Reverse pressure can end

Abstract

The can end includes a center panel, an annular portion disposed around the center panel, a chuck wall disposed around the annular portion, and a curl extending radially outward from the chuck wall, the annular portion including a subsurface step.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] <CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS> This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15 / 690,590, entitled "REVERSE PRESSURE CAN END," filed Aug. 30, 2017, and claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 16 / 440,391, filed May 13, 2019.

[0002] The disclosed and claimed concepts relate to can ends, and more particularly to can ends made from sheet material and having a reduced base gauge and / or final thickness compared to known can ends. The disclosed concepts also relate to tooling and associated methods for providing such can ends. [Background technology]

[0003] Metal containers (e.g., cans) are configured to hold products, including, but not limited to, food and beverages. Generally, metal containers include a can body and a can end. In an exemplary embodiment, the can body includes a base and an associated sidewall. The can body defines a generally closed space that is open at one end. The can body is filled with the product and the can end is then joined to the can body at its open end. The container is then placed in an oven and heated to cook and / or sterilize its contents. The heating and subsequent cooling of the container and food product causes a change in pressure. That is, as the food product is heated, pressure within the container increases. This pressure is known as "internal" or "positive" pressure. The container is configured to withstand deformation due to internal pressure. In an exemplary embodiment, the heating of the container and food product is achieved by pressurized steam. The pressurized steam exerts pressure on the outside of the container. The pressure outside the container is "external" or "counter" pressure. The container is not necessarily configured to withstand deformation due to external pressure. Therefore, if the metal of either or both of the can body and / or can ends is weak, the can body and / or can ends will deform due to pressure changes, causing a defect in the container.

[0004] As used herein, a "can end" is an element that is joined to a can body to form a container. A "can end" includes a tab or similar means configured to open the container. As described below, a "can end" is typically formed from a "shell." That is, a shell is formed from a generally flat blank cut from a sheet material. The blank is shaped to include an annular countersink, chuck wall, and other structures. The concepts disclosed and claimed below are described as part of a "can end." However, it is understood that the concepts disclosed and claimed below may be formed while the blank is still a "shell" rather than a "can end." That is, although the following description uses the term "can end," the description is also applicable to a "shell."

[0005] Containers are exposed to pressures during processing. For example, certain foods are cooked and / or sterilized while in the container. Such containers are exposed to both internal pressure, also referred to herein as "buckle" or "buckling pressure", and external pressure, also referred to herein as "reverse buckling" or "reverse buckling pressure". The containers, i.e., the can body and can ends, must be strong enough to resist deformation due to buckling pressure and / or reverse buckling pressure.

[0006] Generally, the strength of a container is related to the thickness of the metal forming the can body and can end and the shape of these elements. This application deals primarily with can ends, not can bodies. As used herein, a "sanitary" can end is one that does not have a tab or score profile for opening and must be opened using a can opener or other means. As used herein, an "easy open" can end includes a tear panel and a tab. The tear panel is defined by a score profile or scoreline on the exterior surface of the can end (identified herein as the "public side"). The tab is attached (e.g., but not limited to, riveted) adjacent to the tear panel. The pull tab is configured to be lifted and / or pulled to sever the scoreline and deflect and / or remove the severable panel, thereby creating an opening for accessing the contents of the container. The following deals with "easy open" can ends, but also applies to "sanitary" can ends. That is, "sanitary" can ends are manufactured in a similar manner and are joined to the can body in a similar manner. Thus, can ends are further defined herein to include configurations used for both "sanitary" can ends and "easy-open" can ends.

[0007] When a can end is made, it starts with a blank, which is cut from a metal sheet product (such as, but not limited to, aluminum sheet or steel sheet). In an exemplary embodiment, the blank is then formed into a "shell" in a shell press. As used herein, a "shell" is a structure that begins as a generally flat blank and that has been subjected to forming operations other than rivet forming and tab setting. The shell press includes several tool stations, each of which performs a forming operation (including null stations that do not perform forming operations). The blank moves through successive stations and is formed into a "shell", which in an exemplary embodiment is a "sanitary" can end that is configured to be joined to a can body.

[0008] In an "easy open" end, the shell is then fed into a conversion press, which also has several tool stations in series. As the shell advances from one tool station to the next, conversion steps such as rivet forming, paneling, scoring, embossing, and tab setting are performed until the shell is fully converted into the desired can end and ejected from the press. Thus, as used herein, "can end" includes the "shell" as well as structures including tabs and scorelines.

[0009] In the can manufacturing industry, large amounts of metal are required to produce a significant amount of cans. Typically, steel cans are made from sheet material having a base gauge, or original thickness (as used herein, these terms are synonymous), of 0.0050 inch to 0.0096 inch. The original thickness of the material is determined by a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the dimensions of the finished can, the temperatures the can (and contents) will be exposed to during processing, the nature of the contents to be placed in the can, and other factors. The original thickness of the material for each particular type, model, and / or style of can and / or can end is referred to herein as the "established thickness."

[0010] That is, for example, the thickness of steel used in a typical 18.6 ounce soup can is 0.0090 inches. Can ends / containers made from steel of the established thickness are constructed to withstand a buckling pressure of 34.8 psi and a reverse buckling pressure of 33.0 psi.

[0011] A constant goal in the industry is to reduce the amount of metal consumed. Thus, there is a constant effort to reduce the thickness or gauge of the material from which the can ends, tabs and can bodies are made (sometimes referred to as "down-gauging"). Alternatively, the material is thinned from a base gauge to have a final thickness that is thinner or partially thinner than the base gauge. However, as less material is used (thinner gauge), problems arise that require the development of unique solutions. As noted above, a common problem with food can ends is that they are exposed to pressure changes associated with processing the food in the can. If the base gauge of the metal is too thin, the can ends will deform. This is a problem.

[0012] One solution to the problems associated with using thin metal is to provide the can end with reinforcing structures, including but not limited to recessed or protruding panels that provide stiffness to the generally flat can end. The reinforcing structures, in an exemplary embodiment, are created by forming panels into the body of the can end. The can end may include other similar structures, such as tab recesses. As noted above, however, the can end and reinforcing structures, in an exemplary embodiment, are configured to withstand internal pressure.

