DIE GUIDE FOR A CONTAINER NECKER

Abstract

The present disclosure provides methods and a necking apparatus to reduce a first diameter of an open end of a container body to a second diameter. The necking apparatus includes a necking die and a die guide. The die guide is selectively moveable relative to the necking die to guide the open end of the container body into engagement with the necking die. The die guide includes a flange that extends into a cylindrical bore of the die guide. The flange is configured to engage a shoulder of the container body when the die guide is in a first clamping position relative to the necking die. After engaging the container shoulder with the flange, the die guide moves toward the necking die into a second necking position such that the open end contacts the necking die and the first diameter of the open end is reduced to the second diameter.

Claims

1. A necking apparatus for reducing a diameter of an open end of a container body, comprising: a housing having a body with an interior cavity and having a center axis; a necking die positioned in the interior cavity about the center axis, the necking die configured to reduce the diameter of the open end of the container body in a necking operation; a knockout positioned in the interior cavity and concentrically aligned with the necking die; an outer guide with a first end operably interconnected to a free end of the housing, a central bore that extends through the first end and a second end, and a ring that extends into the central bore proximate to the first end; a die guide operably engaged to the housing and selectively moveable relative to the housing and into the central bore of the outer guide from a first clamping position to a second necking position, the die guide including a first end facing the free end of the housing, a cylindrical bore, and a flange extending inwardly into the cylindrical bore, the flange configured to engage a shoulder of the container body; a biasing element operably engaged to the housing with a first end contacting the outer guide and a second end contacting the die guide; and a keeper interconnected to the second end of the outer guide, the keeper configured to limit a stroke of the die guide to a predetermined length.

2. The necking apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical bore of the die guide has an interior wall with an interior diameter that is greater than an exterior diameter of the container body.

3. The necking apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flange has an inner diameter that is less than an exterior diameter of the container body.

4. The necking apparatus of claim 1, wherein during the necking operation, the die guide engages the shoulder of the container body to align the open end of the container body with the necking die before a forming surface of the necking die contacts the open end of the container body.

5. The necking apparatus of claim 1, wherein the biasing element is a spring with the first end extending into a hole formed in the ring and the second end positioned in a first passage extending into the first end of the die guide.

6. The necking apparatus of claim 5, wherein the die guide further comprises a second passage with a second depth that is different than a first depth of the first passage such that a force applied to the die guide by the spring is altered by positioning the second end of the spring in the second passage.

7. The necking apparatus of claim 1, wherein the die guide includes a protrusion extending from the first end facing the necking die, and wherein the flange extends inwardly from an interior surface of the protrusion.

8. The necking apparatus of claim 7, wherein the protrusion has an exterior diameter that is less than an interior diameter of the ring of the outer guide.

9. The necking apparatus of claim 1, wherein the die guide includes a first flute that extends from a second end of the die guide toward the first end of the die guide that is proximate to the necking die, and wherein the keeper has a projection positionable in the first flute to limit movement of the die guide to the stroke of the predetermined length.

10. The necking apparatus of claim 9, wherein the die guide further comprises a second flute with a second height that is different than a first height of the first flute such that the length of the stroke is altered by positioning the projection of the keeper in the second flute.

11. The necking apparatus of claim 1, wherein a body of the die guide is spaced a first distance from the necking die in the first clamping position and the body is spaced a second distance from the necking die in the second necking position, the second distance being less than the first distance.

12. A method of reducing a diameter of an open end of a container body, comprising: positioning the container body in a necking apparatus comprising: a housing with a body, an interior cavity, and a center axis; a necking die retained in the interior cavity; a knockout retained in the interior cavity, the knockout concentrically aligned with the necking die and the center axis; an outer guide operably interconnected to the housing and which has a first end facing a free end of the housing, a second end, and a central bore that extends through the first and second ends; a die guide operably engaged to the housing and selectively moveable into the central bore from a first clamping position to a second necking position, the die guide including a first end facing the housing and a flange which extends inwardly into a cylindrical bore formed through the die guide; a biasing element secured to the housing to apply a force to the die guide; and a keeper interconnected to the second end of the outer guide; engaging a shoulder of the container body with the flange of the die guide in the first clamping position; moving the die guide from the first clamping position to the second necking position relative to the housing such that the open end of the container body engages the necking die to perform a necking operation to reduce the diameter of the open end; and discharging the container body from the necking apparatus.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein an interior wall of the cylindrical bore of the die guide has an interior diameter that is greater than an exterior diameter of the container body such that the interior wall does not contact the container body during operation of the necking apparatus.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the flange has an inner diameter that is less than the exterior diameter of the container body, wherein the container body is clamped by the flange to impede unintended movement of the container body relative to the necking die.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising altering the force applied by the biasing element to the die guide by: removing the keeper from the outer guide to separate the die guide from the central bore of the outer guide; removing the biasing element from a first passage extending into the first end of the die guide, the first passage having a first depth; positioning the biasing element in a second passage extending into the first end of the die guide, the second passage having a second depth that is different than first depth; returning the die guide to the central bore of the outer guide; and interconnecting the keeper to the outer guide to interconnect the die guide to the housing.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising adjusting a length of a stroke of the die guide by: removing the keeper from the outer guide to withdraw a projection of the keeper from a first flute of the die guide, the first flute having a first height to limit the stroke of the die guide to a first length; positioning the projection in a second flute of the die guide that has a second height that is different than the first height; and interconnecting the keeper to the outer guide with the projection in the second flute such that the stroke of the die guide is limited to a second length that is different than the first length.

17. A die guide to align an open end of a container body with a necking die of a necking apparatus, comprising: a body with a first end and a second end; a cylindrical bore extending through the first and second ends which is sized to receive the container body; a flange extending from the body of the die guide into the cylindrical bore, the flange configured to engage a shoulder of the container body; a passage extending into the first end that is adapted to receive a biasing element; and a flute extending from the second end toward the first end, the flute having a first height to limit a stroke of the die guide to a first length when a projection of a keeper interconnected to the necking apparatus is positioned in the flute.

18. The die guide of claim 17, further comprising a second passage that extends into the first end to a second depth that is different than a first depth of the passage such that a force applied to the die guide by the biasing element is altered by moving the biasing element from the passage to the second passage.

19. The die guide of claim 17, further comprising a second flute with a second height that is different than the first height to limit the stroke to a second length that is different than the first length when the projection of the keeper is in the second flute.

20. The die guide of claim 17, wherein the cylindrical bore is concentrically aligned with a central axis of the die guide, and wherein the cylindrical bore is defined by an interior wall that has an interior diameter that is greater than an inner diameter of the flange.

21. The die guide of claim 17, further comprising a protrusion extending from the first end, wherein the flange is formed on the protrusion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0121] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosed system and together with the general description of the disclosure given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed system(s) and device(s).

