CN102686482B - Insulated column load and the method alleviating shaped metal containers distortion - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to insulated column load and alleviate the method for distortion of shaped metal containers, method comprises cylindrical metal tube forming shaped can, and shaped metal containers comprises sealed end, open end and the one carrier bar near open end.By supporting shaped metal containers by carrier bar, column load is isolated between open end and carrier bar.Can is closed part sealing, and the shaped metal containers wherein during the applying of closure member between sealed end and carrier bar is minimized due to the distortion of column load.

Description

Methods of isolating column loads and mitigating deformation of formed metal vessels

technical field

The present invention relates to a method of isolating post loads and relieving deformation of a shaped metal container, the method comprising forming a cylindrical metal tube into a shaped metal container including a sealed end, an open end and an integral carrier ring proximate the open end. The column load is isolated between the open end and the carrier ring by supporting the shaped metal container by the carrier ring. The shaped metal container is sealed by the closure, wherein deformation of the shaped metal container between the sealing end and the carrier ring due to column loading is minimized during application of the closure.

Background technique

Prior to our invention, product packages were often formed from metal plates or blocks that had to be designed with sufficiently thick walls to avoid deformation or shattering when high column loads were applied to the top of the product package. Such high column loads can generally occur when the package closure is applied to seal the product package on the filling line. In this regard, typically a load force in excess of 175 pounds (lbs) is applied to the top of the product package to apply the closure to and seal the package with the closure.

The disadvantage is that more material is used in the product packaging when designing a thinner-walled package to support the column load, which increases packaging costs.

Another disadvantage is that product packages with thicker walls can be more difficult to form and thus limit the type and or variety of possible functional and decorative product package design solutions.

There has long been a felt need for a system and method whereby high column loads during filling and closure application can be isolated in the top portion of the product package, thereby avoiding deformation or shattering of the package during filling and or application of the closure to seal the beverage. In addition, there has long been a felt need for low cost metal packaging well suited for food and beverage applications, as well as for other types and types of packaging having thin and or less strong sidewall structures. Furthermore, there is a need to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages as well as other disadvantages. All of these lead to the present invention.

Contents of the invention

The disadvantages of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided by a method of providing spacer column loads and alleviating deformation of a shaped metal container, the method comprising forming a cylindrical metal tube into a shaped metal container, the shaped metal container including a sealed end, an open end and an integral carrier ring near the open end. By supporting the shaped metal container by the carrier ring, the column load is isolated between the open end and the carrier ring. The shaped metal container is sealed by the closure, wherein deformation of the shaped metal container between the sealing end and the carrier ring due to column loading during application of the closure is minimized.

Additional disadvantages of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided by a method of providing spacer column loads and alleviating deformation of a shaped metal container, the method comprising forming a cylindrical metal tube into a shaped metal container including a sealed end and an opening end. A jacket is applied around the open end of the shaped metal container, the jacket including a carrier ring. By supporting the shaped metal container by the carrier ring, the column load is isolated between the open end and the carrier ring. The shaped metal container is sealed by the closure, wherein deformation of the shaped metal container between the sealing end and the carrier ring due to column loading during application of the closure is minimized.

Additional disadvantages of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided by providing a method of spacer column load and reduced deformation of a shaped metal container comprising forming a cylindrical metal tube into a shaped metal container including a sealed end and an open end . The carrier ring is clamped or glued around the open end of the shaped metal container. By supporting the shaped metal container by the carrier ring, the column load is isolated between the open end and the carrier ring. The shaped metal container is sealed by the closure, wherein deformation of the shaped metal container between the sealing end and the carrier ring due to column loading is minimized during filling and application of the closure.

Systems and computer program products corresponding to the methods outlined above are also described and claimed herein.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present invention. Other embodiments and aspects of the invention are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed invention. For a better understanding of the invention with advantages and features, refer to the description and to the drawings.

Description of drawings

At the conclusion of the specification, what is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims. The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 shows an example of a method and system for isolating column loads and mitigating deformation of formed metal containers during filling and closure application.

Figures 2A-2C show an example of a product package including a column load bearing outer jacket with a load bearing ring.

Figures 3A-3B illustrate an example of product packaging including a column load bearing outer jacket.

Figures 4A-4B illustrate one example of a product package that includes an integral thread and an integral carrier ring.

5A-5B illustrate an example of a product package including an inwardly extending integral carrier ring.

6A-6D illustrate an example of a product package including symmetrical and asymmetrical carrier rings that are clamped or adhered into the product package.

