METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEALING A METALLIC CONTAINER WITH A METALLIC END CLOSURE

Abstract

An apparatus includes a tool operable to releasably join a metallic end closure to a metallic container. In one embodiment, the tool is configured to form a thread in the closure and the container. The tool may optionally crimp the closure to the container. Once sealed, the container can be opened by rotating the closure in an opening direction. The closure can subsequently re-close the container by rotating the closure in a closing direction.

Claims

1. An apparatus to seal a metallic container with a metallic end closure, comprising: a first tool to receive the metallic container, the metallic container comprising a closed bottom end, a sidewall extending upwardly from the closed bottom end, and a container curl extending from an upper end of the sidewall to define an opening, wherein the metallic end closure is positioned in the opening of the metallic container and includes a central panel, an inner panel wall extending upwardly from the central panel, a countersink extending outwardly from the inner panel wall and forming an uppermost portion of the metallic end closure, and an outer panel wall extending downwardly from the countersink, the outer panel wall being oriented approximately parallel to the container sidewall; and a joining tool configured to apply a compressive force to the metallic container and the metallic end closure to seal the metallic end closure to the metallic container, wherein the joining tool is configured to form a thread by bending portions of the inner and outer panel walls of the metallic end closure and the container sidewall outwardly or inwardly such that the metallic end closure is releasably connected to the metallic container.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the joining tool is adapted to compress the container sidewall between the inner and outer panel walls of the metallic end closure to form the thread.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the joining tool is configured to form the thread with a helical length that extends between approximately 45° and approximately 120° of a circumference of the metallic end closure.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the joining tool is adapted to form the thread from the countersink of the metallic end closure and downward past a lowermost portion of the outer panel wall.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein between the countersink and the lowermost portion of the outer panel wall, the thread comprises a container thread portion positioned between an inner closure thread portion on the inner panel wall and an outer closure thread portion on the outer panel wall.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein below the lowermost portion of the outer panel wall, the thread comprises the inner closure thread portion on the inner panel wall and the container thread portion which is not covered by the outer panel wall.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein before the joining tool forms the thread the outer panel wall of the metallic end closure and the container sidewall are approximately parallel to a longitudinal axis of the metallic container.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second tool to apply a top-load to the countersink to press the metallic end closure against the container curl.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the joining tool comprises: an inner tool with an outer face having a convex shape that is approximately congruent to a concave segment of the inner panel wall of the metallic end closure; and an outer tool with an inner face having a concave shape that is approximately congruent to a convex segment of the outer panel wall of the metallic end closure.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the inner tool and the outer tool are configured to move toward each other such that a protrusion on the outer face of the inner tool interlocks with a recess on the inner face of the outer tool to compress the container sidewall between the inner panel wall and the outer panel wall to form the thread.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the joining tool is adapted to form the thread such that the thread extends from the countersink of the metallic end closure to a point above a lowermost portion of the outer panel wall.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the metallic end closure includes a peripheral curl releasably interconnected to the lowermost portion of the outer panel wall by a score or a perforation that is intersected by the thread.

13. A method of sealing a metallic container with a selectively removable metallic end closure, comprising: positioning the metallic end closure in an opening of the metallic container, wherein the metallic container includes a closed bottom end, a sidewall extending upwardly from the closed bottom end, and a container curl extending from an upper end of the sidewall to define the opening, and wherein the metallic end closure has a central panel, an inner panel wall extending upwardly from the central panel, a countersink at an upper end of the inner panel wall and extending outwardly from the inner panel wall, and an outer panel wall extending downwardly from the countersink, wherein the outer panel wall is oriented approximately parallel to the container sidewall; and applying a compressive force to the metallic container and the metallic end closure with a joining tool to seal the metallic end closure to the metallic container, wherein the joining tool bends the inner and outer panel walls of the metallic end closure and the container sidewall to form a thread, and wherein the metallic end closure is releasably connected to the metallic container.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: moving an inner tool of the joining tool outwardly against the inner panel wall, the inner tool having an outer face with a convex shape that is approximately congruent to a concave segment of the inner panel wall of the metallic end closure, wherein a protrusion projects outwardly from the outer face; and moving an outer tool of the joining tool inwardly against the outer panel wall, the outer tool having an inner face with a concave shape that is approximately congruent to a convex segment of the outer panel wall of the metallic end closure, wherein a recess extends inwardly from the inner face and is adapted to interlock with the protrusion of the inner tool.

