 1211 on the forming turret 1300. The pushrod mounting plate 1212 is connected to the spindle housing 1204 by a plurality of pushrods 1214, each having a plurality of springs 1216. As the forming turret 1300 rotates around the axis of a shaft 1217, which is generally positioned through its center, the cam follower 1210 rolls around the surface of the cam 1211 and is actuated by the cam 1211. As a result, the pushrod mounting plate 1212 is pushed toward the turret head assembly 1200, driving the rolling assembly to contact the article 10.

[0180] It has been considered that steps 1-4 may be carried out at room temperature. In one non-limiting embodiment, the outer roller includes Rc 58-62 at D-2 with surface finish 16. The inner roller may include 4140HT steel with a hardness of 26-32Rc, or Rc 58-62 at D-2, and may have surface finish 16.

[0181] As previously discussed, in embodiments where the turret head assembly is actuated using an article (see Figures 3–6), the ram and push plate that actuate the article include a cam follower that follows along the cam contour in the forming turret. In some embodiments where the turret head assembly is actuated by an external mechanism (see Figures 8–11), each turret head assembly may include a cam follower that follows along the cam contour in the forming turret to which the turret head assembly is connected. For example, the cam follower may be connected to a portion of the rolling assembly or housing at the end of the turret head assembly opposite the base plate. The movement of the cam follower along the cam contour causes the rolling assembly and housing to move axially relative to each other. In some embodiments, the cam actuation activates the rolling assembly, keeping it in contact with the article until the stage is completed, at which point the rolling assembly can be retracted away from the article.

[0182] Figure 13 shows a graph illustrating the hypothetical motion of the article and the turret head assembly (connected to a tool actuator) in a forming turret with a process angle of 180°. The motion curves correspond to the cam contours used to actuate each of the article and the tool actuator, and are shown to clarify the relative motion between the article and the tool actuator connected to the turret head assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the article approaches the turret head assembly, and subsequently the tool actuator moves toward the article (see period 1302). The magnitude and angle of motion may vary, and other embodiments are practical and possible.

[0183] As shown in Figure 13, in region 1302, the movement of the tool actuator begins before the article is fully in its machining position. This is because occupying a portion of the clearance required for the load before the container movement is complete can help minimize process problems. The rapid upward movement 1305 during period 1303 preceding the constant-speed movement period 1307 is provided to quickly occupy the clearance and allow for a longer period for the subsequent constant-speed movement.

[0184] At or near the second intersection point 1308, the movement of the tool actuator ends after the article begins to move away from its machining position, because some clearance for removal is made available before the tool movement returns to its resting position. This allows the clearance to be utilized as early as possible to enable a longer period for the preceding constant-speed movement.

[0185] In the turret head assemblies 1200 and 1200' shown in Figures 8A-8B and 9A-9D, the rolling assemblies 210' and 210'' rotate relative to the article being processed, as in the turret head assemblies 200a-200d described in detail earlier. It has been considered that either the article or the rolling assemblies (or their components) 210, 210', and 210'', or both, may rotate. In embodiments where the rolling assemblies 210, 210', 210" rotate, the turret head assemblies 200, 1200, 1200' are mounted on a rotating shaft connected to a forming turret (see, for example, Figures 10A–10D), and thrust bearings (e.g., thrust bearing 1202 with thrust bearing plate 1203 in Figure 8) are included to support the axial loads placed on the turret head assemblies 200, 1200, 1200'. In embodiments where the article rotates and the tooling device / rolling assemblies 210, 210', 210" are generally stationary, the turret head assemblies 200, 1200, 1200' can be mounted via a concise fixed mounting section aligned with the axis of the article, and the thrust bearing elements may be omitted.

[0186] The axial loads applied to articles provided by all of the turret head assemblies 200a–200d, 1200, and 1200' described and discussed herein help control material flow, thereby helping to prevent undesirable thinning of the material in the resulting transport ring. The axial loads applied to articles by the turret head assemblies 200a–200d, as operated on the articles described herein, can vary based on spindle speed. For example, when the turret head assemblies described herein rotate at a faster speed, the resulting centrifugal force can drive the corresponding rolling assembly outward, creating a larger axial process load. Thus, at faster speeds, a greater force than the article can withstand may be required to operate the rolling assembly. Therefore, it may be desirable to reduce the excessive load applied to the article, apply only the load of the magnitude necessary to keep the article in contact with the press plate and ram assembly and prevent the article from rotating due to roller friction. For the turret head assemblies 1200 and 1200' shown in Figures 8 to 11, which are not operated by the object itself, the spindle speed generally does not affect the axial load and provides a more consistent preload.

[0187] In some embodiments, the rollers that contact the article and form a transport ring have a shape complementary to the desired shape of the transport ring 18 and have adjacent portions formed on the neck 16 of the article. For example, the outer roller 224 in the illustrated embodiment is curved such that the engagement of the outer roller 224 with the outer surface of the neck 16 of the article 10 reduces the diameter of the engaged neck 16 to form a desired groove / recess and pushes the material outward to help form the transport ring 18. Similarly, the inner roller 226 in the illustrated embodiment may be curved such that the engagement of the inner roller 226 with the inner surface of the neck 16 of the article increases the diameter of the engaged neck 16 to form a desired partial transport ring 18a. The width of the transport ring 18 and the depth of the adjacent grooves can be predetermined by adjusting the turret head assembly configuration, such as the magnitude of the force applied to the neck 16 by the rollers 224, 226, the dimensions of the rollers 224, 226, the configuration of the cam / cam follower arrangement, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the multiple rollers 224, 226 help prevent or minimize undesirable deformation by providing a balanced load at the neck of the article.