7A-7B illustrate an example of a product package that includes an integral outwardly extending carrier ring.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a jacket for column loads.

Figure 9 shows an example of a product package including an outer wrap and an applied threaded nut closure. The product packaging supports column loads by using bearing ring supports.

10A-10B illustrate an example of a product package including a crown finish closure. The product packaging supports column loads by using bearing ring supports.

Figure 11 shows an example of a shaped container.

12-14 illustrate one example of a method of isolating column loads and mitigating deformation of shaped containers during filling and or closure application.

Figure 15 shows an example of a method of forming a carrier ring in a product package, isolating post loads and mitigating deformation of a formed container during filling and closure application; and

Figure 16 shows several examples of an exemplary embodiment of a method of isolating column loads and mitigating deformation of shaped containers during filling and application of closures.

The detailed description explains the preferred embodiment of the invention, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings.

Detailed ways

A． Formed Metal Containers

Shaped metal containers are used in the present invention. Details of such shaped metal containers can be found in a co-pending patent application entitled "Shaped Metal Containers", inventor John E. Adams et al., which was filed concurrently with this application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Looking now at the drawings in more detail, it will be seen in FIG. 1 which shows one example of a method and system for isolating column loads and mitigating deformation of shaped containers during filling and or closure application. In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of shaped containers 102A-C including outer jackets 106A-C may be formed from a plurality of cylindrical tubes and transported by a carrier 304 . The carrier ring may then be formed or attached to the forming container 102A-C. Carrier ring supports 302A-B may be used to support shaped containers during filling and or application of closure 202 . In this regard, during filling of the shaped container 102 and or when the closure 202 is applied, column loads may be isolated between the carrier ring and the open end of the shaped container 102C.

For purposes of this disclosure, a column load, also known as an axial load, is defined as a load or force along or parallel to a direction concentric with the main shaft. In this regard, the main axis is the axis that runs from the top open end of the shaped container 102 to the bottom sealed end. In an exemplary embodiment, such column loads generally occur when filling and or when a closure is applied to the shaped container 102 and when the shaped containers are stacked on top of each other, such as in forming a stacked product container, storage display , while the finished product is in storage, and or otherwise occur as may be required and or required in a particular embodiment.

Also, for the purposes of this disclosure, a cylindrical tube is defined as a space enclosed by a cylindrical surface. For example, a soda or container may be referred to as a cylindrical tube. Additionally, shaped container 102 may be referred to as a shaped metal container.

An advantage of isolating the column loads in the area between the carrier ring and the open ends of the shaped containers 102A-C is that the column loads are not applied to the area of the shaped container below the carrier ring. In this way, isolating the column load in the area between the carrier ring and the open end of the shaped vessel enables the ability to fabricate thinner walled shaped vessels from metal or other materials that might otherwise be exposed to high column loads deformed or broken. The economic advantage is that thinner walled containers require less material and are less expensive to manufacture. This is especially true for metal containers. The market and manufacturing advantage lies in the ease of shaping and forming of thinner-walled containers, which enables the possibility to be molded by several molding methods including blow molding, stamping, molding, rolling, hydroforming, air forming, stamping halves and or as special Other methods may be needed and or claimed in the examples to produce highly formed containers.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-C , an example of a product package, also known as a shaped container 102 or shaped metal container 102 , is shown that includes a column load bearing outer jacket 106 with a load bearing ring 108 . Figure 2A shows the shaped container 102 with the jacket 106 placed about the open end 124 of the container. FIG. 2B shows a thin-walled section 110 view of the shaped container 102 with the outer jacket 106 disposed below the bead 104 . For purposes of this disclosure, formed, polished, or other edge descriptions may be referred to as curls.

FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional view of the shaped container 102 with the outer jacket 106 disposed below the bead 104 . The bead 104 interlocks with the cover 106 to prevent the cover 106 from sliding around the container neck when applying or removing the threaded closure.

Referring to FIG. 2B , in an exemplary embodiment, outer jacket 106 may be made of polymer, metal, or glass and or other materials as may be desired and or required in a particular embodiment. Additionally, the outer cover 106 can be used with closures such as crown finish, thread finish, roll-in pilfer prevention (ROPP) style, plastic closure, snap-fit closure finish and or Other types and kinds may be required and or required in a particular embodiment. The crown finish may be metal, plastic and or other material as may be desired and or required. The plastic closures may be threaded, twist off, and or other types of closures as may be desired and or required in a particular embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the load ring length "Q" may be in the range of 1mm to 10mm, with a preferred length being less than 5mm.