15. An apparatus to seal a metallic container with a metallic end closure, comprising: a first tool to receive the metallic container, the metallic container including a closed bottom end, a sidewall extending upwardly from the closed bottom end, and a container curl extending from an upper end of the sidewall to define an opening, wherein the metallic end closure is positioned in the opening of the metallic container and includes a central panel, an inner panel wall extending upwardly from the central panel, a countersink extending outwardly from the inner panel wall and forming an uppermost portion of the metallic end closure, and an outer panel wall extending downwardly from the countersink, the outer panel wall being oriented approximately parallel to the container sidewall; and a joining tool to apply a compressive force to the metallic container and the metallic end closure to seal the metallic end closure to the metallic container, the joining tool being configured to form a thread by bending a portion of the inner and outer panel walls of the metallic end closure and the container sidewall to releasably connect the metallic end closure to the metallic container, wherein the joining tool comprises: an inner tool with an outer face having a convex shape that is approximately congruent to a concave segment of the inner panel wall of the metallic end closure; and an outer tool with an inner face having a concave shape that is approximately congruent to a convex segment of the outer panel wall of the metallic end closure.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the joining tool is configured to form the thread such that, between the countersink and the lowermost portion of the outer panel wall, the thread comprises a container thread portion positioned between an inner closure thread portion on the inner panel wall and an outer closure thread portion on the outer panel wall.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein a protrusion projects outwardly from the outer face of the inner tool and a recess extends inwardly from inner face of the outer tool, the recess adapted to interlock with the protrusion of the inner tool to form the thread, and wherein the inner tool and the outer tool are configured to move toward each other to compress the container sidewall between the inner panel wall and the outer panel wall.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the joining tool is adapted to form the thread such that the thread extends from the countersink of the metallic end closure to a point above a lowermost portion of the outer panel wall.

19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the joining tool is adapted to form the thread such that the thread extends across a score or a perforation of the metallic end closure, the score or perforation adapted to releasably interconnect a peripheral curl of the metallic end closure to the lowermost portion of the outer panel wall.

20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the joining tool is adapted to compress the container sidewall between the inner and outer panel walls of the metallic end closure to form the thread.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method and together with the general description of the disclosure given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed system(s) and device(s).

[0074] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of a metallic end closure of one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0075] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of a metallic container of one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0076] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of the metallic end closure of FIG. 1 positioned on the neck of the metallic container of FIG. 2 before sealing and illustrating tools of a capping apparatus of the present disclosure;

[0077] FIG. 4 is a top plan of the metallic end closure of FIG. 3 with the metallic container shown in phantom lines and showing joining tools of the capping apparatus configured to releasably interconnect the metallic end closure to the metallic container;

[0078] FIG. 5 is another top plan view of the metallic end closure of FIG. 4 after the joining tools have interconnected the metallic end closure to the metallic container;

[0079] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional front elevation view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5 and illustrating joining tools comprising an inner tool applying an outwardly oriented force and an outer tool applying in inwardly oriented force to simultaneously form an upper portion of a thread in the metallic container and the metallic end closure;

[0080] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional front elevation view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5 and illustrating a medial portion of the thread formed by the joining tools;

[0081] FIG. 8 is another partial cross-sectional front elevation view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 5 which illustrates the joining tools forming a lower portion of the thread;

[0082] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a metallic end closure illustrating threads spaced around an exterior of the metallic end closure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0083] FIG. 10 is a partial front perspective view illustrating threads formed in the metallic end closure and the metallic container;

[0084] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the metallic container of FIG. 10 with the metallic end closure sealed to the metallic container; and

[0085] FIG. 12 is another front perspective view illustrating a thread of another embodiment of the present disclosure that extends from an uppermost portion of a metallic end closure and in which the thread ends before reaching a lowermost portion of an outer panel wall of the metallic end closure.

[0086] The drawings are not necessarily (but may be) to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the embodiments illustrated herein. As will be appreciated, other embodiments are possible using, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described below. For example, it is contemplated that various features and devices shown and/or described with respect to one embodiment may be combined with or substituted for features or devices of other embodiments regardless of whether or not such a combination or substitution is specifically shown or described herein.