[0013] Therefore, there is a need for a can end having a shape that resists deformation even when the can end is down-gauged, i.e., made from thinner metal. There is also a need for a can end having a shape that resists deformation due to external or back pressure. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The disclosed and claimed concepts provide a can end configured to be joined to a container, the can end including a downgauging structure, the can end including a center panel, an annular portion disposed about the center panel, a chuck wall disposed about the annular portion, and a curl extending radially outward from the chuck wall, the annular portion including an annular ridge and an annular countersink disposed adjacent and about the annular ridge, the annular countersink and the annular ridge configured to resist deformation due to external or counter pressure. The disclosed can end structure solves the above-mentioned problems and allows for can ends to be made from material having a reduced original thickness. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] The present invention can be more fully understood from the following description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a prior art can end. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a prior art can end. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the shell. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the shell. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a detailed view of the shell. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the can end. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a can end. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a detailed view of a can end. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a can end illustrating selected terms used herein. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a can end joined (seamed) to a can body. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a tooling assembly configured to form a can end. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A illustrates the progression of the upper tool assembly as it moves from a first position to a second position. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B illustrates the progression of the upper tool assembly as it moves from the first position to the second position. [Figure 9C] FIG. 9C illustrates the progression of the upper tool assembly as it moves from the first position to the second position. [Figure 9D] FIG. 9D illustrates the progression of the upper tool assembly as it moves from the first position to the second position. [Figure 9E] FIG. 9A illustrates the progression of the upper tool assembly as it moves from a first position to a second position. [Figure 9F] FIG. 9F illustrates the progression of the upper tool assembly as it moves from the first position to the second position. [Figure 9G] FIG. 9G illustrates the progression of the upper tool assembly as it moves from the first position to the second position. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of the disclosed method. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view of another embodiment of a can end. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the can end of FIG. [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A is a detailed view of the can end of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing details of the reinforced annular countersink compared to a prior art annular countersink. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a can end. [Figure 14A] FIG. 14A is a detailed view of another embodiment of a can end. [Figure 14B]FIG. 14B is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the can end of FIG. 14 engaged by a seamer. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flow chart of the disclosed method. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a top isometric view of another embodiment of a can end. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the can end of FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing details of the can end of FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flow chart of the disclosed method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] It is understood that the specific elements illustrated in the drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concepts and are provided as non-limiting examples for illustrative purposes only, and thus, specific dimensions, orientations, assemblies, numbers of components used, configurations of the embodiments, and other physical characteristics of the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limitations on the scope of the disclosed concepts.

[0018] Directional terms used herein, such as clockwise, counterclockwise, left, right, up, down, above, below, and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements as illustrated and do not limit the scope of the claims unless expressly stated herein.

[0019] As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "the" include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0020] As used herein, "configured to [verb]" means that the specified element or assembly has a structure that is shaped, sized, positioned, coupled, and / or configured to perform the specified verb. For example, a member "configured to move" includes an element that is movably coupled to another element to cause the member to move, or a member is otherwise configured to move in response to another element or assembly. Thus, as used herein, "configured to [verb]" refers to structure, not function. Additionally, as used herein, "configured to [verb]" means that the specified element or assembly is intended and designed to perform the specified verb. Thus, an element that is merely capable of performing the specified verb, but is not intended and designed to perform the specified verb, is "not configured to [verb]."

[0021] As used herein, "associated" means that the elements are part of the same assembly and / or work together or interact in some manner. For example, an automobile has four tires and four hubcaps. Although all the elements are connected to parts of the automobile, each hubcap is understood to be "associated" with a particular tire.

[0022] As used herein, a "coupling assembly" includes two or more couplings or coupling components. The couplings or components of a coupling assembly are generally not part of the same element or other elements. Thus, the components of a "coupling assembly" may not be described simultaneously in the following description.

[0023] As used herein, a "coupling" or "coupling component" refers to one or more components of a coupling assembly. That is, a coupling assembly includes at least two components configured to be coupled together. It is understood that the components of a coupling assembly are compatible with each other. For example, in a coupling assembly, if one coupling component is a snap socket, the other coupling component is a snap plug, and if one coupling component is a bolt, the other coupling component is a nut.

[0024] As used herein, a "fastener" is a separate component configured to join two or more elements. Thus, for example, a bolt is a "fastener," but a tongue-and-groove joint is not a "fastener." That is, the tongue-and-groove element is part of the elements being joined, not a separate component.

[0025] As used herein, the expression that two or more parts or components are "coupled" shall mean that the parts are joined or moved together directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, so long as coupling occurs. As used herein, "directly coupled" means that the two elements are in direct contact with each other. As used herein, "fixedly coupled" or "fixed" means that the two components are coupled so that they move while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. Thus, when two elements are coupled, all of the portions of the elements are coupled. However, a statement that a particular portion of a first element is coupled to a second element, such as a first end of an axle being coupled to a first wheel, means that the particular portion of the first element is disposed closer to the second element than other portions of the first element. Furthermore, an object that rests in place on another object only by gravity is not "coupled" to the object below, unless the upper object is otherwise held substantially in place. That is, for example, a book on a table is not coupled to the table, but a book that is glued to the table is coupled to the table.

[0026] As used herein, the phrases "removably coupled" or "temporarily coupled" mean that one component is coupled to another component in a substantially temporary manner. That is, two components are coupled in such a way that they can be easily joined or separated from one another without causing damage to the components. For example, two components secured together by a limited number of easily accessible fasteners, i.e., fasteners that are not difficult to access, are "removably coupled," whereas two components joined by welded or difficult to access fasteners are "not removably coupled." A "difficult to access fastener" is one that requires the removal of one or more other components before access to the fastener, and the "other components" are not access devices, such as, but not limited to, a door.

[0027] As used herein, "temporarily disposed" means that a first element or assembly is placed on a second element or assembly such that the first element / assembly can be moved without separating or otherwise manipulating the first element. For example, a book that simply rests on a table, i.e., is not glued or secured to the table, is "temporarily disposed" on the table.

[0028] As used herein, "operably coupled" means that multiple elements or assemblies that are movable between a first position and a second position or configuration are coupled such that the first element moves from one position / configuration to the other position / configuration and the second element also moves between both positions / configurations. Note that a first element may be "operably coupled" to another element, but not vice versa.

[0029] As used herein, "corresponding" indicates that two structural components have a similar size and shape to one another and can be joined with a minimal amount of friction. Thus, an opening corresponding to a member has a size slightly larger than the member so that the member can pass through the opening with a minimal amount of friction. This definition is modified when two components fit "nicely". In such a situation, the amount of friction increases because the dimensional difference between the components is much smaller. If the elements defining the opening and / or the components inserted into the opening are made of a deformable or compressible material, the opening may be slightly smaller than the components inserted into the opening. With respect to surfaces, shapes, and lines, two or more "corresponding" surfaces, shapes, or lines have approximately the same size, shape, and contour.

[0030] As used herein, a "path of travel" or "path" when associated with a moving element includes the space through which the element travels during its movement. Thus, a moving element inherently has a "path of travel" or "path". Furthermore, a "path of travel" or "path" refers to the overall movement of one identifiable structure relative to another object. For example, assuming a perfectly smooth road, a rotating wheel (an identifiable structure) of a car barely moves relative to the body of the car (another object). That is, the wheel as a whole does not change position relative to, for example, the adjacent fender. Thus, the rotating wheel does not have a "path of travel" or "path" relative to the body of the car. Conversely, the air intake valve (an identifiable structure) of that wheel does have a "path of travel" or "path" relative to the body of the car. That is, while the wheel is rotating and moving, the entire intake valve moves relative to the body of the car.

