Container closure with shifted material line and tooling and associated method for making a closure

A container closure includes a generally planar body having a product side and a customer side. The body includes a container opening. The container opening includes a shifted material line.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The disclosed and claimed concept relates to metal container closures and, more particularly to container closures including a shifted material line.

Background Information

Metal container closures, or can ends, are constructs structured to close a substantially enclosed space defined by a container body. In one embodiment, the container is a beverage container that includes a beverage can body and a beverage can container closure (or beverage can end). That is, the container body is a beverage can body, such as but not limited to, a can body for carbonated beverages, hereinafter, and as used herein, a beverage can body. The beverage can body includes a bottom, or base, with an upwardly depending sidewall. The base and sidewall define a substantially enclosed space. After the beverage can body is filled with a liquid, a beverage can end, which is a container closure, is coupled to the beverage can body. The can end includes a container opening. That is, the can end includes an end panel and a tear panel. The end panel comprises the bulk of the can end and is generally planar. The tear panel defines the container opening. That is, the tear panel is a small portion of the end panel defined by a score line. The score line weakens the material of the end panel. As is known, a lift tab is coupled to the end panel adjacent the tear panel. When the lift tab is actuated, i.e., lifted, a portion of the lift tab engages the tear panel and causes the tear panel to move relative to the end panel. As the tear panel moves relative to the end panel, the tear panel and the end panel separate at the score line. As is known, the score line does not extend entirely about the tear panel. In this configuration, there is a connection tab that links the tear panel to the end panel. Thus, the tear panel does not fall into the beverage can body, but rather flexes toward the beverage can body so that a consumer may drink the liquid via the container opening.

In another embodiment, the container is a food container that includes a food can body and a food can container closure (or food can end). That is, a container body is a food can body, such as but not limited to, a can body for sardines, hereinafter, and as used herein, a food can body. The food can body also includes a bottom, or base, with an upwardly depending sidewall. The base and sidewall define a substantially enclosed space. After the food can body is filled with a food, and in this instance, sardines, a food can end is coupled to the food can body. As before, in this embodiment, the food can end includes an end panel and a tear panel, wherein the tear panel is defined by a score line. In this embodiment, however, the end panel is substantially the perimeter portion of the food can end and the tear panel is a large central portion. A pull tab is coupled to the tear panel adjacent the score line. As is known, the pull tab is lifted to create an initial break at the score line, then pulled to separate the tear panel from the end panel.

In another embodiment, the container is a glass jar. That glass jar includes a base and an upwardly depending sidewall. The distal portion of the side wall includes external threads. In this embodiment, the container closure is a twist lug, or, as used herein, a “lid.” That is, a “lid” means a closure structured to be removably coupled to a jar and which includes a generally planar top and a depending sidewall with internal threads. As is known, food stored in glass jars typically requires some process retort (heating/cooling) to sterilize/cook the contents. In the process, the product is exposed to a vacuum during the cooling process. This vacuum exposes the underside of the lid closure to a negative pressure, which makes the closure difficult to open/twist off the jar. One solution to this problem is to provide a push button on the lid. That is, a push button is a type of tear panel that is raised for access. As with the can ends described above, the lid defines an end panel and a tear panel. The tear panel includes a raised portion that is the push button. Further, an arcuate score line defines the tear panel. When a user opens the jar, the user engages the button causing the tear panel to tear at the score line allowing atmosphere to enter the enclosed space thus making removal of the lid easier.

In each of the container closures described above, the tear panel, and therefore the container opening, is defined by a score line. The score line is formed by a blade engaging a blank. The blade thins the metal at the score line. That is, in a tooling assembly, an upper tooling includes a blade and a lower tooling includes an anvil opposite the blade. A metal blank is disposed between the upper tooling and the lower tooling. When the upper tooling and the lower tooling are brought together, the blade engages the upper surface of the blank and deforms the metal. That is, the metal under the blade flows to either side of the blade thereby creating a thin portion which is the score line.

Forming a score line has disadvantages. For example, the thickness of the container closure is not consistent in the area of the score line; this variable thickness changes the characteristics of the metal when exposed to pressure which must be accounted for when designing the closure. Further, during forming, the metal that flows away from the score line can and the flowing metal may cause undesirable changes in the geometry of the container closure. Further, a container closure with a tear panel formed by a score line is difficult for some people, such as, but not limited to, children and the elderly, to open. That is, the score line does not weaken the metal enough to allow some people to easily open the container. Further, it is noted that the disadvantages noted herein are related to metal container closures.

Each of these disadvantages is a problem with container closures. There is, therefore, a need for an improved container closer that addresses these problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed and claimed concept provides for a container closure including a generally planar body having a product side and a customer side. The body includes a container opening. The container opening includes a shifted material line.

As used herein, a “shifted material line” means a line defined by a first portion of material on one side of the line that is, or at one time was, in a first plane, and, a second portion of material on the other side of the line that was in the first plane but is now in a second plane, or, wherein the second portion has been moved from the first plane and has been returned to the first plane. Further, to be a “shifted material line” the line has a width that is one of a “wide line,” a “medium line” or a “narrow line.” On a container closure, the width of a line is measured from a location generally normal to the plane of the container closure and in the same plane as the line. Further, the “shifted material line” defines a tear panel that, eventually, forms an opening. That is, a recess or other portion of a planar body that is in a different plane from other portions of the planar body wherein the recessed portion is not a tear panel, and wherein the recessed portion does not become an opening, is not defined by a “shifted material line.” Further, to be a “shifted material line,” the “shifted material line” must be formed in metal. That is, a tear panel in a plastic, poly material, or similar material, cannot be formed by a “shifted material line.” It is understood that the formation of the shifted material line weakens the metal at the shifted material line thereby allowing a user to separate the tear panel from the end panel. A score line, by itself, is not a “shifted material line,” as used herein.

In one embodiment, the shifted material line includes a score line disposed across, on, or immediately adjacent, the line defined by the shifted planes. In this embodiment, and as used herein, the shifted material line is a “relief line.” That is, as used herein, a “relief line” means a line defined by a portion of material on one side of the line that is, or at one time was, in a first plane, and, another portion of material on the other side of the line that is, or at one time was, in a second plane and wherein a shifted material score line is disposed on, or immediately adjacent, the shifted material line.

