Patent Description:
Metallic containers (e.g., cans) are structured to hold products such as, but not limited to, food and beverages. Generally, a metallic container includes a can body and a can end. The can body, in an exemplary embodiment, includes a base and a depending sidewall. The can body defines a generally enclosed space that is open at one end. The can body is filled with product and the can end is then coupled to the can body at the open end. The container is then placed in an oven and heated to cook the product and/or sterilize the product. The heating and subsequent cooling of the container, and food, causes pressure changes. That is, as the food is heated, the pressure inside the container increases. This pressure is identified as an "internal" or "positive" pressure. Containers are structured to resist deformation due to the internal pressure. In an exemplary embodiment, the heating of the container, and food, is performed by pressurized steam. The pressurized steam applies pressure to the outer side of the container. Pressure on the outer side of the container is "external" or "reverse" pressure. Containers are not always structured to resist deformation due to external pressure. Thus, if the metal of either, or both, the can body and/or the can end is weak, the can body and/or the can end will deform due to pressure changes and the container will be defective.

A "can end," as used herein, is the element coupled to a can body to form a container. The "can end" includes a tab or similar device structured to open the container. As discussed below, a "can end" is, typically, formed from a "shell. " That is, a shell is formed from a generally planar blank cut from sheet material. The blank is formed to include an annular countersink, a chuck wall, and other constructs. The concept disclosed and claimed below are discussed as part of a "can end," It is understood, however, that the disclosed and claimed concept can be formed while the blank is still a "shell" as opposed to a "can end. " That is, while the following discussion uses the term, "can end," the discussion is also applicable to "shells.

A container is exposed to pressures during processing. For example, some food items are cooked and/or sterilized while in the container. Such a container is exposed to both internal pressure, also identified herein as "buckle" or "buckle pressure," as well as external pressure, also identified herein as "reverse buckle" or "reverse buckle pressure. " A container, that is the can body and the can end, must have the strength to resist deformation due to buckle pressure and/or reverse buckle pressure.

Generally, the strength of the container is related to the thickness of the metal from which the can body and the can end is formed, as well as, the shape of these elements. This application primarily addresses the can ends rather than the can bodies. The can ends are either a "sanitary" can end or an "easy open" end. As used herein, a "sanitary" end is a can end that does not have a tab or score profile to open and would have to be opened by use of a can opener or other device. As used herein, an "easy open" can end includes a tear panel and a tab. The tear panel is defined by a score profile, or score line, on the exterior surface (identified herein as the "public side") of the can end. The tab is attached (e.g., without limitation, riveted) adjacent the tear panel. The pull tab is structured to be lifted and/or pulled to sever the scoreline and deflect and/or remove the severable panel, thereby creating an opening for dispensing the contents of the container. The following addresses an "easy open" can end but is also applicable to a "sanitary" can end. That is, a "sanitary" can end is produced in a similar manner, and coupled to a can body in a similar manner. Thus, as used herein, a can end is further defined as including constructs that are used for both "sanitary" can ends and "easy open" ends.

When the can end is made, it originates as a blank, which is cut from a sheet metal product (e.g., without limitation, sheet aluminum; sheet steel). In an exemplary embodiment, the blank is then formed into a "shell" in a shell press. As used herein, a "shell" is a construct that started as a generally planar blank and which has been subjected to forming operations other than rivet forming and tab staking. The shell press includes a number of tool stations where each station performs a forming operation (or which may include a null station that does not perform a forming operation). The blank moves through successive stations and is formed into the "shell. " A shell is, in an exemplary embodiment, a "sanitary" can end that is structured to be coupled to a can body.

For an "easy open" end, a shell is further conveyed to a conversion press, which also has a number of successive tool stations. As the shell advances from one tool station to the next, conversion operations such as, for example and without limitation, rivet forming, paneling, scoring, embossing, and tab staking, are performed until the shell is fully converted into the desired can end and is discharged from the press. Thus, as used herein, a "can end" includes a "shell" as well as a construct including a tab and a score line.

In the can making industry, large volumes of metal are required in order to manufacture a considerable number of cans. Generally, steel cans are made from sheet material having a base gauge, or an original thickness (as used herein, the terms are equivalent to each other), of between <NUM> (<NUM> inch) to <NUM> (<NUM> inch). The required original thickness of the material is determined by a variety of factors such as, but not limited to, the dimensions of the finished can, the temperature to which the can (and contents) are exposed during processing, the nature of the contents to be placed in the cans, as well as other factors. The original thickness of the material for each specific type, model, and/or style of can and/or can end is, as used herein, the "established thickness.

That is, for example, the steel used for a common <NUM> (<NUM> oz. ) soup can has an established thickness of <NUM> (<NUM> inch). The can end/container formed from steel with this established thickness is structured to withstand a buckle pressure of <NUM>. 24MPa (<NUM> psi) and a reverse buckle pressure of <NUM> MPa (<NUM> psi).

An ongoing objective in the industry is to reduce the amount of metal that is consumed. Efforts are constantly being made, therefore, to reduce the thickness or gauge (sometimes referred to as "down-gauging") of the stock material from which can ends, tabs, and can bodies are made. Alternatively, the material can be thinned from the base gauge to have a thinner, or partially thinner, final thickness that is less than the base gauge. However, as less material (e.g., thinner gauge) is used, problems arise that require the development of unique solutions. As noted above, a common problem associated with can ends for food cans is that they are subject to pressure changes associated with processing the food product within the can. When the base gauge of the metal is too thin, the can end deforms. This is a problem.

One solution to the problems associated with using thin metal is to provide strengthening constructs in the can end. Strengthening constructs include, but are not limited to, recessed or protruding panels that add rigidity to the generally planar can ends. The strengthening constructs are, in an exemplary embodiment, created by forming the panels in the body of the can end. The can end includes other, similar constructs such as recesses for the tab. As noted above, however, the can end and the strengthening constructs are, in an exemplary embodiment, structured to resist internal pressure.

There is, therefore, a need for a can end having a shape that resists deformation even when the can end is made from a down-gauged, i.e., thinner, metal. There is a further need for a can end having a shape that resists deformation from external or reverse pressure. For instance, <CIT> discloses a can end including a down-gauging construct, having: a center panel, an annular portion disposed about the center panel, a chuck wall disposed about the annular portion, a curl extending radially from the chuck wall, the annular portion including an annular ridge and an annular countersink, the annular countersink disposed adjacent and about the annular ridge. <CIT> discloses a can end according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

A can end according to claim <NUM> solves the problems stated above and allows the can ends to be made from a material with a decreased original thickness.

