Method and apparatus for making shaped cans
US5533373A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jul 9, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB21D17/04
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for shaping cans entails placing an inflatable flexible-walled mandrel inside a drawn can body, inflating the mandrel, rotating the can body and the inflated mandrel, applying a forming tool, such as a rubber-surfaced roller, to the exterior surface of the can body to deflect the sidewall inwardly, deflating the mandrel and withdrawing it from the shaped can body. The flexible walls of the mandrel may have corrugations longitudinally thereof for selective shaping of the can body. The mandrel may also include separate sections along its longitudinal axis having different expansion capabilities for each section. The mandrel may also include movable end plates at distal ends of the flexible walls and an incompressible fluid therebetween wherein the mandrel is inflated by compressing the plates.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.