In another embodiment, the shifted material line is a “shear line.” As used herein, a “shear line” means a line defined by a portion of material on one side of the line that is, or at one time was, in a first plane, and, another portion of material on the other side of the line that is, or at one time was, in a second plane and wherein the metal at the shifted material line is not separated. That is, the material at the shifted material line is stretched, or otherwise deformed, so as to allow the material on different sides of the shifted material line to be in different planes. Thus, as used herein, and in an embodiment, wherein the material on different sides of the shifted material line remain in different planes, the material at a “shear line” transitions from one plane to the other. Further, as used herein, a “hidden shear line” is a substantially shear line except that the material disposed on either side of the shifted material line is substantially in the same plane.

In another embodiment, the shifted material line is a “lance line.” As use herein, a “lance line” means a line defined by a portion of material on one side of the line that is, or at one time was, in a first plane, and, another portion of material on the other side of the line that is, or at one time was, in a second plane and wherein the metal at the shifted material line is separated. Thus, as used herein, and in an embodiment, wherein the material on different sides of the shifted material line remain in different planes, the material at a “lance line” is offset from one plane to the other.

In another embodiment, the shifted material line is a “mingled line.” As used herein, a “mingled line” means a line defined by any combination of a relief line, a shear line, a hidden shear line and/or a lance line.

The disadvantages/problems noted above relate to metal container closures. As such, and as used herein, a shifted material line, a relief line, a shear line, a hidden shear line, a lance line, or a mingled line, as well as, the end panel and tear panel disclosed below, as well as the sub-components thereof, are made of metal and/or metal alloys. The sealant, discussed below, can be made of a material other than a metal and/or metal alloy, however. Thus, as used herein, constructs that are not made of metal/metal alloys cannot be a shifted material line, a relief line, a shear line, a hidden shear line, a lance line, or a mingled line, nor the end panel and tear panel as well as the sub-components thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It will be appreciated that the specific elements illustrated in the figures herein and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept, which are provided as non-limiting examples solely for the purpose of illustration. Therefore, specific dimensions, orientations, assembly, number of components used, embodiment configurations and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting on the scope of the disclosed concept.

Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, clockwise, counterclockwise, left, right, top, bottom, upwards, downwards and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein.

As used herein, “structured to [verb]” means that the identified element or assembly has a structure that is shaped, sized, disposed, coupled and/or configured to perform the identified verb. For example, a member that is “structured to move” is movably coupled to another element and includes elements that cause the member to move or the member is otherwise configured to move in response to other elements or assemblies. As such, as used herein, “structured to [verb]” recites structure and not function. Further, as used herein, “structured to [verb]” means that the identified element or assembly is intended to, and is designed to, perform the identified verb. Thus, an element that is merely capable of performing the identified verb but which is not intended to, and is not designed to, perform the identified verb is not “structured to [verb].”

As used herein, “associated” means that the elements are part of the same assembly and/or operate together, or, act upon/with each other in some manner. For example, an automobile has four tires and four hub caps. While all the elements are coupled as part of the automobile, it is understood that each hubcap is “associated” with a specific tire.

As used herein, “at” means on and/or near.

As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are “coupled” shall mean that the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, so long as a link occurs. As used herein, “directly coupled” means that two elements are directly in contact with each other. As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. Accordingly, when two elements are coupled, all portions of those elements are coupled. A description, however, of a specific portion of a first element being coupled to a second element, e.g., an axle first end being coupled to a first wheel, means that the specific portion of the first element is disposed closer to the second element than the other portions thereof. Further, an object resting on another object held in place only by gravity is not “coupled” to the lower object unless the upper object is otherwise maintained substantially in place. That is, for example, a book on a table is not coupled thereto, but a book glued to a table is coupled thereto.

As used herein, a “fastener” is a separate component structured to couple two or more elements. Thus, for example, a bolt is a “fastener” but a tongue-and-groove coupling is not a “fastener.” That is, the tongue-and-groove elements are part of the elements being coupled and are not a separate component.

As used herein, the phrase “removably coupled” or “temporarily coupled” means that one component is coupled with another component in an essentially temporary manner. That is, the two components are coupled in such a way that the joining or separation of the components is easy and would not damage the components. For example, two components secured to each other with a limited number of readily accessible fasteners, i.e., fasteners that are not difficult to access, are “removably coupled” whereas two components that are welded together or joined by difficult to access fasteners are not “removably coupled.” A “difficult to access fastener” is one that requires the removal of one or more other components prior to accessing the fastener wherein the “other component” is not an access device such as, but not limited to, a door.

As used herein, “temporarily disposed” means that a first element(s) or assembly (ies) is coupled to a second element(s) or assembly(ies) in a manner that allows the first element/assembly to be moved without having to decouple or otherwise manipulate the first element. For example, a book simply resting on a table, i.e., the book is not glued or fastened to the table, is “temporarily disposed” on the table.

As used herein, “operatively coupled” means that a number of elements or assemblies, each of which is movable between a first position and a second position, or a first configuration and a second configuration, are coupled so that as the first element moves from one position/configuration to the other, the second element moves between positions/configurations as well. It is noted that a first element may be “operatively coupled” to another without the opposite being true.

As used herein, a “coupling assembly” includes two or more couplings or coupling components. The components of a coupling or coupling assembly are generally not part of the same element or other component. As such, the components of a “coupling assembly” may not be described at the same time in the following description.

As used herein, a “coupling” or “coupling component(s)” is one or more component(s) of a coupling assembly. That is, a coupling assembly includes at least two components that are structured to be coupled together. It is understood that the components of a coupling assembly are compatible with each other. For example, in a coupling assembly, if one coupling component is a snap socket, the other coupling component is a snap plug, or, if one coupling component is a bolt, then the other coupling component is a nut.

As used herein, “correspond” indicates that two structural components are sized and shaped to be similar to each other and may be coupled with a minimum amount of friction. Thus, an opening which “corresponds” to a member is sized slightly larger than the member so that the member may pass through the opening with a minimum amount of friction. This definition is modified if the two components are to fit “snugly” together. In that situation, the difference between the size of the components is even smaller whereby the amount of friction increases. If the element defining the opening and/or the component inserted into the opening is made from a deformable or compressible material, the opening may even be slightly smaller than the component being inserted into the opening. With regard to surfaces, shapes, and lines, two, or more, “corresponding” surfaces, shapes, or lines have generally the same size, shape, and contours.

As used herein, “curvilinear” means elements having multiple curved portions, combinations of curved portions and planar portions, and a plurality of planar portions or segments disposed at angles relative to each other thereby forming a curve. As used herein, “arcuate” means a curve that is substantially circular, i.e., part of a circle.

As used herein, a “planar body” or “planar member” is a generally thin element including opposed, wide, generally parallel surfaces, i.e., the planar surfaces of the planar member, as well as a thinner edge surface extending between the wide parallel surfaces. That is, as used herein, it is inherent that a “planar” element has two opposed planar surfaces. The perimeter, and therefore the edge surface, may include generally straight portions, e.g., as on a rectangular planar member, or be curved, as on a disk, or have any other shape.