A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:.

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.

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, the singular form of "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

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, 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, 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 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, 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 resting on 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, "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 are 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, 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. " Further, a "path of travel" or "path" relates to a motion of one identifiable construct as a whole relative to another object. For example, assuming a perfectly smooth road, a rotating wheel (an identifiable construct) on an automobile generally does not move relative to the body (another object) of the automobile. That is, the wheel, as a whole, does not change its position relative to, for example, the adjacent fender. Thus, a rotating wheel does not have a "path of travel" or "path" relative to the body of the automobile. Conversely, the air inlet valve on that wheel (an identifiable construct) does have a "path of travel" or "path" relative to the body of the automobile. That is, while the wheel rotates and is in motion, the air inlet valve as a whole, moves relative to the body of the automobile.

As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components "engage" one another means 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 either 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.

As used herein, "depending" means to extend at an angle other than zero (<NUM>°) from another element without regard to direction. That is, for example, a "depending" sidewall may extend generally upwardly from a base. Further, a "depending" sidewall inherently has a distal end.

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, 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, a "radial side/surface" for a circular or cylindrical body is a side/surface that extends about, or encircles, the center thereof or a height line passing through the center thereof. As used herein, an "axial side/surface" for a circular or cylindrical body is a side that extends in a plane extending generally perpendicular to a height line passing through the center. That is, generally, for a cylindrical soup can, the "radial side/surface" is the generally circular sidewall and the "axial side(s)/surface(s)" are the top and bottom of the soup can.

As used herein, "generally curvilinear" includes 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, "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, "at" means on and/or near relevant to the term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The following discussion and the Figures use a generally cylindrical can end <NUM>, discussed below, as an example. It is understood that the disclosed and claimed concept is operable with can ends <NUM> of any shape and the cylindrical shape discussed and shown is exemplary only. <FIG> show a prior art easy open can end <NUM>, hereinafter "prior can end" <NUM>. The prior can end <NUM> includes an opener (e.g., without limitation, pull tab <NUM>), which is attached (e.g., without limitation, riveted) to a tear strip or severable panel <NUM>. The severable panel <NUM> is defined by a scoreline <NUM> in the exterior surface <NUM> (e.g., public side) of the prior can end <NUM>. The pull tab <NUM> is structured to be lifted and/or pulled to sever the scoreline <NUM> and deflect and/or remove the severable panel <NUM>, thereby creating an opening for dispensing the contents of the can (not shown). As shown, the prior can end <NUM>, when viewed in cross-section as in <FIG>, includes a center panel <NUM>, an annular countersink <NUM>, a chuck wall <NUM>, and a curl <NUM>. It is understood that the prior can end <NUM> is formed from a generally, or substantially, planar blank <NUM> (<FIG>, shown schematically). In an exemplary embodiment, the blank <NUM> is a generally planar disk, as is known.

A blank <NUM> is initially formed into an improved shell <NUM>, <FIG>, which is then further formed into an improved can end <NUM> (hereinafter, and as used herein, "can end" <NUM>) shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. As noted above, and as used herein, a "can end" <NUM> and a shell <NUM> include common elements and similar reference numbers are used in the Figures to identify these elements including: a center panel <NUM>, an annular portion <NUM>, a chuck wall <NUM> and a curl <NUM>. Further, the can end <NUM> has an exterior, or "public," side <NUM> and an interior, or "product," side <NUM>. The public and product sides <NUM>, <NUM> relate to the configuration of the can end <NUM> when the can end <NUM> is coupled to a filled can body <NUM> (<FIG>). As used herein, the center panel <NUM>, <NUM> is "generally planar" even if it includes recesses, a rivet, and other formed constructs.

In an exemplary embodiment, the annular portion <NUM> includes a "down-gauging construct" <NUM>, <FIG>. As used herein, a "down-gauging construct" means a construct structured to increase the can end <NUM> resistance to buckling and other deformations that arise after the can end <NUM> is coupled to a can body <NUM>. Further, as used herein, a "down-gauging construct" means a construct that is disposed only in the annular portion <NUM> between the center panel <NUM> and the chuck wall <NUM>. The down-gauging construct <NUM> is structured to, and does, allow the can end <NUM> to be made from a material with a "decreased original thickness.

As noted above, the "established thickness" for a specific can end is determined by many factors such as, but not limited to, the geometry and configuration of the finished container. As such, this application is not limiting a "decreased original thickness" to a specific thickness or range of thicknesses. Instead, as used herein, a "decreased original thickness" means a thickness that is less than the "established thickness. " Thus, the "decreased original thickness" varies depending upon the geometry and configuration, as well as other factors, of the finished container. Stated alternately, as used herein, a "decreased original thickness" means that the material has an original thickness that is thinner than the "established thickness" for a specific type, model, and/or style of can end. The "established thickness" for a specific can end is well known in the art.

The following discussion relates to an exemplary can end <NUM> which is a steel shell/can end <NUM> used for a common <NUM> (<NUM> oz. ) soup can which is the same container discussed above in the Background Information. When the can end <NUM> includes a down-gauging construct <NUM>, the sheet material, i.e., the sheet steel, has an original thickness of about <NUM> (<NUM> inch). Thus, compared to the established thickness of <NUM> (<NUM> inch) for this exemplary can end, the can end <NUM> has a "decreased original thickness. " Further, use of the down-gauging construct <NUM> allows the can end to withstand a buckle pressure of <NUM>. 239MPa (<NUM> psi) and a reverse buckle pressure of <NUM> MPa (<NUM> psi), see, <FIG> and/or 12A. The pressure resistance of the can end <NUM> with the down-gauging construct <NUM> is generally the same as the known can end and the can end <NUM> with the down-gauging construct <NUM> can be used in place of the known can end.

That is, a can end <NUM> made from a material with a decreased original thickness and that includes the concept disclosed herein is usable with the same can body as a can end with the established thickness. This solves the problems stated above. Further, a can end <NUM> that includes the concept disclosed herein and which is made from material having a "decreased original thickness" is, as used herein, a "decreased original thickness can end" <NUM>.

