• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
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    • 专利摘要:
    The present invention discloses a forming aid for reforming a metal can that is already filled with a liquid such as beverage, beer, or the like. The forming aid comprises a forming part and a gripping part. The molding portion includes a generally cylindrical molding body with outer side walls, inner side walls, and an open cavity extending from the top end to the bottom end of the molding body. The molding section further comprises a molding structure corresponding to a predetermined pattern configured on the inner side walls of the molding body. In operation, when a contact portion of the metal can is pressed through the forming body, the predetermined pattern of the forming structure is engraved / embossed onto the outer side walls of the metal can.
    公开号:BE1025938B1
    申请号:E2018/5378
    申请日:2018-06-07
    公开日:2019-08-20
    发明作者:Keenan Michael Thompson；Hlynur Vagn Atlason
    申请人:Anheuser-Busch Inbev S.A.；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    BE2018 / 5378
    Training tool for reforming non-empty metal cans
    Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to a forming aid. More specifically, the present invention relates to a forming aid for reforming metal cans that have already been filled with beverage.
    Background of the Invention In recent decades there has been a significant increase in the use of metal cans for various purposes such as, for example, the storage of various personal toilet and household products such as, inter alia, food products such as pickles, beverages, beer, and of such.
    Especially in the beverage industry, the use of different types of metal cans for storage and distribution of liquids has been significantly increased due to various factors such as relative cost benefits and durability of metal cans.
    These metal cans generally comprise a main part that is generally cylindrical, with side walls of the same diameter, and a separate closing element at the top / bottom part. It is desirable to form the side walls in different and / or more complex forms for reasons related to aesthetics and / or product identification, among other reasons such as, for example, handling, durability, or the like.
    BE2018 / 5378 Accordingly, the beverage producers may want to provide their beverage cans with unique configurations. For example, it may be desirable to form a can in the known form of a famous beverage bottle. Thanks to such a can, a consumer can identify the can by its own form.
    Other factors include easy handling and gripping of these metal cans. It is assumed, for example, that a can with certain specific aesthetic characteristics, such as a contoured side wall, facilitates the retention of the metal cans.
    Furthermore, during handling of can bodies, small protrusions can arise on the side walls and these protrusions not only reduce the aesthetic appearance of the can, but also provide localized weaknesses. It has been found that the various designs, such as a plurality of parallel longitudinally extending outwardly convex ribs in the central portion of the can body, can reduce or eliminate the effect of such protrusions and give an axial strength to the can. Therefore, it may be necessary to reform the cans in order to remove the distortion and to preserve the aesthetic appearance of such nipped cans.
    Therefore, various shapes have been developed by the beverage can manufacturers according to their specific purpose. For example, various manufacturers produced various patterns, such as symmetrical longitudinal waves or ribs, and diamond-shaped, waffle-shaped and many other patterns, slices, contours, etc.
    BE2018 / 5378 applied to the metal can. Anyone skilled in the art can understand that "formation" (or "reform") includes not only forming or changing a general contour, outline, section, or the like, but also a number of other items such as, e.g., embossing (or de-embossing), texturing and the like.
    Over the years, a number of other patents have been filed describing various can-forming and / or reforming techniques. Such a technique involves injecting an available and pressurized fluid into the can to be formed during the forming process itself. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,794,474 describes a method and techniques for making molded metal cans. Generally, such patents describe the placement of a preform can in a mold whose inner surface is formed in the desired end shape. Thereafter, a pressurized fluid is injected into the can that forces the sidewall of the container against the inner surface of the mold by extrusion to match the shape of the container with the shape of the mold.
    The above technique requires access to the inside of the metal containers and is generally used for forming during the forming process of the metal can. Such techniques further have the disadvantage that they may damage the inner surface / coating of the metal can due to the pressure applied internally. Furthermore, these techniques have the disadvantage that they require an additional emptying step and then a sterilization of the container before the can can be filled with beverage.
    BE2018 / 5378 Some techniques have been developed to reform these cans from the outside without access to their inside. Such a method is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,788,499, which discloses an outer mold processing apparatus equipped with a plurality of can-sleeve retaining means that rotate around around an axis of rotation, and pressure elements pressed against the peripheral wall of the can sleeve to provide outer-mold processing. on the can sleeve.
    Although the aforementioned technique allows reform of the metal can after the forming operation, they are performed before the operations for filling with beverage and before closing the container with the final closure. Accordingly, these reforming techniques do not apply to the scenarios where it is desired to change the shape for aesthetic purposes and to remove the bulges made after the cans have been filled with liquor.
    Additionally, in some cases, the shape of thin metal cans can be damaged by the internal pressure created when the can is filled with beverage product and sealed. However, if the walls of the can body are made thicker to compensate for the reduced physical strength, the other disadvantage occurs that increased metal mass makes the can body less economical.
    Furthermore, the use of known tools is very complicated and cannot be operated by someone who is not skilled in the art. Because
    BE2018 / 5378 deformation usually takes place at the retailer as a result of incorrect handling, however, the known aids are not suitable for regaining the shape of the metal cans.
    Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an aid and method for reforming the metal cans after the latter have been filled with the beverage. Furthermore, such an aid should preferably be cost-efficient and easy to operate by the end users.
    Summary of the Invention In one aspect of the present disclosure, a forming aid for reforming a metal can that is already filled with a liquid such as beverage, beer, or the like is provided. The forming aid comprises a forming portion and a gripping portion. The molding section includes a generally cylindrical molding body with outer side walls, inner side walls, and an open cavity extending from the upper end to the lower end of the molding body. The molding section further comprises a molding structure corresponding to a predetermined pattern configured on the inner side walls of the molding body. In operation, when a contact portion of the metal can is passed through the forming body, the predetermined pattern of the forming structure is engraved / embossed on the outer side walls of the metal can.
    BE2018 / 5378 In general, the forming structure comprises one or more outwardly projecting portions and / or one or more inwardly recessed portions such that, when engraved and / or embossed, the predetermined pattern is applied to the outer wall of the metal can. formed.
    The molding structure is preferably molded integrally within the inner side walls of the molding body.
    The forming structure can also be a separate structure which is removably mounted on the inner side walls of the forming body using a fixation mechanism such as screws, adhesives, or any suitable fixation mechanism known in the art.
    The contact portion of the metal can may be selected from one of, but not limited to, a bottom portion, a neck portion, a shoulder portion, and the outer side wall of the metal can.
    The forming structure may have a diameter that is 0.05 mm to 0.10 mm smaller than the diameter of the contact portion when the contact portion is selected from one of the bottom portion, the neck portion, and the shoulder portion.
    The forming structure can also have a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the metal can.
    BE2018 / 5378 Furthermore, in such cases, the forming aid comprises a tensioning mechanism for tensioning the forming structure on the contact portion of the metal can.
    Furthermore, the tensioning mechanism is selected from, but not limited to, one of sealing rings, tightening screws, belt tensioning, or any other suitable tensioning mechanism that is already known in the art.
    Optionally, the forming aid further comprises a displacement means for axially and / or radially and / or spirally moving the forming body.
    The displacement means may possibly be a manual means, such as a handle or the like.
    Optionally, the displacement means may be an automatic displacement means selected from one or more of the group consisting of electric / hydraulic motors, automatic pistons, automatic gear mechanism, and the like.
    The forming body may preferably be made of a material selected from one of, but not limited to, thermally cured polymers such as polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon 6, nylon 6-6, polyamides (PA) , polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycarbonates (PC), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (PEK), polyethylene terephthalate, (PET), polyimides, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polysulfone (PSU), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE / Teflon).
    BE2018 / 5378 Alternatively, the forming body may also preferably be made of a hard material such as steel with a coating of a material selected from, but not limited to, thermosetting polymers such as polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon 6, nylon 6-6, polyamides (PA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycarbonates (PC), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (PEK), polyethylene terephthalate, (PET), polyimides, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyphenylene oxide ( PPO), polysulfone (PSU), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE / Teflon) or thermally cured resins selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to: polyurea, bismaleimides, epoxy, phenoli, melamine formaldehyde, polyester, polymide, polyurethane, urea-formaldehyde, epoxy and novolac In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided for reforming a metal can that is already filled with a liquid such as a n drink, beer, or the like. The method comprises pushing the contact portion of the metal can through the forming body of the forming tool, which in turn engraves and / or embosses the predetermined pattern of the forming structure onto the contact portion of the metal can.
    The contact portion of the metal can passed through the forming body can preferably be selected from one of, but not limited to, a bottom portion, a neck portion, a shoulder portion, and the outer side wall of the metal can.
    BE2018 / 5378 The method may include tensioning the forming body on the contact portion of the metal can so that the contact portion is in close contact with the forming structure.
    Optionally, the step of pushing the metal can can be replaced by a step of moving the forming body axially and / or radially and / or spirally.
    Additionally, the method includes adding a lubricant suitable for feeding to prevent unnecessary stress on the contact portion of the metal can and on the molding structure of the molding aid.
    The details of one or more embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings and description below. Other aspects, features and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.
    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1a illustrates a schematic representation of a forming tool for reforming a metal can according to a particular preferred embodiment of the present disclosure;
    BE2018 / 5378 FIG. 1b illustrates a perspective view of a forming tool for reforming a metal can according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure;
    FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic representation of the metal can formed with a predetermined elongated pattern according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure;
    FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic representation of the metal can formed with a predetermined radial pattern according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
    FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic representation of the metal can formed with a predetermined circumferential pattern according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
    FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic representation of a metal can formed with a predetermined shoulder-forming pattern according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
    FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic representation of a metal can formed with a predetermined top forming pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
    BE2018 / 5378 FIG. 8 shows a flow chart illustrating the steps for reforming a metal can that is already filled with beverage according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
    Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments As required, a schematic, exemplary embodiment of the present application is disclosed herein; however, it should be noted that the disclosed embodiment is merely illustrative of the present disclosure, which may be embodied in various and / or alternative forms. Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching anyone skilled in the art to use the present disclosure in various ways in virtually any appropriate manner. detailed structure.
    Aspects, advantages, and / or other features of the exemplary embodiment of the disclosure become apparent in view of the following detailed description, which discloses various non-limiting embodiments of the invention. For the sake of clarity, specific terminology is used in the description of characterizing embodiments. However, the embodiments are not intended to be limited to this specific
    BE2018 / 5378 terminology. It should be noted that each specific section includes all technical equivalents that work in a similar way to achieve a similar objective.
    Characterizing embodiments can be adapted for many different purposes and are not intended to be limiting to the specific characterizing purposes included herein. Any person skilled in the art will be able to adapt the purely exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, depending, for example, on the modified embodiment. In addition, related examples and limitations described below are merely intended to be illustrative, and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art become apparent to the skilled artisan after reading the following specification and a study of the related figures.
    The present application discloses a forming aid for reforming metal cans that are already filled with a liquid such as, for example, drinks, beer, or the like. The clutch assembly, while being handled, provides the ability to dynamically reform metal cans to achieve a variety of objectives such as, for example, repairing a can with protrusions, or providing a unique predetermined shape / pattern on a contact portion of the metal can. Furthermore, the hand-held and easy-to-use shaping aid makes it possible for the end user to reshape already filled beverage cans
    BE2018 / 5378 whenever he wishes. In a preferred embodiment, the shaping aid comprises a shaping portion that extends to a gripping portion. The forming portion includes a generally cylindrical forming body with inner side walls, outer side walls and an open cavity extending from the top end to the bottom end. The molding body further comprises a molding structure corresponding to predetermined patterns such as textures / shapes / relief printing or the like, which are configured on the inner side walls of the molding body.
    It is clear that, unless stated otherwise, this invention should not be limited to applications for the beverage industry. As anyone skilled in the art knows, variations of the invention can be made to other applications such as for the food industry, personal care packaging, or the like. Moreover, it should be understood that embodiments of the present invention can be used in combination with various known tools, and / or devices to achieve any desired application. It should also be mentioned that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms include "one," "the" and "it" plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "an opening" is meant to refer to a single opening or a combination of openings, "a pattern" is meant to refer to patterns, shapes, textures, embossing, logos, or a combination thereof. For the present purposes, a "molded can" is a thin-walled metal container in which the surface of the side wall is regular surfaces of twists, bulges,
    BE2018 / 5378 may contain ribs and waves, irregular surfaces such as waves, ribs, embossing, letters, company or other logos, diamond shapes, faces, geometric display of artworks, triangles, textures, bubbles, or fantasized shapes. The possible shapes and surfaces are not limited to the above list and include combinations and permutations of these geometric surfaces.
    FIG. 1 illustrates a forming tool 100 for reforming a metal can (not shown). The forming aid comprises a forming portion 110 and one or more gripping portions 140. The forming portion 110 and the gripping portion 140 are preferably arranged in one piece and integrally molded together. However, in some embodiments, the forming portion 110 and the one or more gripping portions 140 are separate modules of the forming aid 100 and may be attached and disconnected depending on the requirement. The molding portion 110 includes a generally cylindrical molding body 112 with outer side walls 114, inner side walls 116 and an open cavity 118 extending longitudinally between an upper end ET of the molding body 112 to a lower end EB of the molding body 112. The open cavity 118 is a cylindrical borehole with a diameter DC smaller than a maximum diameter DM (not shown) of the metal can to be reformed by means of the forming tool 100. The forming section 110 further comprises a forming structure 120 configured on the inner side walls 116 of the forming tool 112 The
    BE2018 / 5378 forming structure 120 corresponds to a predetermined pattern / texture (not shown) to be engraved / embossed on the metal can.
    In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the shaping body 112 has a height HS that is generally the same or higher depending on the height of the pattern of the shaping structure 120. Further, the shaping body has an outer diameter Ds that is larger than the diameter DC of the open cavity 118. The difference in diameter generally depends on the thickness of the forming structure 120.
    One skilled in the art should take into account that although the disclosure was presented in detail with a two-part metal can, it can easily be recognized that the forming tool 100 of this invention can be used in combination with conventional three-piece can bodies, with a cylindrical side wall with open end at the top and bottom sealed by separate end panels. Furthermore, although any kind of variation can be made to the shape, size, material, cross-section, etc. of the metal can, the variations can accordingly be made to the forming tool 100 to act on it.
    FIG. 2 illustrates a forming tool 200 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The forming tool 200 can be used to reform at least a portion of a metal can 300.
    BE2018 / 5378 The metal can 300 is a conventional can body, preferably a two-piece beverage container made of metal material, in particular aluminum, suitable for relief printing by the forming aid 200. The metal can 300 consists of a can body portion 310 with an upper end 320. The body portion 310 includes an upper portion 312, a shoulder portion 314, and a continuous side wall 316 with a beverage side 317 and a public side 318.