As used herein, a “path of travel” or “path,” when used in association with an element that moves, includes the space an element moves through when in motion. As such, any element that moves inherently has a “path of travel” or “path.” When used in association with an electrical current, a “path” includes the elements through which the current travels.

As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components “engage” one another shall mean that the elements exert a force or bias against one another either directly or through one or more intermediate elements or components. Further, as used herein with regard to moving parts, a moving part may “engage” another element during the motion from one position to another and/or may “engage” another element once in the described position. Thus, it is understood that the statements, “when element A moves to element A first position, element A engages element B,” and “when element A is in element A first position, element A engages element B” are equivalent statements and mean that element A either engages element B while moving to element A first position and/or element A engages element B while in element A first position.

As used herein, “operatively engage” means “engage and move.” That is, “operatively engage” when used in relation to a first component that is structured to move a movable or rotatable second component means that the first component applies a force sufficient to cause the second component to move. For example, a screwdriver may be placed into contact with a screw. When no force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is merely “coupled” to the screw. If an axial force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is pressed against the screw and “engages” the screw. However, when a rotational force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver “operatively engages” the screw and causes the screw to rotate. Further, with electronic components, “operatively engage” means that one component controls another component by a control signal or current.

As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component that is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a “unitary” component or body.

As used herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality).

As used herein, for any adjacent ranges that share a limit, e.g., 0%-5% and 5%-10, or, 0.05 inch-0.10 inch and 0.001 inch-0.05 inch, the upper limit of the lower range, i.e., 5% and 0.05 inch in the examples above, means “less than” the identified limit. That is, in the example above, the range 0%-5% means 0%-4.999999%.

As employed herein, the terms “can” and “container” are used substantially interchangeably to refer to any known or suitable container, which is structured to contain a substance (e.g., without limitation, liquid; food; any other suitable substance), and expressly includes, but is not limited to, beverage cans, such as beer and beverage cans, as well as food cans. As used herein, in the phrase “[x] moves between its first position and second position,” or, “[y] is structured to move [x] between its first position and second position,” “[x]” is the name of an element or assembly. Further, when [x] is an element or assembly that moves between a number of positions, the pronoun “its” means “[x],” i.e., the named element or assembly that precedes the pronoun “its.”

As used herein, “about” in a phrase such as “disposed about [an element, point or axis]” or “extend about [an element, point or axis]” or “[X] degrees about an [an element, point or axis],” means encircle, extend around, or measured around. When used in reference to a measurement or in a similar manner, “about” means “approximately,” i.e., in an approximate range relevant to the measurement as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, “generally” means “in a general manner” relevant to the term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, “substantially” means “for the most part” relevant to the term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, a “flattened” button is a construct that, when viewed in cross-section, includes a sidewall with a tall end relative to a base plane and a short end relative to a base line and a generally planar top wall extending between the sidewall tall end and the sidewall short end. Further, a “flattened” button sidewall at the tall end extends at an angle to the base plane. Further, as used herein, a “cylindrical flattened” button is a “flattened” button that, when viewed from a position normal to the cross-section has a generally circular perimeter.

As used herein, an “angled” button is a construct that, when viewed in cross-section, includes a sidewall with a tall end relative to a base plane and a short end relative to a base line and a generally planar top wall extending between the sidewall tall end and the sidewall short end. Further, an “angled” button sidewall at the tall end extends generally normal to the base plane. Further, as used herein, a “cylindrical angled” button is an “angled” button that, when viewed from a position normal to the cross-section has a generally circular perimeter.

As used herein, an angled button with a “limited height” is an angled button wherein the height of the tall end is between about 0.060 and 0.080 relative to the surface from which it extends. Further, as used herein, an angled button with a “very limited height” is an angled button wherein the height of the tall end is about 0.070 relative to the surface from which it extends. Further, as used herein, a “limited height” and a “very limited height” are related to an angled button; that is, a dome-like button cannot have a “limited height” or a “very limited height” as defined herein.

As used herein, “forming a bubble” means forming a dome in a generally planar construct. That is, after “forming a bubble,” the resulting construct is identified alternatively as a “bubble” or a “dome.”

As used herein, a bubble or dome has both a “dome radius” and a “base radius.” A “dome radius” is the radius of the arc that defines the protrusion of the dome from a generally planar surface, i.e., the radius that defines the dome height. The dome “base radius” is the radius of curvature between the button sidewall and the surface from which the bubble or dome extends. The “base radius” is measured at the bottom of the dome, i.e., where the cross-sectional area is the greatest.

As used herein, a cylindrical angled button has a “top radius” and “base radius” wherein both are the radius of the cylindrical angled button when viewed normal to the plane of the generally planar surface from which the cylindrical angled button protrudes. The “top radius” is the radius of the cylindrical angled button at the top thereof, and the “base radius” is the radius of the cylindrical angled button at the bottom thereof. It is understood that the cylindrical angled button top wall may not be a perfect circle and the “radius” is the measurement that approximates a “radius” as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The “radius” is measured at the bottom of the cylindrical angled button, i.e., where the cross-sectional area is the greatest.

As used herein, a cylindrical angled button with a “sharp top radius” means that the radius of curvature between the button sidewall and the button top side, is between about 0.020 and 0.060 inch. Further, a “very sharp top radius” means that the radius of curvature between the button sidewall and the button top side is about 0.040 inch.

As used herein, a cylindrical angled button with a “sharp base radius” means that the radius curvature between the button sidewall and the surface from which it extends, is between about 0.005 inch and 0.020 inch. Further, a “very sharp base radius” means that the radius of curvature between the button sidewall and the surface from which the button extends is about 0.008 inch.

As used herein, a “limited distance,” when that term is used relative to the distance between a cylindrical angled button radius and a score, means a distance between about 0.0 inch (coincident or overlapping) and 0.008 inch. As used herein, a “very limited distance,” when that term is used relative to the distance between a cylindrical angled button radius and a score means a distance of about 0.0 inch.

As used herein, a “limited spacing,” when that term is used relative to the distance between a main score and an anti-fracture score, means a distance between about 0.030 inch and 0.050 inch. As used herein, a “very limited spacing,” when that term is used relative to the distance between a main score and an anti-fracture score, means a distance about 0.040 inch.

As used herein, a “limited arc,” when that term is used relative to the distance between a cylindrical angled button radius and a score, means an arc of between about 20 and 200 degrees. As used herein, a “substantially limited arc,” when that term is used relative to the distance between a cylindrical angled button radius and a score, means an arc of between about 30 and 180 degrees. As used herein, a “very limited arc,” when that term is used relative to the distance between a cylindrical angled button radius and a score, means an arc of about 80 degrees.