To provide a reference, the plane of the blank <NUM> defines, as used herein, the "original plane" of the blank <NUM> and the resulting can end <NUM>. As discussed below, the "original plane" is also the plane of the center panel <NUM>, <NUM> immediately adjacent and inside, i.e., toward the center of the can end <NUM>, the annular portion <NUM>. It is noted that, prior can end <NUM> (<FIG>) includes an annular countersink <NUM> that extends toward the product side <NUM> from the periphery of the center panel <NUM>. That is, the prior can end <NUM> does not include an annular ridge <NUM>, as defined below.

As shown in <FIG>, and as noted above, a can end <NUM> includes a center panel <NUM>, an annular portion <NUM>, a chuck wall <NUM> and a curl <NUM>. The following terms are used to describe characteristics of a can end's <NUM> components. As used herein, the curl <NUM> has a "curl height" which means the vertical distance between the top of the curl <NUM> and the distal end of the curl <NUM>. As used herein, the "countersink depth" means the vertical distance between the top of the curl <NUM> and the bottom of an annular countersink <NUM>, discussed below. As used herein, the "panel depth" means the vertical distance between the bottom of the annular countersink <NUM> and the bottom of the center panel <NUM>. As used herein, the "reverse panel depth" means the vertical distance between the top of an annular ridge <NUM>, discussed below, and the top of the center panel <NUM>. It is noted that the prior can ends did not have a "reverse panel depth," <FIG>, because the prior can ends <NUM> did not have an annular ridge <NUM>. Further, the can end <NUM> has, as used herein, an "exterior," or "public," side <NUM> and an "interior," or "product," side <NUM>. The "exterior," or "public," side <NUM> is the side that, when the can end <NUM> is coupled to a can body <NUM>, is exposed to the atmosphere. The "interior," or "product," side <NUM> is the side that, when the can end <NUM> is coupled to a can body <NUM>, is not exposed to the atmosphere.

The center panel <NUM> is generally planar. As shown in <FIG>, the center panel <NUM> includes a scoreline <NUM> on the public side <NUM>. The scoreline <NUM> defines a tear strip or severable panel <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the severable panel <NUM> occupies the majority of the center panel <NUM> as is common with, but not limited to, a can end <NUM> for a food container. In this configuration, the center panel <NUM> includes a peripheral portion <NUM> and the severable panel <NUM>. It is understood that to open a container including the can end <NUM>, the severable panel <NUM> is removed (or displaced) relative to the peripheral portion <NUM>.

The annular portion <NUM> is disposed about the center panel <NUM> and is unitary therewith. In one exemplary embodiment, the down-gauging construct <NUM> includes an annular ridge <NUM>. That is, the annular portion <NUM> includes an annular ridge <NUM> and an annular countersink <NUM>. As used herein, a "ridge" begins and ends in the same general plane (hereinafter the ridge plane, shown as "RP" in <FIG>) and includes a peak, i.e., a vertex when viewed as a cross-section with the cross-sectional plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the center panel <NUM>. At the ridge plane, a "ridge" has a maximum width of about <NUM> (<NUM> inch). The width of a ridge is the distance between an upward slope (shown as "U" in <FIG>) and a downward slope (shown as "D" in <FIG>) measured at the ridge plane and shown as "W" in <FIG>. Further, as used herein, an "annular ridge" extends about, or substantially extends about, a severable panel <NUM>. Thus, features on a shell or can end such as wide tiers (such as, but not limited to, tier "T" in <FIG>), localized protrusions or recesses do not define an "annular ridge" as used herein. For example, the "panel formation" (reference number <NUM>) in <CIT> is not, and does not include, an "annular ridge" because the "panel formation <NUM>" does not extend about the severable panel defined by a scoreline.

In an exemplary embodiment, the annular ridge <NUM> has a height, as measured at the top of the ridge plane to the top of the center panel <NUM> of between about <NUM> (<NUM> inch) and <NUM> (<NUM> inch), or about <NUM> (<NUM> inch). This offset also defines the "reverse panel depth" of the center panel <NUM>. That is, as shown, the ridge plane is substantially the same as the plane of the center panel <NUM>. Thus, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the annular ridge <NUM> extends upwardly from the center panel <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, annular ridge <NUM> curves upwardly from the center panel <NUM> (when viewed in cross-section, as shown in <FIG>) wherein the curve has a radius (R<NUM>) of between about <NUM> (<NUM> inch) and <NUM> (<NUM> inch), or about <NUM> (<NUM> inch). Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the annular ridge <NUM> is generally curvilinear or generally arcuate. When the annular ridge <NUM> is generally arcuate, the annular ridge <NUM> has an internal radius (R<NUM>), i.e., the radius of the curve between and including the upward slope and the downward slope, of between about <NUM> (<NUM> inch) and <NUM> (<NUM> inch), or about <NUM> (<NUM> inch). The annular ridge <NUM> is the portion disposed about, and immediately adjacent, the center panel <NUM>. An annular ridge <NUM> in any of the configurations and with the characteristics described above solves the problems stated above.

In an exemplary embodiment, the annular portion <NUM> includes a generally planar portion <NUM> (when viewed in cross-section as shown in <FIG>), hereinafter "annular planar portion" <NUM>. It is noted that the plane of the annular planar portion <NUM> is not in the same plane as, or parallel to, the plane of the center panel <NUM>. That is, the plane of the annular planar portion <NUM> is angled relative to the plane of the center panel <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the annular planar portion <NUM> has a length between about <NUM> (<NUM> inch) and <NUM> (<NUM> inch), or about <NUM> (<NUM> inch), wherein the "length" is measured from the annular ridge <NUM> to the annular countersink <NUM>. If included, the annular planar portion <NUM> is disposed about, and immediately adjacent, the annular ridge <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the annular countersink <NUM> is disposed about, and immediately adjacent, the annular ridge <NUM>. In another embodiment, the annular countersink <NUM> is disposed about, and immediately adjacent, the annular planar portion <NUM>. As used herein, the "annular countersink" <NUM> begins and ends in the same general plane (hereinafter the countersink plane, shown as "CP" in <FIG>) and includes a nadir, i.e., a bottom vertex when viewed as a cross-section with the cross-sectional plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the center panel <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. At the countersink plane, the "annular countersink" <NUM> has a maximum width of about <NUM> (<NUM> inch). The width of the annular countersink <NUM> is the distance between the downward slope (not identified in the Figures) and the upward slope (not identified in the Figures) measured at the countersink plane. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the annular countersink <NUM> is generally curvilinear or generally arcuate. When the annular countersink <NUM> is generally arcuate, the annular countersink <NUM> has an internal radius, i.e., the radius of the curve between and including the upward slope and the downward slope, of between about <NUM> (<NUM> inch) and <NUM> (<NUM> inch), or about <NUM> (<NUM> inch).