[0031] In this specification, the expression that two or more parts or components "engage" each other means that the elements exert a force or bias on each other, either directly or through one or more intermediate elements or components. Furthermore, in this specification, with respect to a moving part, the moving part may "engage" another element during movement from one position to another and / or once in the described position. Thus, "element A engages element B when it moves to the first position of the element" and "element A engages element B when it reaches the first position of the element" are equivalent expressions and are understood to mean that element A engages element B during movement to the first position of the element and / or engages element B while in the first position of the element.

[0032] As used herein, "operably engage" means "engage and move." That is, when used in connection with a first component configured to move a second component that is movable or rotatable, "operably engage" means that the first component applies a force sufficient to move the second component. For example, a screwdriver can be placed in contact with a screw. If no force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is merely "coupled" to the screw. If an axial force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver compresses the screw and "engages" the screw. However, if a rotational force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver "operably engages" the screw and turns the screw.

[0033] As used herein, "depending" means extending at an angle other than zero (0°) from another element, regardless of direction. That is, for example, a "depending" sidewall may extend generally upward from a base. Additionally, a "depending" sidewall essentially has a distal end.

[0034] As used herein, the term "integral" refers to a component that is made as a single piece or unit, i.e., components that are made separately and then joined together as a unit are not "integral" components or structures.

[0035] As used herein, the term "several" is intended to mean one or more integers (ie, a plurality).

[0036] As used herein, in the phrases "[x] moves between a first position and a second position" or "[y] is configured to move [x] between a first position and a second position," "[x]" is the name of an element or assembly. Furthermore, when [x] is an element or assembly that moves between multiple positions, the pronoun "the" refers to "[x]," i.e., the element or assembly referred to after the pronoun "the."

[0037] As used herein, "centered" in phrases such as "disposed about [element, point, or axis]" or "extends about [element, point, or axis]" or "[X] degrees about [element, point, or axis]" means surrounded, extended, or measured about. When used in measurement or similar contexts, "about" means "approximately," i.e., an approximate range for the measurement as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0038] As used herein, a "radial side / face" of a circular or cylindrical body is a side / face that extends around or encompasses its center or an altitude line passing through its center. As used herein, an "axial side / face" of a circular or cylindrical body is a side that extends in a plane that extends approximately perpendicular to an altitude line passing through its center. That is, generally, for a cylindrical soup can, the "radial side / face" is the approximately circular sidewall and the "axial side / face" is the top and bottom of the soup can.

[0039] As used herein, "generally curvilinear" refers to elements having curves, combinations of curves and surfaces, and surfaces or segments that are angled relative to one another to form curves.

[0040] As used herein, "generally" means "in a typical manner" in relation to the term it modifies, as would be understood by a person of skill in the art.

[0041] As used herein, "substantially" means "generally" in relation to the modified term, as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0042] As used herein, "at" in relation to a term means the location and / or vicinity in relation to the term it modifies, as would be understood by one of skill in the art.

[0043] The following description and figures use as an example a generally cylindrical can end 12 as described below. It is understood that the concepts disclosed and claimed herein can be practiced with any shape of can end 12, and the cylindrical shapes discussed and illustrated are merely exemplary. Figures 1 and 2 show a conventional easy-open can end 1. The conventional can end 1 includes an opener (e.g., but not limited to, a pull tab 2) that is attached (e.g., but not limited to, riveted) to a tear strip or cuttable panel 3. The cuttable panel 3 is defined by a scoreline 4 on an exterior surface 5 (e.g., public side) of the conventional can end 1. The pull tab 2 is configured to be lifted and / or pulled to sever the scoreline 4 and deflect and / or remove the cuttable panel 3, thereby creating an opening for accessing the contents of a can (not shown). As shown, the conventional can end 1 includes a center panel 6, an annular countersink 7, a chuck wall 8, and a curl 9 when viewed in cross section as in Figure 2. It will be appreciated that a conventional can end 1 is formed from a generally or substantially flat blank 10 (shown diagrammatically in FIG. 9A). In an exemplary embodiment, the blank 10 is a generally flat disk, as is known.

[0044] The blank 10 is first formed into an improved shell 13 shown in Figures 3-4 and then further formed into an improved can end 12 (hereinafter "can end" 12) shown in Figures 5 and 6. As noted above, herein, the "can end" 12 and the shell 13 include common elements, and the same numbers are used in the figures to identify these elements, including the center panel 14, the annular portion 16, the chuck wall 18, and the curl 20. Additionally, the can end 12 has an exterior or "public" side 22 and an interior or "product" side 24. The public side 22 and the product side 24 relate to the orientation of the can end 12 when it is joined to a filled can body 60 (Figure 8). As used herein, the center panels 6, 14 are "substantially flat" even though they include recesses, rivets, and other formed structures.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the annular portion 16 includes a "downgauging structure" 11, FIG. 6A. As used herein, a "downgauging structure" refers to a structure configured to increase the resistance of the can end 12 to buckling and other deformations that occur after the can end 12 is bonded to a can body 60. Additionally, as used herein, a "downgauging structure" refers to a structure disposed only in the annular portion 16 between the center panel 14 and the chuck wall 18. The downgauging structure 11 is configured to enable and allows the can end 12 to be made from material having a "reduced original thickness."

[0046] As noted above, the "established thickness" for a particular can end is determined by many factors, including, but not limited to, the shape and configuration of the finished container. Thus, this application does not limit the "reduced original thickness" to a particular thickness or range of thicknesses. Instead, as used herein, the "reduced original thickness" means a thickness that is less than the "established thickness." Thus, the "reduced original thickness" will vary depending on the shape and configuration of the finished container, as well as other factors. In other words, as used herein, the "reduced original thickness" means that the material has an original thickness that is less than the "established thickness" of a particular type, model, and / or style of can end. The "established thickness" of a particular can end is well known in the art.

[0047] The following description is directed to an exemplary can end 12, which is a steel shell / end 12 used for a typical 18.6 ounce soup can, the same container as described above in the "Background Art." When the can end 12 includes the downgauging structure 11, the sheet material, i.e., steel plate, has an original thickness of approximately 0.0079 inches. Thus, compared to the established thickness of 0.0090 inches for this exemplary can end, the can end 12 has a "reduced original thickness." Furthermore, the use of the downgauging structure 11 allows for a can end that can withstand a buckling pressure of 34.6 psi and a reverse buckling pressure of 30.0 psi, as shown in FIG. 6A and / or FIG. 12A. The pressure resistance of the can end 12 with the downgauging structure 11 is generally the same as known can ends, and the can end 12 with the downgauging structure 11 can be used in place of known can ends.

[0048] That is, can ends 12 made from material with a reduced original thickness and incorporating the concepts disclosed herein can be used in the same can body as can ends having an established thickness, thereby solving the problems discussed above. Furthermore, can ends 12 made from material with a "reduced original thickness" and incorporating the concepts disclosed herein are referred to herein as "reduced original thickness can ends" 12.