As used herein, a “second bubble” is a bubble (or dome) formed from a prior bubble (or dome). As such, a bubble (or dome) formed from a generally planar material cannot be a “second bubble.” Further, as used herein, a bubble (or dome) formed from a generally planar material without first being formed into a first bubble, or similar construct, is not capable of being a “second bubble.”

As used herein, a “minimal score residual” means a score residual of between about to 0.0005 inch to 0.0025 inch. As used herein, a “limited score residual” is about 0.0010 inch.

As used herein, “hemming” means to flatten a protrusion so as to form a tab or flange structured to prevent, or resist, movement of the protrusion through an opening.

As used herein, a “line” does not mean a two-dimensional construct made by moving point along a path. Rather, as used herein, a “line” means something that is distinct, elongated, and narrow.

As used herein, “generally planar” means a body or member is broadly “planar.” That is, a “generally planar” body or member includes planar bodies with recesses, rivets, and protrusions that are generally in the same plane as other portions of the body or member. Further, a “generally planar” body includes bodies or members that are generally convex or concave, such as, but not limited to, some beverage can container closures (or beverage can ends) exclusive of elements such as a chuck wall and curl. That is, the portion of a closure body12defining an end panel22and a tear panel24are, as used herein, “generally planar.”

As used herein, “a portion of material on one side of the, or a line that is, or at one time was, in a first plane, and, another portion of material on the other side of the line that is, or at one time was, in a second plane” means that the two portions of material were at one time generally planar, i.e., were portions of a generally planar member, and can be identified by a line between the portions that extends generally perpendicular to the plane of the generally planar member. The portions of material do not have to be in a planar configuration at, or after, the time a “shifted material line” is formed.

As used herein, a “product side” means the side of a construct used in a container that contacts, or could contact, a product such as, but not limited to, a food or beverage. That is, the “product side” of the construct is the side of the construct that, eventually, defines the interior of a container.

As used herein, a “customer side” means the side of a construct used in a container that does not contacts, or could not contact, a product such as, but not limited to, a food or beverage. That is, the “customer side” of the construct is the side of the construct that, eventually, defines the exterior of a container.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, a container closure10includes a generally planar body12having a product side14and a customer side16. It is understood that the terms “product side”14and “customer side”16apply to all portions and/or elements of the container closure10. That is, as described below, the container closure body12includes a tear panel24; thus, the tear panel24has a “product side”14and “customer side”16as well. The container closure10is shown schematically and does not include additional features associated with specific container closures10. For example, a container closure10that is intended to be coupled to a beverage can body or a food can body (neither shown) includes elements such as, but not limited to, a curl, a chuck wall, or a bead; none of these elements are shown. Similarly, a container closure10, or lid, that is intended to be coupled to a jar includes a generally planar portion and a depending sidewall with interior threads. None of these elements are shown. Thus, the container closure10is shown schematically and represents a portion of a complete container closure. Further, the portion of the container closure10may be part of any of a beverage can container closure (or beverage can end), a food can container closure (or food can end) or a lid, none shown. The container closure body12includes, i.e., defines, a container opening20. That is, the container opening20is defined by a shifted material line30. Stated alternately, the container closure body12and/or the container opening20includes a shifted material line30. Further, the container closure body12includes an end panel22and a tear panel24. Generally, and as described above, the end panel22is the portion of the container closure10that is coupled, directly coupled, fixed, or temporarily coupled to a can body or jar (either shown). The tear panel24is a portion of the container closure10that moves relative to the end panel22. Thus, the tear panel24defines the container opening20. That is, when the tear panel24has been moved relative to the end panel22, the tear panel24is decoupled, or partially decoupled, from the end panel22and defines the container opening20. The tear panel24is decoupled from the end panel22at the shifted material line30. Thus, the shifted material line30defines the tear panel24. The tear panel24may be in any shape such as, but not limited to, a generally oval shape and a relatively small portion (when compared to the end panel22) of a container closure10associated with a beverage can container closure (or beverage can end), a generally rectangular or circular shape and a relatively large portion (when compared to the end panel22) of a container closure10associated with a food can container closure (or food can end), or a button600having a generally curvilinear or arcuate shifted material line30extending partially about the button600, discussed below. Further, it is understood that the container closure10is part of a unitary metal body that is initially, i.e., before substantive forming operations, a generally planar blank (not shown).

The shifted material line30includes, and/or is defined by, a first portion32and a second portion34. That is, the first portion32is disposed on a first side of the shifted material line30and the second portion34is disposed on a second side of the shifted material line30. A shifted material line30is one of a “wide line,” a “medium line” or a “narrow line.” As used herein, a “wide line” has width between 0.015 inch and about 0.100 inch. As used herein, a “medium line” has width between 0.005 inch and 0.015 inch. As used herein, a “narrow line” has width between 0.0 inch and 0.005 inch. As used herein, a line with a width of 0.0 inch is a shifted material line30wherein material defining the line has separated, i.e., a “lance line” as defined above. In an exemplary embodiment, and as shown, the first portion32is part of the end panel22and the second portion34is part of the tear panel24. In an exemplary embodiment, the first portion32and second portion34are each a generally planar portion.FIG. 3shows a lance line100.

In an embodiment wherein the shifted material line30is a lance line100, the first portion32is separated from the second portion34. Further, as shown, the first portion32is offset toward the product side14relative to the second portion34. When the first portion32, i.e., the end panel22, is offset toward the product side14relative to the second portion34, i.e., the tear panel24, the second portion34(or the tear panel24) has, as used herein, a “positive shift.” That is, when the second portion34, i.e., the tear panel24, is offset generally toward the customer side16, the tear panel24has a “positive shift.” In this embodiment, the separation defines the shifted material line30. In an exemplary embodiment, as discussed below, the separation is created when a tooling assembly520acts on the blank and fractures the material of the blank causing the separation. As used herein, a separated shifted material line30is a “fractured shifted material line”30′.