As shown in <FIG>, the chuck wall <NUM> is disposed about, and immediately adjacent, the annular countersink <NUM>. The curl <NUM> is disposed about, and immediately adjacent, the chuck wall <NUM>. That is, the curl <NUM> extends radially outwardly from the chuck wall <NUM>. As is known, and as shown in <FIG>, the can end <NUM> is coupled, directly coupled, fixed, or "seamed" (as discussed below) to a can body <NUM> thereby forming a container <NUM>. A can body <NUM> includes a base <NUM> and an upwardly depending sidewall <NUM>. The can body <NUM> defines a generally enclosed space <NUM>.

As noted above, a can end <NUM> including an annular portion <NUM> with an annular ridge <NUM> and an annular countersink <NUM> allows for the use of thinner materials, or materials that have been thinned, relative to a prior can end <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the blank <NUM> or the material from which the blank <NUM> is formed, has an original thickness. During the forming process of a can end <NUM>, as discussed below, the original thickness is, in one exemplary embodiment, maintained. In another exemplary embodiment, during the forming process of a can end <NUM>, the original thickness is generally reduced, or, the thickness of selected portions thereof are reduced. Whether the same as the original thickness or reduced from the original thickness, the elements of the can end <NUM> begin with a material with a decreased original thickness, as defined above, and end with a final thickness. That is, in an exemplary embodiment, each of the center panel <NUM>, the annular portion <NUM>, the chuck wall <NUM>, and the curl <NUM> have originally have a decreased original thickness and end with a final thickness. In an exemplary embodiment, i.e., the decreased original thickness, and/or final thickness, is between about <NUM> (<NUM> inch) or <NUM> (<NUM> inch), or is about <NUM> (<NUM> inch). Using a can end <NUM>, i.e., a decreased original thickness can end <NUM>, solves the problems noted above.

The can end <NUM> described above is formed in a tooling <NUM>, or tooling assembly <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The tooling <NUM> includes an upper tool assembly <NUM> and a lower tool assembly <NUM>. The upper tool assembly <NUM> and the lower tool assembly <NUM> cooperate to form material disposed therebetween into a can end <NUM> as described above. That is, the upper tool assembly <NUM> and the lower tool assembly <NUM> cooperate to form the annular portion <NUM> with an annular ridge <NUM> and an annular countersink <NUM>, as described above. That is, the upper tool assembly <NUM> and the lower tool assembly <NUM> cooperate to form the annular ridge <NUM> substantially disposed above the original plane, and to form the annular countersink <NUM> substantially disposed below the original plane. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper tool assembly <NUM> and the lower tool assembly <NUM> cooperate to form the annular ridge with a generally arcuate cross-section, and, to form the annular countersink <NUM> with a generally arcuate cross-section.

In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the upper tool assembly <NUM> includes an upper die shoe <NUM>, an upper tooling retainer <NUM>, a die center riser <NUM>, a "blank and draw" die punch <NUM>, that is, element <NUM> is a single element that both cuts the blank from the sheet material and draws the blank, an upper piston <NUM>, a die center punch <NUM>, and, for the embodiment with a reverse panel, an upper reverse panel insert <NUM>. In the same exemplary embodiment, the lower tool assembly <NUM> includes a lower die shoe <NUM>, a lower tooling retainer <NUM>, a die core ring <NUM>, a panel punch piston <NUM>, a lower piston <NUM>, a panel punch <NUM>, a cutting ring <NUM> with a cut edge <NUM>, and a lower reverse panel insert <NUM>. The interaction of these elements are shown sequentially in <FIG>. It is noted that, for clarity, a blank <NUM> is not shown in <FIG>, but is shown schematically in <FIG>. The motion of these elements are generally disclosed in <CIT> and the discussion associated with <FIG> of that patent are incorporated by reference with the understanding that the upper reverse panel insert <NUM> moves with the die center punch <NUM> (die center <NUM> in <CIT>) and the lower reverse panel insert <NUM> moves with the panel punch <NUM> (element <NUM> in <CIT>).

Accordingly, as shown in <FIG>, a method of making a can end <NUM> with an annular ridge <NUM> and an annular countersink <NUM> includes: providing <NUM> a sheet material defining an original plane, providing <NUM> a tooling <NUM> with an upper tool assembly <NUM> and a lower tool assembly <NUM>, introducing <NUM> material between the upper tool assembly <NUM> and the lower tool assembly <NUM>, cutting <NUM> a blank <NUM> from the sheet material, forming <NUM> the material, or the blank <NUM>, to include a center panel <NUM>, an annular portion <NUM> disposed about the center panel <NUM>, a chuck wall <NUM> disposed about the annular portion <NUM>, and a curl <NUM> extending radially outwardly from the chuck wall <NUM> (hereinafter "forming <NUM> the material"), and, forming <NUM> the annular portion <NUM> to include an annular ridge <NUM> and an annular countersink <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, forming <NUM> the annular portion <NUM> to include an annular ridge <NUM> and an annular countersink <NUM> includes forming <NUM> the annular countersink <NUM> so as to be substantially disposed below the original plane, and, forming <NUM> the annular ridge <NUM> so as to be substantially disposed above the original plane. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, forming <NUM> the annular portion <NUM> to include an annular ridge <NUM> and an annular countersink <NUM> includes forming <NUM> the annular countersink <NUM> with a single center and extending over an arc of between about <NUM>° and <NUM>°, forming <NUM> the annular countersink <NUM> with a radius of between about <NUM> (<NUM> inch) and <NUM> (<NUM> inch) or about <NUM> (<NUM> inch), forming <NUM> the annular ridge <NUM> with a single center and extending over an arc of between about <NUM>° and <NUM>°, or in one embodiment an arc of about <NUM>°, or, in another embodiment, and arc of about <NUM>° and forming <NUM> the annular ridge <NUM> with a radius of between about <NUM> (<NUM> inch) and <NUM> (<NUM> inch), or about <NUM> (<NUM> inch).