[0122] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of a prior art necking apparatus prior to performing a necking operation on an upper end of a container body;

[0123] FIG. 2 is another partial cross-sectional elevation view of the necking apparatus of FIG. 1 during the necking operation;

[0124] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a tooling assembly for a necker according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and with a die guide in a first clamping position relative to the tooling assembly;

[0125] FIG. 4 is an expanded cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the tooling assembly of FIG. 3;

[0126] FIG. 5 is another expanded cross-sectional elevation view of another portion of the tooling assembly of FIG. 3 and showing an upper flange of the die guide engaged to a shoulder of a container body;

[0127] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the die guide of FIG. 3;

[0128] FIG. 7 is another cross-sectional elevation view of the tooling assembly of FIG. 3 showing the die guide in a second necking position in which the die guide is in a retracted position relative to the tooling assembly;

[0129] FIG. 8A is a front perspective view of a tooling assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure and illustrating a die guide in a first clamping position relative to the tooling assembly;

[0130] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional front perspective view of the tooling assembly of FIG. 8A;

[0131] FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the tooling assembly of FIG. 8A;

[0132] FIG. 9A is an upper perspective view of an outer guide of the tooling assembly of FIG. 8A;

[0133] FIG. 9B is a top plan view of the outer guide of FIG. 9A;

[0134] FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the outer guide taken along line C-C of FIG. 9B;

[0135] FIG. 9D is another cross-sectional side elevation view of the outer guide taken along line D-D of FIG. 9B;

[0136] FIG. 10A is a top front perspective view of a die guide of the tooling assembly of FIG. 8A;

[0137] FIG. 10B is a bottom perspective view of the die guide of FIG. 10A;

[0138] FIG. 10C is a side elevation view of the die guide of FIG. 10A;

[0139] FIG. 10D is a top plan view of the die guide of FIG. 10A;

[0140] FIG. 10E is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the die guide taken along line E-E of FIG. 10D;

[0141] FIG. 10F is another cross-sectional side elevation view of the die guide taken along line F-F of FIG. 10D;

[0142] FIG. 10G is yet another cross-sectional side elevation view of the die guide taken along line G-G of FIG. 10D;

[0143] FIG. 10H is an expanded cross-sectional view of a portion of the die guide of FIG. 10G;

[0144] FIG. 10I is a bottom plan view of the die guide of FIG. 10A;

[0145] FIG. 10J is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the die guide taken along line J-J of FIG. 10I;

[0146] FIG. 10K is another cross-sectional side elevation view of the die guide taken along line K-K of FIG. 10I;

[0147] FIG. 10L is yet another cross-sectional side elevation view of the die guide taken along line L-L of FIG. 10I;

[0148] FIG. 11A is a bottom perspective view of a keeper of the tooling assembly of FIG. 8A;

[0149] FIG. 11B is a side elevation view of the keeper of FIG. 11A;

[0150] FIG. 11C is a bottom plan view of the keeper of FIG. 11A;

[0151] FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the tooling assembly of FIG. 8A and illustrating the die guide in a second necking position and retracted relative to the tooling assembly;

[0152] FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional front perspective view of the tooling assembly with the die guide in the second necking position of FIG. 12A;

[0153] FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of a container body of a two-piece can with a neck formed by a necking apparatus of one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0154] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a metallic bottle with a neck formed by a necking apparatus of another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0155] The drawings are not necessarily (but may be) to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the embodiments illustrated herein. As will be appreciated, other embodiments are possible using, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described below. For example, it is contemplated that various features and devices shown and/or described with respect to one embodiment may be combined with or substituted for features or devices of other embodiments regardless of whether or not such a combination or substitution is specifically shown or described herein.

[0156] The following is a listing of components according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, and as shown in the drawings:

TABLE-US-00001 Number Component  2 Metallic container  3 Longitudinal axis of metallic container  4 Container body  5 Sidewall  6 Exterior surface of container body  8 Exterior diameter of container body 10 Closed end (bottom) 11 Dome 12 Shoulder 14 Neck 16 Neck exterior diameter 18 Open end (or free end) of the container body 20 Necker (prior art) 22 Central axis 24 Necking die 26 Free end of necking die 28 Cylindrical guide of necking die 30 Necking surface 32 Second cylindrical wall of necking die 34 Knockout 40 Necker 42 Tooling assembly 44 Center axis 46 Housing 47 Cylindrical body of housing 48 Interior cavity of housing 49 Shoulder 50 Knockout shaft 51 Bore of knockout shaft 52 Locating diameter of knockout shaft 54 Head of knockout shaft 55 Port of housing 56 Open end of housing 57 Hole of housing 58 Post 59 Shoulder of post 60 Biasing element or spring 61 Head of post 62 Retention ring (for necking die) 63 Aperture of retention ring 64 Spacer 65 Knockout spacer 66 Knockout 68 Cylindrical sidewall of knockout 70 Guide surface of knockout 72 Maximum exterior diameter of guide surface 74 Minimum exterior diameter of guide surface 76 End wall of knockout 77 Interior wall of retention ring 78 Necking die 80 Inner end of necking die 82 Free end of necking die 84 Transition surface or necking surface of the necking die 86 Maximum interior diameter of transition surface 88 Minimum interior diameter of transition surface 89 Interior diameter of interior wall of the retention ring 90 Cylindrical wall of necking die 92 Clearance between necking die and knockout 93 Clearance between transition surface and interior wall of retention ring 94 Die guide 96 Body of die guide 98 First end of die guide 99 Second end of die guide 100  Cylindrical bore of die guide 102  Interior wall of cylindrical bore 104  Interior diameter of interior wall of the die guide 106  Flange of die guide 107  Inner wall of flange 108  Inner diameter of the die guide flange 109  Protrusion of die guide 110  Aperture of die guide  110A First portion of aperture (large diameter)  110B Second portion of aperture (smaller diameter) 111  Exterior diameter of protrusion 112  Seat for biasing element 113  Height of flange inner wall 114  Distance of die guide body from the retention ring in the first clamping position 116  Distance of die guide body from the retention ring in the second necking position 118  Recess between the die guide and the container body exterior surface 120  First distance of die guide body from the necking die in the first clamping position 122  Second distance of die guide body from the necking die in the second necking position 124  Exterior diameter of body 126  Protrusion height 128  Passage 130  Passage depth 132  Flute or “channel” 134  Flute opening 136  Flute end 138  Flute height 140  Outer guide 142  Cylindrical body 144  Upper end 146  Dowel pin 148  Lower end 150  Outer diameter 152  Height 154  Central bore 156  Inner wall 158  Wall interior diameter 160  Ring 162  Hole 164  Ring interior diameter 166  Fastener aperture 170  Keeper 172  Cylindrical exterior 174  Central cutout 176  Interior diameter of the cutout 178  Aperture 180  Projection 182  Interior diameter of projection 184  Fastener

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0157] Referring now to FIGS. 3-6, a tooling assembly 42A of a necker 40A according to one aspect of the present disclosure is generally illustrated prior to performing a necking operation on a container body 4. The necker 40A and the tooling assembly 42A can be oriented either horizontally or vertically.