    The shaping aid 200, as illustrated in FIG. 2, comprises a forming portion 210, a first gripping portion 240a and a second gripping portion 240b.
    The molding section 210 includes a generally cylindrical molding body 212 with outer side walls 214, inner side walls 216 and an open cavity 218 extending longitudinally between an upper end ET of the molding body 212 to a lower end EB of the molding body 212. The molding portion 110 further comprises a forming structure 220 configured on the inner side walls 216 of the forming tool 212. The forming structure 220 corresponds to a predetermined pattern / texture 230 to be engraved / embossed on the metal can 300. The forming structure 220 comprises a or more outwardly projecting portions and / or one or more inwardly recessed portions so that when relative movement occurs in a clamping coupling, the pattern is engraved and / or embossed onto the contact portion of the metal can 300. A
    BE2018 / 5378 such engraved / embossed print corresponds to the preformed pattern 230. The predetermined pattern 230 may correspond to various simple, uniform, complex and non-uniform shapes / designs, including geometric shapes / designs (e.g., diamond shapes, triangles, company logos, etc.), lettering (eg, product / company names, etc. in block printing, script, etc.) and fantasized shapes / designs with angular and / or arcuate shape-defining edges and / or surfaces that vary around, over and over along the longitudinal distance of a container body. In some embodiments, the pattern 230 may include a longitudinal rib shape and / or texture as illustrated in FIG. 3. In some other embodiments, the pattern 230 may only include the radial formation and / or texture as illustrated in FIG. 4. In some other embodiments, the pattern 230 may include circumferential shapes and / or textures as illustrated in FIG. 5. In still other embodiments, the pattern 230 may include only the shoulder shaping pattern as illustrated in Fig. 6 and / or only upper portion pattern as illustrated in Fig. 7. The shaping structure 220 is preferably integrally cast on the inner side walls of the shaping body 212. In some other embodiments, the molding structure 220 may be a separate entity and releasably connected to the inner walls of the molding body 212 by any suitable fixation mechanism known in the art. In such embodiments, the molding structure 220 generally comprises a resilient sleeve with an inner surface and an outer surface mounted on the inner side wall of the molding body on the
    BE2018 / 5378 inner surface. The outer surface of the sleeve is configured with the forming protrusions and / or recess portions corresponding to cartridge 230 to be engraved / embossed onto the metal can 300.
    The forming structure 220 has a diameter DS corresponding to the diameter DC of the open cavity 118. Generally, the diameter DS (and the diameter DC) is, more specifically in the scenarios in which the contact portion to be reformed is one of the upper portion 312 and / or the shoulder portion 314 of metal can 300 is smaller than the diameter of the contact portion of the metal can 300. Such a difference can vary between 0.01 mm and 0.1 mm.
    Alternatively, and in particular in the scenarios in which the contact portion to be resumed is the side wall 318 of the metal can 300, the diameter DS (and the diameter DC) may be greater than the maximum diameter DM of the metal can 300 .
    In some embodiments of the present invention, more specifically those in which the diameter of the forming body is larger than the maximum diameter of the metal can 300, the forming aid 200 includes a tensioning mechanism (not shown) for tensioning the forming body 110 on the forming body contact surface of the metal can 300. Such a tightening can be made to provide a compression coupling between the contact surface of the metal can 300 and the forming structure 220.
    BE2018 / 5378 In some cases, the tensioning mechanism may be a tensioning mechanism based on a tensioning nut and screw. In such embodiments, the forming body can be a closed loop body with open ends which, when connected to each other, close the loop. In such a mechanism, a threaded nut can be mounted on one of the ends of the forming body, and a bolt containing a pin is fitted at the other end. The pin of the bolt can be arranged to rotate relative to the bolt about an axis of the thread, the pin and the nut being rotated together relative to the bolt until the bolt is subjected to a predetermined tensile stress and the forming body is screwed onto the contact portion of the metal can 300.
    In other embodiments, the tensioning mechanism may be selected from, but not limited to, one of tension clamps, sealing rings, tension screws, belt tensioning, or the like. In still other embodiments, the tensioning mechanism may be any suitable tensioning mechanism known in the art.
    The first gripping portion 240a and the second gripping portion 240b are a manual handle that can be used to keep the forming tool in contact with the metal can 300. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the handle can be used to axially and / or radially and / or spirally moving. Generally, the manual handle 240 is only used in cases where the only axial movement or some radial movement is required for
    BE2018 / 5378 the forming operation such as, for example, during the formation of a pattern as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4.
    Alternatively, in some embodiments, the shaping aid 200 may include one or more automatic displacement means, each for the axial and / or radial and / or spiral motion. The automatic displacement means may be selected from one or more of, but not limited to, the group consisting of an electric motor, an automatic piston, an automatic gear system, and various other suitable drive means that are already known in the art.
