Can end with peripheral wall features for buckling resistance

Abstract

A can end may include a center panel region extending along a horizontal reference plane. A main bossed portion may be formed in the center panel region. A scoreline may be positioned within the main bossed portion. A tab may be operable to create an opening along the scoreline. A profiled portion may span between the center panel region and an edge of the can end and may include a countersink portion and a peripheral wall extending outwardly from the countersink portion. The peripheral wall may also include a supplemental bossed portion. As examples, the supplemental bossed portion may be embossed or debossed and may include a rib, a pocket, and / or a circumferentially extending channel.

Description

CAN END WITH PERIPHERAL WALL FEATURES FOR BUCKLINGRESISTANCEREFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 617,930, filed on January 5, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This application relates to metal containers and, more particularly, to systems and methods for producing a metal can end that may be joined with container bodies to form the metal containers.BACKGROUND

[0003] Metal containers, such as those intended to hold food or beverages (e.g., aluminum beverage cans), generally include a container body having an opening defined in one end, and a closure (referred to as a “container end” or a “can end”) designed to close the opening of the container body. The container body and the can end are typically joined at their peripheries (e.g., by being crimped or rolled together, also referred to as seaming) to form a liquid-tight and gastight joint. While some container ends may be formed from a component that may start as a flat circular disc, container ends are more commonly provided with raised and contoured or curled peripheral edges that facilitate the joining process.

[0004] A can end forming process typically includes positioning a sheet metal blank between a pair of dies which are moved to shear an edge of the blank, after which a punch descends to draw the now circular blank into a can end having a peripheral flange, a frustoconical wall, and an end panel. The peripheral flange of the can end may be drawn downward into a peripheral lip suitable for double seaming operations. Subsequent processing may form a countersink with aflat or domed central panel. Such processes may be performed by a single tooling assembly or a plurality of tooling assemblies.SUMMARY[0005J Embodiments covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various embodiments and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings, and each claim.

[0006] According to certain embodiments, a can end includes a center panel region extending along a horizontal reference plane. The can end may have a main bossed portion formed in the center panel region. The can end may have a scoreline positioned within the main bossed portion. The can end may have a tab operable to create an opening along the scoreline. The can end may have an edge. The can end may have a profiled portion spanning between the center panel region and the edge of the can end. The profiled portion can include a countersink portion and a peripheral wall extending outwardly from the countersink portion. The can end may have a supplemental bossed portion formed within an area of the peripheral wall.

[0007] According to certain embodiments, a can end includes a center panel region extending along a horizontal reference plane. The center panel region having a center. The can end may have a main bossed portion formed in the center panel region. The can end may have a scoreline positioned within the main bossed portion. The can end may have a tab operable to create an opening along the scoreline. The can end may have an edge. The can end may have a profiled portion spanning between a circular perimeter of the center panel region and the edge of the can end. The profiled portion may include a countersink portion and a peripheral wall extending outwardly from the countersink portion. The can end may have a plurality of bossed ribs formed within an area of the peripheral wall and arranged extending radially away from the center of the center panel region.

[0008] According to certain embodiments, a can end includes a center panel region extending along a horizontal reference plane. The center panel region may have a center. The can end may have a main bossed portion formed in the center panel region. The can end may have a scoreline positioned within the main bossed portion. The can end may have a tab operable to create an opening along the scoreline. The can end may have an edge. The can end may have a profiled portion spanning between a circular perimeter of the center panel region and the edge of the can end. The profiled portion may include a countersink portion and a peripheral wall extending outwardly from the countersink portion. The can end may have a circumferentially extending channel embossed or debossed within an area of the peripheral wall.

[0009] According to certain embodiments, a can end includes a center panel region extending along a horizontal reference plane. The center panel region may have a center. The can end may have a main bossed portion formed in the center panel region. The can end may have a scoreline positioned within the main bossed portion. The can end may have a tab operable to create an opening along the scoreline. The can end may have an edge. The can end may have a profiled portion spanning between a circular perimeter of the center panel region and the edge of the can end. The profiled portion may include a countersink portion and a peripheral wall extending outwardly from the countersink portion. The can end may have a plurality of bossed ribs formed within an area of the peripheral wall and arranged extending radially away from the center of the center panel region. The can end may have a circumferentially extending channel embossed or debossed within the area of the peripheral wall.

[0010] Various implementations described herein can include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which cannot necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a portion of a can end formed by a can end forming system according to some embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a can end that may include features of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates views of some examples of ribs that can be included as stiffening features in a can end such as in FIG. 2 according to some embodiments.