[0087] The following is a listing of components according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, and as shown in the drawings:

NUMBER COMPONENT

[0088] 2 Longitudinal axis [0089] 4 Metallic end closure [0090] 8 Closure peripheral curl [0091] 9 Score or perforation [0092] 10 Outer panel wall [0093] 12 Countersink [0094] 14 Inner panel wall [0095] 16 Chuck wall [0096] 18 Central panel [0097] 20 Sealant [0098] 22 Peripheral curl height [0099] 23 Distance between peripheral curl and countersink [0100] 24 Distance between central panel and countersink [0101] 25 Distance between peripheral curl and central panel [0102] 26 Closure diameter [0103] 27 Inner diameter of the closure [0104] 28 Thread [0105] 28′ First thread [0106] 28″ Second thread [0107] 28′″ Third thread [0108] 28″″ Fourth thread [0109] 28A Inner closure thread portion [0110] 28B Container thread portion [0111] 28C Outer closure thread portion [0112] 30 Metallic container [0113] 32 Container sidewall [0114] 34 Container bottom [0115] 35 Inclined wall of bottom [0116] 36 Dome [0117] 40 Shoulder [0118] 42 Container neck (optional) [0119] 44 Opening [0120] 46 Neck curl [0121] 50 Opening direction [0122] 52 Closing direction [0123] 54 Thread beginning [0124] 56 Thread end [0125] 58 Arc length between adjacent threads [0126] 60 Capping apparatus [0127] 62 Support [0128] 64 First tool [0129] 66 Joining tool [0130] 68 Inner joining tool [0131] 69 Outer face of inner tool [0132] 70 Protrusion of inner joining tool [0133] 72 Outer joining tool [0134] 73 Inner face of outer tool [0135] 74 Recess of outer joining tool [0136] 76 Arrow indicating outward motion [0137] 78 Arrow indicating inward motion [0138] 80 X-axis [0139] 82 Y-axis

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0140] To acquaint persons skilled in the pertinent arts most closely related to the present disclosure, a preferred embodiment that illustrates the best mode now contemplated for putting the invention into practice is described herein by, and with reference to, the annexed drawings that form a part of the specification. Exemplary embodiments are described in detail without attempting to describe all of the various forms and modifications in which the invention might be embodied. As such, the embodiments described herein are illustrative, and as will become apparent to those skilled in the arts, may be modified in numerous ways within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

[0141] Referring now to FIG. 1, a cross-sectional front elevation view of a metallic end closure 4 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is generally illustrated. The metallic end closure 4 has a body that can optionally include a peripheral curl 8 at a lowermost end of an outer panel wall 10. The peripheral curl 8 can optionally be releasably interconnected to the outer panel wall 10. For example, in one embodiment the peripheral curl 8 is detachably connect to the outer panel wall 10 by a score or perforation 9. In this manner, the peripheral curl 8 defines a portion of a tamper or pilfer band that extends to the score 9.

[0142] The outer panel wall 10 can extend upwardly from the peripheral curl 8 to an annular ring or countersink 12 at an uppermost portion of the body. An inner panel wall 14 extends downwardly from the countersink 12. Optionally, a sealant 20 can be positioned between the outer and inner panel walls 10, 14 and proximate to the countersink 12.

[0143] A central panel 18 extends inwardly from the inner panel wall 14. The central panel 18 can be approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 2A of the metallic end closure. Optionally, the central panel 18 is interconnected to the inner panel wall 14. In another embodiment, the metallic end closure can include a sloped portion or chuck wall 16 which is positioned between the central panel 18 and the inner panel wall 14. The optional chuck wall 16 is oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis 2A. More specifically, the chuck wall 16 when present is oriented at an obtuse angle to the longitudinal axis and the central panel.

[0144] The peripheral curl 8, when present, is configured to prevent a user from contacting a cut outer edge of the metallic end closure. In one embodiment, the peripheral curl 8 generally forms a closed ring. The cut outer edge may be turned back toward the outer panel wall 10. Alternatively, the cut outer edge of the metallic end closure can be turned inwardly toward an interior surface of the outer panel wall to form the peripheral curl 8.

[0145] The peripheral curl 8 can have a predetermined height 22 or diameter of less than approximately 0.10 inch, or approximately 0.08 inch. Although the peripheral curl 8 is illustrated in FIG. 1 with a generally open or circular cross-section, other configurations are contemplated. For example, the peripheral curl 8 can optionally be generally flattened as shown in FIG. 6, the same as or similar to the container neck curl 46 generally illustrated in FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the peripheral curl 8 includes one, two or more folds of material.