In another embodiment, the shifted material line30is a shear line102. In this embodiment as shown, the first portion32and the second portion34are each a generally planar portion. Further, as shown, the first portion32is offset toward the customer side16relative to the second portion34. When the first portion32, i.e., the end panel22, is offset toward the customer side16relative to the second portion34, i.e., the tear panel24, the second portion34(or the tear panel24) has, as used herein, a “negative shift,” as shown inFIGS. 8 and 9. That is, when the second portion34, i.e., the tear panel24, is offset generally toward the product side14, the tear panel24has a “positive shift.” In this embodiment, the first portion32and second portion34are not separated. Thus, the shifted material line30is defined by transitional area40between the first portion32and the second portion34. The transitional area40has width of between about 0.0 inch and 0.100, about 0.005 inch and 0.015 inch, or about 0.010 inch. If the transitional area40is wider than the widest range noted above, the offset portions do not define a “shifted material line30” or a “shear line” as used herein. Further, as noted above, the transitional area40is stretched, or otherwise deformed, so as to allow the material on different sides of the shifted material line30or shear line102to be in different planes.

In another embodiment, shown inFIG. 4, the tooling assembly520initially deforms the metal at the shifted material line30so as to form a shear line102, as described above. The tooling assembly520, in an exemplary embodiment, further moves the first portion32and the second portion34between a positive shift and a negative shift a number of times, each time deforming the material at the shear line102. The tooling assembly520then deforms the shear line102so that the first portion32and the second portion34are generally in the same plane. In this embodiment, the offset between the first portion32and the second portion34is not visible, but the material is weaker than un-deformed material. As used herein, a shifted material line30wherein the first portion32and the second portion34are generally in the same plane have a “neutral shift.” Further, a shifted material line30wherein the first portion32and the second portion34are generally in the same plane following the formation of a shear line102is, as used herein, a “hidden shear line”104(FIG. 5). To represent the hidden shear line104,FIG. 5schematically shows exaggerated micro-fractures105. It is understood that the micro-fractures105are not visible to the naked eye.

In another embodiment, shown inFIG. 6, the shifted material line30is a relief line106. In this embodiment as shown, the first portion32and second portion34are each a generally planar portion. The shifted material line30is formed as a hidden shear line104, as described above. The “relief line”106further includes a shifted material score line90formed by a blade in the tooling assembly520. The shifted material score line90is disposed on, or immediately adjacent the shifted material line30, i.e., the hidden shear line104. As shown, the shifted material score line90is disposed on the customer side16of the container closure body12. It is understood, however, that a relief line106includes a shifted material score line90disposed on either, or both, the product side14and the customer side16of the container closure body12.

In another embodiment, shown inFIG. 7the shifted material line30has a “mingled shift.” As used herein, a “mingled shift” is when a shifted material line30has a first section80, a transition section82and a second section84, as shown inFIGS. 7A-7C. The first section80has a “positive shift,” as described above. The second section84has a “negative shift,” as described above. The transition section82is the section between the first section80and the second section84wherein there is a “neutral shift,” as described above.

Thus, the shifted material line30is any one of a relief line106, a shear line102, a hidden shear line104, or a lance line100. Further, the shifted material line30is, in an exemplary embodiment, a combination of two or more of a relief line106, a shear line102, a hidden shear line104, and a lance line100. As used herein, a shifted material line30that includes two or more of a relief line106, a shear line102, a hidden shear line104, and a lance line100is a “mingled line”110.

The shifted material line30, or alternately the first portion32and the second portion34, have one of a negligible shift (FIG. 14), a minimal shift (FIG. 13), a moderate shift (FIG. 12), a maximum shift (FIG. 11), or a spaced shift (FIG. 10). The “shift,” for the purpose of measuring the offset, is measured at the customer side16of each of the first portion32and the second portion34. As used herein, a “negligible shift” means that the first portion32and the second portion34have an offset of between 0% and 10%, or about 5% of the thickness of the container closure body12at the shifted material line30. In an exemplary embodiment, a relief line106has a “negligible shift” between the first portion32and the second portion34. As used herein, a “minimal shift” means that the first portion32and the second portion34have an offset of between 10% and 20%, or about 15% of the thickness of the container closure body12at the shifted material line30. As used herein, a “moderate shift” means that the first portion32and the second portion34have an offset of between 20% and 40%, or about 30% of the thickness of the container closure body12at the shifted material line30. As used herein, a “maximum shift” means that the first portion32and the second portion34have an offset of between 40% and 250%, or about 100% of the thickness of the container closure body12at the shifted material line30. As used herein, a “spaced shift” means that the first portion32and the second portion34, at the interface thereof, are not in the same plane and are separated.

As defined above, the shifted material line30defines a plane that separates the first portion32and the second portion34. That is, the thickness of the container closure body12at the shifted material line30defines a plane which, as used herein, is the “plane of separation”130. That is, the plane of separation130is the plane passing through the container closure body12at the shifted material line30, i.e., the plane visible when the when container closure body12is viewed in cross-section, as shown inFIG. 14. Further, in the examples above, the first portion32and the second portion34are each shown as generally planar portions. In this configuration, the plane of separation130is generally perpendicular to the plane of the container closure body12. As used herein, when the plane of separation130is generally perpendicular to the plane of the container closure body12it is, as used herein, a “normal plane.”

In another exemplary embodiment, shown inFIGS. 15 and 16, the container closure body12includes, i.e., is formed with, an angled portion140. That is, the angled portion140is angled relative to the plane of the generally planar container closure body12. In an exemplary embodiment, the shifted material line30is disposed on the angled portion140. The shifted material line30may be formed before, during, or after, the deformation that angles the angled portion140relative to the plane of the generally planar container closure body12. When the shifted material line30is disposed on the angled portion140and when the tear panel24has a positive shift, the plane of separation130is, as used herein, a “positive plane.” When the shifted material line30is disposed on the angled portion140and when the tear panel24has a negative shift, the plane of separation130is, as used herein, a “negative plane.” When the plane of separation130includes portions that are both a positive plane and a negative plane, the plane is, as used herein, a “mingled plane.”

In the exemplary embodiments shown inFIG. 17, the first portion32and the second portion34are shown as being generally planar, and, as defined above, the first portion32and the second portion34must have been at some time, generally planar with each other. In another exemplary embodiment, either of the first portion32and/or the second portion34are not generally planer. For example, as shown inFIG. 17, the second portion34, that is, the tear panel24has been formed into a button600. That is, the second portion34is generally curvilinear, or generally arcuate, when viewed in cross-section as shown inFIG. 17.

Further, it is noted that the shifted material line30in one exemplary embodiment extends completely about the tear panel24, such as, but not limited to, a container closure10for a food can. In another exemplary embodiment, the shifted material line30does not extend completely about the tear panel24, such as, but not limited to, a container closure10for beverage can or on a lid. In the latter embodiment, it is understood that the shift between the first portion32and the second portion34diminishes to no shift at the ends of the shifted material line30.