    The automatic displacement means are especially required in the cases where the pattern 230 is to be engraved / embossed on a substantially longitudinal and / or circumferential portion of the metal can 300 as illustrated in Fig. 5. These multiple automatic displacement means can be individually working and / or cooperating to engrave / emboss the predetermined pattern 230 onto the contact portion of the metal can 300. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a rotational motion and longitudinal motion can be combined and desirably provide progressive and stepwise machining of a metal can 300. In such embodiments, the training aid 200 may further comprise an operating unit (not shown) for operating the operation / operation / or automatic moving means.
    In some embodiments, the control unit may include a data recording unit for receiving the pattern 230 that
    BE2018 / 5378 must be formed on the contact part of the metal can. The operating unit 130 may further comprise a processor unit for processing the data received by the data capture unit on the basis of predetermined logic / rules to facilitate the movement of the automatic moving means. The control unit may further comprise an instruction unit which provides the instructions to various components such as various motors, drive units, or the like, in order to facilitate a desired and smooth operation.
    In some embodiments, the controller may be provided as a computer program product, including, inter alia, a computer-readable storage medium or a non-temporary machine-readable medium containing instructions that can be interpreted by a computer or other electronic device for executing one or more processes. A machine-readable medium in time includes any mechanism for storing information in a form (including a processing application or software) that can be read or interpreted by a machine (such as a computer). The non-timely machine-readable medium can take the form of, but is not limited to, any known storage technique, including magnetic storage media, optical storage media, magneto-optical storage media; read-only memory (ROM); random access read / write memory (RAM); erasable and programmable memory (including EPROM and EEPROM); flash memory; and others.
    BE2018 / 5378 Engraving / embossing the predetermined pattern 230 on the contact portion of the metal can 300 may be due to the relative movement between the contact portion and the forming structure 220. In various embodiments of the present invention, it remains tool stationary while the metal can 300 is moved by the tool in a substantially linear direction in line with the longitudinal axis of the container. In other similar embodiments, the metal can 300 is rotated in the forming tool 200 with the cartridge 230 directed radially toward the forming tool 200. It should further be noted that such a displacement may be bidirectional or unidirectional and may include a predetermined number of consecutive longitudinal and / or radial progressions. Accordingly, by controlling the relative displacement, i.e., longitudinally and / or laterally (e.g., by rotation) between the contact portion of the metal can 300 and the forming structure 220, formation of even complex patterns can be achieved. Thus, the metal can 300 can be deformed in three separate movements, thereby providing longitudinal (as illustrated in Figure 3) and / or radial (as shown in Figure 4) and / or circumferential (as illustrated in Figure 5) deformation .
    The forming body 210 and the forming structure 220 may preferably be made of a material selected from, but not limited to, thermosetting polymers that exhibit desirable wear and acceptable deformability characteristics. The preferred thermosetting polymers can be selected from one of, but not limited to, the group
    BE2018 / 5378 consisting of polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon 6, nylon 6-6, polyamides (PA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycarbonates (PC), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (PEK), polyethylene terephthalate, (PET), polyimides, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polysulfone (PSU), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE / Teflon).
    The forming body 210 and the forming structure 220 may optionally also be made of a hard material such as steel with a coating of a material selected from, but not limited to, thermosetting polymers such as polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon 6, nylon 6-6, polyamides (PA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycarbonates (PC), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (PEK), polyethylene terephthalate, (PET), polyimides, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyphenylene oxide ( PPO), polysulfone (PSU), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE / Teflon) or thermally cured resins selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to: polyurea, bismaleimides, epoxy, phenoli, melamine formaldehyde, polyester, polymide, polyurethane, urea-formaldehyde, epoxy, and novolac In some embodiments, the forming structure 220 may include an additional thin mercury film to provide a protective coating that treats the threefold he performs a function of lubrication, elimination of carbonization, and the prevention of chemically induced deterioration of the device surface. Such a thin mercury film can have a close bond with it
    BE2018 / 5378 forms contact portion during connection and exhibits an immobile, self-supporting, contiguous surface with the forming structure 220.
    FIG. 8, with reference to Figures 1 to 7, is a flowchart illustrating a method 800 for using the forming tool 200 to reform the metal can 300 that is already filled with a liquid such as beverage, or the like. The method starts at step 802 and continues to step 804 where a contact portion of the metal can 300 to be deformed / embossed / engraved with the predetermined pattern of the forming structure is brought into contact with the forming structure 220 of the forming portion 210. In some embodiments, the contact portion may be the upper portion 312 of the metal can 300. In some other embodiments, the contact portion may be the shoulder portion 314 of the metal can 300. In still other embodiments, the contact portion may be a partial portion or, alternatively, a full surface of the outer side wall 318 of the metal can 300.
    The method 800 then proceeds to an optional step 804, in which the forming structure 220 is tightened on the contact portion of the metal can 300 to enable compression coupling therebetween. Generally, step 804 is performed in the scenarios where the diameter DC of the open cavity 118 is larger than the maximum diameter DM of the metal can 300. Thereafter, the method 800 proceeds to step 806 in which the metal can 300 passes through the forming portion 210 of the forming tool 200 is pushed. A
    BE2018 / 5378 such relative movement engraves and / or embosses the predetermined pattern 300 of the forming structure 220 on the contact portion of the metal can 300.
    In some cases, generally when the diameter DC of the open cavity 118 is smaller than the diameter of the contact portion, especially when the contact portion is one of the upper portion 312 and / or shoulder portion 314. Such a difference in diameter can vary between 0.01 mm and 0.1 mm. In such cases, the tightening step is not required and the method 800 goes directly to steps 802 to 806 in which the metal can is pushed through the forming structure whereby the predetermined pattern 230 is engraved onto the contact portion of the metal can 300 and / or embossed in step 808 by relative movement while being in firm contact.
    In some embodiments, step 806 of the method 800 is replaced by an optional step 806a that is performed immediately after step 802 or else after step 804. Step 806a includes the axial and / or radial and / or spiral displacement of forming tool 200 relative to the metal can 300. Such relative displacement can be performed manually by means of the handle 212, or in some embodiments automatically, the automatic displacement means being present in the shaping aid 200. The type of motion imparted to the shaping aid depends on from the predetermined pattern 230 to be engraved / embossed on the metal can. For example, in embodiments where the pattern 230 is only
    BE2018 / 5378 is a longitudinal texture / shape, an axial motion is imparted to the forming tool 200. In some other embodiments where the pattern 230 is only a horizontal / radial texture / shape, a radial motion is imparted to the forming tool 200. In addition, in other embodiments, where a pattern 230 is a circumferential and continuous texture / shape, a spiral motion is desired. Alternatively, a combination of radial movement and axial movement is provided to engrave / emboss the pattern 230 onto the metal can 300. The method 800 then proceeds to step 808 in which the relative movement between the metal can 300 and the forming structure 220 allows an engraving / relief printing of the predetermined pattern 230 on the contact portion of the metal can 300.
    After step 806 or step 806a, the method 800 proceeds to step 808 in which the metal can 300 is released from the forming portion 210 to obtain a metal can 300 with the desired pattern 230 configured on the contact portion thereof. Once released, the forming tool 200 can be used again and again for various forming operations.
    It is to be noted that one or more aspects of method 800 described above obtain complex and non-uniform shapes / designs, including geometric shapes / designs (e.g., diamond shapes, triangles, company logos, etc.), lettering (e.g. ., product / company names, etc. in block printing, script, etc.) and fantasized shapes / designs with angular and / or arcuate shape-determining edges and / or surfaces that vary around, over and along the
    BE2018 / 5378 allow the longitudinal distance of the metal can 300. This can be achieved simply by configuring the forming structure 220 of the forming aid 200 with an appropriately designed combination of recessed portions, the protruding portions and the flat portions so that the combined pattern 230 corresponds to the desired shapes / designs, or the like.
    INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present disclosure relates to a hand-held forming tool 100 for reforming non-empty metal cans such as food containers, beverage cans, aerosol vessels, and other such containers for consumer or industrial products. The training tool, while being cost-effective and portable, can be served very quickly and easily by the end user, or by the retailers in various cafes, etc. Furthermore, the tool is self-sufficient to reform each portion of the metal cans, such as the same tool for reshaping different portions such as, for example, neck and / or shoulder area separate from side walls of the metal cans.
    It should be mentioned that the implementation of such reform / relief printing / engraving capacities allows marked product differentiation, aesthetically adapted designs for intended consumers, and other significant marketing-related opportunities on the consumer product market. Furthermore, the forming tool 100 of the present disclosure is useful for repairing
    BE2018 / 5378 of the mold when a protrusion is formed on the side wall of the metal can during handling thereof.
    The present invention can be employed to help inexpensively apply various uniform and / or non-uniform three-dimensional patterns of significant designs to any type of metal can, regardless of its shape, while damaging the inner surface of the metal cans and deterioration of its coatings is prevented. In addition, since the reform can be carried out dynamically while applying a perfectly smooth pattern without causing harmful stress concentrations, a consistent reduction in the risk of refusal of beverages at retail is achieved.
    The forming aid and the method for embossing / engraving a can body that is already filled with beverage, or the like, can be used to improve the appearance of the container, the pattern / texture / reform being performed on a predetermined way that the relief print / engraving can coordinate with the existing graph or decoration of the can. The embossed print / engraving structure can be any type of known pattern / texture / shape, or the like, that the end user can choose. Furthermore, the pattern can be selected and applied in a predetermined manner so that it coordinates the relief print / engraving with the existing shape and / or design of the can.
    The formation of the metal cans by means of the forming tool 100 of the present disclosure can, in some cases, substantially
    BE2018 / 5378 weaken, which, in turn, has several advantages such as, for example, easy and improved compression of the can after it has been emptied. Such compression of the beverage cans prevents the possibility of reusing the cans, which in turn can help to reduce the counterfeiting of the beverage and its cans.