Referring to FIG. 2C , in an exemplary embodiment, outer jacket 106 may be made of polymer, metal, or glass and or other materials as may be desired and or required in a particular embodiment. Additionally, the outer cover 106 can be used with closures such as crown finish, thread finish, roll-in pilfer prevention (ROPP) style, plastic closures, snap-fit closure finishes, and or such as Other types and kinds may be required and or required in a particular embodiment. The crown finish may be metal, plastic and or other material as may be desired or required. The plastic closures may be threaded, twist off, and or other types of closures as may be desired and or required in a particular embodiment. A step at the top of the wrapper allows the container material to be rolled over the upper edge of the wrapper, gripping the wrapper and helping to hold the wrapper in place, preventing , the coat spins and slides.

Referring to Figures 3A-3B, there is shown an example of a product package, also referred to as a shaped container 102, which includes an outer jacket 106 to withstand column loads. Outer shell 106 further includes optional threads 122 for engaging and securing removable closure 202 (closure 202 not shown in this figure). In an exemplary embodiment, the optional thread may be a plurality of threads helically attached to the outer surface of the outer casing to engage and secure the individual container closure to the shaped metal container body. The container 102 further includes a bead 104 . Figure 3A shows a shaped container 102 with an outer jacket 106 placed about the open end of the container. FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of the shaped container 102 with the outer jacket 106 disposed below the bead 104 .

FIG. 3B also shows how the thin-walled section 110 of the shaped container 102 can become a bead or other shaped edge 104 on top of the open end 104 of the container 102 . In this regard, the bead 104 secures the outer garment 106 from slipping off the open end 124 of the shaped container 102 and provides a smooth edge for a good consumer experience when pouring and drinking from the shaped container 102 .

Referring to Figures 4A-4B, an example of a product package, also referred to as a shaped container 102, is shown that includes an integral thread and an integral carrier ring. Referring to FIG. 4A , in an exemplary embodiment, the threads 122 , bead 104 and carrier ring 114 may be integrally formed with the container 102 . An advantage of this embodiment is that there is no additional jacket or separate carrier ring, such as carrier rings 114A-114B shown in Figures 6A-6B. This can result in faster manufacturing line speeds, fewer complex components, and lower cost containers 102 . Closures are such as crown finish type, thread finish type, roll in anti-theft (ROPP) type, plastic closure, snap fit closure finish and or other types as may be required and or required in a particular embodiment and types of closures. The crown finish may be metal, plastic and or other material as may be desired and or required. The plastic closures may be threaded, twist off, and or other types of closures as may be desired and or required in a particular embodiment.

FIG. 4B also shows how the thin-walled section 110 of the shaped container 102 can become a bead 104 or other shaped edge 104 on top of the open end 124 of the container 102 . The threads 122 and the carrier ring 114 are integral with the vessel wall 110 so that no outer covering is required in this embodiment.

Referring to Figures 5A-5B, there is shown an example of a product package, also known as a shaped container 102, which includes an integral carrier ring 120 extending inwardly. FIG. 5B shows a cross-sectional view of the open end 124 of the shaped container 102 showing the sidewall 110 , the formed rim 104 and the formed carrier ring 120 . In an exemplary embodiment, a carrier ring 102 may be formed within a sidewall of the forming container 102 . An advantage of the present invention is that by forming the carrier ring within the side wall of the shaped container no separate carrier ring or jacket is required.

Referring to Figure 5A, in an exemplary embodiment, the length "B" of the outer shell 106 may be in the range of 5mm to 30mm, with a preferred length being less than 20mm. The opening length "H" may be in the range of 13mm to 50mm. The bead length "I" may be in the range of 0.25mm to 5mm, with a preferred length being less than 3mm. The opening diameter "K" may range from 10mm to 47mm, with a preferred diameter being less than 32mm. The load ring length "J" may range from 1mm to 8mm, with a preferred length being less than 5mm.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6D , one embodiment of a product package, also referred to as a shaped container 102 , is shown that includes a symmetrical 114B or asymmetrical 114A carrier ring clamped or adhered to the product package 102 . 6A-6B illustrate the shaped container 102 with the outer jacket 106 placed about the open end of the container. Figure 6A shows an asymmetrical carrier ring 114A having a shaped outer peripheral edge rather than the continuous circular peripheral outer edge of carrier ring 114B as shown in Figure 6B. The inner perimeter is sized to fit around the open end of the shaped container 102 . In an exemplary embodiment, the shaped outer edge may be any shape as may be desired and or required in a particular embodiment.