[0158] The tooling assembly 42A generally includes a housing 46 with a body 47 and an interior cavity 48 concentrically aligned with a center axis 44. The interior cavity 48 has a shape which is generally cylindrical.

[0159] A knockout shaft 50 is engaged to the housing and extends within the cavity 48. The knockout shaft 50 may include an interior bore 51. The interior bore 51 of the knockout shaft may be configured to transmit a compressed gas to an interior of a container body 4.

[0160] A locating diameter 52 of the knockout shaft 50 aligns the knockout shaft with the housing 46. More specifically, the locating diameter 52 is configured to accurately align the knockout shaft substantially concentrically within the housing 46. In one embodiment, the knockout shaft 50 and its locating diameter 52 are substantially concentrically or coaxially aligned with the center axis 44.

[0161] In one embodiment, a pressurized gas is directed through the interior bore 51 of the knockout shaft 50 and into the container body 4 during the necking operation to enhance the rigidity of the metal sidewalls and temporarily strengthen the container body. Additionally, or alternatively, a pressurized gas can optionally be used to separate or strip the container body 4 from the tooling assembly 42A after completion of the necking operation. For example, the housing 46 optionally includes a port 55 to direct a pressurized gas into the interior cavity 48 of the housing and into a metallic container 2 engaged by the necker 40A. The port 55 may be connected to a source of pressurized gas, such as a compressor or a pressure vessel. The pressurized gas can be directed through the port 55 during a necking operation to increase the rigidity of the metallic container 2. Additionally, or alternatively, pressurized gas can be directed through the port 55 after completion of the necking operation to facilitate separation of the metallic container 2 from the tooling assembly 42A. In one embodiment, the pressurized gas is compressed air. In alternative embodiments, the pressurized gas may be any suitable gas known in the art.

[0162] A knockout 66 is fixed within the cavity 48 of the housing 46 to facilitate alignment of the container body 4 with a necking die 78. More specifically, the knockout 66 helps guide the open end 18 of the container body 4 to engagement with the necking die 78.

[0163] In one embodiment, the knockout 66 is interconnected to the knockout shaft 50, for example, by a head 54 of the knockout shaft 50. Optionally, a knockout spacer 65 engages the knockout 66. In one embodiment, the knockout spacer 65 is positioned on the knockout shaft 50. The knockout spacer 65 has a body that is generally cylindrical and has a length selected to hold the knockout 66 in a predetermined position within the interior cavity 48 of the housing 46.

[0164] The knockout 66 is optionally mounted in such a manner that it is immobile relative to the housing 46. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the knockout 66 does not move during operation of the necker 40A. Alternatively, the knockout 66 may be moveably retained within the housing 46 by the knockout shaft 50.

[0165] In some embodiments, the knockout 66 may be integrally formed with the knockout shaft 50. In other embodiments, the knockout 66 may be selectively connected to the knockout shaft 50.

[0166] The knockout 66 has a cylindrical sidewall 68 with an exterior diameter 72 that is less than an interior diameter of a neck 14 of the container body 4. In one embodiment, the cylindrical sidewall 68 is approximately parallel to the center axis 44.

[0167] Optionally, the knockout 66 has a guide surface 70 (best seen in FIG. 4) which extends between the cylindrical sidewall 68 and an end wall 76 of the knockout. In one embodiment, a cross-section of the guide surface 70 has a curved or arcuate shape. Specifically, in one embodiment an exterior of the guide surface is convex. In other embodiments, the cross-section of the guide surface 70 is generally linear. Alternatively, the cylindrical sidewall 68 may extend to the end wall 76 at an orthogonal intersection.

[0168] The exterior diameter of the guide surface 70 increases from the end wall 76 to an intersection of the guide surface 70 with the cylindrical sidewall 68. Accordingly, the guide surface 70 has a maximum exterior diameter 72 defined by the cylindrical sidewall 68. The guide surface 70 has a minimum exterior diameter 74 at a point proximate to the end wall 76. In one embodiment, the guide surface 70 is generally convex in cross-section. However, the guide surface 70 may have other shapes. In one embodiment, the guide surface 70 has a cross-section that is approximately linear.

[0169] A necking die 78 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is retained within the housing cavity 48. The necking die can be secured to the housing 46 in any suitable manner known to those of skill in the art. In one embodiment, a retention ring 62 secures the necking die 78 within the housing cavity 48.

[0170] The retention ring 62 can be secured to the housing 46 in any suitable manner known to those of skill in the art. In one embodiment, a post 58 is used to secure the retention ring 62 to the housing. The post 58 may extend through an aperture 63 formed through the retention ring. Optionally, the post 58 has a shoulder 59 (shown in FIG. 4) with an increased diameter to retain the retention ring 62.

[0171] The post 58 optionally extends from an open end 56 of the housing 46. For example, the post 58 can extend from the housing end 56 approximately parallel to the center axis 44. In one embodiment, the post 58 is a bolt or a screw with threads that engage threads of a hole 57 formed in the housing 46.

[0172] The post 58 optionally includes a head 61 spaced from the housing. Optionally, a distance between the head 61 and the housing 46 may be adjusted by rotating the post. For example, rotating the post in a first direction will move the head 61 closer to the housing. Alternatively, rotating the post in a second direction will move the head 61 further away from the housing 46. In this manner, a stroke length of the die guide 94A can be adjusted. More specifically, for a metallic container with a long neck 14, the stroke length of the die guide 94A may be increased by rotating the post in the second direction. Alternatively, for a metallic container with a short neck, the stroke length of the die guide can be decreased by rotating the post in the first direction.

[0173] Optionally, the retention ring 62 prevents movement of the necking die 78 relative to the housing 46. More specifically, in one embodiment, an inner end 80 of the necking die 78 engages a portion of the housing 46. For example, the inner end 80 may engage a projection or shoulder 49 of the housing 46 which projects inwardly into the interior cavity 48. The retention ring 62 can then engage a free end 82 of the necking die. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the necking die 78 is substantially immobily secured or interconnected to the housing 46 by the retention ring 62.

[0174] In some embodiments, the retention ring 62 is generally circular. In alternative embodiments, the retention ring has an asymmetrical shape.

[0175] The retention ring 62 may have a central hole with an interior wall 77 (best seen in FIG. 4). The interior wall 77 may be oriented approximately perpendicular to an end of the retention ring 62. Alternatively, the interior wall 77 may be oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the retention ring end. In one embodiment, the interior wall has a curved or an arcuate cross-section as generally shown in FIG. 4. In one embodiment, the interior wall 77 is generally convex in cross-section.

[0176] The interior wall 77 has an interior diameter 89. In one embodiment, when the interior wall 77 is approximately perpendicular to the end of the retention ring, the interior diameter is approximately constant.

[0177] Alternatively, the interior diameter 89 of the interior wall 77 varies. For example, in one embodiment the interior diameter 89 increases from a minimum interior diameter 89 at a first end of the retention ring (illustrated in FIG. 4) to a maximum interior diameter at a second end of the retention ring.