[0188] As previously discussed, the turret head assemblies 200, 1200, 1200' described herein are configured to rotate around a turret head assembly axis 203. It has been considered that the turret head assemblies can rotate at a variety of speeds. In some embodiments, the rotational speed may be about 50 to 350 rpm. In other embodiments, the rotational speed may be about 100 to 200 rpm. In yet another embodiment, the rotational speed may be about 120 rpm. In some embodiments, the turret head assembly is rotatably mounted on the forming turret so as to rotate around the turret head assembly axis 203 independently of the rotation of the forming turret 1300. In some embodiments (e.g., embodiments in which the article rotates), the turret head assembly 200 is non-rotatably mounted on the forming turret 1300.

[0189] Any appropriate ratio of the rotation / velocity of the forming turret to the rotation of the turret head assembly can be used. For example, the ratio used in stage 1 can be from approximately 17:1 to approximately 21:1, the ratio used in stage 2 can be from approximately 15:1 to approximately 17:1, and the ratio used in stage 3 and / or 4 can be from approximately 18:1 to approximately 19:1. It has been considered that the velocity of the turret head assembly can be varied at different forming turret velocities.

[0190] Beneficiently, the turret head assembly 200 described herein may include tools for simultaneously performing operations on an article, such as trimming, flangering, curling, and threading. In some embodiments, the tools are mounted on a turret head holding device 202. In other embodiments, once the transport ring 18 is fully formed on the article, the article is further processed (e.g., necking, threading, further necking, and / or curling).

[0191] The turret head assemblies 200, 1200, and 1200' may be incorporated into one of the machines in the machine line 102. For example, article 10 may be received by a pocket in the turret star wheel. As the turret star wheel rotates continuously around the turret star wheel axis, the distance between the open upper end 11 of article 10 and the turret head assembly is reduced, and the rolled assembly 210a is moved to a compressed position.

[0192] During engagement, the turret head assemblies 200, 1200, and 1200' can rotate around the turret head assembly axis 203. This rotational movement of the turret head assemblies 200, 1200, and 1200' allows the rollers 224 and 226 to rotate freely. During the rotation of the turret head assemblies 200, 1200, and 1200', the rollers 224 and 226 can engage with the neck portion 16 to form the transport ring 18 and adjacent grooves.

[0193] In some embodiments, the turret head assemblies 200, 1200, and 1200' can be rotated around the turret head assembly axis 203 by independent motors. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 10A, the turret head assemblies are planetary gear configurations to drive the rotation of the turret head assemblies on which the forming turrets are mounted. As illustrated, a bull gear 1213a positioned on the forming turret 1300 may be used to drive a spindle pinion gear 1213b connected to the actuator 1205 of each turret head assembly. The bull gear 1213a is mounted in a housing, which is further mounted on a shaft with bearings. The housing may be driven via a belt and a motor. This allows the spindle speed to be varied by the motor as needed during the conveying ring forming process.

[0194] In some embodiments, the turret head assembly rotates continuously during axial movement of the turret head assembly and / or article 10. In some embodiments, the turret head assembly is rotated around the turret head assembly axis 203 by a servo motor.

[0195] Beneficially, the turret head assembly 200 disclosed herein can be added to existing modules in an existing machine line 102. Beneficially, the free rotation of the rollers contributes to an increased lifespan of the turret head assembly and a reduced likelihood of creating additional deviations compared to tools or non-rotating members.

[0196] In some embodiments described herein, the article is advanced axially toward the turret head mechanism (e.g., via a push ram assembly). In other embodiments, the article 10 is generally stationary, and the turret head assembly 200 is advanced axially along the turret head assembly axis 203 (e.g., via a cam actuation) to engage with the article 10. In other embodiments, both the article 10 and the turret head assembly 200 are advanced axially along the turret head assembly axis 203 in opposite directions toward each other to engage a portion of the article 10 with a component of the turret head assembly 200.

[0197] It has been considered that the preform neck-forming articles of the embodiments described herein may be formed from any suitable material, including, but are not limited to, aluminum 3104 alloy. Non-limiting examples of tempers that may be used include H-10, H2E27, H-24, and H-26.

[0198] It has been considered that the conveying ring forming operation described herein may take into account the "rebound" of the material. Specifically, the roller may be configured to deform the material to a degree slightly greater than required for the final article / conveying ring, taking into account the fact that the material may be pulled in slightly after the rolling process is complete and the roller has lost contact with the article.

[0199] It has been considered that the embodiments detailed herein may be used in containers that do not have a narrow neck (e.g., containers with generally straight walls).

[0200] It has been considered that the turret head assemblies of the embodiments described herein can process articles at various speeds. The speed can depend on the length of the neck portion and therefore on how much of the stroke is required for the article to contact the turret head assembly. In some embodiments, the turret head assembly 200 can process articles at about 400 to 800 bottles / minute. In other embodiments, the turret head assembly 200 can process articles at about 500 to 700 bottles / minute. In yet another embodiment, it can process articles at about 600 bottles / minute.

