Patent Publication Number: US-8978915-B2

Title: Can end with strengthening bead configuration

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/249,527, titled “Can End with Strengthening Bead Configuration,” filed Sep. 30, 2011, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design application No. 29/398,281, titled “Can End,” filed Jul. 28, 2011. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design application No. 29/398,281, titled “Can End,” filed Jul. 28, 2011, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design application No. 29/377,154, titled “Can End,” filed Oct. 18, 2010. U.S. application Ser. No. 13/249,527, U.S. Design application No. 29/398,281 and U.S. Design application No. 29/377,154 are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The application generally relates to metal can ends. More specifically, the application relates to metal can ends that have a bead configuration that strengthens the can end. Can ends are used on can bodies with different dimensions that store a variety of materials, such as perishable food items. Can ends act to hermetically seal contents within the can and also provide an access point to the container contents. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     One embodiment of the invention relates to a metal food can end configured to be coupled to a metal can body via a seam. The can end includes a curl section, a crown section, a wall section, a counter-sink section, a score track section, a frangible score, an outer downward bead, a first connecting section, an inner downward bead, a center panel and a tab. The curl section defines the outer circumference of the can end and terminates in a free edge. The curl section may be crimped with the metal can body end to form the seam. The crown section extends inward radially from the curl section. The wall section extends downward from the crown section. The counter-sink section includes an outer portion and an inner portion. The outer portion of the counter-sink extends downward from the wall section and the inner portion extends upward and radially inwards, away from the outer portion. The score track section extends radially inwards from the inner portion of the counter-sink section. The frangible score is formed from the material of the score track section. The score allows for separation of the portion of the can end located inside the score from the portion of the can end located outside the score. The outer downward bead extends radially inwards from the score track section and includes an outer portion and an inner portion. The outer portion extends downward and radially inwards away from the score track section. The inner portion extends upwards and radially inwards from the outer portion of the outer downward bead. The first connecting section extends radially inwards from the inner portion of the outer downward bead. The inner downward bead extends from the first connecting section. The inner downward bead includes an outer portion and an inner portion. The outer portion extends downward and radially inwards from the first connecting section. The inner portion extends upward and radially inwards from the outer portion of the inner downward bead. The center panel is located within the inner downward bead. The tab is moveable to break the score, allowing for the portion of the can end located inside the score to be separated from the portion of the can end located outside the score. 
     Another embodiment of the invention relates to a metal, food can, can end that includes a center panel, a bead panel, a counter-sink section, a wall and a curved section. Within the center panel is the center point of the can end. The bead panel is located radially outside the center panel and includes an inner upward bead, an inner downward bead, a central upward bead, an outer downward bead and an outer upward bead. The inner upward bead defines a first local maximum. The inner downward bead defines a first local minimum, and the first local minimum is located radially outside of the first local maximum. The central upward bead defines a second local maximum, and the second local maximum is located radially outside the first local minimum. The outer downward bead defines a second local minimum, and the second local minimum is located radially outside of the second local maximum. The outer upward bead defines a third local maximum, and the third local maximum is located radially outside the second local minimum. The counter-sink section is located radially outside of the bead panel and extends from the outer edge of the outer upward bead of the bead panel. The wall extends upward from the outer edge of the counter-sink section. The curved section extends radially outward from the upper edge of the wall and may be crimped to form a seam with the upper end of a metal can body. 
