Method and apparatus for embossing and debossing metallic containers

Abstract

Methods and apparatus of decorating metallic containers are provided. More specifically, the present invention provides novel apparatus and methods of forming an indicia or a decorative shape on a closed end-wall of a metallic container body. A tool of one embodiment of the present invention is operable to form an indicia in a metallic sheet. A cupping apparatus can subsequently form a cup from the metallic sheet which includes the indicia. The cup can be formed into a container body by a bodymaker. In another embodiment, a tool of a bodymaker is operable to form an indicia or a decorative shape in a closed end-wall during formation of a metallic container body. The indicia or decorative shape can be formed by coining, punching, embossing, debossing, and other techniques of forming and shaping metal material from which the metallic container body is formed. In this manner, the indicia may include one or more raised portions and sunken portions in the closed end-wall. Optionally, the indicia may enhance the strength of the closed end-wall such as to prevent or resist buckling and deformation.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A bodymaker operable to form an indicia including one or more of an embossed portion and a debossed portion on a closed dome portion of a metallic container body, comprising:
 a dome die having a convex surface operable to apply a force to an exterior surface of the closed dome portion, the convex surface configured to form the indicia on at least the exterior surface; and   a punch bolt in opposing relationship to the convex surface of the dome die, the punch bolt including a concave surface configured to contact and support an interior surface of the closed dome portion.   
     
     
         2 . The bodymaker of  claim 1 , wherein the convex surface of the dome die includes a geometric profile configured to form the indicia. 
     
     
         3 . The bodymaker of  claim 2 , wherein the geometric profile is recessed into the convex surface. 
     
     
         4 . The bodymaker of  claim 2 , wherein the geometric profile projects from the convex surface. 
     
     
         5 . The bodymaker of  claim 2 , wherein the geometric profile includes one or more of a symbol, a numeral, and a letter. 
     
     
         6 . The bodymaker of  claim 2 , wherein the concave surface of the punch bolt includes a second geometric profile. 
     
     
         7 . The bodymaker of  claim 6 , wherein the second geometric profile is a negative or a positive of the geometric profile of the dome die. 
     
     
         8 . The bodymaker of  claim 1 , wherein the dome die further includes:
 a plurality of apertures that extend through the convex surface, wherein the apertures are configured to selectively transmit a fluid to the convex surface; and   an extension interconnected to the convex surface, wherein the extension is configured to extend away from the convex surface in response to a hydraulic pressure received from the fluid to selectively apply a force to the exterior surface of the closed dome portion to form the indicia.   
     
     
         9 . A method of forming a metallic container body including a closed dome portion with an indicia, comprising:
 providing a metallic cup with a closed end-wall;   positioning the metallic cup in a bodymaker operable to form the metallic cup into the metallic container body, the bodymaker including a dome forming die opposing a punch bolt; and   applying a force with the dome forming die to an exterior surface of the closed end-wall, wherein one or more of the dome forming die and the punch bolt are configured to form the indicia in a predetermined location of the closed dome portion.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein applying the force forms the indicia by causing a metallic material of the metallic cup to extend outwardly from an exterior surface of the closed dome portion. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein applying the force forms the indicia by causing a metallic material of the metallic cup to extend inwardly from an exterior surface of the closed dome portion. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the dome forming die has a geometric profile configured to form the indicia. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein applying the force comprises forcing a fluid through an aperture of the dome forming die. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the fluid exerts a hydraulic pressure on an extension interconnected to the dome forming die to apply the force to the exterior surface of the closed end-wall. 
     
     
         15 . A metallic container body with a dome having an indicia, comprising:
 a closed end-wall with a dome extending inwardly;   a sidewall extending from the closed end-wall;   an open end opposite the closed end-wall; and   an indicia formed in a metallic material of the closed end-wall, the indicia extending into or from a surface of the dome.   
     
     
         16 . The metallic container body of  claim 15 , wherein the indicia comprises one or more of a symbol, a numeral, and a letter. 
     
     
         17 . The metallic container body of  claim 15 , wherein the indicia projects outwardly from an exterior surface of the dome. 
     
     
         18 . The metallic container body of  claim 15 , wherein the indicia projects inwardly into an exterior surface of the dome. 
     
     
         19 . The metallic container body of  claim 15 , wherein the indicia comprises a ridge with a first end proximate to the sidewall and a second end proximate to a central portion of the dome, the ridge have a depth that varies from the first end to the second end. 
     
     
         20 . The metallic container body of  claim 15 , wherein the indicia one or more of: projects outwardly from an interior surface of the dome; and projects into an interior surface of the dome.