[0014] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate views of some examples of pockets that can be included as stiffening features in a can end such as in FIG. 2 according to some embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates views of an example of a circumferential channel that can be included as a stiffening feature in a can end such as in FIG. 2 according to some embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates views of some examples of ridges and valleys that can be included as stiffening features in a can end such as in FIG. 2 according to some embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates views of some examples of ribs implemented with a circumferential channel as an example of a combination that can be included as stiffening features in a can end such as in FIG. 2 according to some embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of producing a can end according to some embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic diagram that illustrates examples of control aspects of systems that may be implemented for production of can ends according to various examples.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Described herein are systems and methods for producing can ends for metal containers such as but not limited to beverage cans, food cans, aerosol cans, and / or any other container as desired. In certain embodiments, a can end may include a profiled portion extending from a center panel portion. The center panel portion may include a main bossed portion, e.g., which may be embossed or debossed and which may include a score line and / or a tab. Stiffening features may be included in the profiled portion. The stiffening features may supplement the main bossed portion and / or may avoid detrimentally impacting the main bossed portion. The stiffening features may enhance buckling pressure resistance relative to other can ends without such stiffening features. Examples of stiffening features may include bossed features (e.g.,embossed or debossed to be respectively raised or lowered relative to other portions) and may be formed as ribs, pockets, circumferential channels, alternating ridges and valleys, or other shapes or form factors.

[0021] Utilizing stiffening features in this manner may enable development of new can end profiles, which may be able to satisfy buckle strength, mass, and / or other criteria using materials with a lower strength (or other characteristic) compared to other frequently used materials and / or with a reduction in gauge (and corresponding material usage) compared to other can end designs. In certain embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may allow for the use of softer materials in can end manufacturing. As one non-limiting example, whereas traditional can end manufacturing utilizes a 5xxx series aluminum alloy such as but not limited to AA5182, the systems and methods described herein may allow for the use of a 3xxx series aluminum alloy, such as but not limited to AA3104, with a higher recycled content. Various other benefits and advantages may be realized with the systems and methods described herein, and the aforementioned benefits and advantages should not be considered limiting.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an example of a can end 101 formed from a metal sheet by a can end forming system according to embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the can end 101 generally includes a center panel region 103 and a profiled portion 105. The center panel region 103 may have a center 131, e.g., relative to which directions or other features of the can end 101 may be oriented. The center panel region 103 may extend substantially along a horizontal reference plane 104. Extension along the horizontal reference plane 104 may include extension in or toward the horizontal reference plane 104 in a direction extending away from the center 131 (e.g., leftward in FIG. 1). For example, the center panel region 103 may include at least a portion that may be substantially planar in form and extend in the horizontal reference plane 104, such as shown in solid lines in FIG. 1. Although the horizontal reference plane 104 is shown along a centerline of the center panel region 103, the horizontal reference plane 104 may be arranged along a top, a bottom, or other location of the center panel region 103. The center panel region 103 extending along the horizontal reference plane 104 may include extending toward the horizontal reference plane 104 in a direction extending away from the center 131 (e.g., leftward in FIG. 1). For example, the center panel region 103 may include at least some portion exhibiting a domed shape (e.g., domed upward ordomed downward, as respectively depicted by the dotted lines 103’ and 103” in FIG. 1) and the domed shape may extend toward and / or converge toward the horizontal reference plane 104 as the domed shape progresses in a direction extending away from the center 131 (e.g., leftward in FIG. 1). The center panel region 103 may be in substantially planar form, may be in substantially domed form, and / or may extend along the horizontal reference plane 104.

[0023] The profded portion 105 may extend from the center panel region 103 to an outer extremity or terminus 107 of the can end 101. The terminus 107 may correspond to an edge 109, for example. The profded portion 105 may include any number of constituent portions. Portions may be connected to one another and / or transition from one to another at respective junctures. As shown in FIG. 1, the profded portion 105 includes an inner wall 111, a countersink portion 113, a peripheral wall 115, and an outer flange portion 117, although any combination of more, fewer, or different elements may be utilized. The inner wall 111 may descend away from the center panel region 103 and toward and / or into the countersink portion 113. The peripheral wall 115 may ascend from the countersink portion 113, such as toward the outer flange portion 117. The outer flange portion 117 may extend from the peripheral wall 115, e.g., in a direction extending outward and / or away from the center panel region 103. The outer flange portion 117 may include the edge 109 of the can end 101. In various embodiments, the outer flange portion (terminus) 107 may be curled.

[0024] The particular can end 101 illustrated in FIG. 1 should not be considered limiting, and in other embodiments, a can end 101 (and sub-portions thereof) may have various shapes, profdes, and / or portions as desired. A two-dimensional cross-section of the can end 101 (such as, but not limited to that shown in FIG. 1) may be rotated about a vertical axis 119 to form a symmetric three-dimensional shape for the can end 101 in use.

[0025] The center panel region 103 may be bounded by a perimeter 123. The perimeter 123 may be located at a boundary at which the center panel region 103 ceases to continue horizontally (e.g., ceases to continue in or toward the horizontal reference plane 104 in a direction away from a center of the center panel region 103). The perimeter 123 may be located at a juncture at which the can end 101 transitions from the center panel region 103 to the profded portion 105. For example, the perimeter 123 may be located at a juncture 125 with the inner wall 111. Other junctures identified in FIG. 1 include a juncture 122, (e.g., between the inner wall 111and the countersink portion 113), ajuncture 124 (e.g., between the countersink portion 113 and the peripheral wall 115), and ajuncture 126 (e.g., between the peripheral wall 115 and the outer flange portion 117). An outer periphery 128 is also depicted and may correspond to a portion of the can end 101 that may be farthest outward or away from the center panel region 103. The edge 109 may be curled away from the outer periphery 128, e.g., at least partially inward or at least partially toward the center panel region 103.