     An alternative embodiment of the invention relates to a metal can configured to hold a food product that includes a metal sidewall and a can end. The sidewall includes an upper end, a lower end and an inner surface defining an interior cavity. The can end is coupled to the upper end of the sidewall and includes a center panel, a bead panel, a counter-sink section, a wall and a curved section. Within the center panel is the center point of the can end. The bead panel is located radially outside the center panel and includes an inner upward bead, an inner downward bead, a central upward bead, an outer downward bead and an outer upward bead. The inner upward bead defines a first local maximum. The inner downward bead defines a first local minimum, and the first local minimum is located radially outside of the first local maximum. The central upward bead defines a second local maximum, and the second local maximum is located radially outside the first local minimum. The outer downward bead defines a second local minimum, and the second local minimum is located radially outside of the second local maximum. The outer upward bead defines a third local maximum, and the third local maximum is located radially outside the second local minimum. The counter-sink section is located radially outside of the bead panel and extends from the outer edge of the outer upward bead of the bead panel. The wall extends upward from the outer edge of the counter-sink section. The curved section extends radially outward from the upper edge of the wall and is crimped to form a seam with the upper end of the metal sidewall. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       This application will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view from above of a metal can end having a bead configuration according to the exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the can end of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom plan view of the can end of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 4A  is a sectional view of the can end of  FIG. 1  taken along section line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 2  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIGS. 4B-G  are detailed views of the area of the can end labeled as  4 B-G in  FIG. 4A  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view of the can end of  FIG. 1  taken along section line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 2  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of a can end according to another exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective sectional view of a can end coupled to a can body via a seam according to an alternative embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a can end  10  fabricated all, or in part, of metal (e.g., steel) has a configuration that strengthens the can end  10 , increasing its resistance to deformation when placed in high pressure environments (e.g., food cooking process). 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , can end  10  includes a curl section  12 , a crown section  14 , a wall section  16 , a counter-sink section  18 , a score track section  20 , a frangible score  22 , an outer downward bead  24 , a first connecting section  26 , an inner downward bead  28 , a second connecting section  30 , a center panel  32  and a tab  34 . Can end  10  is capable of distending under high internal pressure, but not so much that the can end  10  buckles, results in a distorted or “wavy” panel following cooking or in breakage of the can end portions located on the outside of the frangible score  22  from the portion located on the inside of the frangible score  22 . Can end  10  is fabricated using double reduced steel with a thickness that is less than 75 gauge, more specifically less than 68 gauge. Thus, the strengthening configuration allows can end  10  to be made from thinner material than a can end without the strengthening configuration. Curl section  12  of can end  10  may be crimped to the can body  44  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) via a seam formed by interlocking material of can end  10  and the upper end of can body  44 , the can may be completely sealed by coupling a second can end to the can body with a second seam. When the two can ends are affixed to the top and bottom portions of the metal can body  44 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , a cavity is formed. The cavity may contain various objects, substances, etc. The cavity of the exemplary embodiment of the metal can body  44  contains food. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , can end  10  is generally circular in shape. Curl section  12  defines the outer circumference of can end  10  and terminates in an outer free edge  36 . Outer downward bead  24  is a continuous bead that is concentric with the outer circumference of can end  10 . Can end  10  has a total diameter  100  that may be between about 2.0 inches and 4.5 inches, specifically between 2.5 inches and 4.0 inches, more specifically, between 3.0 inches and 3.5 inches. In one exemplary embodiment, the total diameter  100  is about 3.25 inches. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , can end  10  includes tab  34  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) that is located on top of a mount  38  and support beads  40  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). Tab  34  is fastened to can end  10  with a rivet head  42  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Mount  38  forms a horizontal plane that is higher than the horizontal plane formed by center panel  32 . Located on the horizontal plane formed by mount  38  are two support beads  40  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). Both support beads  40  assist in supporting a portion of tab  34 . Tab  34  extends radially inwards, extending over both support beads  40  and the gripping portion of tab  34  further extends radially inwards suspended over a portion of center panel  32 . During the manufacturing process, support beads  40  act as an alignment feature to facilitate correct alignment of can end  10 . 