[0146] The peripheral curl 8 is positioned a predetermined distance 23 from the countersink 12. In one embodiment, the distance 23 is sufficient to position the optional closure peripheral curl 8 below a container neck curl 46 when the metallic end closure 4 is seated in a metallic container 30 as generally illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0147] In one embodiment, the central panel 18 is spaced a predetermined distance 24 from the countersink 12. The distance 24 can be between approximately 0.10 inch and approximately 2 inches. Additionally, or alternatively, the central panel 18 can be spaced a predetermined distance 25 below the lowermost portion of the outer panel wall 10 or the peripheral curl 8.

[0148] The outer panel wall 10 defines a diameter 26 of the metallic end closure. The closure diameter 26 can be up to approximately 1.00 inch. In one embodiment, the diameter is up to approximately 1.30 inch. Additionally, or alternatively, the diameter 26 can be between approximately 0.50 inch and approximately 4 inches. The closure diameter 26 is not less than an exterior diameter of a curl 46 of a metallic container 30.

[0149] The inner panel wall 14 defines an interior diameter 27 of the metallic end closure. The interior diameter 27 is about equal to, but less than, and interior diameter of an opening 44 of the metallic container.

[0150] In one embodiment, the outer and inner panel walls 10, 14 are generally parallel before the metallic end closure is used to seal a metallic container. In another embodiment, the panel walls 10, 14 extend approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis 2A of the metallic end closure 4.

[0151] Referring now to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional front elevation view of a metallic container 30 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated prior to forming threads 28 on the metallic container. The metallic container 30 is shown engaged by a support 62 of a capping apparatus 60 of the present disclosure.

[0152] The support 62 can be a chuck or another tool that is operable to one or more of hold and move the metallic container. In one embodiment, the support 62 can position the metallic container in a predetermined orientation. Optionally, the support 62 can move the metallic container 30 along a longitudinal axis 2. Additionally, or alternatively, the support 62 can rotate the metallic container 30 around the longitudinal axis 2.

[0153] The metallic container 30 generally includes a container sidewall 32 and a bottom or closed end 34. In one embodiment, the closed end has an inclined wall 35 and optionally includes a dome 36 that is oriented inwardly. An opening 44 is formed opposite to the closed end 34. The metallic container 30 can have a generally straight upper edge that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 2B. A container neck curl 46 can optionally be formed at an uppermost portion of the metallic container 30. The container neck curl 46 can be folded or compressed flat against the body. The container neck may be folded two or more times to form the container neck curl 46. In one embodiment, the container neck curl 46 extends outwardly away from the longitudinal axis 2B of the metallic container 30 as generally illustrated in FIG. 2. Alternatively, the container curl can extend inwardly into the interior of the metallic container.

[0154] The metallic container 30 can be of any predetermined size or shape. In one embodiment, the container sidewall 32 is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 2B of the metallic container. More specifically, in one embodiment, the sidewall 32 has a substantially uniform diameter and extends from the bottom or closed end 34 to the opening 44 at the upper end such that the container neck 42 has the same diameter as the container sidewall 32. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the opening 44 of the metallic container 30 can have a diameter that is approximately equal to a diameter of the sidewall 32.

[0155] Alternatively, at least a portion of the container sidewall 32 can be sloped or angled relative to the longitudinal axis. For example, the container sidewall 32 can optionally include a shoulder 40 that defines a container neck 42 with a decreased diameter.

[0156] In one embodiment, the container sidewall 32 is generally cylindrical. Optionally, a cross-sectional of the container sidewall 32 taken substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2B has a shape that is not circular. More specifically, in one embodiment, a horizontal cross-section of the container sidewall 32 can define an oval, a square, a rectangle, or another shape, such as a polygon.

[0157] Referring now to FIG. 3, after the metallic container 30 is at least partially filled with a product, the metallic end closure 4 can be positioned or seated on the metallic container 30 and extend at least partially within the container opening 44. In this manner, the container curl 46 is positioned between the outer and inner panel walls 10, 14 of the metallic end closure 4.