[0026] The peripheral wall 115 may exhibit any suitable contour. One or more bends, arcs, or curves may be present, such as with or without substantially straight segments in between or otherwise present in the contour. The contour may follow and / or at least partially define a centerline 120 of the material of the can end 101. As discussed in greater detail below, in certain embodiments, the peripheral wall 115 may include suitable stiffening features. Some stiffening features may be formed locally in the peripheral wall 115, e.g., at least partially altering the contour of the centerline 120 in one circumferential portion of the peripheral wall to a different extent than in another part. For example, this may include an alteration in one circumferential portion without altering a part of the contour of the centerline 120 in another circumferential portion of the peripheral wall 115. Alternatively, this may include differing magnitudes and / or directions of alteration in different circumferential portions. For example, one circumferential portion may include an alteration of one magnitude in one direction (such as radially inward or radially outward), while another circumferential portion may include an alteration of a different magnitude in that direction. As another example, one circumferential portion may extend inward while another extends outward.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view 200 of a can end 101 and some examples of features that may be included. Various features in FIG. 2 may correspond to features discussed with respect to FIG. 1. Various features of FIG. 2 are also repeated in FIGS. 3-7, which show examples of stiffening features 145 that may be included in the peripheral wall 115 of the can end 101. FIG. 2 is shown with the can end 101 independent of such stiffening features 145, which may correspond to a state prior to forming or imparting the stiffening features 145. However, stiffening features 145 are not limited to being formed after all other features of the can end 101 and may be formed before, during, or after formation of any other combination of features of the can end 101.

[0028] Generally, e.g., with reference to the view 200 in FIG. 2, the center panel region 103 may include a circular perimeter 123 and a center 131. The center 131 may be located at a geometric center of a circle that defines the circular perimeter 123, for example. The center panel region 103 may be arranged so it extends radially outwardly from the center 131 thereof to the circular perimeter 123 thereof. The circular perimeter 123 may define a boundary at which the center panel region 103 ceases to continue in or toward the horizontal reference plane 104 (FIG. 1), for example. Extending outward from the circular perimeter of the center panel region 103, the can end 101 is shown in FIG. 2 with other features also discussed with respect to FIG. 1, such as the inner wall 111, juncture 122, countersink portion 113, juncture 124, peripheral wall 115, juncture 126, outer flange portion 117, and outer periphery 128.

[0029] Referring further to view 200, a tab 133 and a score line 135 may be included on the center panel region 103. The tab 133 may be anchored at the center 131 or other suitable location on the center panel region 103. For example, the tab 133 may be anchored by a rivet 136. In use, the tab 133 may be levered against the center panel region 103 (e.g., by being pulled by a user) to push against an area bounded by the score line 135. Pressure from the tab 133 may cause an opening to be formed along the score line 135 to provide access to contents of the can through the center panel region 103.

[0030] A main bossed portion 137 may be formed in the center panel region 103. The main bossed portion 137 may be recessed into (e.g., debossed into) or elevated relative to (e g., embossed from) the center panel region 103. The bossed nature is illustrated by stippling in the view 200, and stippling throughout the figures more generally may correspond to being at a different (e.g., greater or lesser) height or depth relative to other portions of adjacent material. The bossed nature (e.g., illustrated by stippling) represents a bending of material out of plane and / or away from a centerline of sheet material, e.g., such that an embossing on one side is reflected with a corresponding or counterpart debossing on an opposite side of the sheet material and is not a mere depression or rise on one side without a corresponding shift in material reflected on the opposite side. The bossing represents a form of work hardening suitable for imparting added strength compared to if the bossing were absent. The bossing may add strength through geometrically increasing the membrane stiffness of the component. The bossing may be performed to maintain sheet thickness as uniform as possible, yet with suitable bending toproduce the bossed features. The main bossed portion 137 may be arranged to surround the score line 135 and / or the tab 133. The main bossed portion 137 may provide stiffening in a suitable portion of the center panel region 103 to facilitate withstanding forces applied to the tab 133, the rivet 136, and / or the score line 135 in use.

[0031] The main bossed portion 137 may be bounded by an outer shape 139. The outer shape 139 may be elongate. The outer shape 139 may define a boundary spaced apart from the score line 135 and / or the tab 133. The outer shape 139 may be non-undulating and / or may extend continuously having only inflection points that cause a change of direction of the shape toward a center of the outer shape 139.

[0032] An intervening area 141 may be defined between the main bossed portion 137 and the circular perimeter 123. For example, the intervening area 141 may correspond to an area within the circular perimeter 123 that is not occupied by the main bossed portion 137.