     Can end  10  has a 12 o&#39;clock position, a 3 o&#39;clock position, a 6 o&#39;clock position and a 9 o&#39;clock position that refer generally to the angular position of elements of can end  10 . The 12 o&#39;clock position is the position at which tab  34 , mount  38 , two support beads  40  and rivet head  42  are located. The 6 o&#39;clock position refers to the area that is located 180° from the 12 o&#39;clock position. The 3 o&#39;clock and 9 o&#39;clock positions are located 90° clockwise from the 12 o&#39;clock and 6 o&#39;clock positions, respectively. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , can end  10  includes a tab  34  that is capable of separating the portions of can end  10  located on either side of the frangible score  22  from each other. With score  22  broken, the portion of can end  10  located on the inside of score  22  may be separated from the portion of can end  10  located on the outside of score  22  creating an opening through can end  10  that allows for access to contents of the can. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , outer downward bead  24  and inner downward bead  28  are concentric with each other for at least 180° and less than 360° around can end  10 , and in the embodiment shown, are concentric between the 3 o&#39;clock and 9 o&#39;clock positions passing through the 6 o&#39;clock position. Specifically, outer downward bead  24  and inner downward bead  28  are concentric with each other for between about 180° and 359° around can end  10 , and more specifically are concentric with each other for between about 190° and 300° around can end  10 . The configuration of outer downward bead  24  and inner downward bead  28  act to strengthen the can end to resist deformation. Outer downward bead  24  and inner downward bead  28  in the exemplary embodiment are able to resist deformation when the pressure of the contents exceeds 20 pounds per square inch. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4A , can end  10  has multiple ridges, transition areas and depressions that are adjacent to each other forming the strengthening configuration of can end  10 . As shown, for example, in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 4A , the strengthening configuration of can end  10  is located between center panel  32  and crown section  14  of can end  10 . The ridges may be of various heights, but generally do not exceed the height of crown section  14 . The depressions may also be of varying depths, but generally do not extend past the lowest portion of counter-sink section  18 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4D , the total distance between the highest point of crown section  14  and the lowest point of counter-sink section  18  is referred to as the vertical distance  200 . In the embodiment shown, vertical distance  200  is the maximum distance between the highest point of the can end  10  and the lowest point of the can end  10 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, vertical distance  200  is about 0.190 inches. In alternative embodiments, vertical distance  200  is generally less than 0.220 inches, and, more specifically, is between about 0.190 inches and about 0.220 inches. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B , crown section  14  has an outer portion  50  and an inner portion  52  (outer portion  50  and inner portion  52  are the portions of crown  14  located within the labeled dotted line boxes in  FIG. 4B ). Crown section outer portion  50  is adjacent to curl section  12  and extends radially inwards from the curl section to crown section inner portion  52  that is adjacent to wall section  16 . Crown section  14  includes the highest point on can end  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4B  and  FIG. 4E , the size and configuration of crown section  14  and of curl section  12  are the same at all circumferential positions of can end  10 . For example, the relative positioning of crown section  14  and curl section  12  is the same at all circumferential positions of can end  10 . In addition, crown section  14  has a radial length  300  that is the same at all circumferential positions of can end  10 . For example, in an exemplary embodiment, radial length  300  accounts for approximately 6.25% of total diameter  100  of can end  10 . In other exemplary embodiments, radial length  300  generally accounts for less than 6.4% of total diameter  100  of can end  10 , specifically accounts for between 6.0% and 6.4% of total diameter  100  of can end  10  and more specifically, accounts for between 6.15% and 6.28% of total diameter  100  of can end  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4A ,  FIG. 4B  and  FIG. 4D , wall section  16  extends downwardly from crown section inner portion  52  to the counter-sink section  18 . The length of wall section  16  (i.e., the length of the material extending downward from the crown section  14  to the counter-sink section  18 ) is the same length throughout the entire circumference of can end  10 . The wall vertical distance  202 , shown in  FIG. 4D , is the vertical distance between free edge  36  and the lower most portion of counter-sink  18 . The curl vertical distance  204  is the vertical distance from free edge  36  to the highest portion of crown section  14 . As shown in  FIG. 4D , wall vertical distance  202  is greater than curl vertical distance  204  and less than total vertical distance  200 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, total vertical distance  200  is about 0.190 inches, and curl vertical distance  204  is about 0.073 inches. In such embodiments, wall vertical distance  202  is less than 0.190 inches and is greater than 0.073 inches, and in one specific embodiment, wall vertical distance  202  is about 0.117 inches. In various embodiments, wall section  16  may be of various lengths, resulting in different wall vertical distances  202 . In one exemplary embodiment, vertical distance  200  is about 0.220 inches and curl vertical distance  204  is about 0.084 inches, and wall vertical distance  202  is between about 0.220 inches and 0.084 inches, and more specifically may be about 0.136 inches. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4C , counter-sink section  18  has an outer portion  54  that extends downward and radially inwards from wall section  16  and an inner portion  56  that extends upward and radially inwards away from the outer portion  54  and towards score track section  20  (outer portion  54  and inner portion  56  are the portions of counter-sink section  18  located within the labeled dotted line boxes in  FIG. 4C ). The size and configuration of crown section  14  and of counter-sink section  18  are the same at all circumferential positions of can end  10 . For example, the relative positioning of crown section  14  and counter-sink section  18  is the same at all circumferential positions of can end  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4C  and  FIG. 4E , the size and configuration of counter-sink section  18  is the same at all circumferential positions of can end  10 . For example, the relative positioning of counter-sink section  18  is the same at all circumferential positions of can end  10 . In addition, counter-sink section  18  has a radial length  302  that is the same at all circumferential positions of can end  10 . For example, in an exemplary embodiment, radial length  302  accounts for approximately 0.37% of total diameter  100  of can end  10 . In alternative embodiments, radial length  302  generally accounts for less than 0.61% of total diameter  100  of can end  10 , and more specifically, accounts for between 0.18% and 0.50% of total diameter of can end  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4A ,  FIG. 4B  and  FIG. 4E , score track section  20  extends radially inward from counter-sink section inner portion  56 . Score track section  20  is substantially horizontal defining a substantially horizontal plane with a radial length  304  that has an outer portion  58  that is adjacent to the inner portion  56  of counter-sink section  18 , an inner portion  60  that is adjacent to outer downward bead  24  (outer portion  58  and inner portion  60  are the portions of score track section  20  located within the labeled dotted line boxes in  FIG. 4B ). Frangible score  22  (shown in  FIG. 4A ) is located within score track section  20  and is formed out of the material of score track section  20 . Counter-sink section inner portion  56  extends radially inwards and upwards to score track section outer portion  58 . Frangible score  22  is located at the same radial position at all circumferential positions within score track section  20  of can end  10 . The size and configuration of score track section  20  are the same at all circumferential positions of can end  10 . For example, the relative positioning of score track section  20  is the same at all circumferential positions of can end  10 . Frangible score  22  extends throughout the entire circumference of the can end  10  and allows for the can end  10  portion located on the outside of frangible score  22  to separate from the can end  10  portion located on the inside of frangible score  22 . The separation of can end  10  along frangible score  22  allows the user to access the contents of the cavity of can body  44  (shown in  FIG. 7 ). In the exemplary embodiment, the separation of can end  10  may be achieved by manually pulling on a pull tab. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , score track section  20  has a diameter  102  measured at the location of frangible score  22 . In an exemplary embodiment, diameter  102  is between about 2.632 inches and 2.652 inches, and specifically is between about 2.637 inches and 2.647 inches. For example, diameter  102  of score track section  20  from a point along frangible score  22  in the 3 o&#39;clock position, passing through center point  46  of can end  10 , to a point along frangible score  22  in the 9 o&#39;clock position in the exemplary embodiment is between about 2.637 inches and 2.647 inches, and specifically is about 2.642 inches. In various embodiments, diameter  102  is between 78% and 86% of total diameter  100 , specifically is between 80% and 84% of total diameter  100 , and more specifically is about 82% of total diameter  100  of can end  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4C , outer downward bead  24  has an outer portion  62  that extends downward and radially inwards from score track section  20  and an inner portion  64  that is adjacent to first connecting section  26 . Outer portion  62  of outer downward bead  24  extends downward and radially inward from score track section  20 . Inner portion  64  of outer downward bead  24  extends upward and radially inward from outer portion of the outer downward bead  24 . The size and configuration of outer downward bead  24  are the same at all circumferential positions of can end  10 . For example, the relative positioning of outer downward bead  24  is the same at all circumferential positions of can end  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4A , the lowest point of outer downward bead  24  does not extend beyond the depth of counter-sink  18 . Outer downward bead  24  has a first vertical distance between the horizontal plane formed by score track section  20  and the lowest point of outer downward bead  24  at the 6 o&#39;clock position and a second vertical distance between the horizontal plane formed by score track section  20  and the lowest point of outer downward bead  24  at the 12 o&#39;clock position. In the exemplary embodiment, the vertical distance at the 6 o&#39;clock position is between about 0.004 inches and about 0.010 inches and the vertical distance at the 12 o&#39;clock position is between about 0.010 and about 0.016 inches. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , outer downward bead  24  has a diameter  104  that is measured between opposing radial center points of bead  24  (e.g., the lowest points of bead  24  shown in  FIG. 5 ). For example, diameter  104  of outer downward bead  24  is the distance from the lowest point in the 3 o&#39;clock position, passing through center point  46  of can end  10 , to the lowest point in the 9 o&#39;clock position. In various exemplary embodiments, diameter  104  is between about 2.435 inches and 2.445 inches, and specifically is about 2.440 inches. In various embodiments, diameter  104  is between 70% and 80% of total diameter  100 , specifically between 73% and 77% of total diameter  100 , more specifically is about 75% of total diameter  100  of can end  10 . The dimensions of outer downward bead  24  may be of varying lengths and depths in alternative embodiments of can end  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4A ,  FIG. 4B  and  FIG. 4E , first connecting section  26  extends radially inwards from outer downward bead inner portion  64  and has an outer portion  66  that is directly coupled to outer downward bead  24  and an inner portion  68  that is directly coupled to inner downward bead  28  (outer portion  66  and inner portion  68  are the portions of first connecting section  26  located within the labeled dotted line boxes in  FIG. 4B ). First connecting section  26  defines a substantially horizontal plane having an radial length  306 . The horizontal plane formed by score track section  20  can either be slightly higher, the same as or lower than the horizontal plane formed by first connecting section  26 . The horizontal plane formed by score track section  20  may be higher than the horizontal plane formed by first connecting section  26 , resulting in a vertical distance between the two horizontal planes of about 0.000 inches and 0.014 inches. The horizontal plane formed by score track section  20  may also be lower than the horizontal plane formed by first connecting section  26 , resulting in a vertical distance between the two horizontal planes of about 0.000 inches and 0.006 inches. The radial length  306  of first connecting section  26  remains constant for at least 180° around can end  10 , and specifically radial length  306  remains constant for between 180° and 359° around can end  10 . More specifically, radial length  306  remains constant for between 190° and 300° of can end  10  between the 3 o&#39;clock and 9 o&#39;clock positions that includes the 6 o&#39;clock position. Near the 12 o&#39;clock position of can end  10 , first connecting section  26  and mount  38  are in the same general horizontal plane. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , first connecting section  26  has a diameter  106  that is the distance measured between opposing mid-points of first connecting section  26 . As shown, diameter  106  is less than diameter  104  of outer downward bead  24 . In various embodiments, diameter  106  is between about 2.294 inches and 2.314 inches, and more specifically is between about 2.299 inches and 2.309 inches. For example, diameter  106  of first connecting section  26  from a point in the 3 o&#39;clock position, passing through center point  46  of can end  10 , to a point in the 9 o&#39;clock position is between about 2.299 inches and 2.309 inches, and specifically is about 2.304 inches. In various embodiments, diameter  106  of first connecting section  26  is between 66% and 74% of total diameter  100 , specifically between 68% and 72% of total diameter  100 , and more specifically is about 70% of total diameter  100  of can end  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4A ,  FIG. 4D  and  FIG. 6 , inner downward bead  28  includes an outer portion  70  that extends downward and radially inward from first connecting section  26  and an inner portion  72  extending upward and radially inward from the outer portion  70  (outer portion  70  and inner portion  72  of inner downward bead  28  are the portions of inner downward bead  28  located within the labeled dotted line boxes in  FIG. 4D ). Outer portion  70  is adjacent to first connecting section  26  and inner portion  72  is adjacent to second connecting section  30 . Referring to  FIG. 6 , inner downward bead  28  is a non-continuous bead that extends around a portion of can end  10 , extending from a first end  74  located on one side of mount  38  and one side of tab  34  to a second end  76  located on the opposite lateral side of mount  38  and the opposite lateral side of tab  34  from first end  74 . Inner downward bead  28  terminates at first end  74  and second end  76  located on each lateral side of mount  38 . Specifically, inner downward bead  28  and first connecting section  26  are concentric with each other for at least 180°, specifically are concentric with each other for between about 180° and 359° around can end  10 , and more specifically are concentric with each other for between about 190° and 300° around can end  10 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 4A , the vertical position of the lowest point of inner downward bead  28  is located between lowest points of counter-sink section  18  and outer downward bead  24 . The inner downward bead vertical distance is the vertical distance measured from the lowest point of the inner downward bead  28  and the horizontal plane formed by the score track section  20 . In the exemplary embodiment, the vertical distance between inner downward bead  28  and score track section  20  is between about 0.017 inches and 0.027 inches, specifically between about 0.020 inches and 0.024 inches, more specifically about 0.022 inches. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , inner downward bead  28  has a diameter  108  that is the distance measured between opposing radial center points of bead  28  (e.g., the lowest points of bead  28  shown in  FIG. 5 ). As shown, diameter  108  is less than diameter  104  of outer downward bead  24  and diameter  106  of first connecting section  26 . In various embodiments, diameter  108  is between about 2.080 inches and 2.100 inches, and more specifically is between about 2.085 inches and 2.095 inches. For example, diameter  108  of inner downward bead  28  from a point in the 3 o&#39;clock position, passing through center point  46  of can end  10 , to a point in the 9 o&#39;clock position is between about 2.085 inches and 2.095 inches, and specifically is about 2.090 inches. In various embodiments, diameter  108  of inner downward bead  28  is between 60% and 68% of total diameter  100 , specifically between 62% and 66% of total diameter  100 , and more specifically is about 64% of total diameter  100  of can end  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4A ,  FIG. 4C  and  FIG. 6 , second connecting section  30  has an outer portion  80  that extends downward and radially inward from inner downward bead  28  and an inner portion  82  that joins to the outer edge  78  of center panel  32  (outer portion  80  and inner portion  82  of second connecting section  30  are located within the dotted line boxes of  FIG. 4C ). Second connecting section  30  extends around a portion of can end  10 , extending from a first end  84  located on one side of mount  38  to a second end  86  located on the opposite lateral side of mount  38  from first end  84 . Outer portion  80  is adjacent to inner downward bead  28  and inner portion  82  is adjacent to center panel  32 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , first end  84  and second end  86  of second connecting section  30  are located near the 12 o&#39;clock position. Second connecting section  30  and inner downward bead  28  are concentric with each other for at least 180° around can end  10 , specifically are concentric with each other for between about 180° and 359° around can end  10 , and more specifically are concentric with each other for between about 190° and 300° around can end  10 . 