[0178] Optionally, the inner end 80 of the necking die 78 may engage a spacer 64 within the housing cavity 48. In one embodiment, one or more spacers 64A-64E are positioned within the interior cavity 48 of the housing 46. The spacers 64 may be of different sizes and shapes. For example, in some embodiments, a first spacer 64A has a first height that is less than a second height of a second spacer 64B. Moreover, a fifth spacer 64E has a diameter that is less than the diameters of spacers 64A-64D.

[0179] One or more of the spacers 64 can include a hollow interior. Optionally, an interior diameter of the spacers 64 is greater than the exterior diameter of the knockout 66. In one embodiment, the interior diameter of a spacer 64 is greater than an interior diameter 86 of a cylindrical wall 90 of the necking die 78.

[0180] Any number of spacers 64 can be positioned within the housing to arrange the necking die 78 in a predetermined position of the interior cavity 48. For example, the number and sizes of the spacers 64 can be altered to move the necking die 78 closer to (or away from) the retention ring 62. Optionally, a spacer 64 can be positioned between the free end 82 of the necking die 78 and the retention ring 62. It will be understood by one of skill in the art that in some embodiments the spacer 64 is not used, for example based on the size or shape of the metallic container 2.

[0181] The necking die 78 generally includes the free end 82 opposite to the inner end 80, a transition surface 84, and a hollow interior that defines a cylindrical wall 90. The cylindrical wall 90 is approximately parallel to the center axis 44.

[0182] Notably, compared to the prior art necking die 24 described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-2, the necking die 78 of the present disclosure does not include a cylindrical guide 28. For example, the free end 82 of the necking die 78 is proximate to the transition surface 84. More specifically, in one embodiment, the transition surface 84 of the necking die 78 begins at the free end 82. In one embodiment, the free end 82 is approximately planar. Optionally, the free end 82 defines a plane that is oriented approximately perpendicular to the center axis 44.

[0183] The transition surface 84 is adapted to reduce the diameter of the open end 18 of the container body by a predetermined amount. The transition surface 84 has an interior diameter that varies from a maximum interior diameter 86 proximate to the free end 82 and decreases to a minimum interior diameter 88 proximate to the cylindrical wall 90. The minimum interior diameter 88 of the transition surface 84 is equal to the diameter of the cylindrical wall 90 of the necking die. Moreover, the minimum interior diameter 88 of the necking die transition surface 84 is greater than the maximum exterior diameter 72 of the knockout guide surface 70 to define a clearance 92 (best seen in FIG. 4) between the cylindrical sidewall 68 of the knockout 66 and the necking die cylindrical wall 90. The clearance 92 is greater than or equal to a thickness of the material of the metallic container 2. In one embodiment, the clearance 92 is slightly greater than a thickness of the material of the metallic container 2. Optionally, the clearance 92 has a width of between approximately 0.003 inch and approximately 0.02 inch.

[0184] In one embodiment, the transition surface 84 has a cross-sectional shape that is curved or arcuate. Optionally, the cross-sectional shape of an exterior of the transition surface 84 is convex. Other shapes for the transition surface 84 are contemplated.

[0185] The transition surface 84 is adapted to form a shoulder 12 in the container body 4 during a necking operation. More specifically, the maximum interior diameter 86 of the transition surface is greater than an exterior diameter 16 of a neck 14 of the container body 4, and the minimum interior diameter 88 is less than the neck exterior diameter 16. Accordingly, during the necking operation, the open end 18 of the container neck 14 contacts the transition surface 84. The transition surface 84 then directs the open end 18 inwardly toward the center axis 44 to form (or reform) the shoulder 12. The cylindrical wall 90 of the necking die 78 and the cylindrical sidewall 68 of the knockout 66 then guide the open end 18 back approximately parallel to the center axis 44 to reduce the diameter of the neck 14.

[0186] The diameter of the cylindrical wall 90 of the necking die 78 is approximately equal to an external diameter of the neck 14 that will be formed during the necking operation. However, the diameter of the cylindrical wall 90 can be increased or decreased as necessary to account for springback of the metal material of the container neck 14 which occurs after the necking operation as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art.

[0187] A die guide 94A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is interconnected to an end 56 of the housing. The die guide is retained in a spaced relationship to the housing end 56 and to the necking die 78. The die guide 94A is configured to engage a shoulder 12 of the container body 4 and align the container body 4 with the knockout 66 and the necking die 78 of the necker 40A of the present disclosure. More specifically, the die guide 94A aligns the open end 18 of the container body 4 with the forming profile (for example, the transition surface 84) of the necking die 78.

[0188] The die guide 94A is moveably interconnected to the housing 46. Specifically, the die guide 94A is moveable from a first clamping position (shown in FIG. 3) to a second necking position (which is generally illustrated in FIG. 7).

[0189] In one embodiment, in the first clamping position, a first end 98 of the die guide 94A is separated from the retention ring 62 by a predetermined distance 114. The distance 114 may be up to approximately 1 inch. Optionally, the distance 114 is between approximately 0.05 inch and approximately 0.85 inch. In one embodiment, the distance is less than about 0.82 inch. Additionally, or alternatively, the die guide 94A can move between approximately 0.5 inch and 0.9 inch, or about 0.76 inch, from the first clamping position to the second necking position.

[0190] The first clamping position of the die guide 94A is associated with initiation of the necking operation. In the first clamping position, the die guide 94A contacts the container shoulder 12 before the necking die 78 contacts the open end 18 of the container body.

[0191] In both the first clamping position and the second necking position the die guide 94A is spaced from the necking die 78 by the retention ring 62. More specifically, in the first clamping position, the first end 98 of the die guide 94A is spaced from the free end 82 of the necking die 78 by a first distance 120. In one embodiment, the first distance is equal to the distance 114 plus the thickness of the retention ring 62. The first distance 120 is greater than a second distance 122 between the die guide 94A and the necking die 78 when in the second necking position (generally illustrated in FIG. 7).

[0192] The die guide 94A can be interconnected to the housing 46 in any suitable manner known to those of skill in the art. In one embodiment, the die guide 94A is secured to the housing 46 by the post 58. For example, the post 58 can include a head 61 that engages a second end 99 of the die guide 94A.

[0193] A biasing element 60 can optionally be positioned between the retention ring 62 and the die guide 94A. In this manner, the die guide 94A remains spaced from the housing end 56 and the necking die 78 by the retention ring.

[0194] In one embodiment, the biasing element 60 is a helical spring, such as a compression spring, although any suitable biasing element can be used with the necker 40A of the present disclosure. Optionally, the biasing element 60 is positioned on the post 58. In one embodiment, the biasing element 60 biases (or urges) the die guide 94A into the first clamping position.

[0195] Referring now to FIGS. 5-6, the die guide 94A generally has a body 96 with a cylindrical bore 100 and a flange 106. The cylindrical bore 100 is coaxially aligned with the center axis 44 and has an interior wall 102 that is approximately parallel to the center axis 44. In one embodiment, the interior wall 102 has an interior diameter 104 that is substantially constant. The wall interior diameter 104 is greater than an exterior diameter 8 of the container body 4. Accordingly, the interior wall 102 is spaced from the exterior surface 6 of the container body 4 by a recess 118 (generally illustrated in FIG. 5) with a predetermined width. In one embodiment, the width of the recess is between approximately 0.004 inch and approximately 0.02 inch. In one embodiment, the width of the recess is approximately 0.006 inch.