[0033] The can end 101 (e.g., in the peripheral wall 115) may include one or more supplemental stiffening features 145, which may include examples shown and described with respect to FIGS. 3-7. For example, a supplemental stiffening feature 145 may be included individually or as part of a plurality of like or different features. The supplemental stiffening features 145 may be supplemental in terms of being included with the main bossed portion 137 and / or other features and / or may be supplemental in terms of providing supplemental stiffening in comparison to arrangements lacking such features. Various examples of the supplemental stiffening features 145 are discussed with respect to other views in FIGS. 3-7. These views may correspond to examples of the view 200 from FIG. 2 with options for additional or alternative features shown. In various examples, the supplemental stiffening features 145 may be included outside the intervening area 141 (such as in the peripheral wall 115) and / or may be suitably arranged to supplement and / or avoid detrimental impact on the main bossed portion 137. The supplemental stiffening features 145 may avoid conflicting with the tab 133, the score line 135, the rivet 136, the main bossed portion 137, and / or other features of the center panel region 103. The stiffening features 145 may be contained or limited to presence within the peripheral wall 115. For example, the stiffening features 145 may avoid extending into and / or across the countersink portion 113.

[0034] The stiffening features 145 may correspond to one or more supplemental bossed portions, for example. The supplemental stiffening features 145 may include bossed features. The bossed features may include debossed portions (e.g., portions that may correspond to depressions, that may be recessed, and / or that may have a lower relative height with respect to surrounding material) and / or embossed portions (e.g., portions that may stand proud, that may be elevated, and / or that may have a higher relative height with respect to surrounding material). Stippling is used to indicate bossed features in FIG. 2 and other figures. For example, as previously noted stippling may correspond to being at a different height or depth (e.g., raised or lowered) relative to other portions of surrounding material, such as in the peripheral wall 115.

[0035] FIG. 3 shows a top view 300 and a side view 310 of an example in which the stiffening features 145 include ribs 147. The side view 310 may correspond to viewing the can end 101 along the direction 222, for example. Although twenty ribs 147 are shown in the top view 300, any number of ribs 147 may be included. The ribs 147 may correspond to elongate linear elements, for example. Although generally depicted as rectangular with rounded ends, the ribs 147 may be elliptical, oval, rectangular, strips, or other suitable shapes. The ribs 147 may be included in a series of ribs 147 that are circumferentially distributed along the peripheral wall. For example, the ribs 147 may be evenly spaced along the circumference of the peripheral wall 115 or otherwise distributed according to a predetermined pattern. The ribs 147 may extend radially toward or away from the center 131 or at other orientations on the peripheral wall 115. Radial extension may facilitate an increase to membrane stiffness and / or buckle resistance of the peripheral wall 115 in comparison to arrangements in which ribs 147 or other radial features are absent. Radial extension may correspond to extending at an offset angle 148 of 0° from a radial direction 146, although any other offset angle 148 may be utilized. Ribs 147 may extend fully across the peripheral wall 115 (e.g., spanning from the juncture 124 with the countersink portion 113 to the juncture 126 with the outer flange portion 117, to the 128 outer periphery, and / or to the terminus 107) or other shorter, equal, or longer distance. The ribs 147 may be similar or different from one another. The ribs 147 may be bossed features, e.g., embossed or debossed or including some portions or entireties that are embossed and others that are debossed. At least some of the ribs 147 may avoid extending into and / or across the countersink portion 113. The ribs 147 may be formed to be bossed by an equal amount to the main bossed portion 137 or may differ in height based on an amount of deboss or emboss imparted. The bossed nature of a givenrib 147 may cause the centerline 120 (e.g., FIG. 1) of the peripheral wall 115 at the rib 147 to exhibit a different contour than at an adjacent or other portion in which the rib 147 is not present.

[0036] FIG. 4 shows a top view 400 and a side view 410 of an example in which the stiffening features 145 include pockets 149. The side view 410 may correspond to viewing the can end 101 along the direction 222, for example. Whereas ribs 147 may generally correspond to elongate linear elements, the pockets 149 may correspond to areas, e.g., which may have curved shapes, corners, etc. Although four pockets 149 are shown in the top view 400, any number of pockets 149 may be included. The pockets 149 may be included in a series of pockets 149 that are circumferentially distributed along the peripheral wall. For example, the pockets 149 may be evenly spaced along the circumference of the peripheral wall 115 or otherwise distributed according to a predetermined pattern. The top view 400 is shown with a symmetric arrangement in which pockets 149 are mirrored across bisecting lateral axes of the can end 101, although any other symmetric or asymmetric arrangement may be utilized. Any suitable shape for a given pocket 149 may be utilized. For example, the pocket 149 may be substantially triangular (e.g., which may encompass sharp corners, rounded comers or other deviations) or exhibit other shapes. A triangular shape may allow the pocket 149 to have a first width at a first position along a radial direction and a second (different) width at a second position along the radial direction, for example. The pockets 149 may be bossed features, e.g., embossed or debossed or including some portions or entireties that are embossed and others that are debossed. Some or all the pockets 149 may be the same as one another, or any subset may differ from one another. Pockets 149 may differ in height (e.g., be higher or lower) or be an equal height relative to portions of other pockets 149 and / or the main bossed portion 137. The bossed nature of a given pocket 149 may cause the centerline 120 (e.g., FIG. 1) of the peripheral wall 115 at the pocket 149 to exhibit a different contour than at an adjacent or other portion in which the pocket 149 is not present.