     Together, outer portion  72  of inner downward bead  28  and second connecting section  30  form an inner upward bead  29 , shown in  FIG. 4D . The highest point of inner upward bead  29  is slightly higher than the horizontal plane formed by score track section  20 , resulting in a vertical distance between the highest point of inner upward bead  29  and score track section  20  that is between 0.001 inches and 0.012 inches. For example, the vertical distance between the highest point of inner upward bead  29  and score track section  20  in the exemplary embodiment is 0.0065 inches. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , center panel  32  has a diameter  110  measured from outer most edge  78  of center panel  32 . In various embodiments, diameter  110  is between about 1.780 inches and 1.800 inches, and specifically is between about 1.785 and 1.795 inches. For example, diameter  110  of center panel  32  from a point at outer most edge  78  in the 3 o&#39;clock position, passing through center point  46  of can end  10 , to a point at outer most edge  78  in the 9 o&#39;clock position is between about 1.785 inches and 1.795 inches, and more specifically is about 1.790 inches. In various embodiments, diameter  110  of center panel  32  is between 50% and 60% of total diameter  100 , specifically is between 53% and 57% of total diameter  100 , more specifically is about 55% of total diameter  100  of can end  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 6 , center panel  32  has a transition area  88  sloping downward and radially inwards toward a center depression  48 . Center depression  48  may be formed in various shapes (i.e., a circle, rectangle, oval, etc.) and includes center point  46  of can end  10 . The exemplary embodiment of can end  10  shown has center depression  48  that is in the general shape of the letter “D”. The straight line portion  90  of the letter “D” (shown in  FIG. 6 ) faces or is parallel to the 12 o&#39;clock position of can end  10  and extends in the direction from the 3 o&#39;clock to 9 o&#39;clock position, and the curved portion of the “D” shape faces towards the 6 o&#39;clock position to form a complete “D” shape. The gripping portion of tab  34  is located above center depression  48 . Center depression  48  acts as a finger well facilitating a user to access the gripping portion of tab  34 . 
     Referring generally to can end  10 , the radial distance between center point  46  and the inner most edge of inner downward bead  28  is greater than half of the total radius of can end  10 . For example, if the total radius of can end  10  is 2.0 inches, then the radial distance between center point  46  and the inner portion of inner downward bead  28  can be any distance between 1.0 inch and 2.0 inches. 
     Referring generally to can end  10 , score track section  20 , outer downward bead  24 , first connecting section  26 , inner downward bead  28 , second connecting section  30 , and center panel  32  are configured to strengthen can end  10 . In particular, the various positions, shapes, sizes, etc. of the structure of can end  10  described herein provide can end  10  with improved strength and/or deformation resistance. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4F , can end  10  includes a number of curved transition areas located between various structures discussed above. The first curved transition area  400  connects score track section  20  and outer downward bead outer portion  62 . In the exemplary embodiment, the lower surface of first curved transition area  400  has a radius of curvature  500  that is between about 0.015 inches and 0.025 inches, and more specifically is about 0.020 inches. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4F  and  FIG. 4G , from first curved transition area  400 , outer downward bead outer portion  62  extends downward and radially inwards towards the second curved transition area  402 . Second curved transition area  402  is between outer downward bead outer portion  62  and outer downward bead inner portion  64 . The lowest point of outer downward bead  24  is located in second curved transition area  402 . In the exemplary embodiment, the upper surface of second curved transition area  402  has a radius of curvature  502  that is between about 0.010 inches and 0.020 inches, and more specifically is about 0.015 inches. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4F , the third curved transition area  404  connects outer downward bead inner portion  64  and first connecting section  26 . In the exemplary embodiment, the lower surface of third curved transition area  404  has a radius of curvature  504  that is between about 0.015 inches and 0.025 inches, and more specifically is about 0.020 inches. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4G , the fourth curved transition area  406  connects first connecting section  26  and inner downward bead outer portion  70 . In the exemplary embodiment, the lower surface of fourth curved transition area  406  has a radius of curvature  506  that is between about 0.019 inches and 0.029 inches, more specifically about 0.024 inches. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4F , from fourth curved transition area  406 , inner downward bead outer portion  70  extends downward and radially inwards towards the fifth curved transition area  408 . Fifth curved transition area  408  connects inner downward bead outer portion  70  and inner downward bead inner portion  72  and contains the lowest point of inner downward bead  28 . In the exemplary embodiment, the upper surface of fifth curved transition area  408  has a radius of curvature  508  that is between about 0.019 inches and 0.029 inches, and more specifically is about 0.024 inches. Fifth curved transition area  408  continues to extend upward and radially inwards towards inner downward bead inner portion  72 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4G , the sixth curved transition area  410  connects inner downward bead inner portion  72  to second connecting section  30 . In the exemplary embodiment, the lower surface of sixth curved transition area  410  has a radius of curvature  510  that is between about 0.019 inches and 0.029 inches, more specifically about 0.024 inches. The seventh curved transition area  412  connects second connecting section  30  to center panel  32 . In the exemplary embodiment the upper surface of seventh curved transition area  412  has a radius of curvature  512  that is between about 0.019 inches and 0.029 inches, more specifically 0.024 inches. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a perspective, sectional view, of a can end  10  and can body  44  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 7 , can end  10  is coupled to a side wall  66  via a seam  67  formed by interlocking material of the upper end of side wall  66  of can body  44  and can end  10 . 
     Can ends discussed herein may include can ends of any style, shape, size, etc. For example, the can ends discussed herein may be shaped such that the outer perimeter of the can end is generally circular. However, in other embodiments the can ends discussed herein may be shaped in a variety of ways (e.g., rectangular, square, polygonal, hexagonal, octagonal, oval, elliptical, etc.) as may be desirable for different applications or aesthetic reasons. Can ends may have various diameters or widths (e.g., 2 inches, 3 inches, 5 inches, etc.) as desired for a particular application. 
     The can ends discussed are shown, in  FIG. 7 , coupled a can body via a “double seam” formed from the interlocked portions of material of the can sidewall and the can end. However, in other embodiments, the can ends discussed herein may be coupled to the sidewall via other mechanisms. For example, can ends may be coupled to the sidewall via welds or solders. 
     The can ends discussed herein may be used to hold perishable materials (e.g., food). It should be understood that the phrase “food” used to describe various embodiments of this disclosure may refer to dry food, moist food, powder, liquid, or any other drinkable or edible material, regardless of nutritional value. In other embodiments, the can ends discussed herein may be on containers used to hold non-perishable materials or non-food materials. In various embodiments, the can ends discussed herein may be on containers that the product is packed in liquid that is drained from the product prior to use. For example, the containers discussed herein may contain vegetables, pasta or meats packed in a liquid such as water, brine, or oil. 
     According to various exemplary embodiments, the inner surfaces of the can ends and the can body sidewall may include a liner (e.g., an insert, coating, lining, a protective coating, sealant, etc.). The protective coating acts to protect the material of the container from degradation that may be caused by the contents of the container. In an exemplary embodiment, the protective coating may be a coating that may be applied via spraying or any other suitable method. Different coatings may be provided for different food applications. For example, the liner or coating may be selected to protect the material of the container from acidic contents, such as carbonated beverages, tomatoes, tomato pastes/sauces, etc. The coating material may be a vinyl, polyester, epoxy, EVOH and/or other suitable lining material or spray. The interior surfaces of the container ends may also be coated with a protective coating as described above. 
     It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions, including angles, lengths and radii, as shown in the Figures are to scale. Actual measurements of the Figures will disclose relative dimensions, angles and proportions of the various exemplary embodiments. Various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around the absolute and relative dimensions, angles and proportions that may be determined from the Figures. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that may be determined from the Figures. Further, actual dimensions not expressly set out in this description can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions measured in the Figures in combination with the express dimensions set out in this description.