In another exemplary embodiment, providing <NUM> a sheet material defining an original plane includes providing <NUM> the material with a decreased original thickness, wherein the decreased original thickness is between about. <NUM> (<NUM> inch) and <NUM> (<NUM> inch), between about <NUM> (<NUM> inch) and <NUM> (<NUM> inch), or about <NUM> (<NUM> inch), wherein after forming <NUM> the material to include a center panel <NUM>, an annular portion <NUM>, a chuck wall <NUM>, and a curl <NUM>, each of the center panel <NUM>, the annular portion <NUM>, the chuck wall <NUM>, and the curl <NUM> have a final thickness, and wherein, the final thickness is substantially the same as the decreased original thickness, i.e., between about. <NUM> (<NUM> inch) and <NUM> (<NUM> inch), between about <NUM> (<NUM> inch) and <NUM> (<NUM> inch), or about <NUM> (<NUM> inch).

In another exemplary embodiment, shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the down-gauging construct <NUM> includes an enhanced annular countersink <NUM> and an annular tapered portion <NUM>. That is, in this example, the annular portion <NUM> includes an enhanced annular countersink <NUM> and an annular tapered portion <NUM>. As used herein, an "enhanced annular countersink" means a countersink that is part of a can end <NUM> wherein the panel depth is between about eight and nine times the center panel <NUM> final thickness. Further, an "enhanced annular countersink" means that the countersink does not begin and end in the same general plane. Instead, an "enhanced annular countersink" <NUM> includes a curvilinear portion <NUM> (discussed below), or arcuate portion, of between about <NUM>° and <NUM>°, or about <NUM>° (shown by line "EAC" in <FIG>). Further, as used herein, an "enhanced annular countersink" is radially wider than a standard seam chuck <NUM>, discussed below. That is, as shown in <FIG>, a prior art annular countersink <NUM> (in ghost) has generally the same radial width as a standard seam chuck <NUM>. The enhanced annular countersink <NUM>, however, has a radial width that is substantially wider than a standard seam chuck <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment, the annular planar portion <NUM> is an "enhanced annular planar portion" <NUM> disposed between the center panel <NUM> and the annular countersink <NUM>. As used herein, an "enhanced annular planar portion" means that the annular planar portion <NUM> has a height (as shown in <FIG>, i.e., a distance measured normal to the plane of the center panel <NUM>) of between about eight and nine times the center panel <NUM> final thickness. In this configuration, the annular countersink <NUM> has a depth, as measured from the bottom of the annular countersink <NUM> to the bottom of the center panel <NUM>, that is greater than the depth of an annular countersink on a prior art can end <NUM>. This solves the problems stated above. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the enhanced annular planar portion <NUM> extends generally perpendicular to the plane of the center panel <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment, the enhanced annular planar portion <NUM> is disposed immediately adjacent the center panel <NUM> and extends about the center panel <NUM>. Further, the enhanced annular countersink <NUM> is disposed immediately adjacent the enhanced annular planar portion <NUM> and extends about the enhanced annular planar portion <NUM>. The enhanced annular countersink <NUM> is generally curvilinear, or generally arcuate, when viewed in cross-section, as shown in <FIG> and is identified hereinafter as a generally curvilinear portion <NUM>. The enhanced annular countersink <NUM>, or stated alternately the generally curvilinear portion <NUM>, extends between about <NUM>° and <NUM>°, or about <NUM>°. In an exemplary embodiment, the generally curvilinear portion <NUM> is generally arcuate. Further, the generally curvilinear portion <NUM> has a radius or between about <NUM> (<NUM> inch) and <NUM> (<NUM> inch), or about <NUM> (<NUM> inch).

In an exemplary embodiment, the enhanced annular countersink <NUM> is encircled, or surrounded by the annular tapered portion <NUM>. That is, the annular tapered portion <NUM> is disposed immediately adjacent, and extends about, the enhanced annular countersink <NUM>. As used herein, an "annular tapered portion" is angled, i.e., is not generally perpendicular or generally parallel to the plane of the center panel <NUM>. As shown, the annular tapered portion <NUM> is angled (as shown by angle α) between about <NUM>° and <NUM>° relative to the plane of the center panel <NUM> (which is also the original plane or parallel to the original plane). As used herein, an angle of between about <NUM>° and <NUM>° is not generally perpendicular or generally parallel to a reference plane. In this embodiment, the annular tapered portion <NUM> is generally straight (when viewed in cross-section as shown) and is, as used herein, a "straight annular tapered portion" <NUM>. That is, as used herein, a "straight annular tapered portion" <NUM> means an annular tapered portion <NUM> that does not include a "step," as defined below, or a similar variation, e.g., a double step, in the annular tapered portion <NUM>.

Further, as used herein, an "annular tapered portion" is angled upwardly and outwardly. That is, the end of the annular tapered portion <NUM> adjacent the enhanced annular countersink <NUM> has a smaller radius relative to the end of the annular tapered portion <NUM> adjacent the chuck wall <NUM>, and, the end of the annular tapered portion <NUM> adjacent the enhanced annular countersink <NUM> has a greater offset (i.e., distance normal to the plane of the center panel <NUM>) relative to the end of the annular tapered portion <NUM> adjacent the chuck wall <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the annular tapered portion <NUM> has a radial width of between about six and eight times the center panel final thickness. As used herein, a "radial width" means the distance measured generally parallel to the plane of the center panel <NUM>.

In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, an annular tapered portion 112A includes a first section <NUM> and a second section <NUM>. The annular tapered portion first section <NUM> is disposed about, and immediately adjacent to, the enhanced annular countersink <NUM>. The annular tapered portion second section <NUM> is disposed about, and immediately adjacent to, the annular tapered portion first section <NUM>. The annular tapered portion first section <NUM> is angled between about <NUM>° and <NUM>°, or about <NUM>°, to the plane of the center panel <NUM>. The annular tapered portion second section <NUM> is angled between about <NUM>° and <NUM>°, or about <NUM>°, to the plane of the center panel <NUM>. In this configuration, an interface <NUM> between the annular tapered portion first section <NUM> and the annular tapered portion second section <NUM> defines a "step" <NUM> as viewed in cross-section. As used herein, a "step" is an area of transition between two planes. In this embodiment, the annular tapered portion 112A is, as used herein, a "stepped annular tapered portion" 112A. That is, as used herein, a "stepped annular tapered portion" 112A means an annular tapered portion <NUM>, as described above, that also includes a "step.