In an exemplary embodiment, the container opening20is sealed by a sealant180(or sealing material180). Thus, as used herein, the sealant180is identified as part of the container opening20. The sealant180is structured to, and does, create a substantially fluid proof barrier. As used herein, a “substantially fluid proof barrier” means that the barrier does not include any passages through which a fluid passes. A “substantially fluid proof barrier” does not mean that the fluid cannot penetrate the barrier at a molecular level. In an exemplary embodiment, and as shown inFIG. 17, the sealant180is applied to the product side14of the container closure body12at the container opening20. It is understood that, in other exemplary embodiments, not shown, the sealant180is applied to the customer side16, or both the product side14and the customer side16, of the closure body12at the container opening20. In an exemplary embodiment, the sealant180has a thickness of between about 0.010 inch and 0.030 inch, or between about 0.015 inch and 0.025 inch, or about 0.020 inch. The sealant180“thickness” is, as used herein, measured in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the container closure body12and at a location adjacent the shifted material line30, as shown inFIG. 17, but not at a location defined by the button600, i.e., a location wherein the button600defines a recess into which sealant180is disposed. Further, the sealant has a minimum width of about 0.020 inch, or about 0.010 inch, or about 0.005 inch. As used herein, the sealant180“width” is measured in a direction generally parallel to the plane of the container closure body12and from the shifted material line30. It is understood that the sealant180may extend further in one direction from the shifted material line30than in the other; thus, the “minimum” width is measured toward the side of the shifted material line30having the lesser amount of sealant180.

Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the container closure body12defines a sealant recess182adjacent the shifted material line30. That is, the container closure body12includes a protrusion184extending from, i.e., away from, the side of the container closure body12to which the sealant180is applied. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, wherein the sealant180is applied to the product side14of the container closure body12, the protrusion184extends from the product side14of the container closure body12. The sealant recess182extends generally about the shifted material line30.

The following describes a press assembly510structured to form a lid with a button600as well as a shifted material line30. It is understood that this is an example and other presses, not shown, are structured to form beverage can closures or food can closures. Further, in this example, the elements of the forming elements of the tooling assembly520, discussed below, are generally circular and each station526, discussed below, has a centerline.

In an exemplary embodiment, a press assembly510, shown schematically inFIGS. 19-27, includes a reciprocating ram assembly512and a tooling assembly520. The tooling assembly520includes an upper tooling522and a lower tooling524. The upper tooling522is coupled to the ram assembly512and reciprocates between a first position, wherein the upper tooling522is spaced from the lower tooling524, and a second position, wherein the upper tooling522is adjacent or immediately adjacent the lower tooling524. It is understood that sub-components of the upper tooling522and the lower tooling524can move independently of other portions thereof, but when the upper tooling522is in the first position, the tooling assembly520does not engage the blank so as to form the blank. As used herein, to “form” means to alter the shape of the blank. The tooling assembly520, or elements thereof, engage the blank to move the blank between stations526.

As is known, a feed assembly (not shown) moves a blank through the tooling assembly520in a series on intermittent steps which is also known as indexing. In an exemplary embodiment, the blank is a generally circular, metal lid. The tooling assembly520includes a number of stations526. Each time the blank stops moving, the blank is disposed at a new station or an idle station (not shown) wherein no forming operations occur. In an exemplary embodiment, and as the example provided herein, the blanks are jar lids structured to be threadably coupled (screwed onto) jars. As is known, the blanks include a generally planar top wall with a depending sidewall. The depending sidewall includes a curled lip. The height of the depending sidewall defines the height of the blank. The plane defined by the intersection of the top wall and the sidewall is, as used herein, the chime line. As is further known, in an exemplary embodiment, the blank is formed with a generally planar center panel which is downwardly offset relative to the chime line. That is, the offset distance between the distal end of the sidewall and the chime line is greater than the offset distance between the distal end of the sidewall and the plane of the center panel. In an exemplary embodiment, the blank center panel has an initial thickness of between about 0.770 inch and 0.790 or about 0.180 inch. As is known, the area, or a portion of the area, between the center panel and the sidewall may be filled with a resilient and/or sealing material. Further, as is known, the blank includes a product side (which is generally exposed to the product in the jar) and a consumer side (which is generally exposed to the atmosphere). In an exemplary embodiment, the blank is steel.

In an exemplary embodiment, the blank is a generally circular and includes a center. In this embodiment, the center of the bubble (or first and second bubble) is offset from the center of the blank. Thus, when the bubble is formed into the button, the center of the button is disposed at, or substantially at, the center of the blank. In another embodiment, the center of the button600, i.e., a cylindrical angled button600, is aligned with or directly on the center of the blank. It is noted that, in this configuration, the high point of the angled button is disposed substantially at the same location as the corresponding surface of the dome.

In an exemplary embodiment, and as shown inFIGS. 29-33, the tooling assembly520is structured to form a lid596with a venting assembly598, wherein the venting assembly598includes an angled button600. That is, in an exemplary embodiment, the tooling assembly520includes a number of forming stations530including a number of bubble forming stations540, a number of button forming stations550, as well as a number of scoring stations560and/or shifted material line stations700. The scoring stations560or shifted material line stations570define the tear panel24which includes the angled button600. The number of button forming stations550includes a station structured to form an angled button600.

In an exemplary embodiment, the number of bubble forming stations540includes a first bubble forming station542and a second bubble forming station544. The first bubble forming station542is structured to form a first bubble610(FIG. 19C) wherein the first bubble610has a dome radius between about 0.770 and 0.790 inch, and, a base radius between 0.180 and 0.200 inch. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the first bubble forming station542is structured to form a first bubble wherein the first bubble has a dome radius of about 0.780 inch and, a base radius of about 1.190 inch. The second bubble forming station544is structured to form a first bubble into a second bubble612,FIG. 20C, wherein the second bubble has a dome radius between about 0.520 and 0.540 inch and, a base radius between about 0.070 and 0.090 inch. In an exemplary embodiment, the second bubble forming station544is structured to form a first bubble into a second bubble, wherein the second bubble has a dome radius of about 0.530 inch and, a radius of about 0.080 inch. It is noted that each bubble has a center.

In an exemplary embodiment, the number of button forming stations550includes a first button station552, a second button station554, and a third button station556. The first button station552is structured to form a bubble, or dome, into a flattened button. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the first button station552is structured to form a bubble, or dome, into a cylindrical flattened button which has a center. Further, the first button station552is structured to form the cylindrical flattened button602so that the center of the cylindrical flattened button is offset relative to the position of the second bubble. Further, the first button station552is structured to form a generally planar inner panel604disposed about the flattened button602. The inner panel604is downwardly offset relative to the blank center panel.

