Method and Apparatus for Reforming an Inside Dome Wall Portion of a Container

Abstract

A reform apparatus for reforming a bottom portion of a metallic beverage container is provided. The reform apparatus generally includes a pair of reform rollers interconnected to pivot arms. Spring are operably interconnected to the reform rollers such that the reform rollers a biased radially inwardly in an unactuated state. The springs at least one of spring bushings and compression springs. The reform rollers rotate radially outwardly when a wedge member pushes axially between the two pivot arms. The wedge member engages and imparts rotation to the pivot arms. An annular edge of each of the reform rollers contacts an inner wall portion of the bottom portion of the beverage container to form a groove of a predetermined size and shape.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 351,510 filed Jun. 17, 2016, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to the manufacture of containers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for reforming the bottom portion of a metallic container to enhance strength characteristics.BACKGROUND[0003]Metallic beverage containers offer distributors and consumers many benefits. The metallic body of a beverage container provides optimal protection properties for products. For example, the metallic body prevents CO2 migration and transmission of UV radiation which may damage beverages, negatively influencing the flavor, appearance, or color of the product. Metallic beverage containers also offer an impermeable barrier to light, water vapor, oils and fats, oxygen, and...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a cost-effective, fast, and reliable way to reform the wall of a beverage container dome. The invention's unique reforming apparatus can operate for extended periods of time without excessive wear or failure, and can even be used to reform the bottom dome portion of millions of metallic containers without significant maintenance. The apparatus includes two rollers that apply a lower load to the container, which improves its performance and longevity. Overall, the invention helps to increase production efficiency and minimize downtime associated with container production.

Problems solved by technology

For example, the metallic body prevents CO2 migration and transmission of UV radiation which may damage beverages, negatively influencing the flavor, appearance, or color of the product.

Further, some consumers avoid plastic containers due to concerns that the plastic may leach chemicals into consumable products.

Typical beverage container manufacturing facilities contain expensive capital equipment and often produce hundreds of millions of beverage containers per year.

The wear of components of reformers is inherent in such a container manufacturing facility based of the tremendous speed and output of product.

The wear rings and bushings of known reformers are especially susceptible to wear and failure.

In some reformers, wear rings and bushings typically last only a few months between rebuilds or before other substantial maintenance is required.

Additionally, as the reformer components wear, there is frequently a deterioration in the precision with which the reform roller is positioned.

Such departures can reduce the beverage container's strength, durability, or resistance to damage or failure.

However, replacement of parts and other maintenance performed on reformers typically requires shutting down a production line with disadvantageous economic consequences.

It is highly desirable to reduce such maintenance, as performing the maintenance results in the machine being out of service for manufacturing use, and also requires personnel to service the machine and replacement parts, all of which add to the total cost of producing beverage containers.

As one of skill in the art will appreciate, the force applied by the metallic container may damage the metallic container, such as causing the body portion of the metallic container to buckle or otherwise deform.

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