[0201] The turret head assemblies (or their components) of the embodiments described herein may undergo any appropriate number of forming turns after contact with an article to achieve a desired size of forming. For example, step 1 may include 2 to 7 turns, 3 to 6 turns, or 4 to 5 turns after contact with the article. Step 2 may include 1 to 5 turns, 2 to 4 turns, or about 3 turns after contact with the article. Step 3 may include 1 to 6 turns, 2 to 5 turns, or about 3 to 4 turns after contact with the article. Step 4 may include 1 to 4 turns, or 2 to 3 turns after contact with the article.

[0202] The metal containers of the embodiments of this disclosure are capable of being used in existing process lines for similarly molded plastic containers. For example, the metal containers can be transported through the processing line by a transport ring that supports the metal container in an air conveyor passage. This allows the metal containers to be filled with liquid using the same techniques currently used to fill PET containers. The transport ring in the metal containers of this disclosure can also be used for tightening and preventing rotation during the lid-tightening process. The transport ring can also be used for precise positioning of the metal containers in the machinery of the processing line. Thus, the washing, filling, and lid-tightening processing lines do not require any modifications to accept the metal containers. Instead, the metal containers of this disclosure can be used as a complete replacement for plastic containers by simply switching the containers.

[0203] Articles resulting from the processes described herein may further include tamper-evident features to indicate whether the container has been previously opened / unsealed. For example, the neck 16 of article 10 may have, at its lower end, an anti-tamper strap positioned across a groove in the neck of the article for generally axial locking, and wrapped around the groove. In some examples, the groove is formed below or below the threaded portion, but generally above an annular bead located above a transport ring. Typically, due to manufacturing requirements, the radius of the transport strap is greater than the radius of the annular bead.

[0204] Beneficially, the process for forming the transport ring described herein does not require localized annealing, for example, at the neck of the article. In other words, given a standard preformed neck-formed article (e.g., article 10' in Figure 2B), the transport ring according to the embodiments described herein can be formed using a mechanical process that requires a thermal process or annealing. Rather, the shape of the rollers, the contour of the cams used to move the article and the tool toward each other, and / or the speed at which the material is displaced between each rolling step help to form the transport ring 18 without requiring annealing. For example, in some embodiments, a specific shape is used on a portion of the rollers that contact the article so that the article is less prone to crushing. In other embodiments, the cam contour is made so that the article engages with the tool multiple times / multiple times. In some embodiments, the metal alloy used for this article on which the transport ring is formed may be selected to help to form the transport ring 18 without requiring an additional annealing step. For example, a material having enhanced malleability (less brittleness) may be used.

[0205] Each of the embodiments described above and its distinct variations is considered to fall within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention as stated in the appended claims. Furthermore, this concept explicitly includes any and all combinations and partial combinations of the preceding elements and embodiments.

[0206] As used herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially,” and similar terms, are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with the generally accepted use by those skilled in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure accompanies. It should be understood by those skilled in the art reviewing this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow for the description of specific features described and claimed without restricting the scope of those features to a given precise numerical range. Accordingly, these terms should be construed as indicating that any non-substantially or illogical improvements or modifications described and claimed are deemed to fall within the scope of the invention as described in the appended claims.

[0207] It should be noted that the terms “exemplary” and “example” as used herein to describe various embodiments are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, descriptions, and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (and that such terms are not intended to imply that such embodiments are necessarily special or best examples).

[0208] Any references herein to the position of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “upwards,” “downwards,” etc.) are used solely to describe the arrangement of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the arrangement of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be covered by this disclosure.

[0209] While only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, a person skilled in the art reviewing this disclosure will readily understand that many modifications are possible without substantially departing from the novel teachings and merits of the subject matter described herein (e.g., variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape, and proportions of various elements, parameter values, mounting arrangements, material use, color, arrangement, etc.). For example, elements shown as being integrally formed may be constructed from multiple parts or elements, the positions of elements may be reversed or otherwise altered, and the nature or number of individual elements or positions may be changed or altered. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or rearranged according to alternative embodiments. Other alternatives, improvements, modifications, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0210] 10, 10', 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d articles 11 Open top end 12 Basics 15 Shoulder 16, 16', 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d neck 18, 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d Carrying rings 19 Outer bending radius 20 threads 21a middle part 21b Outer part 22 Finished product 24 spiral 25 Upper edge 26a Top side 32', 30d groove 102 Machine Line 103 Modules 120 Forming Turret 121 Relocation Star Wheel 200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d Turret Head Assembly 202 Turret head holding device 204, 204' cabinet 206, 206' Top plate 208, 208' base plate 210, 210a, 210b, 210c, 210', 210" Rolled Assembly 212 Spring guide section 213 Alignment pins 214 Compression spring 220a, 220b Outer roller arms 222 Inner roller arm 224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224' Outer roller 225a distance 225c Axial distance 225d gap 226 Inner roller 227a Formation radius of the inner roller 226 227b Formation radius of outer roller 224a 227c Formation radius of outer roller 224b 228a Cam contour 230 Arm spring 233 Processing part 234a First ascending section 234b Second ascending section 235a First pull-in section 235b Second pull-in section 240a, 240b, 240' Outer roller arm cam drive 242 Inner roller arm cam follower 243a, 243b Angle formed by the roller cam 244a, 244b, 244' Outer roller cam 246 Inner roller cam 252, 252b, 252c, 252' Step 253a Height of neck portion 16 253b Diameter of partial transport ring 18a 253c Early neck diameter 253d Diameter of partial groove 30a 255 Part of the neck 260, 260', 260" Pilot 270 Front guide section 270' Information Department 271a Upper part 271b Lower part 272 Center opening 280a, 280a' First contact area 280b, 280b' Second contact area 280c, 280c' concave part 281a, 281a' Upper forming radius of the first contact area 280a 281b, 281b' Lower forming radius of the first contact area 280a 283a Upper forming radius of the second contact area 280b 283b Lower forming radius of the second contact area 280b 285a, 285b Part of neck 16b 290a, 290b Roller element 1200, 1200' Turret Head Assembly 1201 Spindle Shaft 1202 Thrust Bearing 1203 Thrust bearing plate 1204 Spindle enclosure 1205 Tool Actuator 1206 board 1208 Drive spindle shaft 1210 Cam follower 1211 Cam 1212 Pushrod Mounting Plate 1213a Burgiya 1213b Spindle and pinion gear 1214 Pushrod 1216 spring 1217 Shaft 1300 Forming Turret r Formation radius of inner roller 226 R Radius of formation of outer roller 224a y1 Axial distance

Claims

1. A method for forming a transport ring (18) on a metal article (10, 10') having an open end (11) and a side wall (14) extending from the open end (11), A step of bringing the inner surface of the side wall (14) into contact with the inner roller (226) to form a protrusion, and bringing the outer surface of the side wall (14) into contact with the outer roller (224a) to form a first groove located below the protrusion, wherein the protrusion forms a gap within itself. The steps include bringing a portion of the outer side wall (14) into contact with at least one second outer roller (224b, 224c) in order to form a second groove above the protrusion, A step of bringing a portion of the outer side wall (14) into contact with at least one third outer roller (224c, 224d, 224') in order to flatten the protrusion so that the gap is substantially reduced or eliminated, wherein the flattened protrusion forms the transport ring (18), and A method that includes this.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least one second outer roller (224b, 224c) has a single contact area.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the inner roller (226) and the outer roller (224a) has a single contact area.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising the step of applying an axial load to the open end (11) of the article (10, 10') during at least one of the contact steps.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising the step of contacting a portion of the outer surface of the side wall (14) with at least one third outer roller (224c, 224d, 224') in order to flatten the protrusion, wherein each of the at least one fourth outer roller (224c) has two contact areas (280a, 280b) separated by a recess (280c).

6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising the step of providing a pilot (260''') in the open end (11) during the step of bringing the portion of the outer surface of the side wall (14) into contact with the at least one fourth outer roller (224c), wherein the pilot (260''') does not extend axially to the projection in the side wall (14).

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first contact region (280a) of the two contact regions has an upward forming radius of about 1.52 mm to about 3.05 mm and a downward forming radius of about 0.76 mm to about 2.29 mm, and the second contact region (280b) of the two contact regions has an upward forming radius of about 1.27 mm to about 3.05 mm and a downward forming radius of about 2.03 mm to about 6.35 mm.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the height of the recessed portion (280c) is approximately 0.127 mm to approximately 3.05 mm.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each of the at least one third outer roller (224c, 224d, 224') has a first contact area (280a') and a second contact area (280b') separated by a recess (280c').

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the first contact area (280a') has an upward forming radius of about 1.01 mm to about 1.52 mm and a downward forming radius of about 1.01 mm, and the second contact area (280b') has an upward forming radius of about 1.01 mm and a downward forming radius of about 4.06 mm.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the height of the recessed portion (280c') is approximately 0.89 mm to approximately 1.78 mm.

12. A turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') for forming an article (10, 10'), Top plate (206, 206') and A housing (204, 204') extending in a first direction from the first side of the upper plate (206, 206'), wherein a plurality of cams (244a, 244b, 244') are securely attached to the housing (204, 204'), A base plate (208, 208') having a substantially central opening configured to receive the open end (11) of the article (10, 10') through, and a base plate (208, 208') connected to the upper plate (206, 206') via a plurality of alignment pins (213), Rolled assemblies (210, 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d, 210', 210") are slidably connected to the base plates (208, 208'), and each rolled assemblies (210, 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d, 210', 210") comprises a plurality of roller arms (220, 222), and the plurality of roller arms (22 Each of the roller arms (220, 220a, 220b, 222) is connected to a roller (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224', 226), and each of the plurality of roller arms (220, 220a, 220b, 222) has the roller (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224', 226) connected to the upper plate (206, 206') and the The assembly further comprises cam followers (240, 240a, 240b, 240', 242) configured to engage with one of each of the plurality of cams (244a, 244b, 244') so as to move radially with respect to a turret head assembly axis (203) that extends generally through the center of the turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') between the base plate (208, 208') and the turret head assembly (210, 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d, 210', 210"), wherein the radial movement corresponds to the axial movement of the rolled assembly (210, 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d, 210', 210") and Turret head assemblies equipped with (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200').

13. The article (10, 10') comprises a slender neck portion (16, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16') extending from the open end (11), a main body portion, and a shoulder portion (15) that spans the neck portion (16, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16') and the main body portion, and the opening approximately in the center of the base plate (208, 208') is the article (10, 1 The turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') according to claim 12, comprising guides (270, 270', 270") configured to pass through the neck portion (16, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16') of the article (10, 10') and to obstruct the shoulder portion (15) of the article (10, 10').

14. The turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising pilots (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'), wherein the pilots (250, 260, 260', 260") include steps (252, 252') configured to contact the open end (11) of the article (10, 10').

15. The turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') according to claim 14, wherein the pilot (250, 260, 260', 260") is slidably connected to the rolled assembly (210, 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d, 210', 210") for axial movement and is axially connected to the rolled assembly (210, 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d, 210', 210") via an elastic device.

16. The turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the plurality of roller arms (220, 222) comprises at least one outer roller arm (220, 220a, 220b) to which an outer roller (224a) is connected, and an inner roller arm (222) to which an inner roller (226) is connected.

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

18. The turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') according to claim 16 or 17, wherein at least one outer roller arm (220) is connected to the inner roller arm (222) via an elastic device (230).

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

20. The turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the plurality of roller arms (220, 222) comprises a plurality of outer roller arms (220, 220a, 220b) to which each outer roller (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224') is connected.

21. The turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') according to claim 20, wherein each of the plurality of outer rollers (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224') comprises two or more rolling surfaces (280a, 280a', 280b, 280b') for contacting the article (10, 10'), and the two or more rolling surfaces are separated by recesses (280c, 280c').

22. A turret head assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 21 (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200'), further comprising at least one cam follower (1210) positioned opposite the second side of the upper plate (206).

23. Basics (12), Open upper end (11) and A single side wall (14) is provided between the foundation (12) and the open upper end (11), wherein the side wall is A first part (14) having a first diameter, A neck portion (16, 16') having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, wherein the first end of the neck portion (16, 16') terminates at the open upper end (11), and A curved shoulder portion (15) that spans the first portion (14) and the second end of the neck portion (16, 16') Equipped with, The aforementioned neck portion (16, 16') is A transport ring (18) having a projection on its side wall, wherein the transport ring (18) includes an upper side wall portion and a lower side wall portion, the inner surface of the upper side wall portion and the inner surface of the lower side wall portion are in contact with each other, the transport ring (18) has a second diameter, the second diameter being about 7% to about 45% larger than the diameter of the open upper end (11), The first groove (32') adjacent to the upper wall portion of the transport ring (18), and A second groove (30d) adjacent to the lower wall portion of the transport ring (18) Equipped with, The neck portion (16, 16') has a wall thickness between approximately 0.025 mm and 0.356 mm. Single side wall (14) and A metal container equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

24. The metal container (10, 10') according to claim 23, wherein the first groove (32') has a radius ranging from approximately 0.76 mm to approximately 3.05 mm.

25. The metal container (10, 10') according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the second groove (30d) has a radius ranging from approximately 1.27 mm to approximately 6.35 mm.

26. The metal container (10, 10') according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the first groove (32') has a third diameter, and the third diameter is smaller than the diameter of the open upper end (11).

27. The metal container (10, 10') according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the second groove (30d) has a fourth diameter, and the fourth diameter is smaller than the diameter of the open upper end (11).

28. The metal container (10, 10') according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the upper and lower wall portions form the thickness of at least a portion of the transport ring (18), and the thickness is approximately 0.33 mm to approximately 0.46 mm.

29. A metal container (10, 10') according to any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein the thickness of the outer portion of the transport ring (18) is greater than the thickness of the inner portion of the transport ring (18).

30. A metal container (10, 10') according to any one of claims 23 to 29, wherein a spiral (24) is formed on the open upper end (11).

31. A method for forming a transport ring (18) on a metal article (10, 10'), A step of providing at least one turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200'), wherein the at least one turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') is, Top plate (206, 206'), A housing (204, 204') extending in a first direction from the first side of the upper plate (206), wherein a plurality of cams (244a, 244b, 244') are securely attached to the housing (204, 204'), A base plate (208, 208') having a substantially central opening configured to receive the open end (11) of the article (10, 10') through, and a base plate (208, 208') connected to the upper plate (206, 206') via a plurality of alignment pins (213), and A rolling assembly (210, 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d, 210', 210") comprising a plurality of roller arms (220, 222), wherein each of the plurality of roller arms (220, 222) is connected to a roller (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224', 226), and each of the plurality of roller arms (220, 222) is connected to the roller (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224', 226) between the upper plate (206, 206') and the base plate (208, 208'), the turret head assembly (200, 200a The rolling assembly (210, 210a, 210b, 210d, 210', 210") further comprises cam followers (240, 240a, 240b, 240', 242) configured to engage with one of each of the plurality of cams (244a, 244b, 244') so as to move radially with respect to a turret head assembly axis (203) that extends generally through the center of the 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200'), wherein the radial movement corresponds to the axial movement of the rolling assembly (210, 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d, 210', 210") It has steps, Steps include: advancing the rolled assembly (210, 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d, 210', 210") and at least one of the open ends (11) of the article (10, 10') toward each other such that the open upper end of the article (10, 10') passes through the opening in the base plate (208, 208'), wherein such axial advancement engages the plurality of cam followers (240, 240a, 240b, 240', 242) with the plurality of cams (244a, 244b, 244'), thereby moving the rollers (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224', 226) radially toward the turret head assembly axis (203); The steps of rotating 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 turret head assembly axis (203), The steps include engaging the rollers (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224', 226) with a portion of the article (10, 10') thereby forming a transport ring (18) at least partially on the article (10, 10'), A method that includes this.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein the article (10, 10') comprises a slender neck portion (16, 16') extending from the open end (11), a main body portion, and a shoulder portion (15) that spans the neck portion (16, 16') and the main body portion.