Figure 6B shows a symmetrical carrier ring 114B. Symmetrical means that the outer peripheral edge of the carrier ring 114B is a continuous circular shape. The inner perimeter is sized to fit around the open end of the shaped container 102 .

FIG. 6C shows shaped container 102 with carrier ring 114 clamped or adhered between shaped upper edge 118A and shaped lower edge 118B, the upper and lower edges being positioned proximate bead 104 . The upper edge 118A and the lower edge 188B are integral with the tapered body of the shaped metal container body.

Figure 6D shows the shaped container 102 with the carrier ring 114 clamped or glued between the lower rail integrally formed in the tapered body portion of the container 102 and the formed integral upper edge 118B against which the carrier ring 114 rests. On top of the integral lower rail, an integral upper edge 118B is formed to clamp or adhere the carrier ring 114 in place between the formed lower rail and the upper edge 118 . The upper edge 118A and lower rail are integral with the tapered body of the shaped metal container body. For purposes of this disclosure, the lower rail may be referred to as the lower edge.

Referring to Figures 6C-6D, in an exemplary embodiment, the length "B" of the open end may be in the range of 5mm to 30mm, with a preferred length being less than 20mm. The opening length "H" may be in the range of 13mm to 50mm. The bead length "I" may be in the range 0.25mm to 5mm, with a preferred length being less than 3mm. The opening diameter "K" may range from 10mm to 47mm, with a preferred diameter being less than 32mm. The carrier ring is clamped or glued between the lower edge and the upper edge, the combined length "J" of the lower edge, upper edge and carrier ring may be in the range of 1mm to 8mm, preferably less than 5mm in length.

Referring to Figures 7A-7B, there is shown an example of a product package, also referred to as a shaped container 102, which includes an integral outwardly extending carrier ring. FIG. 7A shows the forming container 102 including an integral outwardly extending carrier ring 120 . 7B shows a cross-sectional view of the open end 124 of the shaped container 102 showing the sidewall 110 , the formed rim 104 and the formed carrier ring 120 . In an exemplary embodiment, the carrier ring 120 may be integrally formed within the sidewall of the shaped container 102 .

Referring to Figure 8, an example of a column load bearing jacket 106 is shown. In an exemplary embodiment, an outer jacket 106 is disposed about the open end of the shaped container 102, with optional threads 122 for engaging and securing a removable closure 202 (closure 202 not shown in this figure), and are designed to be provided with a load ring or ring edge to support column loads during application of the closure to the open end of the shaped container. The optional thread may be a plurality of threads helically attached to the outer surface of the outer casing to engage and secure a separate container closure to the shaped body. Such an outer jacket may be made of plastic, metal, or other material as may be desired and required in a particular embodiment.

For purposes of this disclosure, a column load, also known as an axial load, is defined as a load or force along or parallel to a direction concentric with the main shaft. In this regard, the main axis is the axis that runs from the top open end of the shaped container 102 to the bottom sealed end. In the exemplary embodiment, such column loads generally occur when filling and or applying closures to shaped containers 102 and when shaped containers are stacked on top of each other, such as when forming containers for stacking products, storage displays , storage of finished products, and or in other situations as may be required and or required by a particular embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9 , an example of a product package, also referred to as a shaped container 102 , including the application of an outer casing 106 and a threaded nut closure 202 is shown. The product package 102 supports column loads through the use of load bearing ring supports 302 . In an exemplary embodiment, the carrier ring support 302 may be associated with a system for transporting the shaped container 102 to a closure application location or station. The closure system can apply the closure 202 and generate a column load ranging from 600 pounds (lbs) to 800 pounds (lbs) for crown type closures and 300 pounds for ROPP type closures In the range of 500 lbs, 30 lbs to 80 lbs for plastic threaded or twist off closures, the column load generally varies depending on the type or kind of closure used.

Referring to FIGS. 10A-10B , an example of a product package, also referred to as a shaped container 102 , including a crown termination closure 202 is shown. FIG. 10A shows a shaped container 102 including a bead 104 supported by a carrier ring support 302 . FIG. 10B shows a cross-section of a carrier support 302 shaped to mate with a shaped container 102 including a carrier ring 120 .

