Can end

Abstract

An end member for a container. The end member has a central panel, a circumferential chuckwall, and a transition wall. The central panel is centered about a longitudinal axis and has a substantially planar peripheral edge. The curl defines an outer perimeter of the end member. The circumferential chuckwall extends downwardly from the curl to the transition wall. The transition wall connects the chuckwall with the substantially planar peripheral edge of the central panel. The transition wall has a folded portion extending outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis.

We claim:  
     
         1 . An easy open can end member comprising: 
 a central panel centered about a longitudinal axis having a peripheral edge and a tear panel defined by fracturable score, the tear panel retained to the central panel along a non-scored hinge region;    a curl defining an outer perimeter of the end member;    a circumferential chuckwall extending downwardly from the curl; and    a transition wall connecting the chuckwall with the peripheral edge of the central panel, the transition wall comprising a fold having an annular concave bend directing a portion of the fold outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis, the portion of the fold including an upper vertical extent located outwardly from the chuckwall.    
     
     
         2 . The easy open can end member of  claim 1  wherein the fold comprises a first leg having first end directly connected to the chuckwall and an opposing second end directly connected to the annular concave bend.  
     
     
         3 . The easy open can end member of  claim 2  wherein the fold comprises a second leg having a first end connect to the annular concave bend and an opposing second connected to an annular convex bend.  
     
     
         4 . The easy open can end member of  claim 3  wherein the upper vertical extent is located along the annular convex bend.  
     
     
         5 . The easy open can end member of  claim 4  wherein the fold comprises a third leg having a first end connected to the annular convex bend and an opposing second end interconnected to the central panel.  
     
     
         6 . The easy open can end member of  claim 5  wherein the fold has a third bend joining the third leg to the central panel.  
     
     
         7 . The easy open can end member of  claim 6  wherein the third bend has a radius of curvature substantially defined by a lower extent of the annular concave bend.  
     
     
         8 . The easy open can end member of  claim 1  wherein the fold further comprises a first end directly connected to the chuckwall and a second end connected to the central panel, the first end located at a greater vertical extent than the second end, and separated from the second end by a first leg, a second leg, and a third leg.  
     
     
         9 . The easy open can end member of  claim 1  wherein the chuckwall extends downwardly from the curl at an obtuse angle and the fold has a thickness that is substantially less than a length of the chuckwall.  
     
     
         10 . The easy open can end member of  claim 1  wherein the annular concave bend engages the peripheral edge of the central panel.  
     
     
         11 . The easy open can end member of  claim 10  wherein the concave annular bend includes an apex, the apex being in engagement with the peripheral edge of the central panel.  
     
     
         12 . An easy open can end member comprising: 
 a central panel centered about a longitudinal axis having a peripheral edge and a tear panel defined by fracturable score, the tear panel retained to the central panel along a non-scored hinge region;    a curl defining an outer perimeter of the end member;    a circumferential chuckwall extending downwardly from the curl; and    a transition wall connecting the chuckwall with the peripheral edge of the central panel, the transition wall including a fold having a first end directly connected to the chuckwall and a second end connected to the central panel, the first end located at a greater vertical extent than the second end, and separated from the second end by a first leg, a second leg, and a third leg.    
     
     
         13 . The easy open can member of  claim 12  wherein the fold extends outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis.  
     
     
         14 . The easy open can member of  claim 12  wherein the fold further comprises an annular concave bend between the first leg and second leg, the annular concave bend extending radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis wherein the second leg extends outwardly from the chuckwall.  
     
     
         15 . The easy open can end member of  claim 14  wherein the fold further comprises an annular convex bend between the second leg and the third leg, the annular convex extending inwardly realtive to the longitudinal axis wherein the leg extends inwardly relative to the longitudinal axis.  
     
     
         16 . The easy open can end member of  claim 15  wherein the fold further comprises a third bend joining the third leg with the central panel.  
     
     
         17 . The easy open can end member of  claim 16  wherein the third bend has a radius of curvature substantially defined by a lower extent of the annular concave bend.  
     
     
         18 . The easy open can end member of  claim 17  wherein the annular concave bend is in engagement with the peripheral edge of the central panel.  
     
     
         19 . The easy open can end member of  claim 18  wherein a portion of the annular convex bend forms a highest vertical extent of the fold.  
     
     
         20 . An easy open can end member comprising: 
 a central panel centered about a longitudinal axis having a peripheral edge, a public side and a product side;    a curl defining an outer perimeter of the end member;    a circumferential chuckwall extending downwardly from the curl; and    a fold having a first end directly connected to the chuckwall and a second end connected to the central panel, the first end located at a greater vertical extent than the second end and separated from the second end by a first leg, a second leg, and a third leg, the fold further having an annular concave bend located between the first leg and the second leg and directing the second leg upwardly and outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis.