| Ball Corporation Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20220289431 | TAPERED METAL CUP AND METHOD OF FORMING THE SAME - A metal cup and method of forming the same is provided. Metal cups of the present disclosure comprise a plurality of thin, straight-walled sections and a tapered profile. A domed portion is provided in the bottom of the cup. The cup may comprise a disposable cup, a reusable cup, or a recyclable cup. | 09-15-2022 |
| 20220274729 | CONTAINER WITH MARK OR MARKINGS FOR TRACKING AND TRACING - Systems, methods, and apparatuses for marking a container for tracking and tracing the container throughout the lifecycle of the container. The mark can be applied, for example, on the closed end, bottom dome, or an end closure of the container. Tracking and tracing a container at various points during its lifecycle such as point of sale, where the container is recycled or destroyed, etc. provides valuable information that can be used to improve and incentivize recycling and deposit return public policies and environmental programs. | 09-01-2022 |
| 20220009668 | METALLIC CONTAINER WITH A THREADED CLOSURE - The present invention relates generally to a container that may be sealed and reclosed with a threaded closure. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods of manufacturing a metallic container having an opening with inwardly facing threads that are formed after a threaded closure is inserted at least partially into the opening. The container opening may be selectively sealed and reclosed with the threaded closure which releasably engages the container threads. | 01-13-2022 |
| 20210382414 | METHOD AND APPARATUS OF DECORATING A METALLIC CONTAINER BY DIGITAL PRINTING TO A TRANSFER BLANKET - An apparatus and methods of decorating a metallic container are provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods used to provide a decoration or indicia on a predetermined portion of an outer surface of a metallic container body. The decorator includes at least one digital print unit, a transfer blanket, and a support element. The digital print unit transfers a decorating material to the transfer blanket to form a decoration on the transfer blanket. The support element then moves a metallic container into contact with the transfer blanket. In this manner, the decorating material is transferred to an exterior surface portion of the metallic container to decorate the metallic container. In one embodiment, the digital print unit is an electrophotographic system which transfers a toner material to the transfer blanket. In another embodiment, the digital print unit includes an inkjet print head which transfers an ink to the transfer blanket. Optionally, the decorator may include two or more support elements. | 12-09-2021 |
| 20210370347 | APPARATUS AND METHOD TO HEAT METALLIC CONTAINERS OR WORKPIECES - Apparatus and methods of heating metallic containers in an oven which includes electric heating elements are provided. The electric heating elements include one or more of an electric induction element and an electric infrared heating element. The electric heating elements heat the metallic containers to a predetermined temperature to dry moisture on the metallic containers or to cure inks and coatings. Air within the oven may be at a temperature that is less than the predetermined temperature. | 12-02-2021 |
| 20200087130 | METHODS OF CAPPING METALLIC BOTTLES - Methods of sealing a metallic container are provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods that reduce the amount of force applied to a metallic bottle to seal the metallic bottle with a ROPP closure. The methods include use of a capping apparatus that may include more thread rollers than known capping apparatus. Optionally, the thread rollers may use more forming passes to form threads on the ROPP closure. The capping apparatus may also rotate one or more of the ROPP closure and the metallic container in a closing direction before the metallic container is discharged. In one embodiment, the thread rollers form the closure threads before or after a pilfer roller applies a sideload to the ROPP closure. | 03-19-2020 |
| 20170197241 | System and Method for Orienting the Rolling Direction of an End Shell in a Metal Container Manufacturing Process - A system and method of orienting the rolling direction of metallic objects is provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods used to align the rolling direction of metallic objects in a predetermined orientation in a high-speed manufacturing system. The rolling direction is determined by sensing grinding marks on the metallic objects. The metallic objects may subsequently be formed by tools that have been adapted to work with, or transverse to, the rolling direction. Optionally, the tools may form the metallic objects into container end closures adapted to seal a container of a predetermined size and type. | 07-13-2017 |
| 20170197240 | Apparatus and Method for Redrawing a Cup with a Reformed Bottom - An apparatus and method of forming a metallic cup that is subsequently reformed into a container body is provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and methods used to form a metallic cup with a reformed bottom having an inwardly oriented projection. The inwardly oriented projection reduces a height of the metallic cup but utilizes the same amount of metallic stock material as a taller cup with substantially the same diameter that does not have an inward projection. The inwardly oriented projection thus allows the use of a conventional bodymaker and other can manufacturing tools to convert the cup into a container body of a preferred size and shape. | 07-13-2017 |
| 20160297564 | Can Shell and Double-Seamed Can End | 10-13-2016 |
| 20160052668 | CONTAINER END CLOSURE WITH AN INTEGRAL FLUID CHANNEL - An end closure for food and beverage containers is provided that comprises a novel center panel for collecting and distributing fluids and solids into a pour opening of the end closure. The fluids and solids may be juice and fruit or vegetable pieces. The end closure may further comprise a novel pull tab for assisting in the collection and distribution of the fluids and solids into the pour opening of the end closure. In one embodiment, the center panel comprises a catch basin and a luge for collecting and directing fluids and solids into the pour opening. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160052667 | METAL END CLOSURE WITH AN EXTENDED SCORE WHICH IS OPENED WITH A SECONDARY TOOL - A metallic container end closure is provided that generally comprises a primary pour opening and an extended or secondary score which is opened with a secondary tool to form a secondary pour opening. The fact that a secondary tool is required allows the secondary score to be shallower, and thus more secure than deeper scores that are openable by finger pressure alone. Once the secondary tool is used to fracture the secondary score, a secondary pour opening is produced adjacent to the primary pour opening to form a larger opening. A user may insert materials such as ice or oranges through the enlarged pour opening. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160039565 | PULL TAB FOR COLLECTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF JUICE INTO A BEVERAGE CONTAINER - An end closure for food and beverage containers is provided which comprises a novel pull tab for collecting and distributing juice from fruit or vegetables into a pour opening in the end closure of the container. In some embodiments, the pull tab comprises a catch basin, raised rim, and fluid flow openings. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20150251803 | END CLOSURE WITH LARGE OPENING RING PULL TAB - An end closure for food and beverage containers is provided. The end closure comprises a central panel with a large opening defined by a score line. The end closure further comprises a ring pull tab operably interconnected to the central panel proximate to a peripheral edge of the central panel. Prior to opening the end closure, a tail end of the ring pull tab is positioned over the tear panel. In some embodiments, the tear panel may completely detach from the end closure upon opening. | 09-10-2015 |
| 20150122829 | Can Shell and Double-Seamed Can End - A drawn aluminum can shell has a peripheral crown which is double-seamed with an end portion of an aluminum can body to provide a can end having a generally flat center panel connected by an inclined curved or straight panel wall to an inclined inner wall of an annular U-shaped countersink. The countersink has an outer wall which connects with an inclined lower wall portion of a chuck wall at a junction below the center panel, and the chuck wall has a curved or inclined upper wall portion which connects with an inner wall of the crown. The chuck wall also has an intermediate wall portion forming a break, and the inner bottom width of the countersink is less than the radial width of the panel wall. The inclined upper wall portion of the chuck wall extends at an angle greater than the angle of the inclined lower wall portion of the chuck wall. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150020364 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING AND PROVIDING LITHOGRAPHY ON METAL CLOSURES - The present invention relates generally to manufacturing metallic closures from a continuous coil of a pre-coated sheet metal material. More specifically, the present invention relates to manufacturing closures adapted for interconnection to a threaded neck of a container using a continuous coil of pre-coated aluminum sheet material. In one embodiment, marketing indicia or product information may be applied to the closures after formation of the closures. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20140298878 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR METAL DRAWING AND REDRAWING - A system and method of forming a drawn cup for production of a metal container is provided. The system and method contemplates the provision of gap pins to control the relative movements of cup forming features and provide for reduced risk of damage including pinching, chatter, slivering, and thinning of portions of the cup. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140298641 | ALUMINUM IMPACT EXTRUDED BOTTLE WITH THREADED NECK MADE FROM RECYCLED ALUMINUM AND ENHANCED ALLOYS - The present invention relates generally to forming a threaded neck in a metal bottle manufactured by a process known as impact extrusion. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods, apparatus and alloy compositions used in the impact extrusion manufacturing of containers and other articles with sufficient strength characteristics to allow threading the container necks to receive a threaded closure on the threaded neck. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140263334 | END CLOSURE WITH A RING PULL ACTUATED SECONDARY VENT - The present invention relates to a container end closure that generally comprises a pour opening and a secondary vent opening which improves venting during emptying of contents from the container. In particular, the present invention relates to an end closure for a container having scores defining a secondary vent opening which may optionally be opened. The secondary vent opening has a significantly larger area then vents of prior art designs and thereby improves pour rate and smoothness of pour. After the pour opening is opened using a pull tab interconnected to the end closure, a consumer may selectively open the secondary vent opening by pulling back on the tab. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140263332 | END CLOSURE WITH DOUBLE ANTI-MISSILE SCORE - An end closure for food and beverage containers provides controlled opening characteristics to prevent the unintentional missiling of a tear panel. The end closure comprises a score line that defines a portion of the tear panel, and the end closure may comprise one or more anti-missile features that inhibit the propagation of a fracture down a score line, which reduces the likelihood that a tear panel will inadvertently detach from the end closure and injure the user or another. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140263329 | EASY ACCESS OPENING TAB FOR A CONTAINER END CLOSURE - An end closure for food and beverage containers is provided. The end closure comprises a central panel portion having a protuberance for facilitating access to and manipulation of a pull tab. Before the food or beverage container is pressurized, the protuberance is substantially flat to improve stacking and conveying of the end closure. After the food or beverage container is filled and pressurized, the protuberance selectively deflects and lifts a tail portion of the pull tab to facilitate access. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140263328 | END CLOSURE WITH TAB GUIDANCE FEATURES - An improved end closure for food and beverage containers is provided. The end closure contains a raised bead portion for guiding and directing the opening or lifting motion of a tab portion attached to the end closure. More efficient opening features are enabled by the guided action of the tab and raised bead features. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140263327 | Container End Closure with Buckle Control Feature - An end closure for food and beverage containers is provided. The end closure comprises a central panel portion having an induced buckle coin and an interrupted panel coin positioned proximate to an inner panel wall to control the buckling location on the end closure. Thus, the end closure will buckle at a predetermined location away from the score and tear panel to avoid catastrophic failure and container leakage. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140263150 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING A THREADED NECK ON A METALLIC BOTTLE - An apparatus and method of making and applying threaded twist-off neck finishes for metal containers is provided. More specifically, the present invention relations to apparatus and methods used to form metallic bottles with threaded necks adapted to receive selectively removable threaded closures. The threaded neck may be formed by interconnecting a threaded outsert to a metallic bottle. Alternatively, the threaded neck may be formed as an integral portion of the neck of the bottle. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140096491 | CONTAINER END CLOSURE WITH OPTIONAL SECONDARY VENT OPENING - The present invention relates to an opening device for a beverage container. More specifically, the invention relates to a metal end closure having a primary opening area and at least one optional secondary vent opening which can be opened with the same pull tab. The primary opening area of the metal end closure may be opened by utilizing a pull tab interconnected to a central panel, the pull tab being adapted for applying a downward force to form a first opening. Subsequently, the pull tab is rotated and the tail end lifted to form a second opening in the end closure. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140061212 | Contoured Neck for a Beverage Container - An end closure for food and beverage containers is provided. The end closure comprises a contoured neck feature configured for increased strength and alignment with a user's lips. The contoured neck may further comprise features increasing container buckling strength and reducing user spillage. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20130292382 | METALLIC END CLOSURE WITH TEAR PANEL HAVING IMPROVED RIGIDITY - An end closure for a container is provided. The end closure includes a stay-on-tab and a tear panel defined by a frangible score and a non-frangible hinge segment. The tear panel includes a raised portion which extends in an upward orientation toward a public side of the end closure. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130200034 | End Closure With Full Panel Opening - A container for food and beverages with a fully opening end panel is provided. An end closure of the container has a generally circular end panel defined by a score line. A rotational opening tool is providing for contacting the end panel and separating the end panel from the score line upon rotation of the tool. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130175280 | Can Shell and Double-Seamed Can End - A drawn aluminum can shell has a peripheral crown which is double-seamed with an end portion of an aluminum can body to provide a can end having a generally flat center panel connected by an inclined curved or straight panel wall to an inclined inner wall of an annular U-shaped countersink. The countersink has an outer wall which connects with an inclined lower wall portion of a chuck wall at a junction below the center panel, and the chuck wall has a curved or inclined upper wall portion which connects with an inner wall of the crown. The chuck wall also has an intermediate wall portion forming a break, and the inner bottom width of the countersink is less than the radial width of the panel wall. The inclined upper wall portion of the chuck wall extends at an angle greater than the angle of the inclined lower wall portion of the chuck wall. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130118133 | Vented Metallic Container End Closure - A metallic container end closure is provided that generally comprises a dispensing opening and a vent opening. The vent opening improves pourability through the dispensing opening and provides an alternative option for consuming the contents of the container. The end closure may include features to ease opening of the vent opening, such as stiffeners and/or vent form features. Additionally, the end closure may include various safety features, such as a safety fold. In some configurations, the container end closure does not include a pull tab for opening. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130068352 | IMPACT EXTRUDED CONTAINERS FROM RECYCLED ALUMINUM SCRAP - Novel aluminum alloys are provided for use in an impact extrusion manufacturing process to create shaped containers and other articles of manufacture. In one embodiment blends of recycled scrap aluminum are used in conjunction with relatively pure aluminum to create novel compositions which may be formed and shaped in an environmentally friendly process. Other embodiments include methods for manufacturing a slug material comprising recycled aluminum for use in the impact extraction process. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130043248 | BEVERAGE CONTAINER END CLOSURE WITH EASY OPENING FEATURES FOR A PULL TAB - An end closure for food and beverage containers is provided. The end closure comprises a central panel portion having a recessed fingerwell for facilitating access to and manipulation of a pull tab. The fingerwell may further comprise features such as rounded edges for reducing risks of laceration and increasing accessibility. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20120292329 | Container End Closure With Improved Chuck Wall and Countersink - The present invention describes a beverage can end which utilizes less material and has an improved internal buckle strength based on the geometric configuration of a chuck wall, inner panel wall and central panel, and which, in one embodiment utilizes a substantially linear chuck wall. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120244384 | Stress Corrosion Resistant Aluminum Beverage End Closure - This invention provides an aluminum end closure for interconnection to a container, wherein the end closure comprises an aluminum alloy substrate and a cladding layer on the exterior of the substrate that is not susceptible to stress corrosion | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120181246 | PANELLESS HOT-FILL PLASTIC BOTTLE - A plastic bottle base having a seating ring perpendicular to the bottle axis. A base inner portion extends upward and inward toward a center bottom wall surrounding the axis. A flexible diaphragm portion extends outward from the seating ring to join a heel portion at a substantially horizontal inflection point. The diaphragm portion is sufficiently flexible to respond to changes in bottle volume and vacuum to allow the seating ring to move upward so that the seating ring is above the heel portion of the bottle. A sidewall is defined by a small number of barrel shaped surfaces separated by indented ring segments to form a panelless plastic bottle capable of hot-filling and capping. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120125935 | Metallic Beverage Can End Closure With Offset Countersink - The present invention describes a beverage container end closure that utilizes less material and has improved internal buckle strength based on the geometric configuration of a chuck wall, inner panel wall, outer panel wall, and central panel and that utilizes an outwardly oriented countersink. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120031056 | Container End Closure With Optional Secondary Vent Opening - The present invention relates to an opening device for a beverage container. More specifically, the invention relates to a metal end closure having a primary opening area and at least one optional secondary vent opening which can be opened with the same pull tab. The primary opening area of the metal end closure may be opened by utilizing a pull tab interconnected to a central panel, the pull tab being adapted for applying a downward force to form a first opening. Subsequently, the pull tab is rotated and the tail end lifted to form a second opening in the end closure. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20110204055 | Container End Closure With Improved Chuck Wall and Countersink - The present invention describes a beverage can end which utilizes less material and has an improved internal buckle strength based on the geometric configuration of a chuck wall, inner panel wall and central panel, and which, in one embodiment utilizes an arcuate shaped chuck wall with a radius of curvature between about 0.150 inches and 0.250 inches with at least one transition zone positioned between an upper and lower end of the chuck wall. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20100243663 | Container End Closure - A metallic container end closure is provided which includes a channel or groove in a predetermined location in at least one of an inner panel wall, outer panel wall, or chuckwall, and which is formed by a shaping tool. An apparatus and method for spin-forming the end closure with the improved geometry is also provided herein. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100108192 | FILL VALVE FOR AN AEROSOL CONTAINER - A fill valve for selective interconnection with a container is provided. The fill valve includes a head shaft and shoulder separated by grooves that are selectively positioned in an aperture of the container to selectively provide a flow path into the container. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100044916 | Polypropylene Container and Process for Making the Same - A multilayer plastic container comprises a layer of a polypropylene and an intermediate layer directly adjacent the layer of polypropylene wherein at least one of the polypropylene and intermediate layers comprises an adhesive such as maleic anhydride incorporated therein to adhere the layer of polypropylene to the layer of EVOH. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20090179032 | Method and Apparatus for Providing A Positive Pressure in the Headspace of a Plastic Container - The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for accommodating the pressure decrease of the fluid in a hot-filled plastic container. | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090139414 | Decorator Carriage Cam Follower Slide - An improved method of supporting a portion of an inker apparatus is provided. More specifically, a system for interfacing with cam followers that are interconnected to a carriage bed of the inker apparatus is contemplated wherein wear to the cam follower is eliminated by providing a surface for engagement to a replaceable slide bearing. By employing this combination, down time, spoilage and costs are reduced. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090120943 | Method and Apparatus for Forming a Reinforcing Bead in a Container End Closure - A metallic container end closure is provided which includes a channel or groove in a predetermined location in at least one of an inner panel wall, outer panel wall, or chuckwall, and which is formed by a shaping tool. An apparatus and method for spin-forming the end closure with the improved geometry is also provided herein. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090101654 | Screw Top Dome Lid With Multiple Compartments - The present invention relates to container lids, and more specifically multiple compartment containers having a selectively removable dome top lid including a plastic insert which defines two distinct compartments, wherein the container can be used to package and store various commercial products. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090020543 | Container End Closure With Improved Chuck Wall and Countersink - The present invention describes a beverage can end which utilizes less material and has an improved internal buckle strength based on the geometric configuration of a chuck wall, inner panel wall and central panel, and which, in one embodiment utilizes an arcuate shaped chuck wall with a radius of curvature between about 0.150 inches and 0.250 inches with at least one transition zone positioned between an upper and lower end of the chuck wall. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20080217823 | MOLD CONSTRUCTION FOR A PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING SHAPED CONTAINERS - A molding unit ( | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080216538 | PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING SHAPED CONTAINERS - A can shaping process in which container preforms (F) are mounted on a table ( | 09-11-2008 |
