Method and apparatus for necking the open end of a container

An apparatus for reducing the diameter of an open end of a container, the apparatus comprising:

• a housing having an axis;
• a die supported in the housing about the axis;
• and
• a relatively rigid radially expandable pilot member supported in the housing and selectively moveable between a contracted position and an expanded position relative to the axis, the relatively rigid radially expandable pilot member comprising a container supporting surface having a substantially cylindrical upper portion located at a first radial distance from the axis and an annular entry portion located at a second radial distance from the axis.

A method of reducing the diameter of an open end of a container, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a container;
• providing a housing;
• providing a die suspended in the housing;
• providing a radially expandable pilot member supported in the housing and selectively moveable between a contracted position and an expanded position relative to a longitudinal axis, the radially expandable pilot member comprising a plurality of forming members, each forming member having an external surface area and a peripheral edge portion for selective cooperative engagement with a peripheral edge portion of an adjacent forming member,
• expanding the radially expandable pilot member;
• contacting the open end of the container with the die;
• forcing the container into the die;
• contracting the radially expandable pilot member;
• and
• removing the container from the die.