Referring to FIG. 11 , an example of a shaped container 102 is shown. The shaped container 102 may be characterized by the spatial proportions of certain preferred embodiments. Such shaped containers 102 may also utilize straight walls, as may be desired and or required in a particular embodiment. In this regard, the length "B" of the outer shell 106 may be in the range of 5mm to 30mm, with a preferred length being less than 20mm. The opening length "H" may be in the range of 13mm to 50mm. The bead length "T" may range from 0.25mm to 5mm, with a preferred length being less than 3mm. The opening diameter "K" may be in the range of 10mm to 47mm, with a preferred diameter being less than 27mm.

In various exemplary embodiments, the size of the shaped container may vary to accommodate large, medium, and small shaped containers, as may be required and or required in a particular embodiment. By way of example and not limitation, the spatial appearance of such a typical 500 milliliter (ml) container may be as described below. The length "A" of the shaped container 120 may be in the range of 230 mm to 280 mm, with a preferred length in the range of 251 mm. The smallest diameter "L" of the tapered body may be in the range of 20mm to 30mm, with a preferred diameter in the range of 25mm. The maximum diameter "M" of the intermediate body may be in the range of 50mm to 80mm, with a preferred diameter in the range of 68mm. The minimum diameter "N" of the lower body may be in the range of 45mm to 70mm, with a preferred diameter in the range of 59mm. The maximum diameter "O" of the base may be in the range of 50mm to 70mm, with a preferred diameter in the range of 69mm. The length "C" of the tapered body may be in the range of 80mm to 100mm, with a preferred length in the range of 80mm. The intermediate body length "D" may be in the range of 20mm to 50mm, with a preferred length in the range of 30mm. The length "E" of the lower body may be in the range of 100mm to 120mm, with a preferred length being in the range of 106mm. The base length "F" may range from 18mm to 30mm, with a preferred length in the range of 22mm. The length "G" of the shaped container 102 may range from 50mm to 75mm, with a preferred length being less than 69mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the forming container 102 is made of metal, which may have a thickness in the range of 0.0030 inches to 0.0250 inches.

B． Method of making shaped metal containers

Referring to Figure 12, one example of a method of isolating post loads and mitigating deformation of the shaped container 102 during closure 202 application is shown. In an exemplary embodiment, a cylindrical tube of metal or other material may be molded or formed into shaped container 102 . A carrier ring may then be formed within the forming vessel 102 proximate the open end of the forming vessel 102 . The contoured container 102 may then be supported by the load ring to isolate column loads associated with application of the closure 202 in the area between the open end and the load ring. In this regard, isolating the column load at the open end of the shaped container 102 minimizes deformation of the shaped container 102 caused by the column load generated during application of the closure 202 . The shaped container 102 can then be sealed by application of a closure. The method begins in block 1002 .

In block 1002 , a cylindrical tube is formed or shaped into a shaped container 102 . In an exemplary embodiment, the cylindrical tube may be formed by injection molding, deep drawing, drawing and thinning (D&I), drawing or redrawing (DRD) sheet metal, punching metal blocks and or as possible in particular embodiments Other method forms as needed and requested. Cylindrical tubes can be produced by: blow molding, stamping, molding or back molding, die forming, trimming, shaping, hydroforming, air forming, rolling, necking or contouring, stamping The halves are formed within the forming container 102 by one or more methods, and or by other methods as may be required and required in a particular embodiment.

In contrast to forming polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers, where the carrier ring can be part of the injection molded preform and thus occurs before the molding step, the method of the present invention can either be formed as a separate step after container formation The carrier ring, in turn, may form the carrier ring during formation of the container. This is considered to be an advantage of the invention, and this is due in part to the fact that there are no preforms, and usually the raw material is sheet or block of metal, and because such molding or forming of the container requires the ability to add and or form carried out before the ring.

For the purposes of this disclosure, embossing is defined as a decoration, such as a marking having a relief on a surface. Back embossing is defined as a decoration, such as a marking having an indentation on a surface. Such surfaces in the present invention may be the surfaces of the shaped container 102, the closure 202, and or other surfaces as may be required and required in a particular embodiment.

While advantageously the container 102 can result in a fixed style shaped container, the trade off would be a very thin walled container that can no longer support the column loads that occur when the closure is applied to the container. In other embodiments, the cost of forming the container 102 may be proportional to the amount of material, such as aluminum or other material used to form the container. By way of example and not limitation, the more metal used to make a container, the more expensive the container will be. It is thus most desirable to minimize container cost by making the shaped container as thin-walled as possible to save material costs. In an exemplary embodiment, such a shaped container 102 made of metal or metal alloy may be shaped to have a wall thickness in the range of 0.0030 inches to 0.0250 inches.