The step <NUM>, as well as a "standard chuck wall" 18A above the step <NUM>, is structured to be, and is, engaged by a standard seam chuck <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. As used herein, a "standard chuck wall" is a chuck wall <NUM> structured to be engaged by a seam chuck structured to seam prior art can ends and is the same, or substantially the same, as the prior art chuck wall 18A (<FIG>). Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the annular tapered portion first section <NUM> has a height of between about <NUM> (<NUM> inch) and <NUM> (<NUM> inch), and, the annular tapered portion second section <NUM> has a height of between about <NUM> (<NUM> inch) and <NUM> (<NUM> inch).

In an exemplary embodiment, the chuck wall <NUM> is a "standard" chuck wall 18A. As used herein, a "standard" chuck wall 18A is structured to be engaged by a standard seam chuck <NUM>. That is, containers <NUM> generally have a standard size such as, but not limited to, a <NUM> (<NUM> oz). beverage container (not shown). Food and beverage producers obtain can ends <NUM> and can bodies <NUM> from different manufacturers that are processed in a seaming press <NUM>, discussed below. For the can ends <NUM> and can bodies <NUM> to be processed, they must be a standard size. Thus, as used herein, a "standard" chuck wall 18A means a chuck wall that is structured to be, and is, engaged by a standard seam chuck <NUM> for a common container size known in the art. Further, a "standard seam chuck" means a seam chuck structured to seam a common prior art shell or can end <NUM>. It is understood that different size containers are associated with different sized seam chucks; thus, a "standard seam chuck" means a seam chuck that is associated with a specific size container. Stated alternately, and as example only, a <NUM> ounce beverage container has a "standard seam chuck" of one size but a <NUM> ounce sardine container has a "standard seam chuck" of a different size.

As before, the standard chuck wall 18A is disposed about, and immediately adjacent, the annular countersink <NUM>. The curl <NUM> is disposed about, and immediately adjacent, the standard chuck wall 18A. That is, the curl <NUM> extends radially outwardly from the standard chuck wall 18A. As is known, the can end <NUM> is coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to a can body <NUM> thereby forming a container <NUM>.

In another exemplary embodiment, the annular portion <NUM> includes each, or any combination of, an annular ridge <NUM>, an enhanced annular countersink <NUM> and annular tapered portion <NUM>, each as described above. Stated alternately, a can end <NUM> down-gauging construct <NUM> includes an annular ridge <NUM>, an enhanced annular countersink <NUM> and annular tapered portion <NUM>. The use of these down-gauging construct(s) <NUM> solve the problems noted above whereby the original, as well as the final thickness, of the can end <NUM> is reduced relative to the known art.

A can end <NUM> having an enhanced annular countersink <NUM> and/or an annular tapered portion <NUM> is formed in a tooling <NUM> as generally described above. It is additionally noted that to form the enhanced annular countersink <NUM> and/or annular tapered portion <NUM> the upper tool assembly <NUM> and the lower tool assembly <NUM> are structured to cooperate to form material disposed therebetween into a can end <NUM>, the can end <NUM> including a center panel <NUM>, an annular portion <NUM> disposed about the center panel <NUM>, a standard chuck wall 18A disposed about the annular portion <NUM>, and a curl <NUM> extending radially outwardly from the standard chuck.

In an exemplary embodiment, the upper tool assembly <NUM> and the lower tool assembly <NUM> are substantially similar to the tooling assembly of <CIT> except that the contour of the outer periphery of the die center (element <NUM> of <CIT>) is shaped to substantially correspond to the enhanced annular countersink <NUM> as described above as well as either the straight annular tapered portion <NUM> or the stepped annular tapered portion 112A. That is, the upper tool assembly <NUM> includes a punch structured to form an enhanced annular countersink as defined above.

In an exemplary embodiment, the upper tool assembly <NUM> and the lower tool assembly <NUM> are structured to form an enhanced annular planar portion <NUM> extending generally perpendicular to the plane of the center panel <NUM>. Further, the upper tool assembly <NUM> and the lower tool assembly <NUM> are structured to form, and do form, the annular tapered portion <NUM> to be angled between about <NUM>° and <NUM>° to the plane of the center panel <NUM>, and, the upper tool assembly <NUM> and the lower tool assembly <NUM> are structured to form, and do form, the annular tapered portion <NUM> with a radial width of between about six and eight times the center panel final thickness. The can ends <NUM> are subsequently processed by a seaming assembly which includes a standard seam chuck <NUM> as is known.

Accordingly, as shown in <FIG>, a method of making a can end <NUM> with an enhanced annular countersink <NUM> and/or an annular tapered portion <NUM> includes, providing <NUM> a sheet material defining an original plane, providing <NUM> a tooling <NUM> with an upper tool assembly <NUM> and a lower tool assembly <NUM>, introducing <NUM> material between the upper tool assembly <NUM> and the lower tool assembly <NUM> (as described above), cutting <NUM> a blank <NUM> from the sheet material, as well as, forming <NUM> the material to include a center panel <NUM>, an annular portion <NUM> disposed about the center panel <NUM>, a standard chuck wall 18A disposed about the annular portion <NUM>, and a curl <NUM> extending radially outwardly from the standard chuck. wall 18A, forming <NUM> the annular portion <NUM> to include an enhanced annular countersink <NUM> and an annular tapered portion <NUM> wherein the annular tapered portion <NUM> is disposed about the enhanced annular countersink <NUM>.

Further, forming <NUM> the annular portion <NUM> to include an enhanced annular countersink <NUM> and an annular tapered portion <NUM> includes, forming <NUM> the enhanced annular countersink <NUM> with a single center and extending over an arc of between about <NUM>° and <NUM>°, or about <NUM>°, forming <NUM> the enhanced annular countersink <NUM> with a radius of between about <NUM> (<NUM> inch) and <NUM> (<NUM> inch), or about <NUM> (<NUM> inch), forming a straight annular tapered portion <NUM> with an angle of between about <NUM>° and <NUM>° relative to the original plane. Further, forming <NUM> the annular portion <NUM> to include an enhanced annular countersink <NUM> and a stepped annular tapered portion 112A includes, forming <NUM> the annular tapered portion <NUM> with a first section <NUM> and a second section <NUM>, the annular tapered portion first section <NUM> disposed about the enhanced annular countersink <NUM>, the annular tapered portion second section <NUM> disposed about the annular tapered portion first section <NUM>, the annular tapered portion first section <NUM> angled between about <NUM>° and <NUM>° to the plane of the center panel <NUM>, the annular tapered portion second section <NUM> angled between about <NUM>° and <NUM>° to the plane of the center panel <NUM>.