In an exemplary embodiment, and as shown inFIGS. 19-23B, the second button station554is structured to form a step, i.e., a downwardly offset tier606, in the inner panel604as well as form the flattened button602into an angled button600. The third button station556is structured to increase the height of the angled button600relative to the offset tier606. In an exemplary embodiment, the angled button600has one of a “limited height” or a “very limited height” relative to the offset tier606. Further, the number of button forming stations550are structured to form a cylindrical angled button600with one of a sharp radius or a very sharp radius.

In one exemplary embodiment, and as shown inFIGS. 24-24I, the number of scoring stations560includes a first score station562. The first score station562includes a first score blade563(or main score blade563) with an angle of between about 40°-70°, or in an exemplary embodiment, about 50°. In an exemplary embodiment, the first score blade563is coupled, directly coupled, or fixed, to the upper tooling522. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the number of scoring stations560includes a raised anvil566. As used herein, a “raised anvil” is an anvil with a convex surface structured to be disposed immediately adjacent a score blade when the tooling assembly520is in the second position. A raised anvil566is schematically shown inFIG. 24E.

In an exemplary embodiment, the raised anvil566is coupled to the lower tooling524. The first score blade563is structured to make a main score568in the blank. The raised anvil566solves the problems of shearing of metal, i.e., fracturing at the score.

The number of scoring stations560also includes an anti-fracture score blade567, as shown inFIG. 25. In an exemplary embodiment, the anti-fracture score blade567is also at the first score station562. In an exemplary embodiment, the anti-fracture score blade567is a chisel nose score blade. As used herein, a “chisel nose” score blade, when viewed in cross-section, includes a long side572, a short side574, and a transverse side576extending between the first and second sides. A score produced by a “chisel nose” score blade is shown inFIG. 24H. The anti-fracture score blade567is structured to form an anti-fracture score569in the blank. The anti-fracture score569is less deep than the main score568.

Another embodiment of the anti-fracture score blade567is shown inFIG. 24Dwherein the anti-fracture score blade567is disposed between about 0.030 to 0.050 inch from the first score blade563, or about 0.040 inch as shown below, or a limited spacing as defined above.

In an exemplary embodiment, the main score568extends over one of a limited arc, a substantially limited arc, or a very limited arc. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the main score568is disposed over one of a limited distance or a very limited distance from the angled button600radius. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, main score568and the anti-fracture score569are spaced apart by one of limited spacing or a very limited spacing.

In an exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 26-26B, the tooling assembly520also includes a number of embossing stations580and a number of hemming stations590. In one embodiment, there is a single embossing station580and hemming station590(shown inFIGS. 27-27B). The embossing station580is structured to raise the angled button600relative to the offset tier606. The top of the angled button600is not raised above the chime line. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the top of the angled button600is not raised above the center panel. In another exemplary embodiment, there is no hemming station590and the button600is not hemmed.

In an exemplary embodiment, the tooling assembly stations526are disposed in the order identified above. That is, the blank moves through the stations in the following order: bubble forming stations540, button forming stations550, and scoring station560. Further, if included, the scoring station560is followed by the embossing station580and the hemming station590and is formed as shown inFIGS. 28A-28H.

In another embodiment, the tooling assembly520includes a number of shifted material line stations700rather than, or in addition to, scoring stations560. Each shifted material line forming station700is structured to, and does, form a shifted material line30. In the exemplary embodiment, a first shifted material line station702is structured to, and does, form a lance line100. That is, in an exemplary embodiment, the first shifted material line station702is a lance station704. It is understood that, as defined above, a lance line100is when the material of the lid596is separated at the shifted material line30. Thus, as described below, the elements of the first shifted material line station702move a distance sufficient to separate the material of the lid596. It is further understood that a shifted material line station700structured to for another type of shifted material line30, for example a shear line102, the elements of such a shifted material line station700move a distance sufficient to form the identified type of shifted material line30. Further, to form a hidden shear line104, the elements of such a shifted material line station700are structured to reciprocate multiple times so as to form the hidden shear line104.

Further, in the embodiment shown, the first shifted material line station702is structured to make a first section80or tear panel24with a positive shift. As used herein, “inner” means relative to an axis passing through the center of the blank and generally normal to the surface of the unformed blank. Thus, the first shifted material line station702includes inner components710and outer components712. In the embodiment shown, an upper tooling outer punch723and a lower tooling outer anvil725, discussed below, are the outer components712. The inner components710include a lower tooling inner anvil726and an inner punch (not shown). The inner components710and outer components712, if used, generally face, or oppose, each other and are structured to engage, clamp, or progressively clamp the blank as well as otherwise form the blank. It is understood that, depending upon the type of shifted material line30being formed, not all the inner components710or outer components712identified above are required. For example, in the embodiment shown, an inner punch is not required.

That is, the disclosed lower tooling524includes an inner anvil726. It is understood that a first shifted material line station702structured to make a first section80or tear panel24with a negative shift would include an inner punch (not shown) as part of the upper tooling522. Further, a first shifted material line station702structured to make a hidden shear line104would include both an inner punch (not shown) and an inner anvil726.

In the shown exemplary embodiment, and as shown inFIG. 34-34D, the first shifted material line station702is a lance station704structured to lance the blank. The lance station704includes an upper tooling722and a lower tooling724. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper tooling722includes an outer punch723and the lower tooling724includes an outer anvil725and an inner anvil726. The outer anvil725extends about the inner anvil726. The outer punch723has a forming surface730disposed at a first radius from the center of the blank. As shown, and in an exemplary embodiment, the outer punch forming surface730includes a substantially planar first surface as well as a substantially planar second surface that is generally perpendicular to the first surface. As used herein, the surfaces of the inner components710and the outer components712that contact the blank are the “forming surface(s).” Thus, characteristics (size, shape, etc.) of a “forming surface” depend upon the blank and the configuration of the blank during a specific forming operation. The outer anvil725, as shown, also includes a forming surface732. The outer anvil forming surface732is also generally planar, i.e., the outer anvil forming surface732generally defines a plane. Similarly, the inner anvil726includes a forming surface734. The inner anvil forming surface734is also generally planar, i.e., the inner anvil forming surface734generally defines a plane.

Further, an inner edge740of the outer punch forming surface730is disposed at a first radius from the station centerline. The outer anvil725has a second edge742disposed at a second radius from the station centerline. The second radius is greater than the first radius, but not substantially greater. The inner anvil726has a third edge744disposed at a third radius from the station centerline. The third radius is smaller than the first radius, but not substantially smaller. It is noted that, in this configuration, there is a gap between the outer anvil725and the inner anvil726.