In the exemplary embodiment, shaped container 102 has a sealed end and an open end. In this regard, the product may be placed into the shaped container 102 and sealed within the shaped container 102 by the closure 202 . The method continues in block 1004 .

A carrier ring is formed proximate the open end of the forming container 102 in block 1004 . In this regard, the carrier ring may be used to support the shaped container during filling and or application of the closure 202 . Application of such a closure 202 can result in column loads typically ranging from 30 lbs to 800 lbs, depending on the type, type and manner of application of the closure. In this regard, such column loads may be sufficient to deform and or shatter a thin-walled shaped container 102 without a carrier ring supporting the shaped container 102 .

In an exemplary embodiment, a carrier ring may be formed in the wall of the forming container and formed as illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7B and or by other methods as may be required and required in a particular embodiment. The method then continues at block 1006.

In block 1006, by supporting the shaped container with the carrier ring support 302, the column load is isolated between the carrier ring and the open end of the container. Thus, as a result of the shaped container 102 being supported by the carrier ring support 302, the shaped container below the carrier ring does not receive sufficient column load to cause deformation or shattering of the thin walled body portion of the shaped container 102 during application of the closure 302. . The method continues in block 1008 .

In block 1008 , the shaped container 102 is sealed by the closure 202 . In an exemplary embodiment, by way of example and not limitation, the shaped container may be filled with product, such as fresh Coca-Cola Company product, before the shaped container is sealed. During sealing of such shaped container 102, depending on the type of closure, such as threaded closures, crown-type finishers, metal or plastic closures, and or other types and types of closures as may be required and required in a particular embodiment. Column loads can generally range from 30 lbs to 800 lbs, depending on the type, type, and manner of application of the closure.

An advantage of the present invention is that by using a carrier ring, much higher column loads can be used when applying the closure to the shaped container 102 . In this respect, those types and types of closures 202 that are not currently used to seal containers due to the high column loads that damage the container can be used in the present invention, in part because of the fact that column loads can pass through the carrier ring support. 302 is isolated between the carrier ring and the open end of the forming container 102 . Then the method ends.

Referring to Figure 13, one example of a method of isolating post loads and mitigating deformation of the shaped container 102 during closure 202 application is shown. In an exemplary embodiment, a cylindrical tube of metal or other material may be molded into shaped container 102 . A jacket may be applied around the open end of the forming container 102 . The jacket includes a carrier ring. The contoured container 102 is then supported by the load ring to isolate the column load associated with the application of the closure 202 to the area between the open end and the load ring. In this regard, isolating the column load to the open end of the container 102 minimizes deformation of the shaped container 102 caused by the column load during application of the closure 202 . The shaped container 102 can thus be sealed by applying the closure 202 . The method begins in block 2002 .

In block 2002, a shaped container is formed by the method detailed in block 1002 or other methods as may be required and required in a particular embodiment. The method continues in block 2004 .

In block 2004 , a jacket is applied around the open end of the forming container 102 . The jacket includes a carrier ring. Such carrier loops may be formed in the outer jacket as protruding ledges, such as ledges 108 illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B or otherwise as may be desired and or required in particular embodiments. In another exemplary embodiment, the load-bearing ring edge may be exposed, such as load-bearing ring 114 as illustrated in FIG. 3B or other load-bearing ring edge as may be desired and required in a particular embodiment. The method continues in block 2006 .

In block 2006, the column load is isolated between the carrier ring and the open end of the forming vessel 102 by the method detailed in block 1006 or by other methods as may be desired and or required in a particular embodiment. The method continues in block 2008 .

In block 2008, the shaped container 102 may be sealed by the closure 202 as detailed in block 1008 or in other ways as may be required and or required in a particular embodiment. Then the method ends.

Referring to Figure 14, one example of a method of isolating post loads and mitigating deformation of the shaped container 102 during closure 202 application is shown. In an exemplary embodiment, a cylindrical tube of metal or other material may be molded into shaped container 102 . The carrier ring may be affixed to the forming container 102 and clamped or glued to the forming container 102 to secure the carrier ring near the open end of the forming container 102 . The contoured container 102 is then supported by the load ring to isolate the column load associated with application of the closure 202 in the area between the open end and the load ring. In this regard, isolating the column load at the open end of the shaped container 102 minimizes deformation of the shaped container 102 caused by the closure 202 during application. The shaped container 102 may then be sealed by application of the closure 202 . The method begins in block 3002 .