[0049] To provide a reference, the plane of the blank 10 herein defines the "original plane" of the blank 10 and the resulting can end 12. As explained below, the "original plane" is also the plane of the center panels 6, 14 adjacent and inboard of the annular portion 16, i.e., toward the center of the can end 12. Of note, the conventional can end 1 (FIG. 2) includes an annular countersink 7 that extends from the periphery of the center panel 6 toward the product side 24. That is, the conventional can end 1 does not include an annular ridge 50 as defined below.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 7 and as described above, the can end 12 includes the center panel 14, the annular portion 16, the chuck wall 18, and the curl 20. The following terms are used to describe the features of the components of the can end 12. As used herein, the curl 20 has a "curl height," which refers to the vertical distance between the top of the curl 20 and the distal end of the curl 20. As used herein, a "countersink depth" refers to the vertical distance between the top of the curl 20 and the bottom of the annular countersink 52, described below. As used herein, a "panel depth" refers to the vertical distance between the bottom of the annular countersink 52 and the bottom of the center panel 14. As used herein, a "reverse panel depth" refers to the vertical distance between the top of the annular ridge 50, described below, and the top of the center panel 14. Note that the conventional can end 1 did not have the "reverse panel depth" of FIG. 7 because it did not have the annular ridge 50. Additionally, the can end 12, as referred to herein, has an "outer" or "public" side 22 and an "inner" or "product" side 24. The "outer" or "public" side 22 is the side that is exposed to the atmosphere when the can end 12 is joined to the can body 60. The "inner" or "product" side 24 is the side that is not exposed to the atmosphere when the can end 12 is joined to the can body 60.

[0051] The central panel 14 is generally flat. As shown in FIG. 6A , the central panel 14 includes a scoreline 30 on the public side 22. The scoreline 30 defines a tear strip or tearable panel 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the tearable panel 32 occupies a majority of the central panel 14, similar to, but not limited to, can ends 12 for food containers. In this configuration, the central panel 14 includes a perimeter 34 and the tearable panel 32. It is understood that to open a container including the can end 12, the tearable panel 32 is removed (or displaced) relative to the perimeter 34.

[0052] The annular portion 16 is disposed around and integral with the central panel 14. In one exemplary embodiment, the downgauging structure 11 includes an annular ridge 50. That is, the annular portion 16 includes an annular ridge 50 and an annular countersink 52. As used herein, a "ridge" begins and ends in the same approximate plane (hereinafter the ridge plane shown as "RP" in FIG. 7) and includes a peak, i.e., an apex when viewed in a cross section generally perpendicular to the plane of the central panel 14. At the ridge plane, the "ridge" has a maximum width of about 0.100 inches. The width of the ridge is the distance between the ascending slope (shown as "U" in FIG. 7) and the descending slope (shown as "D" in FIG. 7) measured at the ridge plane, shown as "W" in FIG. 7. Additionally, as used herein, the "annular ridge" extends or substantially extends around the severable panel 32. Thus, features on the shell or can end, such as wide tiers (e.g., but not limited to, tier "T" in Figures 1 and 2), localized protrusions or recesses, are not defined as "annular ridge" herein. For example, the "panel formation" (118) in U.S. Patent No. 9,616,483 does not include an "annular ridge" because the "panel formation 118" does not extend around the severable panel defined by the scorelines.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, the annular ridge 50 has a height, measured from the top of the ridge plane to the top of the central panel 14, that is about 0.010 inches to about 0.050 inches, or about 0.040 inches. This offset also defines the "inverse panel depth" of the central panel 14. That is, as shown, the ridge plane is substantially the same as the plane of the central panel 14. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the annular ridge 50 extends upwardly from the central panel 14. In an exemplary embodiment, the annular ridge 50 curves upwardly from the central panel 14 (when viewed in cross-section, as shown in FIG. 8) with a radius (R1) of about 0.010 inches to about 0.030 inches, or about 0.015 inches. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the annular ridge 50 is generally curvilinear or generally arcuate. When the annular ridge 50 is generally arcuate, it has an inside radius (R2), i.e., the radius of curvature between and including the upward slope and the downward slope, of about 0.010 inches to about 0.030 inches, or about 0.015 inches. The annular ridge 50 is a contiguously disposed portion about the center panel 14. The annular ridge 50 in any configuration has the characteristics and solves the problems discussed above.

[0054] In the exemplary embodiment, the annular portion 16 includes a generally flat portion 54 (when viewed in cross-section as shown in FIG. 7 ), hereafter the “annular planar portion” 54. Note that the plane of the annular planar portion 54 is not coplanar with, or parallel to, the plane of the central panel 14; that is, the plane of the annular planar portion 54 is tilted relative to the plane of the central panel 14. In the exemplary embodiment, the annular planar portion 54 has a length of about 0.015 inches to about 0.050 inches, or about 0.035 inches, where “length” is measured from the annular ridge 50 to the annular countersink 52. If included, the annular planar portion 54 is disposed adjacently around the annular ridge 50.

[0055] In one embodiment, the annular countersink 52 is disposed adjacently around the annular ridge 50. In another embodiment, the annular countersink 52 is disposed adjacently around the annular planar portion 54. As used herein, the "annular countersink" 52 begins and ends at the same approximate plane (hereinafter the countersink plane shown as "CP" in FIG. 7) and includes a nadir, i.e., a bottom apex, when viewed in a cross section generally perpendicular to the plane of the central panel 14, as shown in FIG. 7. At the countersink plane, the "annular countersink" 52 has a maximum width of approximately 0.120 inches. The width of the annular countersink 52 is the distance between a downward slope (not identified in the drawings) and an upward slope (not identified in the drawings) measured at the countersink plane. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the annular countersink 52 is generally curvilinear or generally arcuate. When the annular countersink 52 is generally arcuate, it has an inside radius, ie, the radius of curve between and including the upward and downward slopes, of about 0.015 inches to about 0.050 inches, or about 0.020 inches.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 6A, the chuck wall 18 is disposed contiguously about the annular countersink 52. The curl 20 is disposed contiguously about the chuck wall 18; that is, the curl 20 extends radially outwardly from the chuck wall 18. As is known, and as shown in FIG. 8, the can end 12 is joined, directly joined, secured, or "seamed" (as described below) to a can body 60, thereby forming a container 70. The can body 60 includes a base 62 and an upwardly depending sidewall 64. The can body 60 defines a generally enclosed space 66.

[0057] As discussed above, the can end 12 including the annular portion 16 having the annular ridge 50 and the annular countersink 52 allows for the use of thinner material, i.e., thinner material than conventional can ends 1. In an exemplary embodiment, the blank 10 or the material formed into the blank 10 has an original thickness. As described below, during the process of forming the can end 12, in one exemplary embodiment, the original thickness is maintained. In another exemplary embodiment, during the process of forming the can end 12, the original thickness is generally reduced, or selected portions thereof are reduced in thickness. Whether the original thickness is the same or reduced from the original thickness, the elements of the can end 12 start with material having a reduced original thickness, as defined above, and end with a final thickness. That is, in an exemplary embodiment, the center panel 14, the annular portion 16, the chuck wall 18, and the curl 20 each have a reduced original thickness and end with a final thickness. That is, in an exemplary embodiment, the reduced original thickness and / or final thickness is from about 0.0050 inches to about 0.0096 inches, or about 0.0079 inches. Using the can ends 12, i.e., can ends 12 with reduced original thickness, solves the problems discussed above.