In an exemaplary embodiment, shown in <FIG>, a can end 12A having a down-gauging construct <NUM> includes a "subsurface step" <NUM> and is formed from a blank 10A having an "enhanced diameter" as well as a "decreased original thickness. " As noted above, for each specific type, model, and/or style of can and/or can end there is an "established thickness. " Similarly, for each specific type, model, and/or style of can and/or can end there is an "established blank size. " As used herein, an "established blank size" means a blank having an original diameter for a given type, model, and/or style of can and/or can end which is well known in the art. Further, as used herein, a blank 10A with an "enhanced diameter" means a blank 10A that is formed into a can end 12A sized to correspond to a known can end for a specific type, model, and/or style of can wherein the diameter of the blank is larger than the "established blank size. " Further, as used herein, an "enhanced can end" 12A, or an "enhanced can end body" 40A, means a can end 12A, or can end body 40A, formed from a blank having an "enhanced diameter. " That is, as used herein, an "enhanced can end" 12A, or an "enhanced can end body" 40A, means a can end or can end body wherein the blank 10A used to form the "enhanced can end" 12A, or "enhanced can end body" 40A, was a blank 10A with an "enhanced diameter" and does not mean a product by process.

Further, as a specific can end, i.e., each specific type, model, and/or style of can end, has an "established thickness" and an "established blank size," i.e., diameter, each specific can end has an "established volume. " That is, the blank used to form a specific can end has an "established volume. " A blank 10A used to form an enhanced can end 12A utilizing a down-gauging construct <NUM> has a "reduced volume. " That is, as used herein, a "reduced volume" blank 10A means a blank having a volume that is less than the "established volume" for a specific type, model, and/or style of can end while also having a larger diameter for the "established blank size. " Further, a "reduced volume" can end 12A means a can end 12A that is formed from a "reduced volume" blank 10A. That is, as used herein, the term "reduced volume" can end 12A relates to the volume, i.e., the structure, of the can end 12A and does not mean a product by process. Similarly, a "reduced volume" can end body 40A means a can body 40A that is formed from a "reduced volume" blank 10A. That is, as used herein, the term "reduced volume" can end body 40A relates to the volume, i.e., the structure, of the can end body 40A and does not mean a product by process.

Further, as used herein, a "subsurface step" means a "step" in a can end annular portion <NUM> that is disposed below the plane of the upper surface, or product side, of the center panel <NUM>. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the "subsurface step" <NUM> is disposed within, or immediately adjacent, an "enhanced annular tapered portion" 112B and is identified herein as an "enhanced annular tapered portion subsurface step" <NUM>. That is, an "enhanced annular tapered portion" means the portion of an annular portion <NUM> that is disposed about an annular countersink <NUM> and which has an upward angle of between about <NUM>° and <NUM>°, or about <NUM>°, relative to the plane of the center panel <NUM> (which is also the original plane or parallel to the original plane). As shown, the "subsurface step" <NUM> is disposed between the enhanced annular tapered portion 112B and a standard chuck wall 18A; as used herein, this configuration is a "standard chuck, subsurface step. " Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the "subsurface step" <NUM> is disposed adjacent, or immediately adjacent, a "boxed" annular countersink 52A. As used herein, a "boxed" annular countersink 52A means a countersink <NUM> which is disposed between a first annular planar portion 54A and a second annular planar portion 54B wherein the first annular planar portion 54A and the second annular planar portion 54B are both substantially perpendicular to the plane of the center panel <NUM>. As used herein, a "subsurface step" <NUM> disposed adjacent, or immediately adjacent, a "boxed" annular countersink <NUM> is a "supra" subsurface step <NUM>. Thus, a subsurface step <NUM> disposed between a "boxed" annular countersink 52A and a standard chuck wall 18A is, as used herein, a "standard chuck, supra subsurface step" <NUM>.

That is, as shown in <FIG>, in the exeamplary embodiment, a can end 12A includes a body <NUM> having a center panel <NUM>, an annular portion <NUM>, a chuck wall <NUM> and a curl <NUM>, as described above. The can end body <NUM> is an enhanced can end body and the can end 12A is an enhanced can end. That is, the can end 12A is initially a blank <NUM> with an "enhanced diameter. " Further, the can end 12A, and therefore the can end body <NUM>, has a decreased original thickness.

Further, in this exemplary embodiment, the annular portion <NUM> includes a first annular planar portion 54A, an annular countersink <NUM>, second annular planar portion 54B, an enhanced annular tapered portion 112B and a subsurface step <NUM>. In the exemplary embodiment, the first annular planar portion 54A extends in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the center panel <NUM>. Similarly, the second annular planar portion 54B extends in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the center panel <NUM>. The annular countersink <NUM> is disposed between the first annular planar portion 54A and the second annular planar portion 54B and, as such, is a "boxed" annular countersink 52A as defined above. Thus, the annular countersink <NUM> extends about the first annular planar portion 54A and the second annular planar portion 54B extends about the annular countersink <NUM>. Further, and in an exemplary embodiment, the annular countersink <NUM> is generally arcuate and extends over an arc of substantially <NUM> degrees. That is, the annular countersink <NUM> is substantially semicircular when viewed in cross-section as shown in <FIG>.

The enhanced annular tapered portion 112B is similar to the annular tapered portion <NUM> described above, but has an angle of between about <NUM>° and <NUM>° or about <NUM>° relative to the plane of the center panel <NUM>. That is, as used herein, an "enhanced annular tapered portion" is similar to an "annular tapered portion" but the angle of the taper is between about <NUM>° and <NUM>° relative to the plane of the center panel <NUM>. As used herein, a "specific enhanced annular tapered portion" is similar to an "annular tapered portion" but the angle of the taper is about <NUM>° relative to the plane of the center panel <NUM>.