[0037] FIG. 5 shows a top view 500 and a side view 510 of another example in which the stiffening features 145 include another example arrangement of pockets 149. The side view 510 may correspond to viewing the can end 101 along the direction 222, for example. Although four equally spaced, sized, and shaped pockets 149 are shown, any number and / or arrangement may be utilized. The pockets 149 in FIG. 5 provide an example of a shape that may exhibit a perimeter that includes at least one inflection point that causes a change of direction of a shape ofthe perimeter away from a center of the pocket 149 or other form of stiffening feature 145. The pockets 149 may include crossing extensions or extensions emanating from a shared center. For example, in FIG. 5 the pockets 149 are depicted as substantially x-shaped (e.g., with four extensions from a shared center, although more or fewer or other arrangements of extensions may be utilized). The pockets 149 may be bossed features, e.g., embossed or debossed or including some portions or entireties that are embossed and others that are debossed. Some or all the pockets 149 may be the same as one another, or any subset may differ from one another. Pockets 149 may differ in height (e.g., be higher or lower) or be an equal height relative to portions of other pockets 149 and / or the main bossed portion 137. The bossed nature of a given pocket 149 may cause the centerline 120 (e.g., FIG. 1) of the peripheral wall 115 at the pocket 149 to exhibit a different contour than at an adjacent or other portion in which the pocket 149 is not present.

[0038] FIG. 6 shows a top view 600 and a side view 610 of an example in which the stiffening features 145 include a channel 150. The side view 610 may correspond to viewing the can end 101 along the direction 222, for example. The channel 150 may be formed in the peripheral wall 115. The channel 150 may extend circumferentially. For example, the channel 150 may extend a full or partial circumference of the peripheral wall 115. The channel 150 may be a bossed feature, e.g., embossed or debossed or including some portions or entireties that are embossed and others that are debossed. The channel 150 may differ in height (e.g., be higher or lower) or be an equal height relative to other portions of the channel and / or the main bossed portion 137. The bossed nature of the channel 150 may cause the centerline 120 (e.g., FIG. 1) of the peripheral wall 115 at channel 150 to exhibit a different contour than at an adjacent or other portion in which the channel 150 is not present.

[0039] FIG. 7 shows a top view 700 and a side view 710 of an example in which the stiffening features 145 include alternating ridges 152 and valleys 154. The side view 710 may correspond to viewing the can end 101 along the direction 222, for example. The ridges 152 and valleys 154 may alternate in an undulating manner. The ridges 152 and valleys 154 may extend in opposite directions from an average centerline 156 of the peripheral wall 115. For example, ridges 152 may extend radially inward while valleys 154 extend radially outward or vice versa. The ridges 152 and valleys 154 may be bossed features, e.g., embossed or debossed or including someportions or entireties that are embossed and others that are debossed. Some or all the ridges 152 and valleys 154 may be the same as one another, or any subset may differ from one another. The ridges 152 and valleys 154 are depicted with different densities of stippling to represent different forms of degrees of bossing. Although depicted as extending in opposite directions, the ridges 152 and valleys 154 may extend in a same direction by different magnitudes or may include any other relative differing positioning. The bossed nature of a given ridge 152 or valley 154 may cause the centerline 120 (e.g., FIG. 1) of the peripheral wall 115 at the ridge 152 or valley 154 to exhibit a different contour than at an adjacent or other portion in which the ridge 152 or valley 154 is not present.

[0040] FIG. 8 shows a top view 800 and a side view 810 of an example in which the stiffening features 145 include a combination of different types. The side view 810 may correspond to viewing the can end 101 along the direction 222, for example. In FIG. 8, the stiffening features 145 are depicted as including ribs 147 (e.g., which may be similar to those in FIG. 3) implemented with a circumferential channel 150 (e.g., which may be similar to that in FIG. 6). More generally, any combination of differing stiffening features 145 may be utilized. For example, although FIG. 8 depicts an example that combines differing stiffening features 145 from FIG. 3 and 6, any combination of differing stiffening features 145 from FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6, and / or 7 may be combined together and / or with other features. Differing stiffening features 145 may be included in any combination of numbers. For example, although twenty ribs 147 and one circumferential channel 150 are shown in the top view 800, any number of ribs 147, channels 150, and / or other differing stiffening features 145 may be included and may include matching or differing numbers for differing stiffening features 145. Any relative arrangement of differing stiffening features 145 may be implemented. For example, although the ribs 147 are shown as distinct from the channel 150 (e.g., with separate boundary lines respectively touching one another), any rib 147 may contact and / or extend into and / or out from any channel 150 (e.g., share at least some boundaries) or may be spaced apart from any channel 150 (e.g., with boundary lines separated by intervening surface area and / or material). More generally, any stiffening feature 145 may remain distinct from or merge into any differing stiffening feature 145. Additionally or alternatively, any combination of relative depth of features may be utilized among differing stiffening features 145. For example, the ribs 147 and the channel 150 (or anyother combination of differing stiffening features 145) may extend away from adjacent material by differing amounts or by equal amounts.