[0058] The can end 12 described above is formed with tooling 100, or tooling assembly 100, as shown in FIG. 9. Tooling assembly 100 includes an upper tool assembly 102 and a lower tool assembly 104. The upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 cooperate to form material disposed therebetween into the can end 12 described above. That is, the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 cooperate to form the annular portion 16 having the annular ridge 50 and the annular countersink 52 described above. That is, the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 cooperate to form the annular ridge 50 disposed substantially above an original plane and to form the annular countersink 52 disposed substantially below an original plane. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 cooperate to form the annular ridge having a generally arcuate cross-section and to form the annular countersink 52 having a generally arcuate cross-section.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the upper tool assembly 102 includes an upper die shoe 200, an upper tooling retainer 202, a die center riser 204, a "blank and draw" die punch 206 (element 206 is a single element that simultaneously cuts a blank from a sheet material and draws the blank), an upper piston 208, a die center punch 210, and, in embodiments having a reverse panel, an upper reverse panel insert 212. In the same exemplary embodiment, the lower tool assembly 104 includes a lower die shoe 220, a lower tool retainer 222, a die core ring 224, a panel punch piston 226, a lower piston 228, a panel punch 230, a cutting ring 232 having a cutting edge 234, and a lower reverse panel insert 236. The interaction of these elements is shown in sequence in Figures 9A-9G. Note that for simplicity, blank 10 is not shown in Figures 9B-9G, but is shown diagrammatically in Figure 9A. The movement of these elements is generally disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,857,374, the description of which pertains to Figures 2-13 of which is incorporated herein by reference, with the understanding that upper reverse panel insert 212 moves with die center punch 210 (die center 52 in U.S. Patent No. 5,857,374) and lower reverse panel insert 236 moves with panel punch 230 (element 125 in U.S. Patent No. 5,857,374).

[0060] Thus, as shown in FIG. 10 , a method of making a can end 12 having an annular ridge 50 and an annular countersink 52 includes steps 1000 of providing a sheet material defining an original plane, 1002 of preparing a tooling 100 having an upper tool assembly 102 and a lower tool assembly 104, 1004 of introducing material between the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104, 1005 of cutting a blank 10 from the sheet material, 1006 of shaping the material or blank 10 to include a central panel 14, an annular portion 16 disposed about the central panel 14, a chuck wall 18 disposed about the annular portion 16, and a curl 20 extending radially outward from the chuck wall 18 (hereinafter, “shaping the material step 1006”), and 1008 of forming the annular portion 16 to include the annular ridge 50 and the annular countersink 52. In an exemplary embodiment, step 1008 of forming the annular portion 16 to include the annular ridge 50 and the annular countersink 52 includes step 1020 of forming the annular countersink 52 to be disposed substantially below the original plane, and step 1022 of forming the annular ridge 50 to be disposed substantially above the original plane. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, Step 1008 of forming the annular portion 16 to include the annular ridge 50 and the annular countersink 52 includes Step 1030 of forming the annular countersink 52 having a single center and extending over an arc of approximately 140° to 180°; Step 1032 of forming the annular countersink 52 having a radius of approximately 0.015 inches to 0.050 inches, or approximately 0.020 inches; Step 1034 of forming the annular ridge 50 having a single center and extending over an arc of approximately 140° to 180°, in one embodiment approximately 150°, or in another embodiment approximately 160°; and Step 1036 of forming the annular ridge 50 having a radius of approximately 0.010 inches to 0.030 inches, or approximately 0.015 inches.

[0061] In another exemplary embodiment, step 1000 of preparing a sheet material defining an original plane includes step 1040 of preparing a material of a reduced original thickness, where the reduced original thickness is about 0.0055 inches to about 0.0110 inches, about 0.0050 inches to about 0.0096 inches, or about 0.0079 inches, and after step 1006 of shaping the material to include center panel 14, annular portion 16, chuck wall 18, and curl 20, each of center panel 14, annular portion 16, chuck wall 18, and curl 20 has a final thickness that is substantially the same as the reduced original thickness, i.e., about 0.0055 inches to about 0.0110 inches, about 0.0050 inches to about 0.0096 inches, or about 0.0079 inches.

[0062] In another exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 11 and 12, the downgauging structure 11 includes a reinforced annular countersink 110 and / or an annular taper 112. That is, in this embodiment, the annular portion 16 includes a reinforced annular countersink 110 and / or annular taper 112. As used herein, a "reinforced annular countersink" refers to a countersink that is a portion of the can end 12 and has a panel depth that is about 8 to about 9 times the final thickness of the center panel 14. Additionally, a "reinforced annular countersink" refers to a countersink that does not begin and end in the same reference plane. Instead, the "reinforced annular countersink" 110 includes a curved portion 122 (described below) or an arcuate portion (shown in Figure 12A by the line "EAC") of about 115° to about 160°, or about 135°. Additionally, as used herein, a "reinforced annular countersink" is radially wider than a standard seam chuck 502, as described below. 13, the conventional annular countersink 7 (dashed line) has approximately the same radial width as the standard seam chuck 502. However, the reinforced annular countersink 110 has a radial width that is substantially wider than the standard seam chuck 502.

[0063] In the exemplary embodiment, the annular flat portion 54 is a "reinforced annular flat portion" 120 disposed between the center panel 14 and the annular countersink 52. As used herein, "reinforced annular flat portion" means that the annular flat portion 54 has a height (as shown in FIG. 12A, i.e., measured normal to the plane of the center panel 14) that is about 8 to about 9 times the final thickness of the center panel 14. In this configuration, the annular countersink 52 has a depth measured from the bottom of the annular countersink 52 to the bottom of the center panel 14 that is greater than the depth of the annular countersinks of the prior art can ends 12. This solves the problems discussed above. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing annular flat portion 120 extends generally perpendicular to the plane of the center panel 14.

[0064] In the exemplary embodiment, the reinforced annular planar portion 120 is disposed adjacent to and extends around the central panel 14. Additionally, the reinforced annular countersink 110 is disposed adjacent to and extends around the reinforced annular planar portion 120. The reinforced annular countersink 110 is generally curvilinear, i.e., generally arcuate, when viewed in cross section, as shown in FIG. 12A, and is hereinafter identified as a generally curvilinear portion 122. The reinforced annular countersink 110, or in other words the curvilinear portion 122, extends at an angle of about 115° to about 160°, or about 135°. In the exemplary embodiment, the generally curvilinear portion 122 is generally arcuate. Additionally, the generally curvilinear portion 122 has a radius of about 0.015 inches to about 0.050 inches, or about 0.020 inches.