[0196] The flange 106 of the die guide 94A extends from the body 96 into the cylindrical bore 100. In one embodiment, the flange extends from the first end 98 of the body 96. Optionally, the flange 106 extends continuously around the cylindrical bore 100. Alternatively, the flange 106 comprises a plurality of individual flanges that project into the cylindrical bore 100.

[0197] In one embodiment, the first end 98 of the die guide has a protrusion 109. The protrusion extends away from the first end 98 in a direction generally parallel to the center axis 44. In some embodiments, the flange 106 extends inwardly from the protrusion and into the cylindrical bore 100.

[0198] The protrusion 109 has an exterior diameter 111. In one embodiment, the interior diameter 89 of the retention ring interior wall 77 is greater than the protrusion exterior diameter 111. In this manner, when the die guide 94A is in the second necking position, the protrusion 109 can fit into the clearance 93 (illustrated in FIG. 4) between the transition surface 84 of the necking die and the interior wall 77 of the retention ring.

[0199] An inner diameter 108 of the flange 106 is less than the interior diameter 104 of the interior wall 102 and less than the exterior diameter 8 of the container body 4. In this manner, the flange 106 will engage a shoulder 12 of the container body 4 while the interior wall 102 of the die guide 94A remains spaced from the exterior surface 6 of the container body 4 by the recess 118. The minimum interior diameter 88 of the transition surface 84 of the necking die 78 is less than the inner diameter 108 of the flange 106.

[0200] The inner diameter 108 of the flange 106 is greater than the exterior diameter 16 of the container neck 14. Accordingly, the container neck 14 and the open end 18 of the container body 4 will pass through the cylindrical bore 100 of the die guide 94A without contacting the flange 106.

[0201] In one embodiment, the flange 106 is integrally formed with the die guide 94A. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the flange 106 is formed of the same material as the die guide 94A.

[0202] Alternatively, the flange 106 is formed separately from the die guide 94A. In one embodiment, the flange 106 is joined to the die guide 94A. Optionally, the flange 106 can be removably fixed to the die guide 94A. For example, the flange may be joined to the die guide by a mechanical fastener 184 (such as a screw or bolt), by welding, by a friction fit, by a threaded engagement, or by any other suitable method known to those of skill in the art.

[0203] Additionally, or alternatively, in one embodiment, the flange 106 is formed of a different material than the die guide. For example, in one embodiment, the flange is formed of a nylon, a plastic or a rubber. Optionally, the flange can be formed of a polymetric material. Alternatively, the flange can be formed of a metal or a ceramic. The flange may be formed of a plastic, such as PEEK. Alternatively, the flange is formed of a bronze alloy.

[0204] In one embodiment, the die guide 94A is formed of a first material and the flange 106 is formed of a second material. Optionally, the die guide 94A is formed of a metal.

[0205] The flange 106 has an inner wall 107 (generally illustrated in FIG. 5) configured to contact the container shoulder 12. The inner wall 107 has a predetermined height 113 that generally extends approximately parallel to the center axis 44. Optionally, the height is between approximately 0.01 inches and approximately 0.5 inches. The inner wall 107 may have any predetermined shape. In one embodiment, the inner wall 107 is concave.

[0206] In one embodiment, the inner wall 107 of the flange 106 is the only portion of the die guide 94A that will contact the container body during a necking operation performed by the tooling assembly 42A. Accordingly, the die guide 94A of the present disclosure does not slide along (or rub against) the container body (such as the exterior surface 6) during operation of the necker 40A.

[0207] The die guide 94A reduces or eliminates the generation of friction compared to prior art neckers. Further, the die guide eliminates the buildup of metal particles and the detrimental effects the metal particles cause in prior art neckers. Additionally, in the embodiments in which the flange 106 is removably fixed to the die guide 94A, longevity is further increased as the flange 106 may be replaced once it has worn.

[0208] The die guide 94A improves alignment of the container body 4 with the necking die 78 to improve aesthetics of the container body 4 by reducing wrinkles and by eliminating non-conical and irregular shapes of the container neck 14. Specifically, the die guide 94A of embodiments of the present disclosure forms container necks 14 that or more accurately aligned (i.e., substantially coaxially aligned) with a longitudinal axis 44 of the metallic container 2 than prior art neckers 20. In addition, the die guide 94A can help guide “thin” walled (or “lightweight”) metallic container bodies into the necking die 78 which reduces spoilage. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, lightweight metallic container bodies reduce the amount of material and the cost of metallic containers.

[0209] In one embodiment, an aperture 110 is formed through the body 96 of the die guide. The aperture 110 is adapted to receive the post 58 extending from the housing 46. Optionally, a seat 112 is formed in the aperture 110 to engage the biasing element 60. For example, the aperture 110 may include a first portion 110A with a first diameter and a second portion 110B with a second diameter that is less than the first diameter.

[0210] In one embodiment, the die guide 94A can be used for all necking operations required to form a neck 14 with a desired diameter. More specifically, the flange 106 of the die guide 94A can have an inner wall 107 with an inner diameter 108 and a height 113 selected to engage a shoulder 12 formed on a metallic container 2 in a first necking operation. Thereafter, the flange 106 can engage the shoulder 12 regardless of how many necking operations are performed to reduce the exterior diameter 16 of the container neck 14. This is beneficial because a single die guide 94A can be used in different neckers 40A without changing the geometry or dimensions of the flange 106. More specifically, two die guides 94A with the same geometry and dimensions may be used in two different neckers 40A that perform necking operations that form necks 14 of different dimensions on container bodies. However, as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, a different necking die 78 will be used for each necking operation.

[0211] As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the flexibility of using a die guide 94A of a single design will decrease the cost of spare parts required for a metallic container production line which may have 14 different neckers to form a neck on a two-piece can or 30 or more different neckers to form a neck on a metallic bottle. The use of a single design of the die guide 94A may also decrease the time required to service or replace the die guide because maintenance personnel will not need to obtain different die guides for different neckers. This will also eliminate the possibility of installing an improper die guide on a necker.

[0212] Alternatively, the dimensions or geometry of the die guide 94A of the present disclosure may be altered for different necking operations. For example, in one embodiment a flange 106 of a first die guide 94A used in a first necking operation has a first inner diameter 108. A second die guide 94A used in a subsequent second necking operation has a second inner diameter that is greater than the first inner diameter.

[0213] In one embodiment, the height 113 of the inner wall is based on a stage of a necking operation performed by the necker 40A. For example, a first die guide 94A associated with a second stage necker 40A may have a flange inner wall 107 with a first height 113. A second die guide interconnected to a third stage necker 40A can have a flange inner wall 107 with a second height 113 that is greater than the first height. This is because after each necking operation, the height of the shoulder will increase. Accordingly, the height 113 of the flange inner wall 107 may be larger to provide more engagement with the container shoulder 12. In one embodiment, the height 113 of the flange inner wall 107 increases successively from a first height for a first die guide 94A used in a second stage necker to a final height for a final stage necker, the final height being greater than the first height. As previously discussed, some container production lines include from 2 to 14 neckers. Metallic bottles typically require more necking operations and a metallic bottle production line may include 30 or more neckers. Accordingly, in some embodiments, thirty or more different die guides 94A according to the present disclosure may be formed which each have flanges 106 with an inner wall 107 having a height 113 adapted to engage a shoulder of a metallic container during one stage of thirty or more different necking operations.

[0214] Referring now to FIG. 7, the container body 4 is generally illustrated engaged with the necker 40A during a necking operation. In one embodiment, the tooling assembly 42A moves along the center axis 44 toward the container body 4. The container body 4 can be held immobile relative to the center axis. Alternatively, the container body 4 can be moved toward the tooling assembly along the center axis 44. In another embodiment, both the tooling assembly 42A and the container body 4 can move toward each other along the center axis 44. Regardless, as the container body 4 is engaged with the tooling assembly 42A, the flange 106 of the die guide 94A engages the shoulder 12 of the container body (as generally illustrated in FIG. 5). Thereafter, as one or more of the tooling assembly 42A and the container body 4 move toward each other along the center axis 44, the die guide 94A moves from the first clamping position generally shown in FIG. 3 to the second necking position as generally illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0215] The open end 18 of the container body 4 passes through the cylindrical bore 100 and past the first end 98 of the die guide 94A toward the necking die 78. The open end 18 then contacts the transition surface 84 of the necking die 78. As described previously, the transition surface 84 directs the open end 18 inwardly toward the center axis 44 to reduce the diameter of the open end and extend the shoulder 12 inwardly. The container open end 18 then contacts the cylindrical sidewall 68 of the knockout 66 which directs the open end 18 substantially parallel to the exterior surface 6 of the container body and the center axis 44 to form the neck 14 with a reduced diameter. In one embodiment, in the second necking position, the first end 98 of the die guide 94A is separated from the retention ring 62 by a distance 116 of at least approximately 0.03 inch. Optionally, the distance 116 is between approximately 0.03 inch and approximately 0.07 inch. In one embodiment, the distance is less than about 0.057 inch. Notably, in the second necking position, the first end 98 of the die guide 94A remains separated from the free end 82 of the necking die 78 by a predetermined second distance 122.

[0216] After the necking operation is complete, such as when the die guide reaches the second necking position, one or more of the tooling assembly 42A and the container body 4 move away from each other along the center axis 44. The container body 4 is subsequently removed from the tooling assembly 42A. Thereafter, another container body is positioned in the tooling assembly 42A to be necked.

[0217] Referring now to FIGS. 8-12, another embodiment of a necker 40B of the present disclosure is generally illustrated. The necker 40B includes a tooling assembly 42B, a housing 46 with a body 47, a knockout 66, and a necking die 78 that are the same as or similar to those of the necker 40A described in conjunction with FIGS. 3-7. Notably, the necker 40B includes an outer guide 140, a die guide 94B of another embodiment of the present disclosure, and a keeper 170. The necker 40B provides many benefits over prior art neckers. For example, the outer guide 140 has an inner wall 156 that orients and guides a body 96B of the die guide 94B. Moreover, the die guide body 96B has a plurality of channels or flutes 132 with an upper end 136 that defines a stop. By positioning a projection 180 of the keeper 170 in a flute 132 of a desired height 138, a stroke of the die guide 94B of a predetermined length can be selected. To change the stroke length, the keeper 170 can be removed and then rotated clockwise or counter-clockwise relative to the die guide body 96B to position the projection 180 in a different flute with a second length.

[0218] Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9D, the outer guide 140 is generally illustrated. The outer guide replaces the retention ring 62 and retains the necking die 78 in the housing 46. The outer guide 140 generally comprises a cylindrical body 142 with an upper end 144, a lower end 148, and a central bore 154.

[0219] The body has an outer diameter 150 and a predetermined height 152. Optionally, the height 152 is between about 1.0 inch and about 1.6 inches. However, the height and other dimensions of the outer guide 140 may be altered in other embodiments to accommodate neckers for metallic containers 2 of any diameter and height.

[0220] In one embodiment, a dowel pin 146 extends from the upper end 144. The dowel pin 146 is oriented approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis 44. Optionally, the dowl pin is positioned in an aperture extending into the cylindrical body 142. The dowel pin 146 is positioned to fit into a hole formed in the open end 56 of the housing to orient the outer guide 140 with respect to the housing 46. In one embodiment, the outer guide 140 includes two dowel pins 146. However, the outer guide 140 may have any number of apertures to receive dowel pins.

[0221] A fastener aperture 166 extends through the body from the first end to the second end. The fastener aperture 166 is oriented approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis 44. Optionally, the outer guide 140 has from two to six fastener apertures. In one embodiment, there are four fastener apertures 166 substantially evenly spaced around the cylindrical body 142.

[0222] The central bore 154 has an inner wall 156 with a predetermined interior diameter 158. In one embodiment, the interior diameter 158 is between about 3.19 inches and about 3.23 inches, or about 3.21 inches.

[0223] A ring 160 extends into the central bore 154 proximate to the upper end 144. The ring 160 is configured to engage the necking die 78 in a manner similar to the retention ring 62 of the necker 40A described in conjunction with FIG. 3. The ring 160 has an interior diameter 164 that is greater than the maximum interior diameter 86 of the transition surface of the necking die 78 (as illustrated in FIG. 4). In one embodiment, the ring interior diameter 164 is between about 2.76 inches and about 2.86 inches, or about 2.81 inches.

[0224] A hole 162 is formed through the ring to retain a biasing element 60A, such as a spring. The hole 162 is oriented approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis 44. In one embodiment, the outer guide 140 has from two to fourteen of the holes 162. Optionally, the outer guide may have twelve holes 162.

[0225] Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10L, the die guide 94B is generally illustrated. Die guide 94B is similar to the die guide 94A described in conjunction with FIGS. 3-7 and has many of the same, or similar, features, and dimensions and operates in a similar manner. The die guide 94B is retained in a spaced relationship to the housing end 56 and to the necking die 78 by the outer guide 140 and the keeper 170.

[0226] The die guide 94B has a flange 106 configured to engage a shoulder 12 of a container body 4 and align the container body 4 with the knockout 66 and the necking die 78 of the necker 40B. The die guide 94B is moveably interconnected to the housing 46 and moves from a first clamping position to a second necking position during operation of the necker 40B similar to the die guide 94A. In this way, the die guide 94B aligns the open end 18 of the container body 4 with the forming profile (for example, the transition surface 84) of the necking die 78.

