	US 7,500,376 B2
	Method and apparatus for shaping a metallic container end closure
Jess N. Bathurst, Fort Collins, Colo. (US); and James D. Traphagen, Broomfield, Colo. (US)
Assigned to Ball Corporation, Broomfield, Colo. (US)
Filed on Jul. 29, 2005, as Appl. No. 11/192,978.
Claims priority of provisional application 60/592784, filed on Jul. 29, 2004.
Prior Publication US 2006/0042344 A1, Mar. 02, 2006
Int. Cl. B21D 22/00 (2006.01)

U.S. Cl. 72—348 [72/379.4; 413/8; 413/56]

26 Claims

1. A method for forming a predetermined shape in a metallic container end closure adapted for interconnection to a neck of a container, comprising:

positioning a metallic end closure blank in a forming press;

providing a clamping force on at least a portion of a seaming panel between a first tool and a second tool, said at least a portion of a seaming panel being oriented in a first substantially horizontal direction;

providing a clamping force on at least a portion of a central panel between a third tool and a fourth tool to substantially prevent movement of the central panel;

while the clamping force is provided on the at least a portion of the central panel, supporting at least a portion of a chuck wall and an inner seaming panel radius on both an interior surface and an exterior surface to substantially prevent movement of at least a portion of the chuck wall and inner seaming panel radius, wherein said inner seaming panel radius is supported along its cross-sectional radius of curvature that begins proximate to a first point of divergence from said first substantially horizontal direction of said seaming panel;

supporting a first portion of the countersink with at least one of said third tool and said fourth tool while an exterior portion of the countersink is unsupported with any tools; and

providing a compressive force on a lower portion of the countersink while retaining the chuck wall in a preferred position, wherein the end closure is formed into a predetermined shape.