[0065] In the exemplary embodiment, the reinforced annular countersink 110 is surrounded or surrounded by the annular taper 112, i.e., the annular taper 112 is disposed adjacent to and extends around the reinforced annular countersink 110. As used herein, the "annular taper" is inclined, i.e., not generally perpendicular or generally parallel to the plane of the central panel 14. As shown, the annular taper 112 is inclined at an angle (denoted by angle α) of about 25° to about 50° relative to the plane of the central panel 14 (which is also an original plane or parallel to the original plane). As used herein, an angle of about 25° to about 50° is not generally perpendicular or generally parallel to a reference plane. In this embodiment, the annular taper 112 is generally linear (when viewed in cross section as shown) and is a "linear annular taper" 112 as used herein. That is, as used herein, a "straight annular taper" 112 means an annular taper 112 that does not include a "step," as defined below, or similar change, such as a double step, in the annular taper 112.

[0066] Further, as used herein, the "annular taper" is inclined upwardly and outwardly, i.e., the end of the annular taper 112 adjacent the reinforced annular countersink 110 has a smaller radius than the end of the annular taper 112 adjacent the chuck wall 18, and the end of the annular taper 112 adjacent the reinforced annular countersink 110 has a larger offset (i.e., distance normal to the plane of the central panel 14) than the end of the annular taper 112 adjacent the chuck wall 18. In an exemplary embodiment, the annular taper 112 has a radial width that is about 6 to about 8 times the final thickness of the central panel. As used herein, "radial width" refers to a distance measured generally parallel to the plane of the central panel 14.

[0067] In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figures 14, 14A and 14B, the annular taper 112A includes a first section 130 and a second section 132. The annular taper first section 130 is disposed adjacently around the reinforced annular countersink 110. The annular taper second section 132 is disposed adjacently around the annular taper first section 130. The annular taper first section 130 is inclined at about 35° to about 65°, or about 55°, relative to the plane of the central panel 14. The annular taper second section 132 is inclined at about 15° to about 30°, or about 20°, relative to the plane of the central panel 14. In this configuration, the boundary 134 between the annular taper first section 130 and the annular taper second section 132 defines a "step" 136 when viewed in cross section. As used herein, a "step" is a transition region between two surfaces. In this embodiment, the annular tapered portion 112A is herein referred to as a "stepped annular tapered portion" 112A. That is, in this specification, the "stepped annular tapered portion" 112A means the annular tapered portion 112 that includes a "step," as described above.

[0068] Step 136 is configured to be engaged by a standard seam chuck 502, as shown in FIG. 14B, as a "standard chuck wall" 18A above step 136. As used herein, a "standard chuck wall" is a chuck wall 18 configured to be engaged by a seam chuck configured to seam the ends of prior art cans, and is the same as or substantially the same as prior art chuck wall 18A (FIG. 2). Further, in an exemplary embodiment, annular taper first section 130 has a height of about 0.040 inches to about 0.085 inches, and annular taper second section 132 has a height of about 0.010 inches to about 0.030 inches.

[0069] In the exemplary embodiment, the chuck wall 18 is a "standard" chuck wall 18A. As used herein, the "standard" chuck wall 18A is configured to be engaged by a standard seam chuck 502. That is, the container 70 typically has a standard size, such as, but not limited to, a 12 ounce beverage container (not shown). Food and beverage manufacturers obtain can ends 12 and can bodies 60 from various manufacturers for processing in the seam press 500, described below. In order to process the can ends 12 and can bodies 60, they must be of a standard size. Thus, as used herein, a "standard" chuck wall 18A refers to a chuck wall configured to engage a standard seam chuck 502 of a common container size known in the art. Additionally, a "standard seam chuck" refers to a seam chuck configured to seam a common prior art shell or can end 1. It is understood that different sizes of containers are associated with different sizes of seam chucks, i.e., a "standard seam chuck" refers to a seam chuck associated with a particular size of container. In other words, by way of example only, a 12 ounce beverage container may have a "standard seam chuck" of one size, while a 3.5 ounce sardine container may have a "standard seam chuck" of another size.

[0070] As before, the standard chuck wall 18A is disposed adjacently about the annular countersink 52. The curl 20 is disposed adjacently about the standard chuck wall 18A, i.e., the curl 20 extends radially outwardly from the standard chuck wall 18A. As is known, the can end 12 is bonded, directly bonded, or secured to a can body 60, thereby forming a container 70.

[0071] In another exemplary embodiment, the annular portion 16 includes each of the annular ridge 50, the reinforced annular countersink 110, and the annular tapered portion 112, or any combination thereof, as described above. In other words, the downgauging structures 11 of the can end 12 include the annular ridge 50, the reinforced annular countersink 110, and the annular tapered portion 112. The use of these downgauging structures 11 solves the problems described above, thereby reducing the original thickness as well as the final thickness of the can end 12 compared to known techniques.

[0072] A can end 12 having a reinforced annular countersink 110 and / or annular taper 112 is formed with the tooling 100 generally as described above. Note further that to form the reinforced annular countersink 110 and / or annular taper 112, the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 are configured to cooperate to form material disposed therebetween into a can end 12, the can end 12 including a center panel 14, an annular portion 16 disposed about the center panel 14, a standard chuck wall 18A disposed about the annular portion 16, and a curl 20 extending radially outward from the standard chuck wall 18A.

[0073] In the exemplary embodiment, the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 are substantially similar to the tooling assemblies of U.S. Patent No. 5,857,374, except that the outer periphery of the die center (element 52 of the '374 patent) is contoured to substantially correspond to the reinforced annular countersink 110 described above and either the linear annular taper 112 or the stepped annular taper 112A. That is, the upper tool assembly 102 includes a punch configured to form a reinforced annular countersink as defined above.

[0074] In the exemplary embodiment, the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 are configured to form a reinforced annular planar portion 120 that extends generally perpendicular to the plane of the center panel 14. Additionally, the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 are configured to form an annular taper 112 having an angle of about 25° to about 50° with respect to the plane of the center panel 14, and the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 are configured to form an annular taper 112 having a radial width of about 6 to 8 times the final thickness of the center panel. The can end 12 is then processed by a seam assembly including a standard seam chuck 502 in a known manner.

[0075] Thus, as shown in FIG. 15 , a method of manufacturing a can end 12 having a reinforced annular countersink 110 and / or annular taper 112 includes the steps of: providing 1000 a sheet material defining an original thickness; providing 1002 a tooling 100 having an upper tool assembly 102 and a lower tool assembly 104; introducing 1004 material between the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 (as described above); and cutting 1006 a blank 10 from the sheet material. 1005, in addition to step 1006 of molding the material to include a central panel 14, an annular portion 16 disposed about the central panel 14, a standard chuck wall 18A disposed about the annular portion 16, and a curl 20 extending radially outward from the standard chuck wall 18A, and step 2008 of molding the annular portion 16 to include a reinforced annular countersink 110 and an annular tapered portion 112, the annular tapered portion 112 being disposed about the reinforced annular countersink 110.