33. The method according to claim 32, wherein the axial advance is performed via the shoulder portion (15) to contact and apply force to the opening of the base plate (208, 208').

34. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the axial advance is performed via an external mechanism.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein the external mechanism is a cam mechanism, a link mechanism, a servo mechanism, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, a linear motor, or any combination thereof.

36. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein the turret head assemblies (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') are connected to forming turrets (120, 1300), and the turret head assemblies (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') have a cam follower (1210) configured to engage with a cam (1211) in the forming turrets (120, 1300), the engagement causing the rolling assembly (210) to move axially toward the open end (11) of the article (10, 10').

37. The method according to claim 36, wherein the cam (1211) has a contour that disengages from the article (10, 10') and retracts to its initial position when the rolled assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) advances to its maximum displacement position.

38. The method according to claim 36 or 37, wherein the cam (1211) includes a contour that includes a machined portion between the rolled assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) and the article (10, 10'), and the machined portion is inclined along its entirety.

39. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 38, further comprising a plurality of elastic devices (214) connected to the upper plates (206, 206') and the rolled assemblies (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d).

40. The method according to claim 39, wherein the step of advancing in the axial direction is to compress the plurality of elastic devices (214).

41. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 40, wherein the at least one turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') further comprises pilots (250, 260, 260', 260") positioned through the opening in the base plate (208, 208'), the pilots (250, 260, 260', 260") comprising steps (252, 252') configured to contact the open end (11) of the article (10, 10').

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

43. The method according to claim 42, wherein the maximum axial load is approximately 890 Newtons.

44. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 43, wherein the axial advance is performed via the open end (11) of the article (10, 10') that engages with the pilot (250, 260, 260', 260").

45. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 44, wherein the plurality of roller arms (220, 222) comprises at least one outer roller arm (220, 220a, 220b) to which an outer roller (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224') is connected, and an inner roller arm (222) to which an inner roller (226) is connected.

46. The method according to claim 45, wherein the inner roller (226) extends through the open end (11) of the article (10, 10') through the opening in the base plate (208, 208').

47. The method according to claim 45 or 46, wherein at least one outer roller arm (220, 220a, 220b) is connected to the inner roller arm (222) via an elastic device (230).

48. The method according to any one of claims 45 to 47, wherein the radial movement of the at least one outer roller (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224') and the radial movement of the inner roller (226) are generally in opposite directions.

49. The method according to any one of claims 45 to 48, wherein the plurality of roller arms (220, 222) comprises a plurality of outer roller arms (220, 220a, 220b) to which a plurality of outer rollers (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224') are connected.

50. The method according to claim 49, wherein each of the plurality of outer rollers (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224') comprises two or more rolling surfaces (280a, 280a', 280b, 280b') for contacting the article (10, 10'), and the two or more rolling surfaces are separated by recesses (280c, 280c').

51. The aforementioned at least one turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') is at least three turret head assemblies (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200'), The plurality of roller arms (220, 222) of the first turret head assembly (200a, 1200) comprises at least one outer roller arm (220a) to which an outer roller (224a, 224') is connected, and an inner roller arm (222) to which an inner roller (226) is connected. The plurality of roller arms (220, 222) of the second turret head assembly (200b, 200c, 1200, 1200') comprises a plurality of outer roller arms (220b) to which a plurality of outer rollers (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224') are connected. The plurality of roller arms (220, 222) of the third turret head assembly (200c, 200d, 1200') comprises a second plurality of outer roller arms (220) to which a second plurality of outer rollers (224c, 224d, 224') are connected, and the second plurality of outer rollers (224c, 224d, 224') comprises two or more rolling surfaces (280a, 280a', 280b, 280b') for contacting the article (10, 10'), and the two or more rolling surfaces are separated by recesses (280c, 280c'). The method according to any one of claims 31 to 50, wherein the articles (10, 10') are sequentially engaged by the first turret head assembly (200a, 1200), the second turret head assembly (200b, 200c, 1200, 1200'), and the third turret head assembly (200c, 200d, 1200').

52. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 51, wherein the radial movement of the rollers (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224', 226) is generally perpendicular to the turret head assembly axis (203).

53. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 52, further comprising the step of moving the turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') and at least one of the articles (10, 10') so that the articles (10, 10') on which the transport ring (18) is formed are removed from the opening (272) in the base plate (208, 208') to separate them from each other.

54. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 53, wherein the at least one turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') is incorporated into a machine line (102).