The outer components712(in this embodiment, the outer punch723and the outer anvil725) are structured to, and do, move relative to the inner components710(in this embodiment, the inner anvil726) between a first forming position, wherein the lower tooling forming surfaces, i.e., the outer anvil forming surface732and the inner anvil forming surface734are generally parallel, and, a second forming position, wherein the lower tooling forming surfaces, i.e., the outer anvil forming surface732is shifted relative to the inner anvil forming surface734. As used herein, the verb “shifted” means moved in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the blank or the plane of the container closure body12. That is, the shifting of the outer anvil forming surface732relative to the inner anvil forming surface734occurs as the outer components712move from the first forming position to the second forming position. Further, as the outer components712move from the first position to the second position, a shifted material line30is formed in the blank.

That is, in operation, the outer punch723and the outer anvil725move toward each other and engage the blank. In one embodiment the outer punch723and the outer anvil725“clamp” the blank. As used herein, “clamp” means to secure a material, e.g., a blank, in a substantially fixed position so as not to permit the material to move (e.g., slide) or flow in at least one direction. Thus, as employed herein, a material that is “clamped” is secured in a substantially fixed position so as not to permit the material to move (e.g., slide) or flow in at least one direction, for example, the clamped material cannot move/flow between the outer punch723and the outer anvil725. In another embodiment, the outer punch723and the outer anvil725“progressively clamp” the blank. As used herein, to “progressively clamp” means to secure a material in a substantially fixed position while initially allowing material to move (e.g., slide) or flow in at least one direction through the “progressively clamped” area. As the force of the engagement increases, the amount of material that moves/flows through the “progressively clamped” area decreases until the amount is negligible. Thus, as employed herein, a material that is “progressively clamped” is secured in a substantially fixed position while allowing some material flow after initially being “progressively clamped” and wherein the force of the engagement increases so as to permit only a negligible amount of material to move/flow through the “progressively clamped” area.

After the blank is engaged, clamped, or progressively clamped, and because in the embodiment shown the second portion34(or the tear panel24) has a positive shift, the inner anvil726moves toward the upper tooling722. As shown inFIG. 34Bthis action creates the shifted material line30which, in this embodiment, is a lance line100. Thus, the inner anvil726moves a distance toward the upper tooling722sufficient to separate the first portion32from the second portion34. Generally, the forming component(s) that forms the shifted material line30moves a distance sufficient to create a negligible shift, a minimal shift, a moderate shift, a maximum shift, or a spaced shift at the shifted material line30. These distances are, as used herein, a “negligible distance,” a “minimal distance,” a “moderate distance,” a “maximum distance.” or a “spaced distance,” respectively. In the exemplary embodiment shown, to form a lance line100, the inner anvil726moves a distance sufficient to create a spaced shift at the shifted material line30.

The lance station704described above is structured to, and does, create a lance line100in the blank. Other shifted material line stations700are structured to, and do, form one of a relief line, a shear line, a lance line, or a mingled line. That is, for example, a scoring station560combined with, or following a shifted material line station700, would be a shifted material line station700structured to form a relief line. That is in this embodiment, a scoring station560would be a relief score station structured to form a score at the shifted material line30.

The method of forming a venting assembly, as shown inFIGS. 35A-35D, includes the following. Providing1000a generally planar metal blank, the blank including a product side14and a consumer side16, the blank having an initial thickness, forming1100an angled button600, forming1200a score adjacent the angled button600, and applying1300a sealing material at the score. The sealing material is, in an exemplary embodiment, a plastic or poly material such as, but not limited to, Plastisol.

Providing1000a generally planar metal blank, in an exemplary embodiment, includes providing1002a blank including a chime line and an offset, generally planar center panel, the center panel offset in a first direction.

In an exemplary embodiment, forming1100an angled button includes a number of the following. Forming1102a bubble, the bubble including a center, forming1104the bubble to be a flattened button, the flattened button having a center, wherein the flattened button center is offset from the bubble center. Forming1106a first bubble, wherein the first bubble has a dome radius between about 0.770 and 0.790 inch, and, a base radius between about 0.180 and 0.200 inch, and, forming1108the first bubble into a second bubble wherein the second bubble has a dome radius between about 0.520 and 0.540, and, a base radius between about 0.070 and 0.090 inch. Forming1110the second bubble into a flattened button includes forming1112the flattened button into an angled button. In an exemplary embodiment, forming1110the second bubble into a flattened button includes forming1111a cylindrical flattened button. Similarly, in an exemplary embodiment, forming1112the flattened button into an angled button includes forming1113a cylindrical angled button. Forming1113a cylindrical angled button includes forming1120a cylindrical angled button with one of a sharp base radius or a very sharp base radius as well as forming1130an angled button with a limited height. There is also the forming1140of an inner panel, wherein the inner panel offset in the first direction a greater distance from the chime line than a blank's center panel, forming1150an angled button with a limited height, wherein the button does not extend above the chime line, and forming1152an angled button with a limited height, wherein the button does not extend above a blank's center panel. Further, there is forming1160a bead between the center panel and the inner panel, and, raising1170the angled button relative to the inner panel. That is, as used herein, “raising” means forming an offset in a direction opposite a prior offset. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes not hemming1180the angled button. That is, as used herein, “not hemming” is a negative recitation wherein the angled button600is not hemmed.

In an exemplary embodiment, forming1200a score adjacent the angled button, in an exemplary embodiment, includes forming1202a main score, the main score disposed one of a limited distance or a very limited distance from the cylindrical angled button base radius. Further, forming1200a score adjacent the angled button, in an exemplary embodiment, includes forming1204a main score, the main score disposed a first distance from the cylindrical angled button base radius, and, forming1206an anti-fracture score, the anti-fracture score having one of a limited spacing from the main score or a very limited spacing from the main score, as well as forming1208a score structured to have one of a minimal score residual or a limited score residual.

Further, using the press assembly510described above, and as shown inFIG. 35D, a method of forming a container closure10as described above includes providing1400a generally planar metal blank, the blank including a product side14and a consumer side16, the blank having an initial thickness, and, forming1402a shifted material line defining a container opening. In an exemplary embodiment, forming a shifted material line1402includes applying1410a sealing material at the shifted material line. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, forming a shifted material line1402includes forming1420one of a relief line, a shear line, a hidden shear line, a lance line, or a mingled line. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, forming a shifted material line1402includes: defining1450a tear panel and an end panel in the blank, and moving1452the tear panel to one of a positive position, a normal position, a negative position, or a mingled position.

The container closure10, the shifted material line30, as well as each embodiment thereof, the press assembly510, the shifted material line forming station700, and the disclosed method solve the problems stated above.