The subsurface step <NUM> is disposed below the plane of the center panel <NUM> and, as shown, below the plane of the bottom surface of the center panel <NUM>. The subsurface step <NUM> is disposed between the enhanced annular tapered portion 112B and the chuck wall <NUM>. That is, the subsurface step <NUM> defined the transition from the enhanced annular tapered portion 112B to the chuck wall <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the chuck wall <NUM> is a standard chuck wall 18A as defined above. The standard chuck wall 18A is disposed about the annular portion <NUM> and immediately adjacent the subsurface step <NUM> and/or the enhanced annular tapered portion 112B.

As before, the can end 12A is structured to be, and is, coupled, directly coupled, fixed or seamed to a filled can body <NUM> thereby forming a container <NUM>, as discussed above.

A can end 12A having a boxed annular countersink 52A and/or a subsurface step <NUM> is formed in a tooling <NUM> as generally described above. It is additionally noted that to form the boxed annular countersink 52A and/or a subsurface step <NUM> the upper tool assembly <NUM> and the lower tool assembly <NUM> are structured to cooperate to form material disposed therebetween into a can end 12A, the can end 12A including a center panel <NUM>, an annular portion <NUM> disposed about the center panel <NUM>, a standard chuck wall 18A disposed about the annular portion <NUM>, and a curl <NUM> extending radially outwardly from the standard chuck wall 18A. Further, the upper tool assembly <NUM> and the lower tool assembly <NUM> are structured to cooperate to form material disposed therebetween into a first annular planar portion 54A, an annular countersink <NUM>, a second annular planar portion 54B, an enhanced annular tapered portion 112B and a subsurface step <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment, the upper tool assembly <NUM> and the lower tool assembly <NUM> are substantially similar to the tooling assembly of <CIT> except that the contour of the outer periphery of the die center (element <NUM> of <CIT>) is shaped to substantially correspond to the boxed annular countersink 52A and/or a subsurface step <NUM> as described above. That is, the upper tool assembly <NUM> includes a punch structured to form a boxed annular countersink 52A and/or a subsurface step <NUM> as defined above. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper tool assembly <NUM> and the lower tool assembly <NUM> are further structured to form an enhanced annular tapered portion 112B. The can ends 12A are subsequently processed by a seaming assembly which includes a standard seam chuck <NUM> as is known.

Further, as shown in <FIG>, a method of making a can end 12A with a boxed annular countersink 52A and/or a subsurface step <NUM> includes, providing <NUM> a sheet material defining an original plane, providing <NUM> a tooling <NUM> with an upper tool assembly <NUM> and a lower tool assembly <NUM>, introducing <NUM> material between the upper tool assembly <NUM> and the lower tool assembly <NUM> (as described above), cutting <NUM> a blank <NUM> from the sheet material, as well as, forming <NUM> the material to include a center panel <NUM>, an annular portion <NUM> disposed about the center panel <NUM>, a standard chuck wall 18A disposed about the annular portion <NUM>, and a curl <NUM> extending radially outwardly from the standard chuck wall 18A, forming 2008A the annular portion <NUM> to include a first annular planar portion 54A, an annular countersink <NUM>, second annular planar portion 54B, an enhanced annular tapered portion 112B and a subsurface step <NUM>. Further, forming 2008A the annular portion <NUM> to include a first annular planar portion 54A, an annular countersink <NUM>, second annular planar portion 54B, an enhanced annular tapered portion 112B and a subsurface step <NUM> includes, forming 2010A the enhanced annular tapered portion 112B with an angle of between about <NUM>° and <NUM>° or about <NUM>° relative to the plane of the center panel <NUM>.

Accordingly, a can end 12A configured as shown in <FIG> utilizes less material compared to a prior art can end of the same type, model, and/or style. By way of a specific, but non-limiting example, a prior art "standard <NUM>" can end is used in containers for tuna, vegetables, fruit, dog food as well as other products. A "standard <NUM>" can end in its final form has a diameter of substantially <NUM> ( <MAT>). Such a "standard <NUM>" is formed from a blank having an initial diameter of <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and an original thickness of <NUM> (<NUM> inch). Thus, the volume of a prior art blank for a "standard <NUM>" can end is <NUM><NUM> (<NUM> in. An "improved <NUM>" can end 12A configured as shown in <FIG> is formed from a blank having an initial diameter of <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and an original thickness of <NUM> (<NUM> inch). Thus, the volume of the blank for an "improved <NUM>" can end 12A, as described above, is <NUM><NUM> (<NUM> in. It is noted that, such an "improved <NUM>" can end 12A is an "enhanced can end," as defined above, because the blank used to form the "improved <NUM>" can end 12A has a diameter that is larger than the "established blank size" for a prior art "improved <NUM>" can end. Further, as the "established thickness" for a "standard <NUM>" can end is <NUM> (<NUM> inch), the "improved <NUM>" can end 12A also has a "decreased original thickness. " Further, because the "improved <NUM>" can end 12A is made from a blank 10A having a "decreased original thickness" and an "enhanced diameter," the "improved <NUM>" can end 12A is a "reduced volume" can end 12A, as defined above. This also means that the can end body 40A is a "reduced volume" can end body 40A. It is understood that this is a non-limiting example and that those of skill in the art are able to produce other specific types, models, and/or styles of can ends having any of a "decreased original thickness," "enhanced diameter" or "reduced volume" relative to those types, models, and/or styles of can ends in the configuration described above.

Claim 1:
A can end (12A) structured to be coupled to a can body, said can end (12A) comprising:
a can end body (40A) that includes a center panel (<NUM>), an annular portion (<NUM>), a chuck wall (18A) and a curl (<NUM>); wherein
said annular portion (<NUM>) is disposed about said center panel (<NUM>);
said chuck wall (18A) is disposed about said annular portion (<NUM>);
said curl (<NUM>) extends radially outwardly from the chuck wall (18A); and
said annular portion (<NUM>) includes a first annular planar portion (54A), a second annular planar portion (54B), a countersink (<NUM>) and an annular tapered portion (112B)
wherein:
said first annular planar portion (54A) extends in a plane perpendicular to said center panel,
said second annular planar portion (54B) extends in a plane perpendicular to said center panel,
said countersink (<NUM>) is disposed between the first annular planar portion 54A and the second annular planar portion 54B,
characterized in that
said annular tapered portion (112B) extends at an angle of between <NUM>° and <NUM>° relative to a plane of the center panel; and
said annual portion (<NUM>) includes a subsurface step (<NUM>) disposed within, or immediately adjacent the tapered portion (112B), the subsurface step (<NUM>) being an area of transition between two planes and disposed below the plane of the upper surface.