Flange reforming apparatus

Abstract

Apparatus for re-forming a seaming flange (F) formed on the open end of a can body (B) comprises: a bottom support for supporting the bottom end wall of the can body and a pusher pad (2) including a circular disc (12) having an outer profile adapted to receive and support the open end of the can body with the seaming flange protruding radially outwardly beyond the disc. A push rod (4) moves the pusher pad axially towards and away from the bottom support such that successive can bodies can be held there between whilst the pusher pad and bottom support are driven in rotation about their common axis. One or more rollers (34) are mounted adjacent the outer edge of the pusher pad disc for axial movement with the push rod and the pusher pad (2) is mounted on the push rod (4) for limited axial movement thereon against the action of a spring (38). The arrangement is such that during this limited axial movement of the pusher pad (2) on the push rod (4), the seaming flange on the open end of the can body engages the rollers (34) and is re-formed thereby.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.