American National Can Company

Andy Halasz

Rene Meneghin

Louis Trepied

Rolf Wirz

Thomas T Tung

Joel Courbon

Manny Klapper

Jean Proubet

A method is described for reducing the diameter of the open end of a can, such as a beverage can, in a necking station while substantially preventing the formation of pleats in the can. The necking station includes a deformable support punch that is positioned within the open end of the can. The punch includes an elastomeric sleeve and a means for providing for lateral deformation of the sleeve, such as an actuator making an interference fit with the sleeve. In the necking station, the can is inserted into a necking die having a transition zone separating an outer cylindrical bore and an inner bore having a reduced diameter. When the top edge of the can is forced past the transition zone in to the inner bore to reduce the dimension of the upper portion of the can, the sleeve is controllably deformed in a manner such that the lateral portion of the sleeve is placed into supporting engagement with the interior wall of the can, pressing the can against the transition zone of the die. This supporting action of the elastomeric material against the can wall during the reduction in diameter substantially avoids the formation of localized pleats.

Method and punch for necking cans

A seamless drawn and ironed container body having a side wall with portions of the side wall expanded radially outward from an initial cylindrical configuration and a method and apparatus for reshaping such containers.

Method for reshaping a container

Apparatus for reshaping a container

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Crystal Lake, IL, United States of America

Andy Halasz