[0076] Further, Step 2008 of forming the annular portion 16 to include the reinforced annular countersink 110 and the annular tapered portion 112 includes Step 2010 of forming the reinforced annular countersink 110 to have a single center and extend over an arc of about 115° to about 160° or about 135°, Step 2012 of forming the reinforced annular countersink 110 to have a radius of about 0.015 inches to about 0.050 inches, or about 0.020 inches, and forming the linear annular tapered portion 112 having an angle of about 25° to about 50° relative to the original plane. Further, step 2008 of forming the annular portion 16 to include the reinforced annular countersink 110 and the stepped annular taper 112A includes step 2020 of forming the annular taper 112 having a first section 130 and a second section 132, where the first section 130 of the annular taper is disposed about the reinforced annular countersink 110 and the second section 132 of the annular taper is disposed about the first section 130 of the annular taper, where the first section 130 of the annular taper is inclined at an angle of about 35° to about 65° with respect to the plane of the central panel 14 and the second section 132 of the annular taper is inclined at an angle of about 15° to about 30° with respect to the plane of the central panel 14.

[0077] In another embodiment shown in Figures 16-18, a can end 12A having a downgauging structure 11 includes a "subsurface step" 150 and is made from a blank 10A having a "reduced original thickness" as well as an "enhanced diameter." As discussed above, for each particular type, model, and / or style of can and / or can end, there is an "established thickness." Similarly, for a particular type, model, and / or style of can and / or can end, there is an "established blank size." As used herein, an "established blank size" means that the blank has an original diameter of a particular type, model, and / or style of can and / or can end that is well known in the art. Additionally, as used herein, a blank 10A having an "enhanced diameter" means that the blank 10A is formed into a can end 12A of a size corresponding to a known can end for a particular type, model, and / or style of can, where the blank has a diameter larger than the "established blank size." Furthermore, as used herein, the term "enlarged can end" 12A or "enlarged can end body" 40A refers to a can end 12A or can end body 40A made from a blank having an "enlarged diameter." That is, as used herein, the term "enlarged can end" 12A or "enlarged can end body" 40A refers to a can end or can end body in which the blank 10A used to make the "enlarged can end" 12A or "enlarged can end body" 40A was a blank 10A having an "enlarged diameter," and does not refer to a product-by-process.

[0078] Further, each particular can end, i.e., each particular make, model, and / or style of can end, has an "established volume" since it has an "established thickness" and an "established blank size" or diameter. That is, the blank used to make the particular can end has an "established volume." The blank 10A used to make the upsized can end 12A with the downgauging structure 11 has a "reduced volume." That is, as used herein, a "reduced volume" blank 10A refers to a blank that has a smaller volume than the "established volume" of the particular make, model, and / or style of can end, but has a larger diameter relative to the "established blank size." Further, a "reduced volume" can end 12A refers to a can end 12A made from a "reduced volume" blank 10A. That is, as used herein, the term "reduced volume" can end 12A refers to the volume, i.e., structure, of the can end 12A, and not to a product-by-process. Similarly, a "reduced volume" can end body 40A refers to a can end body 40A that is made from a "reduced volume" blank 10A. That is, as used herein, the term "reduced volume" can end body 40A refers to the volume, i.e., structure, of the can end body 40A, and not to a product-by-process implication.

[0079] Further, as used herein, a "subsurface step" refers to a "step" of the can end annular portion 16 that is disposed below the top surface, i.e., product side, plane, of the center panel 14. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the "subsurface step" 150 is disposed at or immediately adjacent to the "enhanced annular tapered portion" 112B, and is identified herein as a "enhanced annular tapered subsurface step" 150. That is, the "enhanced annular tapered portion" refers to the portion of the annular portion 16 disposed about the annular countersink 7 that has an upward angle of about 0° to 30°, or about 5°, relative to the plane of the center panel 14 (either the original plane or parallel to the original plane). As shown, the "subsurface step" 150 is disposed between the enhanced annular tapered portion 112B and the standard chuck wall 18A, and this configuration is identified herein as a "standard chuck subsurface step." Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the "subsurface step" 150 is disposed adjacent or immediately adjacent to the "boxed" annular countersink 52A. As used herein, a "boxed" annular countersink 52A refers to a countersink 52 disposed between a first annular planar portion 54A and a second annular planar portion 54B, both of which are substantially perpendicular to the plane of the center panel 14. As used herein, a "subsurface step" 150 disposed adjacent or immediately adjacent to a "boxed" annular countersink 52 is referred to as a "supra" subsurface step 150. Thus, a subsurface step 150 disposed between a "boxed" annular countersink 52A and a standard chuck wall 18A is referred to as a "standard chuck supra subsurface step" 150.

[0080] That is, as shown in Figure 16, in this embodiment, the can end 12A includes a body 40 having the center panel 14, annular portion 16, chuck wall 18, and curl 20 as described above. The can end body 40 is an increased can end body, and the can end 12A is an increased can end. That is, the can end 12A initially is a blank 10 having an "increased diameter." Furthermore, the can end 12A, and therefore the can end body 40, has a reduced original thickness.

[0081] Further, in the present embodiment, the annular portion 16 includes a first annular planar portion 54A, an annular countersink 52, a second annular planar portion 54B, a reinforced annular tapered portion 112B, and a subsurface step 150. In the exemplary embodiment, the first annular planar portion 54A extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the center panel 14. Similarly, the second annular planar portion 54B extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the center panel 14. The annular countersink 52 is disposed between the first annular planar portion 54A and the second annular planar portion 54B, thus resulting in an "enclosed" annular countersink 52A as defined above. Thus, the annular countersink 52 extends around the first annular planar portion 54A, and the second annular planar portion 54B extends around the annular countersink 52. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the annular countersink 52 is generally arcuate and extends over an arc of substantially 180 degrees. That is, the annular countersink 52 has a substantially semicircular shape when viewed in cross section, as shown in FIG.

[0082] The reinforced annular taper 112B is similar to the annular taper 112 described above, but has an angle of about 0° to 30°, or about 5°, relative to the plane of the central panel 14. That is, as used herein, a "reinforced annular taper" is similar to an "annular taper" but has an angle of taper of about 0° to 30° relative to the plane of the central panel 14. As used herein, a "particular reinforced annular taper" is similar to an "annular taper" but has an angle of taper of about 5° relative to the plane of the central panel 14.

[0083] The subsurface step 150 is disposed below the plane of the central panel 14, i.e., below the plane of the bottom surface of the central panel 14, as shown. The subsurface step 150 is disposed between the reinforced annular taper 112B and the chuck wall 18. That is, the subsurface step 150 defines a transition from the reinforced annular taper 112B to the chuck wall 18. In the exemplary embodiment, the chuck wall 18 is a standard chuck wall 18A as defined above. The standard chuck wall 18A is disposed about the annular portion 16 and is disposed immediately adjacent the subsurface step 150 and / or the reinforced annular taper 112B.

[0084] As mentioned above, the can end 12A is configured to be bonded, directly bonded, fastened or seamed to a filled can body 60, thereby forming a container 70.

[0085] A can end 12A having an enclosed annular countersink 52A and / or a subsurface step 150 is made with the tooling 100 generally as described above. To make the enclosed annular countersink 52A and / or the subsurface step 150, it is further noted that the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 are configured to cooperate to form material disposed therebetween into the can end 12A, which includes the center panel 14, the annular portion 16 disposed about the center panel 14, the standard chuck wall 18A disposed about the annular portion 16, and the curl 20 extending radially outward from the standard chuck wall 18A. Additionally, the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 are configured to cooperate to form material disposed therebetween into the first annular planar portion 54A, the annular countersink 52, the second annular planar portion 54B, the reinforced annular tapered portion 112B, and the subsurface step 150.