At block 3002, a shaped container is formed using the method detailed in block 1002 or other methods as may be desired or required in a particular embodiment. The method continues in block 3004.

In block 3004 , the carrier ring may be clamped or glued to the forming container 102 to create and or secure the carrier ring around the neck region proximate the open end of the forming container 102 . Such a carrier ring may be partially formed in the material of the shaped container 102 and or be affixed to container fitting add-on material, such as a separate carrier ring, and or other materials as may be required and required in a particular embodiment. The method continues in block 3006.

At block 3006, the column load is isolated between the carrier ring and the open end of the forming vessel 102 by the method detailed in block 1006 or by other methods as may be desired and or required in a particular embodiment. The method continues in block 3008.

In block 3008, the shaped container 102 may be sealed with the closure 202 by the method detailed in block 1008 or by other methods as may be required and or required in a particular embodiment. Then the method ends.

Referring to Figure 15, an example of a method of forming a carrier ring in a product package that isolates post loads and mitigates deformation of the shaped container during closure application is shown. In an exemplary embodiment, a cylindrical tube of metal or other material may form shaped container 102 . A lower edge 118B may be formed in the sidewall of the shaped container 102 proximate the open end of the container. A carrier ring may be affixed to the forming container 102 . The carrier rings 114, 114A-B may be asymmetrical 114A or symmetrical 114B, as illustrated in Figures 6A-6C. An upper edge 118A is then formed in the container wall over the lower edge and the carrier ring to be secured by clamping or gluing the carrier ring in place. The contoured container 102 is then supported by the carrier ring to isolate the column load associated with application of the closure 202 between the open end and the carrier ring. In this regard, isolating the column load at the open end of the shaped container 102 minimizes deformation of the shaped container 102 caused by the column load during closure 202 application. The shaped container 102 may then be sealed by application of the closure 202 . The method starts in block 4002.

At block 4002, a shaped container is formed using the method detailed in block 1002 or otherwise as may be required and or required in a particular embodiment. The method continues in block 4004.

In block 4004 , a lower edge may be formed on the sidewall of the shaped container 102 . Such a lower edge may be formed by necking, blow molding, stamping, stamping, rolling, hydroforming, air forming, stamping the half, or other forming type operations as may be desired and or required in a particular embodiment. The method continues in block 4006.

In block 4006 , the carrier ring 114 is placed around the open end of the forming container 102 . The carrier ring rests on the lower edge which prevents the carrier ring from slipping off the neck of the profiled container. The method continues in block 4008.

In block 4008, an upper edge is formed on the sidewall of the forming container 102, above the lower edge and the carrier ring. The method continues in block 4010.

In block 4010 , the carrier ring is clamped or glued between the lower and upper edges, near the open end of the forming container 102 . In an exemplary embodiment, the column load is isolated between the carrier ring and the open end of the forming vessel 102 by the method detailed in block 1006 or by other methods as may be desired and or required in a particular embodiment. 6A-6D illustrate the clamping or sticking locations between the carrier rings 114, 114A-B and the upper and lower edges 118A, 118B. Then the method ends.

Referring to FIG. 16 , an example of an exemplary embodiment of a method of isolating post loads and mitigating deformation of a shaped container during closure application is shown. Such exemplary embodiments may optionally be used with the methods of the present invention.

At block 5002 , a jacket may be applied around the open end of the forming container 102 . Such application may be by press fit, adhesive bonding, roll forming, and or by other methods as may be desired and or required in a particular embodiment.

At block 5004, the shaped container may be filled with product. In an exemplary embodiment, such products may be filled through the open end of the shaped container 102 . Such products may include food, beverages and or other products as may be desired and or required in a particular embodiment.

At block 5006, the cylindrical tube may be heated prior to or during the molding step to enhance processability of the container material. In an exemplary embodiment, the metal cylindrical tube may be heated prior to or during molding to soften the metal. Additionally, such molding methods may include blow molding, stamping, stamping, rolling, hydroforming, air forming, stamping halves, and or other types and kinds of molding as may be desired and or required in a particular embodiment.

In block 5008, the shaped container may be decorated. Such embellishments may be brand name indicia, product indicia, nutritional content indicia, and or other indicia and or embellishments as may be desired and or required in a particular embodiment. In exemplary embodiments, such indicia and or decoration may be applied by printing, screening, ink jetting, using pre-printed labels, and or otherwise as may be desired and or required in a particular embodiment.