    Further, the forming aid 100 of the present disclosure reduces the problem that liquid can be spilled by the formation of bubbles on the inner walls of the metal cans. This can be explained as an impact of the action of the shaping aid on the side walls of the metal can, which causes a release of the bubbles in the beverage even before the can is opened so that liquid spillage can be prevented.
    Additionally, during reforming by means of the present shaping tool 100, as an impact of compression of the side walls, the pressure in the metal can is increased, which results in the upper portion thereof springing up. Such a springing up of the upper part of the can provides better access to the pull tab of the metal can. Furthermore, this also eliminates the need to design a metal can with a convex upper part, which in turn is advantageous for easily and better stacking and pasteurization of the metal cans. Alternatively, the increased pressure can be used in a cost effective manner by providing a carbonation that is lower than the degree of carbonation that the manufacturer wants to provide because the carbonation level also increases with increased pressure.
    BE2018 / 5378 In some designs / patterns, the side walls of the metal cans are reinforced by the compression of the material. The improved performance of can bodies due to the deformation can be used to increase the axial load strength, or to allow a reduced wall thickness of the central portion without loss of axial strength.
    In some embodiments of the present invention, there are cases where the contact portion to be engraved / embossed extends over the main and / or multiple contact portions of the metal can. In some other cases, the diameter of the side wall of the metal can is not uniform. In all such cases, multiple shaping aids 100 can be used together on the same metal can, simultaneously or sequentially, each of such shaping aids 100 having a diameter corresponding to the contact portion in contact therewith, thereby allowing a progressive reform of the can . Alternatively, the end user can simply progressively tighten the forming tool 100 at any position for forming operation on any contact portion of the metal can.
    Although the forming tool 100 is described for reforming metal cans with a generally cylindrical shape, it is also clear to one skilled in the art that the forming tool 100 can be used for reforming containers of the type comprising a hollow container body with various shapes such as a rectangular cross-section, or the like. In such cases, the shape of it
    BE2018 / 5378 forming body 110 of the forming aid 100 changes according to the shape of the metal can without thereby deviating from the object of the invention.
    With reference to FIG. 6, methodology according to a preferred embodiment of the claimed subject is illustrated. While, to simplify the explanation, the methodology is represented and described as a series of actions, it should be clear and acknowledged that the claimed subject is not limited by the sequence of actions, as some may occur in different sequences and / or simultaneously with operations other than those shown and described herein. For example, anyone skilled in the art understands and recognizes that a methodology could possibly be presented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state diagram. In addition, not all illustrated actions may be required to perform a methodology according to the claimed subject. Additionally, it should also be understood that the methodologies described below and throughout this specification can be stored on a manufacturing item to facilitate transportation and transfer of such methodologies to computers. The term manufacturing item, as used herein, is intended to include a computer program that is accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or media.
    Throughout the specifications of the present disclosure, the term including, but not necessarily, means the exclusion of other elements or
    BE2018 / 5378 steps. In other words, the term including indicates an open list. Furthermore, all directional references (such as, but not limited to, upper, lower, inner, outer, up, down, in, out, right, left, right, left, inside, outside, top, bottom, top) (bottom, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, counterclockwise, linear, axial and / or radial, or any other directional and / or similar reference) used for identification purposes only for the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure to make it easier for the reader to understand, and do not constitute limitations, more specifically with regard to position, orientation or use, unless specifically stated in the claims. In addition, all directional references are approximate and should not be interpreted as being precise, but rather as a description of a general indicator for approximate orientation.
    Similarly, merger references (such as, but not limited to, confirmed, linked, connected, recorded, and the like and their derivations) should be broadly interpreted and may include intermediate elements between a connection of segments and relative movement between segments. Thus, merge references do not necessarily mean that two segments are directly connected to each other and are in a fixed relationship to each other.
    In some cases, components have been described with reference to ends with a specific feature and / or that are connected to another
    BE2018 / 5378 part. Any skilled artisan will recognize that the present disclosure is not limited to components that stop immediately after their junctions with other components. Thus, the term end should be interpreted broadly, in a manner that includes regions adjacent, backward, forward, or otherwise near the end of a specific segment, connection, component, portion, element, or the like. Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, "first", "second", "third", "fourth", or other normal and / or numerical terms, may only be interpreted as identifiers, so that the various embodiments, variations and / or changes to the present disclosure can be more easily understood by the reader, and may not constitute limitations, more specifically as to the order, or preference, of each embodiment, variation and / or change from, or above, another embodiment , variation and / or change.