[0227] The die guide 94B generally has a body 96B with a cylindrical bore 100 and a flange 106. The body 96B has an exterior diameter 124 that is less than the interior diameter 158 of the central bore 154 of the outer guide 140. Accordingly, the body 96B can fit in, and move relative to, the outer guide as generally illustrated by comparing FIGS. 8A-8C with FIGS. 12A, 12B.

[0228] The cylindrical bore 100 is coaxially aligned with the center axis 44 and has an interior wall 102 that is approximately parallel to the center axis 44. In one embodiment, the interior wall 102 has an interior diameter 104 that is substantially constant. The wall interior diameter 104 is greater than an exterior diameter 8 of the container body 4. Accordingly, the interior wall 102 is spaced from the exterior surface 6 of the container body 4 by a recess 118 (such as generally illustrated in FIG. 5) with a predetermined width. In one embodiment, the interior diameter 104 is between about 2.56 inches and about 2.66 inches, or about or 2.61 inches. However, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the die guide 94B may be formed with any appropriate size to work with metallic containers 2 of any size. Accordingly, in other embodiments, the interior diameter and other dimensions of the die guide 94B may be greater or less than those described herein. In one embodiment, the first end 98 of the die guide has a protrusion 109 (best seen in FIG. 10H). The protrusion extends away from the first end 98 in a direction generally parallel to the center axis 44. In some embodiments, the flange 106 extends inwardly from the protrusion and into the cylindrical bore 100.

[0229] The protrusion 109 has an exterior diameter 111 of between about 2.77 inches and about 2.83 inches, or about 2.80 inches. In one embodiment, the ring interior diameter 164 of the outer guide 140 is greater than the protrusion exterior diameter 111. In this manner, when the die guide 94B is in the second necking position, the protrusion 109 can fit into the interior of the ring 160 as generally illustrated in FIG. 12A.

[0230] The protrusion 109 may have any desired height 126. In one embodiment, the height 126 is determined based on the size of the metallic container 2 the necker 40 is configured to receive. Additionally, or alternatively, the height 126 may be related to a necking stage performed by the necker. In one embodiment, the height is between about 0.09 inches and about 0.15 inches or about 0.12 inches. However, other heights 126 are contemplated for the protrusion 109.

[0231] A passage 128 extends into the first end 98 of the body 96B. The passage 128 is alignable with the hole 162 in the outer guide ring 160 and has a closed end. A biasing element 60A may be positioned with a first end in the hole 162 and a second end within the passage 128 as generally illustrated in FIG. 8B. In this manner, the biasing element 60A can apply a force to the body 96B and urge the die guide 94B to the first clamping position spaced from the open end 56 of the housing.

[0232] The body 96B may include any number of the passages 128. In one embodiment, the body 96B has from two to fourteen, or twelve, of the passages 128. The passages 128 have a predetermined depth 130.

[0233] Optionally, one or more of the passages 128 have different depths 130. For example, and referring now to FIGS. 10D-10G, a passage 128A may have a first depth 130A. Another passage 128B can optionally have a second depth 130B that is less than the first depth 130A. Additionally, or alternatively, a passage 128C may have a third depth 130C less the second depth 130C. In this manner, a biasing element 60A can be compressed between the outer guide 140 and the die guide 94B by a predetermined amount by positioning a second end of the biasing element in one of the passages 128A, 128B, or 128C.

[0234] In one embodiment, the die guide 94B includes two pairs of each of the passages 128A, 128B, 128C. The first depth 130A is optionally between about 0.66 inches and about 0.69 inches, or about 0.675 inches. The second depth 130B may be between about 0.535 inches and about 0.565 inches, or about 0.550 inches. Similarly, the third depth 130C is optionally between about 0.285 inches and about 0.315 inches, or about 0.300 inches. However, other depths 130 of the passages 128 are contemplated.

[0235] Referring now to FIG. 10H, the flange 106 of the die guide 94B extends from the body 96B into the cylindrical bore 100. In one embodiment, the flange extends from the first end 98 of the body 96B. Optionally, the flange 106 extends continuously around the cylindrical bore 100. Alternatively, the flange 106 comprises a plurality of individual flanges that project into the cylindrical bore 100.

[0236] An inner diameter 108 of the flange 106 (illustrated in FIG. 10G) is less than the interior diameter 104 of the interior wall 102 and less than the exterior diameter 8 of the container body 4. In this manner, the flange 106 will engage a shoulder 12 of the container body 4 while the interior wall 102 of the die guide 94B remains spaced from the exterior surface 6 of the container body 4. The minimum interior diameter 88 of the transition surface 84 of the necking die 78 (illustrated in FIG. 4) is less than the inner diameter 108 of the flange 106.

[0237] The inner diameter 108 of the flange 106 is greater than the exterior diameter 16 of the container neck 14. Accordingly, the container neck 14 and the open end 18 of the container body 4 will pass through the cylindrical bore 100 of the die guide 94B without contacting the flange 106.

[0238] In one embodiment, the flange 106 is integrally formed with the die guide 94B. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the flange 106 is formed of the same material as the die guide 94B.

[0239] Alternatively, the flange 106 is formed separately from the die guide 94B. In one embodiment, the flange 106 is joined to the die guide 94B. Optionally, the flange 106 can be removably fixed to the die guide 94B. For example, the flange may be joined to the die guide by a mechanical fastener (such as a screw or bolt), by welding, by a friction fit, a snap fit, by a threaded engagement, or by any other suitable method known to those of skill in the art.

[0240] Additionally, or alternatively, in one embodiment, the flange 106 is formed of a different material than the die guide. For example, in one embodiment, the flange is formed of a nylon, a plastic or a rubber. Optionally, the flange can be formed of a polymetric material. Alternatively, the flange can be formed of a metal or a ceramic. The flange may be formed of a plastic, such as PEEK. Alternatively, the flange is formed of a bronze alloy.

[0241] In one embodiment, the die guide 94B is formed of a first material and the flange 106 is formed of a second material. Optionally, the die guide 94B is formed of a metal.

[0242] The flange 106 has an inner wall 107 (generally illustrated in FIG. 10H) configured to contact the container shoulder 12. The inner wall 107 has a predetermined height 113 that generally extends approximately parallel to the center axis 44. Optionally, the height is between approximately 0.01 inches and approximately 0.5 inches. In one embodiment, the height 113 is about 0.09 inches.

[0243] In one embodiment, the inner wall 107 of the flange 106 is the only portion of the die guide 94B that will contact the container body during a necking operation performed by the tooling assembly 42B. Accordingly, the die guide 94B of the present disclosure does not slide along (or rub against) the container body (such as the exterior surface 6) during operation of the necker 40B.

[0244] Referring now to FIGS. 10I-10L, the die guide 94B includes a flute 132 that extends into an exterior surface of the body 96B. The flute 132 extends from the second end 99 in a direction toward the first end 98. However, the flute 132 does not extend to the first end. The flute 132 is oriented approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis 44 and has a predetermined height 138 between a flute opening 134 and flute end 136. The flute end 136 defines a stop which prevents movement of the die guide 94B away from the housing 46 and out of the central bore 154 of the outer guide 140 when the flute end 136 is engaged by a projection 180 of the keeper 170 as shown in FIGS. 8B-8C. Accordingly, the height 138 of the flute 132 defines a length of a stroke of the die guide.