[0041] In FIG. 9, a flowchart illustrating a process 900 is shown, according to various embodiments. Various blocks of the process 900 may relate to features shown in other figures herein, however, additional or alternative components may be used with the process.

[0042] The process 900 at block 902 may include providing a pattern of stiffening features for inclusion in a can end. Any suitable form of stiffening features may be utilized. Examples may include stiffening features 145 described with respect to FIG. 2-8, for example.

[0043] The process 900 at block 904 may include forming a can end with the stiffening features included in the center panel portion. For example, this may include forming a can end 101 with stiffening features 145 included in the peripheral wall 115. The stiffening features 145 may be formed in the peripheral wall 115 before, simultaneously with, or after the main bossed portion 137, the profded portion 105, and / or any other features formed in the can end 101 during fabrication. The can end 101 may be formed utilizing a can forming system, for example.

[0044] FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic diagram that illustrates examples of control aspects of systems that may be implemented for production of can ends according to various examples. A controller 1002 may communicate information and / or instructions associated with a system 1000, such as may be utilized for performance of one or more actions described herein. The controller 1002 may be communicatively coupled to a user interface 1008, a can end forming system 1010, a can end measuring system 1014, and / or other associated elements. The controller 1002 may communicate via a wired or wireless connection, and the controller 1002 may include memory 1004 and a processor 1006. The memory 1004 and the processor 1006 may be included in a single structure. However, the memory 1004 and processor 1006 may be part of a system of multiple interconnected devices.

[0045] The memory 1004 may include any type of memory device that retains stored information when powered off. The memory 1004 may be or include electrically erasable and programmable read-only memory (“EEPROM”), flash memory, or any other type of non-volatile memory. In some examples, at least part of the memory 1004 may include a medium from which the processor 1006 can read instructions. A non-transitory computer-readable medium mayinclude electronic, optical, magnetic, or other storage devices capable of providing the processor 1006 with computer-readable instructions or other program code. Non-limiting examples of a computer-readable medium include (but are not limited to) magnetic disk(s), memory chip(s), ROM, random-access memory (“RAM”), an ASIC, a configured processor, optical storage, or any other medium from which a computer processor can read instructions. The instructions may include processor-specific instructions generated by a compiler or an interpreter from code written in any suitable computer-programming language, including, for example, C, C++, C#, etc.

[0046] The processor 1006 may execute instructions stored in the memory 1004 to perform operations, for example, operations denoted with respect to process 900 and / or receiving input from and / or outputting to the user interface 1008, the can end forming system 1010, and / or the can end measuring system 1014, and / or controlling operation of related components. The processor 1006 may include one processing device or multiple processing devices. Non-limiting examples of the processor 1006 include a Field-Programmable Gate Array (“FPGA”), an application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), a microprocessor, etc.

[0047] The controller 1002 may communicate with, or otherwise control, the various components of the system 1000. In one example, the controller 1002 may interact with the user interface 1008 to receive input parameters to be utilized (such as for imparting particular stiffening features 145) and / or to present results of evaluations or other analysis. In another example, the controller 1002 may control an actuator 1012 of the can end forming system 1010 to cause the can end forming system 1010 to form a can end, such as in accordance with block 904 of process 900. The actuator 1012 may be coupled with and / or include suitable punches, ironing devices, forms, or other tools, for example. In a further example, the controller 1002 may interface with a sensor 1016 of the can end measuring system 1014 to receive input suitable to determine if a can end measured by the sensor 1016 conforms to parameters implemented in accordance with the process 900. Non-limiting examples of suitable sensors 1016 may include laser-based sensors, cameras or other optical sensors (e g., which may provide information that may be subjected to image recognition algorithms), form-following probes, or other tools.ILLUSTRATIVE ASPECTS

[0048] In some aspects, a device, a system, or a method is provided according to one or more of the following illustrative aspects or according to some combination of the elements thereof. In some aspects, features of a device or a system described in one or more of these aspects may be utilized within a method described in one of the other aspects, or vice versa.

[0049] A collection of exemplary aspects of embodiments is provided below, including at least some explicitly enumerated as an “aspect” providing additional description of a variety of example embodiments in accordance with the concepts described herein. These aspects are not meant to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or restrictive; and the disclosure not limited to these example aspects but rather encompasses all possible modifications and variations within the scope of the issued claims and their equivalents.

[0050] Aspect 1. A can end (and which may include any features of any other subsequent aspects individually or in combination), comprising: a center panel region extending along a horizontal reference plane; a main bossed portion formed in the center panel region; a scoreline positioned within the main bossed portion; a tab operable to create an opening along the scoreline; an edge; a profiled portion spanning between the center panel region and the edge of the can end, the profiled portion including a countersink portion and a peripheral wall extending outwardly from the countersink portion; and a supplemental bossed portion formed within an area of the peripheral wall.