[0086] In the exemplary embodiment, the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 are substantially similar to the tooling assemblies of U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,374, except that the contour of the outer edge of the die center (element 52 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,374) is shaped to substantially correspond to the enclosed annular countersink 52A and / or subsurface step 150 described above. That is, the upper tool assembly 102 includes a punch configured to create the enclosed annular countersink 52A and / or subsurface step 150 as defined above. In the exemplary embodiment, the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 are further configured to form the reinforced annular taper 112B. The can end 12A is then processed by a seam assembly including a standard seam chuck 502, as known in the art.

[0087] Further, as shown in FIG. 19, a method for manufacturing a can end 12A having an enclosed annular countersink 52A and / or a subsurface step 150 includes the steps of: providing 1000 a sheet material defining an original plane; preparing 1002 a tooling 100 having an upper tool assembly 102 and a lower tool assembly 104; introducing 1004 material between the upper tool assembly 102 and the lower tool assembly 104 (as described above); and forming a blank from the sheet material. The method includes a step 1005 of cutting out a material 10, a step 1006 of forming a material to include a central panel 14, an annular portion 16 disposed about the central panel 14, a standard chuck wall 18 disposed about the annular portion 16, and a curl 20 extending radially outward from the standard chuck wall 18, and a step 2008A of creating the annular portion 16 to include a first annular flat portion 54A, an annular countersink 52, a second annular flat portion 54B, a reinforced annular taper portion 112B, and a subsurface step 150. Further, the step 2008A of creating the annular portion 16 to include the first annular flat portion 54A, annular countersink 52, a second annular flat portion 54B, a reinforced annular taper portion 112B, and a subsurface step 150 includes a step 2010A of creating the reinforced annular taper portion 112B at an angle of about 0° to 30° or about 5° relative to the plane of the central panel 14.

[0088] Thus, the can end 12A constructed as shown in Figures 16-18 uses less material as compared to prior art can ends of the same type, model, and / or style. As a specific, but non-limiting example, the prior art "Standard 307" can end is used for containers for tuna, vegetables, fruits, dog food, and other products. The final "Standard 307" can end has a diameter of substantially 3 x 7 / 16 inches. Such "Standard 307" can ends are made from blanks having an original diameter of 3.933 inches and an original thickness of 0.0087 inches. Thus, the volume of the prior art blank for the "Standard 307" can end is 0.1057 cubic inches. The "Improved 307" can end 12A constructed as shown in Figures 16-18 is made from blanks having an original diameter of 4.095 inches and an original thickness of 0.0075 inches. Thus, the blank volume of the "Improved 307" can end 12A as described above is 0.0988 cubic inches. Note that because the blank used to make the "Improved 307" can end 12A has a larger diameter than the "Established Blank Size" of the prior art "Improved 307" can end, such an "Improved 307" can end 12A is an "Increased Can End" as defined above. Furthermore, because the "Established Thickness" of the "Standard 307" can end is 0.0087 inches, the "Improved 307" can end 12A also has a "Reduced Original Thickness". Furthermore, because the "Improved 307" can end 12A is made from a blank 10A having a "Reduced Original Thickness" and an "Increased Diameter", the "Improved 307" can end 12A is a "Reduced Volume" can end 12A as defined above. This also means that the can end body 40A is a "Reduced Volume" can end body 40A. This is a non-limiting example, and it will be understood that one of ordinary skill in the art may manufacture other particular types, models, and / or styles of can ends having either a "reduced original thickness," an "increased diameter," or a "reduced volume" for other types, models, and / or styles of can ends having the configurations described above.

[0089] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be recognized that various modifications and alternatives to those details may be developed by those skilled in the art in light of the overall teachings of this disclosure. Accordingly, the particular configurations disclosed are intended to be merely illustrative and not limiting as to the scope of the invention provided, the full scope of the appended claims and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A can end configured to be coupled to a can body, Equipped with a can end body, the can end body includes a downgauging structure; the can end body includes a center panel, an annular portion, a chuck wall, and a curl; The annular portion is disposed about the central panel; The chuck wall is disposed around the annular portion, the curl extends radially outward from the chuck wall; the annular portion further includes a first annular planar portion adjacent to the central panel, a countersink which is an annular recess adjacent to the first annular planar portion, a second annular planar portion adjacent to the countersink, and an annular tapered portion adjacent to the second annular planar portion and connecting to the chuck wall, the first annular planar portion is perpendicular to the central panel; the second annular planar portion is perpendicular to the central panel; a transition from the annular taper to the chuck wall is below the plane of the center panel; The annular taper has an angle of between 0° and 30° with respect to the plane of the center panel.

2. the annular taper has an angle with respect to the plane of the central panel that is greater than 0° and not greater than 30°; 2. The can end of claim 1, wherein in a cross section of the can end taken radially and perpendicular to the center panel, the height of a point on a top surface of the can end measured perpendicular to the plane of the center panel increases monotonically from a lowest point on the countersink to a highest point on the chuck wall.

3. The can end of claim 1 , wherein the annular taper has an angle of 5° with respect to the plane of the center panel.

4. 2. The can end of claim 1, wherein the center panel, the annular portion, the chuck wall, and the curl each have a thickness between about 0.0055 inches and 0.0110 inches.

5. a can body including a base and an associated sidewall; a can end body connected to the can body; A container comprising: the can end body includes a downgauging structure; the can end body is connected to a distal end of the sidewall of the can body; the can end body includes a center panel, an annular portion, a chuck wall, and a curl; The annular portion is disposed about the central panel; The chuck wall is disposed around the annular portion, the curl extends radially outward from the chuck wall; the annular portion further includes a first annular planar portion adjacent to the central panel, a countersink that is an annular recess adjacent to the first annular planar portion, a second annular planar portion adjacent to the countersink, and an annular tapered portion adjacent to the second annular planar portion and connecting to the chuck wall, the first annular planar portion is perpendicular to the central panel; the second annular planar portion is perpendicular to the central panel; a transition from the annular taper to the chuck wall is below the plane of the center panel; The annular taper has an angle of between 0° and 30° with respect to the plane of the central panel.

6. the annular taper has an angle with respect to the plane of the central panel that is greater than 0° and not greater than 30°; 6. The container of claim 5, wherein in a cross section of the can end taken radially and perpendicular to the center panel, the height of a point on the top surface of the can end measured perpendicular to the plane of the center panel increases monotonically from a lowest point on the countersink to a highest point on the chuck wall.

7. 6. The container of claim 5, wherein the annular taper has an angle of 5 degrees relative to the plane of the central panel.

8. 6. The container of claim 5, wherein the center panel, the annular portion, the chuck wall, and the curl each have a thickness between about 0.0055 inches and 0.0110 inches.

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