    As is apparent to anyone skilled in the art, the present invention can be easily produced in other specific forms without departing from the essential features thereof. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be regarded as merely illustrative and not restrictive, the object of the invention being indicated by the claims rather than by the above description, and all changes thereto are therefore also intended to be included therein. Various variations, modifications, additions and improvements are possible. Generally, embodiments according to the
    BE2018 / 5378 present disclosure described in the context of preferred embodiments. Functionalities may be separated or combined in other ways in procedures in various embodiments or from the disclosure or described with different terminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions or improvements may fall within the object of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (17)
    [1]
    A forming aid (100) for forming outer walls of an already filled metal can (300) comprising the forming aid;
    a molding portion (110), the molding portion comprising a generally cylindrical molding body (112) with outer side walls (114), inner side walls (116) and an open cavity (118) extending longitudinally from, and between, an upper end to a lower end, the cavity being adjusted so that the metal can pass through;
    a molding structure (120) corresponding to a predetermined pattern configured on the inner side walls of the molding body; one or more gripping portions (140) for holding the forming aid;
    wherein when the metal can is at least partially passed through the open cavity, the forming structure embosses and / or engraves the predetermined pattern on the outer side walls of the metal can, characterized in that the predetermined pattern is printed and / or engraved on the hand of a relative movement between the forming structure (120) and the metal can (300).
    [2]
    The molding aid of claim 1, wherein the molding structure is preferably molded integrally within the inner side walls of the molding body.
    BE2018 / 5378
    [3]
    The shaping aid of claim 1, further comprising one or more displacement means for axially and / or radially and / or helically displacing the shaping portion.
    [4]
    The shaping aid of claim 3, wherein the displacement means comprises a manual handle configured on the gripping portion.
    [5]
    The shaping aid of claim 3, wherein the displacement means comprises an automatic means selected from one or more of, but not limited to, an electric motor, automatic piston, automatic gear, or the like.
    [6]
    The forming aid of claim 1, wherein the forming structure comprises one or more outwardly projecting portions and / or one or more inwardly recessed portions so that, when engraved and / or embossed, the predetermined pattern is formed on the outer wall of the metal can .
    [7]
    The forming tool of claim 1, wherein the at least partial portion of the metal can comprises a contact portion to be deformed by the forming tool.
    BE2018 / 5378
    [8]
    The shaping aid of claim 7, wherein the contact portion can be one or more of a bottom portion, a neck portion, a shoulder portion, and the outer side wall of the metal can.
    [9]
    The forming aid of claim 1, wherein the forming body has a diameter that is 0.01 mm -0.05 mm smaller than the contact portion of the metal can.
    [10]
    The forming aid of claim 1, wherein the forming body further comprises a tensioning mechanism for tensioning the forming body on the metal can.
    [11]
    The forming aid of claim 10, wherein the tensioning mechanism is selected from, but not limited to, one of a tensioning mechanism without a bolt, a tensioning mechanism based on a clamp, sealing rings, tensioning screws, and a tensioning mechanism based on a belt.
    [12]
    The molding aid of claim 1, wherein the molding body can be made from a material selected from one of, but not limited to, thermosetting polymers such as polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon 6, nylon 6-6, polyamides (PA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycarbonates (PC), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (PEK), polyethylene terephthalate, (PET), polyimides, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS),
    BE2018 / 5378 polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polysulfone (PSU), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE / Teflon).
    [13]
    A method for reforming an already filled metal can (300) using the forming tool (100) according to the preceding claims, the method comprising the step of:
    contacting the contact portion with the forming structure (120) of the forming portion (110);
    obtaining a relative movement between the forming structure (120) and the metal can (300);
    embossing / engraving the predetermined pattern on the outer walls (316) of the metal can (300) on the contact portion;
    characterized in that the relative movement is achieved by pushing the contact portion of the metal can through the forming portion of the forming aid.
    [14]
    The method of claim 13, optionally comprising the step of tightening the forming portion on the contact portion of the metal can before performing the step of obtaining relative displacement.
    BE2018 / 5378
    [15]
    The method of claim 13, wherein the relative displacement is achieved by axially and / or radially and / or spirally displacing the forming portion.
    5
    [16]
    The method of claim 15, wherein the step of moving the forming portion is performed manually by means of the handle.
    [17]
    17. Method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the step of moving the forming part is carried out automatically by means of automatic moving means selected from one or more of, but not limited to, an electric motor, automatic gears, automatic pistons, and the like.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    AR112191A1|2019-10-02|
    BE1025938A1|2019-08-14|
    WO2018224586A1|2018-12-13|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    JPS6188933A|1984-10-09|1986-05-07|Takeuchi Press Kogyo Kk|Manufacture of deformed can|
    FR2606686A1|1986-11-18|1988-05-20|Cebal|Method for shaping a dispenser casing, in particular an aerosol-dispenser casing|
    WO2011120905A1|2010-03-29|2011-10-06|Sacmi Imola S.C.|Method for forming beverage containers made of metallic material, particularly aluminum, and corresponding apparatus|
    WO2015191379A1|2014-06-12|2015-12-17|Ball Corporation|System for compression relief shaping|
    US5794474A|1997-01-03|1998-08-18|Ball Corporation|Method and apparatus for reshaping a container body|
    法律状态:
    2019-10-10| FG| Patent granted|Effective date: 20190820 |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US201762517383P| true| 2017-06-09|2017-06-09|
    US62517383|2017-06-09|
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