55. The aforementioned at least one turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') is at least four turret head assemblies (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200'), and the plurality of roller arms (222) of the fourth turret head assembly (200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') are connected to a third plurality of outer roller arms (220, 220a, 220b) to which a third plurality of outer rollers (224c, 224d, 224') are connected. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 54, wherein the third plurality of outer rollers (224c, 224d, 224') comprises two or more rolling surfaces (280a, 280a', 280b, 280b') for contacting the article (10, 10'), separated by recesses (280c, 280c'), and the recesses (280c, 280c') of the third plurality of outer rollers (224c, 224d, 224') are smaller than the recesses (280c, 280c') of the second plurality of outer rollers (224c, 224d, 224').

56. A metal container (10, 10'), Basics (12), Open upper end (11) and A side wall (14) is provided between the foundation (12) and the open upper end (11), A shoulder portion (15) that curves inward and extends from the side wall, The neck portion (16, 16') extends upward from the shoulder portion (15), A transport ring (18) having an upper and lower surface around the neck portion (16, 16'), A first groove (32') is formed in the neck portion (16, 16') adjacent to the upper surface of the transport ring (18), and A second groove (30d) is formed in the neck portion (16, 16') adjacent to the lower surface of the transport ring (18). The neck section (16, 16') is equipped with Equipped with, A metal container (10, 10') in which the level of annealing in a portion of the neck portion (16, 16') having the transport ring (18) is not higher than the level of annealing in the other portion of the container (10, 10').

57. The container according to claim 56, wherein the radius of the transport ring (18), measured from the center line passing through the neck portion (16, 16'), is approximately 12 mm to approximately 21 mm.

58. The container according to claim 56 or 57, wherein the radius of the transport ring (18) is greater than the radius of the open upper end (11) by about 7% to about 25%.

59. The container according to any one of claims 56 to 58, wherein the upper surface (26a) of the transport ring (18) is positioned between approximately 10 mm and approximately 35 mm from the open upper end (11).

60. A method for forming a metal article (10, 10'), A step of providing at least one turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200'), wherein the at least one turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200') is, Top plate (206, 206'), A housing (204, 204') having a first end extending in a first direction from a first side of the upper plate (206, 206'), wherein a plurality of cams (244a, 244b, 244') are securely attached to the housing (204, 204'), A base plate (208, 208') positioned adjacent to the second end of the housing (204, 204'), the base plate (208, 208') having a substantially central opening configured to allow the open end (11) of the article (10, 10') to pass through and receive, A rolling assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) comprising outer roller arms (220, 220a) and inner rolling arms, wherein outer rollers (224, 224a, 224') are connected to the outer roller arms (220, 220a), and an inner roller (226) is connected to the inner roller arm (222), and each of the outer rollers (224, 224a, 224') and the inner roller (226) is such that the rollers (224, 224a, 226) are positioned between the upper plate (206, 206') and the base plate (208, 208'). The rolling assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) is provided with cam followers (240, 240', 242, 1210) configured to engage with one of each of the plurality of cams (244a, 244b, 244') so as to move radially with respect to a turret head assembly axis (203) that extends generally through the center of the turret head assembly (200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 1200, 1200'), wherein the radial movement corresponds to the axial movement of the rolling assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d). It has steps, A step of advancing the rolled assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) and at least one of the open ends (11) of the article (10, 10') toward each other such that the open upper end (11) of the article (10, 10') passes through the opening in the base plate (208, 208') and the inner roller (226) is generally positioned within the open end (11) of the article (10, 10'), wherein the axial advancement involves engaging the cam follower (240, 240', 242) of the inner roller arm (222) with one of the plurality of cams (244a, 244b, 244'), thereby moving the inner roller (226) radially outward to contact the inner side wall of the article (10, 10'), A step of further advancing axially at least one of the rolled assemblies (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) and the open ends (11) of the articles (10, 10') toward each other, wherein the further axial advance involves engaging the cam followers (240, 240', 242) of the outer roller arms (220, 220a, 220b) with one of the plurality of cams (244a, 244b, 244'), thereby moving the outer rollers (224, 224a, 224') radially inward to contact the outer side walls of the articles (10, 10'), and Includes, A method wherein the engagement of the inner roller (226) with the inner side wall of the article (10, 10') forms a protrusion, and the engagement of the outer roller (224, 224a, 224') with the outer side wall of the article (10, 10') forms a groove.

61. A method for forming a metal article (10, 10') having a neck portion (16, 16') with a transport ring (18), The steps include positioning the inner roller (226) against the inner surface of the neck portion (16, 16') of the metal cylindrical preform article (10, 10'), To form an initial protrusion, the process involves deforming the neck portion (16, 16') of the preform article (10, 10') outward under pressure from the inner roller (226), While the inner roller (226) is positioned against the inner surface of the initial protrusion, the outer rollers (224, 224a, 224') are positioned adjacent to the initial protrusion against the outer surface of the neck portion (16, 16') of the preform article (10, 10'), The steps include: deforming the neck portion (16, 16') of the preform article (10, 10') inward under pressure from the outer rollers (224, 224a, 224') while the inner roller (226) presses against the inner surface at the initial protrusion; The steps include: reworking the initial protrusion to form the transport ring (18); A method that includes this.