[0158] When the metallic end closure 4 is seated in the container opening, the central panel 18 is positioned between the container curl 46 and the container bottom 34 relative to the longitudinal axis 2. Additionally, the central panel 18 is positioned between a lowermost portion of the outer panel wall 10, such as the peripheral curl 8 of the metallic end closure 4, and the container bottom 34 relative to the longitudinal axis when the metallic end closure is seated in the container opening as generally illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0159] The peripheral curl 8 of the metallic end closure 4 is positioned between the container curl 46 and the central panel 18 relative to the longitudinal axis 2 when the metallic end closure is seated in the container opening. Moreover, the container curl 46 is positioned between the closure peripheral curl 8 and the countersink 12 when the metallic end closure is positioned in the container opening.

[0160] A capping apparatus 60 of one embodiment of the present disclosure can subsequently releasably interconnect the metallic end closure 4 to the metallic container 30. Optionally, the capping apparatus 60 includes a first tool 64. The first tool 64 is optionally configured to apply a topload to the metallic end closure to press the metallic container and the metallic end closure together. In one embodiment, the first tool 64 can contact the countersink 12 to apply the optional topload to the metallic end closure. The container neck curl 46 may press into the sealant 20 when present.

[0161] Referring now to FIGS. 3-9, a closing or joining tool 66 of the capping apparatus 60 is operable to apply a force to the metallic end closure 4 and the metallic container 30. In this manner, the joining tool 66 can change the geometry of the metallic container neck 42 and of the outer and inner panel walls 10, 14 of the metallic end closure to releasable join the metallic end closure to the metallic container. The force from the joining tool 66 can be oriented approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2. Optionally, the force may be oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the joining tool 66 can optionally crimp or otherwise compress the inner panel wall 14 and outer panel wall 10 together and against the neck 42 of the metallic container.

[0162] In one embodiment, the joining tool 66 is configured to form at least one thread 28 in the metallic end closure 4 and the metallic container 30. In one embodiment, the thread 28 formed by the joining tool 66 extends outwardly away from the longitudinal axis 2. Alternatively, the thread 28 extends inwardly toward the longitudinal axis.

[0163] The joining tool 66 may form each thread 28 individually. Alternatively, the joining tool 66 can be configured to form two or more threads, or all of the threads, substantially simultaneously.

[0164] In one embodiment, the joining tool 66 can rotate around the longitudinal axis 2 when joining the metallic end closure to the metallic container. In another embodiment, the joining tool 66 can spiral around the longitudinal axis 2. For example, the joining tool 66 can move axially relative to the longitudinal axis 2 one or more of toward and away from the container closed end 34 while joining the metallic end closure 4 to the metallic container 30. Additionally, or alternatively, the joining tool 66 can optionally apply a force to the metallic end closure 4 to the metallic container 30 that is oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0165] Referring now to FIG. 3, the joining tool 66 can include one or more of an inner tool 68 and an outer tool 72. The inner and outer tools 68, 72 can optionally be interconnected to the first tool 64. The inner tool 68 has an outer face 69 configured to generally conform to the interior surface of the inner panel wall 14 of the metallic end closure. In one embodiment, a protrusion 70 projects outwardly from the outer face 69.

[0166] The outer tool 72 has an inner face 73 which has a geometric profile that generally corresponds to the outer panel wall 10 of the metallic end closure 4. In one embodiment, a recess 74 is formed in the inner face 73. The recess 74 generally aligns with the protrusion 70 of the inner tool 68. The protrusion 70 of the inner tool is configured to force the metallic end closure and the metallic container outwardly and into the recess 74 of the outer tool to form a thread 28.

[0167] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the recess 74 is formed in the outer face 69 of the inner tool 68. Continuing this example, the protrusion 70 is formed in the inner face 73 of the outer tool 72. In this manner, the protrusion 70 of the outer tool 72 is configured to force the metallic end closure and the metallic container inwardly and into the recess 74 of the inner tool 68 to form the thread 28.

[0168] Referring now to FIG. 4, the outer face 69 of the inner tool 68 can have a radius of curvature that is substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the inner panel wall 14. The inner tool 68 can move outwardly away from the longitudinal axis 2 (as generally indicated by arrow 76) to apply a force to the metallic end closure 4 and the metallic container 30 to form the thread 28. The outer tool 72 is configured to move inwardly toward the longitudinal axis 2 (as generally indicated by arrow 78) to apply a force to the metallic end closure and the metallic container when the joining tool 66 forms the thread 28. As generally illustrated in FIG. 4, the inner face 73 of the outer tool 72 can have a radius of curvature that is substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the outer panel wall 10.