[0051] Aspect 2. The can end of any preceding or subsequent aspect or combination of aspects, wherein the center panel region has a center, wherein the center panel region further has a circular perimeter at which the center panel region ceases to continue in or toward the horizontal reference plane in a direction extending away from the center, and wherein the profiled portion is positioned spanning between the circular perimeter of the center panel region and the edge of the can end.

[0052] Aspect 3. The can end of any preceding or subsequent aspect or combination of aspects, wherein the supplemental bossed portion does not extend across the countersink portion.

[0053] Aspect 4. The can end of any preceding or subsequent aspect or combination of aspects, wherein the supplemental bossed portion includes an embossed portion or a debossed portion.

[0054] Aspect 5. The can end of any preceding or subsequent aspect or combination of aspects, wherein the supplemental bossed portion comprises a rib.

[0055] Aspect 6. The can end of any preceding or subsequent aspect or combination of aspects, wherein the rib is arranged extending radially away from a center of the center panel region.

[0056] Aspect 7. The can end of any preceding or subsequent aspect or combination of aspects, wherein the rib is included in a series of ribs that are circumferentially distributed along the peripheral wall.

[0057] Aspect 8. The can end of any preceding or subsequent aspect or combination of aspects, wherein the supplemental bossed portion comprises a pocket.

[0058] Aspect 9. The can end of any preceding or subsequent aspect or combination of aspects, wherein the pocket has a first width at a first position along a radial direction and has a second different width at a second position along the radial direction.

[0059] Aspect 10. The can end of any preceding or subsequent aspect or combination of aspects, wherein the pocket is included in a series of pockets that are circumferentially distributed.

[0060] Aspect 11. The can end of any preceding or subsequent aspect or combination of aspects, wherein the pocket is substantially triangular.

[0061] Aspect 12. The can end of any preceding or subsequent aspect or combination of aspects, wherein the supplemental bossed portion comprises a perimeter that includes at least one inflection point that causes a change of direction of a shape of the perimeter away from a center of the supplemental bossed portion.

[0062] Aspect 13. The can end of any preceding or subsequent aspect or combination of aspects, wherein the supplemental bossed portion is substantially x-shaped.

[0063] Aspect 14. The can end of any preceding or subsequent aspect or combination of aspects, wherein the supplemental bossed portion comprises a circumferentially extending channel.

[0064] Aspect 15. The can end of any preceding or subsequent aspect or combination of aspects, wherein the supplemental bossed portion is locally formed in the peripheral wall.

[0065] Aspect 16. The can end of any preceding or subsequent aspect or combination of aspects, wherein the supplemental bossed portion alters a contour of a centerline of the peripheral wall in one circumferential portion of the peripheral wall to a different extent than in another part of the peripheral wall.

[0066] Aspect 17. The can end of any preceding or subsequent aspect or combination of aspects, wherein the supplemental bossed portion includes alternating ridges and valleys that extend in opposite directions from an average centerline of the peripheral wall.

[0067] Aspect 18. The can end of any preceding or subsequent aspect or combination of aspects, wherein the can end is formed of material comprising aluminum.

[0068] Aspect 19. The can end of any preceding or subsequent aspect or combination of aspects, wherein the supplemental bossed portion comprises a combination of features that include a rib and a circumferentially extending channel.

[0069] Aspect 20. A can end (and which may include any features of any other subsequent aspects individually or in combination), comprising: a center panel region extending along a horizontal reference plane, the center panel region having a center; a main bossed portion formed in the center panel region; a scoreline positioned within the main bossed portion; a tab operable to create an opening along the scoreline; an edge;a profiled portion spanning between a circular perimeter of the center panel region and the edge of the can end, the profiled portion including a countersink portion and a peripheral wall extending outwardly from the countersink portion; and a plurality of bossed ribs formed within an area of the peripheral wall and arranged extending radially away from the center of the center panel region.

[0070] Aspect 21. A can end (and which may include any features of any other subsequent aspects individually or in combination), comprising: a center panel region extending along a horizontal reference plane, the center panel region having a center; a main bossed portion formed in the center panel region; a scoreline positioned within the main bossed portion; a tab operable to create an opening along the scoreline; an edge; a profiled portion spanning between a circular perimeter of the center panel region and the edge of the can end, the profiled portion including a countersink portion and a peripheral wall extending outwardly from the countersink portion; and a circumferentially extending channel embossed or debossed within an area of the peripheral wall.

[0071] Aspect 22. A can end (and which may include any features of any other subsequent aspects individually or in combination), comprising: a center panel region extending along a horizontal reference plane, the center panel region having a center; a main bossed portion formed in the center panel region; a scoreline positioned within the main bossed portion; a tab operable to create an opening along the scoreline; an edge; a profiled portion spanning between a circular perimeter of the center panel region and the edge of the can end, the profiled portion including a countersink portion and a peripheral wall extending outwardly from the countersink portion;a plurality of bossed ribs formed within an area of the peripheral wall and arranged extending radially away from the center of the center panel region; and a circumferentially extending channel embossed or debossed within the area of the peripheral wall.

[0072] As used herein, the terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention,” and “the present invention” are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent application and the claims below. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below.