62. A method for forming a metal article (10, 10') having a neck portion (16, 16') with a transport ring (18), The steps include positioning the rolled assemblies (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) and metal preform articles (10, 10') having neck portions (16, 16') relative to each other such that the neck portions (16, 16') extend toward the rolled assemblies (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d), The steps include causing relative rotation between the preform article (10, 10') and the rolled assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) around an axis perpendicular to the open end (11) of the neck (16, 16') while the inner roller (226) is pressed against the inner surface of the neck (16, 16') and displaced radially outward, until the inner roller (226) of the rolled assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) reaches a desired maximum radial displacement, thereby forming a metal transport ring (18); The steps include: pulling the inner roller (226) back from the inner surface of the neck portion (16, 16') so that when the inner roller (226) reaches the desired maximum radial displacement, the inner roller (226) is disengaged from the inner surface of the neck portion (16, 16'), so that the inner roller (226) does not reach the desired maximum radial displacement; The steps include: reworking the initial protrusion to form a metal transport ring (18); A method that includes this.

63. The method according to claim 62, wherein the inner roller (226) disengages from the inner surface of the neck portion (16, 16') within a 20-degree rotation of the relative rotation between the preform article (10, 10') and the rolled assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d).

64. The method according to claim 62, wherein the inner roller (226) disengages from the inner surface of the neck portion (16, 16') within a 10-degree rotation of the relative rotation between the preform article (10, 10') and the rolled assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d).

65. The method according to claim 62, wherein the inner roller (226) disengages from the inner surface of the neck portion (16, 16') within one rotation of the relative rotation between the preform article (10, 10') and the rolled assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d).

66. The method according to any one of claims 62 to 65, wherein the inner roller (226) pulls in from the inner surface of the neck (16, 16') within 2 to 5 rotations of the relative rotation between the preform article (10, 10') and the rolled assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d).

67. A method for deforming the neck portion (16, 16') of a metal preform article (10, 10'), The steps include forming an initial projection around the neck portion (16, 16') of the preformed article (10, 10'), The step of positioning the rolled assemblies (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) and the preform articles (10, 10') relative to each other such that the neck portions (16, 16') of the preform articles (10, 10') extend toward the rolled assemblies (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) and the pilots (250, 260, 260', 260") extend toward the neck portions (16, 16'), wherein the pilots (25 0, 260, 260', 260") has a first portion positioned adjacent to the open upper end (11) of the neck portion (16, 16') and a second portion positioned deeper inside the neck portion (16, 16') than the first portion, wherein the first portion has an outer diameter, and the second portion has an outer diameter that defines a gap with the inner surface of the neck portion (16, 16'), and the outer diameter of the second portion is smaller than the outer diameter of the first portion, and is a step, The steps include engaging the outer surface of the neck portion (16, 16') with the forming rollers (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224'), and deforming the neck portion (16, 16') toward the second portion of the pilot (250, 260, 260', 260") toward the gap under pressure from the forming rollers (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224'), and A method that includes this.

68. The method according to claim 67, wherein the pilot (250, 260, 260', 260") further comprises a third portion positioned adjacent to the outside of the open upper end (11) of the neck (16, 16'), the diameter of which is greater than the diameter of the open upper end (11) of the neck (16, 16').

69. The method of claim 68, further comprising the step of applying an axial load to the open upper end (11) while engaging the outer surface of the neck portion (16, 16') with the forming roller (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224').

70. A method for forming a metal article (10, 10') having a neck portion (16, 16') with a transport ring (18), The steps include positioning the rolled assemblies (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) and the metal preform articles (10, 10') having neck portions (16, 16') relative to each other such that the neck portions (16, 16') of the bottle preforms extend toward the rolled assemblies (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d), The steps include causing relative rotation between the preform article (10, 10') and the rolled assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) around an axis generally perpendicular to the open end (11) of the neck (16, 16'), while displacing the inner roller (226) radially outward against the inner surface of the neck (16, 16') to deform the neck (16, 16') radially outward under pressure from the inner roller (226) of the rolled assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d), thereby forming an initial projection around the neck (16, 16'), The steps include: reworking the initial protrusions under pressure applied by a second rolled assembly (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) in order to form a metal transport ring (18) having substantially parallel upper and lower surfaces and a thickness approximately equal to twice the wall thickness of the side walls (14) of the preform article (10, 10'); Includes, A method wherein the maximum axial load applied to the preform article (10, 10') by the first rolled assembly and the second rolled assembly (210) is less than 890 Newtons.

71. A method for forming a metal article (10, 10') with a transport ring (18), The steps include forming an initial projection around the neck (16, 16') of a metal preform article (10, 10') under pressure applied by a first roller (226) that is displaced radially outward inside the neck (16, 16'), In order to form a metal transport ring (18) extending outward at the neck portion (16, 16'), the initial protrusion is crushed axially by pressure applied by second rollers (224, 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, 224') that are displaced radially inward on the outside of the neck portion (16, 16') and by an axial load applied to the open upper end (11) of the preform article (10, 10'). Includes, The metal transport ring (18) is spaced apart from the distal edge and has a minimum thickness that is approximately equal to twice the thickness of the metal wall.

Images