[0169] Any suitable method known to one of skill in the art may be used to control the movement of the inner and outer tools. In one embodiment, movement of the inner and outer tools 68, 72 is controlled by one or more cams.

[0170] Referring now to FIG. 5, after the joining tool 66 has formed the thread 28, the inner tool 68 can move inwardly and away from the inner panel wall 14 as indicated by arrow 78. Similarly, the outer tool 72 is configured to move outwardly as generally shown by arrow 76 away from the outer panel wall 10 after forming the thread.

[0171] After the metallic end closure 4 is joined to the metallic container, the metallic end closure 4 can be rotated in an opening direction 50 to open the metallic container 30. In one embodiment, the opening direction 50 is counter-clockwise around the longitudinal axis 2 in the perspective of FIG. 5. Optionally, the metallic end closure can be removed from the metallic container by rotating the metallic end closure between approximately 75° and approximately 100° in the opening direction. In one embodiment, the metallic end closure 4 can be removed from the metallic container 30 after a rotation of less than approximately 85° in the opening direction 50. Thereafter, the metallic container can subsequently be re-closed by positioning the metallic end closure 4 in the container opening and rotating the closure in a closing direction 52.

[0172] Referring now to FIG. 6, a partial cross-sectional view of the inner and outer tools 68, 72 during formation of an upper portion of a thread 28 is generally provided. FIG. 7 generally illustrates the inner and outer tools 68, 72 forming a medial portion of the thread 28. The formation of a lower portion of the thread 28 is generally illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0173] Notably, in one embodiment, the inner and out tools 68, 72 extend downwardly below the peripheral curl 8 of the metallic end closure 4. Accordingly, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the thread 28 may be formed in only the inner panel wall 14 and the container neck 42 as generally illustrated in FIG. 8. More specifically, an exterior surface of a portion of the container thread 28B formed in the container neck 42 can optionally extend downwardly below the outer panel wall 10 and peripheral curl 8 of the metallic end closure 4 as generally illustrated in FIG. 8. In contrast, in the medial portion of the thread 28, the exterior surface of the container thread 28B formed in the container neck 42 is covered by an outer portion of the closure thread 28C formed in the outer panel wall 10 as generally illustrated in FIG. 7. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the container thread portion 28B has a helical length that is greater than a helical length of the outer closure thread portion 28C.

[0174] Extending the container thread 28B of the container neck 42 beyond the lowermost portion of the outer closure thread portion 28C of the outer panel wall 10 is facilitated by spacing the central panel 18 below the closure peripheral curl 8 as described in conjunction with FIG. 1. By extending the container thread 28B beyond the lowermost portion of the outer closure thread portion 28C, the metallic end closure 4 can be removed from the metallic container 30 without interference from an unthreaded portion of the outer panel wall 10. More specifically, as generally illustrated in FIG. 7, the closure peripheral curl 8 can have an interior diameter that is less than an exterior diameter of the container thread 28B of the container neck 42. Accordingly, if the lowermost portion of the thread 28 is above the closure peripheral curl 8 as shown in FIG. 7, the peripheral curl 8 may contact the lowermost portion of container thread 28B which may prevent removal of the metallic closure 4 from the metallic container 30.

[0175] As is generally illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, the projection 70 of the inner tool 68 of one embodiment can extend from a position proximate to an upper end of the outer face 69 to a position proximate to the lower end of the outer face. The recess 74 of the outer tool 72 of one embodiment has a corresponding geometric profile extending from a position proximate to an upper end of the inner face 73 to a position proximate to the lower end of the inner face.

[0176] As generally illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, each thread 28 includes an inner closure thread portion 28A and an outer closure thread portion 28C that engage a container thread portion 28B. The closure thread portions 28A, 28C and the container thread portion 28B are formed substantially simultaneously by the joining tool 66. As generally shown in FIG. 8, the central panel 18 of the metallic end closure is positioned between a lowermost portion of the thread 28 and the closed bottom end of the container body when the metallic end closure is sealed in the container opening.

