METAL END PANEL WITH HOLE
A sheet metal lid ( 1 ) for fixing to a container body, the lid ( 1 ) comprising a centre panel ( 2 ) surrounded by a seaming portion ( 4 ), which is adapted to be joined to the periphery of the container body after it has been filled with a product. The centre panel ( 2 ) defines an aperture ( 7 ) through which the product may be dispensed from the container. The aperture ( 7 ) is designed to accommodate a separate closure and the cut edge of the aperture ( 7 ) is curled to protect a user from cuts and to provide an aperture curl, which engages with the separate closure provide a fluid tight seal. The closure moves relative to the centre panel between a closed position, in which the aperture and the closure together form a fluid-tight seal, and an open position, in which the seal is broken and the closure moves relative to the centre panel to open at least part of the aperture.
1 . A sheet metal lid for closing a container body, the lid comprising:
center panel surrounded by a seaming portion that is adapted to be joined to the periphery of a container body, the centre panel defining an aperture through which the contents of the container may be dispensed, a peripheral edge of the aperture finished by a curl and the aperture adapted to receive a separate closure that is capable of moving relative to the centre panel between a closed position, in which the aperture and the closure together form a fluid-tight seal, and an open position, in which the seal is broken and the closure slides across the surface of the centre panel to open at least part of the aperture.
2 . A sheet metal lid for closing a container body according to claim 1 , wherein the aperture curl stiffens the aperture and enhances the fluid-tight seal between the aperture and the closure, when the closure is in its closed position.
3 . A sheet metal lid for closing a container body according to claim 2 , wherein the aperture is located as close the edge of the centre panel as the curl allows.
4 . A sheet metal lid for closing a container body according to claim 3 , wherein the distance between the edge of the centre panel and the aperture is less than 4 mm.
5 . A sheet metal lid for closing a container body according to any claim 1 , wherein the lid is produced from polymer-coated metal.
6 . A sheet metal lid for closing a container body according to any claim 1 , wherein the closure is made of a plastics material.
7 . A method of manufacturing a sheet metal lid comprising the steps of:
pressing an end shell blank from sheet metal, the blank having a center panel surrounded by a seaming portion that is adapted for seaming onto a can body;
cutting an aperture through the center panel of the end shell blank,
forming a depression around the cut aperture, at least part of which is formed to create a preliminary curl around the cut aperture, and
coining the preliminary curl to form a curl around the aperture and to control the curl dimensions required for sealing.
8 . A method of manufacturing a sheet metal lid according to claim 7 , wherein the interaction between a coining die and a coining punch controls the dimensions of the aperture curl and thereby the diameter of the aperture.
9 . A method of manufacturing a sheet metal lid according to claim 7 , wherein a coining die controls the dimensions of the aperture curl and thereby the diameter of the aperture.
10 . A method of manufacturing a sheet metal lid according to claim 7 , wherein the diameter of the aperture is determined in a single tool piece.
11 . A method of manufacturing a sheet metal lid according to claim 8 , wherein the pressed shell is clamped around the aperture.