At block 5010, a cylindrical tube is formed from a sheet or block of metal. In exemplary embodiments, sheet metal may be formed by deep drawing, drawing and thinning (D&I), stamped metal blocks, and or by other types and kinds of methods as may be required and or required in a particular embodiment .

In block 5012, the formed shaped vessel 102 may be heat treated to strengthen the vessel wall or modify the metal for future forming operations. In exemplary embodiments, such heating methods may include annealing, tempering, recrystallization, and or other methods as may be desired and or required in a particular embodiment.

In block 5014, the shaped container may be trimmed. In an exemplary embodiment, the open end of the shaped container may be trimmed to produce a uniform flat open end edge. By way of example and not limitation, trimming the open end edge may be performed prior to rolling the edge, as shown in Figures 2A-2C, 3A-B, 4A-4B, 5A-5B, 6C-6D and 7A-7B It is shown as bead 104 .

In block 5016, the interior of the shaped container may be provided with a coating to prevent the contents of the container, such as food, beverage, or other packaging contents as may be desired and or required in a particular embodiment, from contacting the metal side walls of the container. In this regard, such metal containers can leach into the package contents and or the package contents can adversely affect the metal forming the container. In exemplary embodiments, coatings such as epoxies, plexiglass, polyester, multi-layer, and other polymers may be used to ensure separation of the metal container surface from the container contents, such as food or beverage. Such a coating may be applied to the sheet metal prior to forming the cylindrical tube, to the cylindrical tube prior to forming the cylindrical tube into a shaped vessel, and or after forming the shaped vessel as may be desired and or required in a particular embodiment. Then applied to the shaped container.

In block 5018, the forming container may be cleaned to remove any process films, oil, dirt and or debris, impurities, sterilization and or for other purposes as may be desired or required in a particular embodiment.

At block 5020, a final shape may be provided after performing the initial shaping process. In this regard, after the container has been initially formed, other non-forming steps such as decoration, trimming, cleaning and other non-forming steps may be performed as may be required and or required in a particular embodiment. Additional shaping steps may be performed after this non-shaping step.

The capabilities of the present invention may be implemented in software, firmware, hardware or some combination thereof.

As an example, one or more aspects of the invention may be included in an article of manufacture having, for example, computer usable media. For example, the medium therein embodies computer readable program code for providing and facilitating the capabilities of the present invention. An article of manufacture may be included as part of a computer system or sold separately.

Additionally, at least one program storage device readable by a machine tangibly embodying at least one program of instructions executable by the machine to carry out the capabilities of the present invention may be provided.

The flowcharts depicted here are examples only. There may be many changes to these block diagrams or the steps (or operations) described therein without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, steps may be performed in a different order, or steps may be added, deleted or modified. All of these variations are considered a part of the claimed invention.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described, it is to be understood that various modifications and improvements may now and in the future be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the following claims. These claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the invention described above.

Claims (9)

1. insulated column load and alleviate the method for distortion of shaped metal containers, the method comprises:

By cylindrical metal tube forming shaped can, shaped metal containers comprises sealed end, open end, and thin sidewalls;

Integral screw threads is formed at the open end near shaped metal containers;

Form one carrier bar at the integral screw threads near shaped metal containers, this one carrier bar is formed in the thin sidewalls of shaped metal containers after shaped metal containers is formed;

By supporting shaped metal containers by described carrier bar, column load is isolated between open end and described carrier bar; With

Use closure seals shaped metal containers, the distortion that the shaped metal containers wherein during the applying of closure member between sealed end and described carrier bar is caused by column load is minimized.

2. method according to claim 1, comprises further and shaped metal containers is filled product.

3. method according to claim 1, is included in further between Formation period and heats cylindrical metal tube to strengthen processibility.

4. method according to claim 1, comprises decorated formed can further.

5. method according to claim 1, comprises further and forms cylindrical metal tube with metal sheet or derby.

6. method according to claim 1, the surface being included in shaped metal containers further forms groove.

7. method according to claim 1, the surperficial mold pressing or the reverse that are included in shaped metal containers further extrude mark.

8. method according to claim 1, wherein cylindrical metal tube forming shaped can comprises the step of blowing, pressure punching, punching press halfbody, drawing-die necking down, hydraulic forming or gas pressure compacting.

9. method according to claim 1, wherein closure member is selected from the group be made up of crown finish rolling part, screw thread finish rolling part, the closed finish rolling part of fastening or rolling laminated thief-proof finish rolling part.