[0177] Referring now to FIG. 9, the joining tool 66 may optionally form two or more threads, for example two to ten threads. In one embodiment, the joining tool 66 is configured to form four threads 28′, 28″, 28′″ and 28″″ that are substantially equally spaced around the circumference of the metallic end closure 4 and the metallic container.

[0178] Each thread 28 may be a helical thread that wraps at least partially around a circumference of the metallic end closure 4. In one embodiment, a thread 28 can extend between approximately 45° to approximately 540° around the circumference. Optionally, the threads can extend up to approximately one-fourth, or up to one-half of the closure circumference. In one embodiment, each thread extends from approximately ⅛ to approximately ⅝ around the closure circumference.

[0179] The threads 28 can be multi-lead threads. Additionally, or alternatively, in one embodiment the threads 28 are spaced such that a first thread 28′ does not overlap a second adjacent thread 28″. For example, an upper beginning 54 of a first thread 28′ can be spaced around the closure circumference from a lower end 56 of a second thread 28″ which is adjacent to the first thread 28′ as generally illustrated in FIG. 9. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the outer and inner panel walls 10, 14 and the container neck 42 can be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (or unbent) between two adjacent threads 28′, 28″. Moreover, in one embodiment, a beginning 54 of a thread 28 is separated by an arc 58 of a predetermined length from an end 56 of a second thread 28.

[0180] Referring now to FIGS. 10-11, a metallic container 30 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is generally illustrated after being sealed with a metallic end closure 4. Threads 28 have been formed in the metallic end closure 4 and the metallic container 30. The threads 28 generally extend around up to approximately 25% of the circumference of the metallic container 30. More specifically, each thread can extend up to approximately 25% of the circumference.

[0181] The threads 28 include an upper portion or thread beginning 54 that extends to the countersink 12 at the uppermost portion of the metallic end closure 4. A lowermost portion or thread end 56 of the threads 28 extends downward below the closure peripheral curl 8 at the lowermost portion of the outer panel wall 10. Below the peripheral curl 8, the lowermost portion of the container thread 28B is not covered by the outer panel wall 10.

[0182] Optionally, the joining tool 66 of the capping apparatus 60 can form a plurality of threads 28 in the metallic container and the metallic end closure. For example, the joining tool can be configured to form four separate threads 28′, 28″, 28′″, and 28″″ in the metallic container 30 as generally illustrated in FIGS. 9-10.

[0183] Referring now to FIG. 12, in one embodiment the joining tool 66 is configured to form a thread 28 in the metallic container 30 and the metallic end closure 4 that does not extend downwardly lower than the peripheral curl 8. More specifically, the joining tool 66 can be configured to form only the upper portion and the medial portion of the thread 28 as generally illustrated in FIGS. 6-7. It follows that in one embodiment of the present disclosure, a lowermost portion of a thread end 56 is positioned between a lowermost portion of the closure outer panel wall 10 and the closure countersink 12.

[0184] In one embodiment, a score 9 extends around a circumference of the outer panel wall 10 and through the thread end 56. In another embodiment, the score 9 is spaced above the thread end. More specifically, in one embodiment, the score 9 is positioned between thread end 56 and the closure countersink 12. Accordingly, the score may be positioned no lower than the thread end 56. In this manner, for embodiments of the end closure 4 which include a score 9 to form a pilfer or tamper band, the outer closure thread portion 28C will extend through the score 9.

[0185] When the metallic end closure 4 is rotated in the opening direction 52, the peripheral curl 8 will press against a lower surface of the container thread 28B which can sever the optional score 9 (illustrated in FIG. 12) between the peripheral curl 8 and the outer panel wall 10. The peripheral curl 8 will then separate from the metallic end closure 4 and be retained on the container neck 42. In this manner, the peripheral curl 8 can define a tamper indicator to visibly indicate that the metallic end closure has been rotated at least partially in the opening direction.

[0186] To provide additional background, context, and to further satisfy the written description requirements of 35 U.S.C. § 112, the following references related to printing methods and apparatus are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,054,229, 5,704,240, 5,806,707, 7,905,130, 7,942,028, 9,265,287, 9,617,043, 9,821,926, 9,868,564, 10,040,593, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. 2014/0116979, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. 2015/0108132, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. 2018/0044155, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. 2018/0134460 and PCT Pub. WO 2018/031617 each of which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0187] While various embodiments of the system have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. It is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Further, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as, additional items.