[0073] In this description, reference is made to alloys identified by AA numbers and other related designations, such as “series” or “5xxx .” For an understanding of the number designation system most commonly used in naming and identifying aluminum and its alloys, see “International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum and Wrought Aluminum Alloys” or “Registration Record of Aluminum Association Alloy Designations and Chemical Compositions Limits for Aluminum Alloys in the Form of Castings and Ingot,” both published by The Aluminum Association.

[0074] As used herein, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0075] The subject matter of embodiments of the present disclosure is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described. Directional references such as “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” “front,” and “back,” among others, are intended to refer to the orientation as illustrated and described in the figure (or figures) to which the components and directions are referencing.

[0076] The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Allmethods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention, and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0077] The above-described aspects are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims that follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described embodiments, nor the claims that follow.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A can end, comprising: a center panel region extending along a horizontal reference plane; a main bossed portion formed in the center panel region; a scoreline positioned within the main bossed portion; a tab operable to create an opening along the scoreline; an edge; a profiled portion spanning between the center panel region and the edge of the can end, the profiled portion including a countersink portion and a peripheral wall extending outwardly from the countersink portion; and a supplemental bossed portion formed within an area of the peripheral wall.

2. The can end of claim 1, wherein the center panel region has a center, wherein the center panel region further has a circular perimeter at which the center panel region ceases to continue in or toward the horizontal reference plane in a direction extending away from the center, and wherein the profiled portion is positioned spanning between the circular perimeter of the center panel region and the edge of the can end.

3. The can end of any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the supplemental bossed portion does not extend across the countersink portion.

4. The can end of any of claims 1-3, wherein the supplemental bossed portion includes an embossed portion or a debossed portion.

5. The can end of any of claims 1-4, wherein the supplemental bossed portion comprises a rib.

6. The can end of claim 5, wherein the rib is arranged extending radially away from a center of the center panel region.

7. The can end of any of claims 5-6, wherein the rib is included in a series of ribs that are circumferentially distributed along the peripheral wall.

8. The can end of any of claims 1-7, wherein the supplemental bossed portion comprises a pocket.

9. The can end of claim 8, wherein the pocket has a first width at a first position along a radial direction and has a second different width at a second position along the radial direction.

10. The can end of any of claims 8-9, wherein the pocket is included in a series of pockets that are circumferentially distributed.

11. The can end of any of claims 8-10, wherein the pocket is substantially triangular.

12. The can end of any of claims 1-11, wherein the supplemental bossed portion comprises a perimeter that includes at least one inflection point that causes a change of direction of a shape of the perimeter away from a center of the supplemental bossed portion.

13. The can end of any of claims 1-12, wherein the supplemental bossed portion comprises a pocket that is substantially x-shaped.

14. The can end of any of claims 1-13, wherein the supplemental bossed portion comprises a circumferentially extending channel.

15. The can end of any of claims 1-14, wherein the supplemental bossed portion is locally formed in the peripheral wall.

16. The can end of any of claims 1-15, wherein the supplemental bossed portion alters a contour of a centerline of the peripheral wall in one circumferential portion of the peripheral wall to a different extent than in another part of the peripheral wall.

17. The can end of any of claims 1-16, wherein the supplemental bossed portion includes alternating ridges and valleys that extend in opposite directions from an average centerline of the peripheral wall.

18. The can end of any of claims 1-17, wherein the can end is formed of material comprising aluminum.

19. The can end of any of claims 1-18, wherein the supplemental bossed portion comprises a combination of features that include a rib and a circumferentially extending channel.

20. A can end, comprising: a center panel region extending along a horizontal reference plane, the center panel region having a center; a main bossed portion formed in the center panel region; a scoreline positioned within the main bossed portion; a tab operable to create an opening along the scoreline; an edge; a profded portion spanning between a circular perimeter of the center panel region and the edge of the can end, the profiled portion including a countersink portion and a peripheral wall extending outwardly from the countersink portion; and a plurality of bossed ribs formed within an area of the peripheral wall and arranged extending radially away from the center of the center panel region.

21. A can end, comprising: a center panel region extending along a horizontal reference plane, the center panel region having a center; a main bossed portion formed in the center panel region; a scoreline positioned within the main bossed portion; a tab operable to create an opening along the scoreline; an edge; a profiled portion spanning between a circular perimeter of the center panel region and the edge of the can end, the profiled portion including a countersink portion and a peripheral wall extending outwardly from the countersink portion; and a circumferentially extending channel embossed or debossed within an area of the peripheral wall.

22. A can end, comprising: a center panel region extending along a horizontal reference plane, the center panel region having a center; a main bossed portion formed in the center panel region; a scoreline positioned within the main bossed portion; a tab operable to create an opening along the scoreline; an edge; a profiled portion spanning between a circular perimeter of the center panel region and the edge of the can end, the profiled portion including a countersink portion and a peripheral wall extending outwardly from the countersink portion; a plurality of bossed ribs formed within an area of the peripheral wall and arranged extending radially away from the center of the center panel region; and a circumferentially extending channel embossed or debossed within the area of the peripheral wall.

Images