[0245] As shown in FIG. 10I, the flute 132 may have a curved cross-sectional shape that is generally concave. For example, the cross section of the flute 132 may have a radius of curvature of about 0.26 inches.

[0246] The die guide 94B may have any number of flutes 132. In one embodiment, the body 96B has from two to fourteen of the flutes 132. Optionally, the body 96B has twelve flutes. The flutes are offset from the passages 128. More specifically, in one embodiment and as generally illustrated in FIG. 10A, each passage 128 may be formed between two adjacent flutes.

[0247] The flutes 132 have a predetermined height 138. Optionally, one or more of the flutes 132 have different heights 138. For example, and referring now to FIGS. 10J-10L, a flute 132A may have a first height 138A. Another flute 132B can optionally have a second height 138B that is less than the first height 138A. Additionally, or alternatively, a flute 132C may have a third height 138C that is less the second height 138C. In this manner, a length of a stroke of the die guide 94B can be altered by adjusting the keeper 170 with a flute 132 as generally described herein.

[0248] In one embodiment, the die guide 94B includes two pairs of each of the flutes 132A, 132B, 132C. The first height 138A is optionally between about 0.95 inches and about 1.25 inches, or about 1.10 inches. The second height 138B may be between about 0.70 inches and about 1.00 inch, or about 0.850 inches. Similarly, the third height 138C is optionally between about 0.45 inches and about 0.75 inches, or about 0.60 inches. However, other heights 138 of the flutes are contemplated to work with container bodies that require a greater or lesser stroke length during a necking operation.

[0249] The die guide may be formed of any suitable material. In one embodiment, the die guide 94B is formed of a first material and the outer guide 140 is formed of a second material. In one embodiment, the first and second materials are the same. Alternatively, the second material is different from the first material.

[0250] Optionally, the die guide 94B is formed of a metal (including, but not limited to, a bronze alloy or a carbide, such as a tungsten carbide) a polymer, or a plastic (such as a PEEK) and the outer guide 140 is formed of a ceramic. Alternatively, the die guide 94B is formed of a ceramic and the outer guide 140 is formed of a metal, a polymer, or a plastic. Other suitable materials known to those of skill in the art may be used to form the die guide and the outer guide of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0251] Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11C a keeper 170 of an embodiment of the present disclosure is generally illustrated. The keeper 170 has an exterior 172 that is generally cylindrical and a central cutout 174. The cutout has an interior diameter 176 that is greater than the exterior diameter 124 of the die guide body 96B. Accordingly, the body of the die guide 94B may move through the central cutout 174 as generally illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12B.

[0252] An aperture 178 extends through the keeper between the exterior 172 and the central cutout 174. The aperture 178 is adapted to align with the fastener aperture 166 of the outer guide 140. Accordingly, the outer guide and the keeper can be interconnected by a fastener, such as a screw or a bolt, that extends through apertures 166, 178 and into the housing 46.

[0253] A projection 180 extends into the central cutout 174. The keeper 170 optionally includes two to six projections 180 that are substantially evenly spaced apart. In one embodiment, the keeper has four projections 180. The projections 180 have a shape that generally corresponds to a shape of the flutes 132. More specifically, the projections are adapted to fit into the flutes 132 as generally illustrated in FIGS. 8B and 12B. In one embodiment, the projection 180 is convex and has a radius of curvature of about 0.25 inches.

[0254] An interior diameter 176 between two opposing projections is less than the exterior diameter of the die guide 94B at a flute end 136. Accordingly, the die guide 94B can move between the first clamping position and the second necking position through the central cutout 174 of the keeper. However, the keeper 170 and its projection 180 prohibit movement of the die guide 94B away from the housing 46 and its necking die 78 by a predetermined amount based on which of the flutes 132A, 132B, or 132C the projection is positioned within.

[0255] To increase the stroke length of the die guide 94B relative to the housing 46, the keeper 170 can be removed from the outer guide 140 and rotated axially (clockwise or counterclockwise) such that the projection 180 is positioned within a flute 132 of a desired height 138. For example, for a stroke of a first length or amount, the projection 180 may be positioned in flute 132A. If a shorter stroke length is desired, the projection 180 is positioned in flute 132B. Finally, the projection 180 may be positioned in flute 132C to provide a stroke with a length that is less than the stroke length possible using flute 132B.

[0256] In operation, the necker 40B performs similar to the necker 40A. More specifically, and referring again to FIGS. 8C and 12A, the flange 106 of the die guide 94B engages the shoulder 12 of the container body. Then one or more of the tooling assembly 42B and the container body 4 move toward each other along the center axis 44 and the die guide 94B moves from the first clamping position shown in FIGS. 8A-8C to a second necking position shown in FIGS. 12A-12B. The open end 18 of the container body 4 passes through the cylindrical bore 100 and past the first end 98 of the die guide 94B toward the necking die 78. The open end 18 then contacts the transition surface 84 of the necking die 78. As described previously, the transition surface 84 directs the open end 18 inwardly toward the center axis 44 to reduce the diameter of the open end and extend the shoulder 12 inwardly. The container open end 18 then contacts the cylindrical sidewall 68 of the knockout 66 which directs the open end 18 substantially parallel to the exterior surface 6 of the container body and the center axis 44 to form the neck 14 with a reduced diameter.

[0257] After the necking operation is complete, such as when the die guide 94B reaches the second necking position, one or more of the tooling assembly 42B and the container body 4 move away from each other along the center axis 44. The container body 4 is subsequently removed from the tooling assembly 42B. Thereafter, another container body is positioned in the tooling assembly 42B to be necked.

[0258] Referring now to FIG. 13, a container body 4 for a two-piece can 2 is generally illustrated. The container body 4 includes a closed end 10 with an optional dome 11, a sidewall 5 with a cylindrical exterior surface 6 extending upwardly from the closed end, a shoulder 12 extending upwardly from the sidewall, a neck 14 with a reduced diameter, and an open end 18 opposite to the closed end. The shoulder 12 and neck 14 of the container body 4 have been formed by a necking apparatus 40 with a necking die 78 and die guide 94 of embodiments of the present disclosure. Other shapes and geometries for the shoulder 12 and neck 14 are contemplated and can be formed by the necking apparatus 40A or 40B.

[0259] Referring now to FIG. 14, a container body 4 for a metallic bottle 2 is illustrated. The bottle body 4 includes a closed end 10 with an inwardly oriented dome 11, a sidewall 5 with a cylindrical exterior surface 6 extending upwardly from the closed end, a shoulder 12 extending upwardly from the sidewall, a neck 14 extending upwardly from the shoulder and having a reduced diameter, and an open end 18 opposite to the closed end. Threads may subsequently be formed on the neck 14. The shoulder 12 and neck 14 of the container body 4 have been formed by a plurality of necking apparatus 40 with necking dies 78 and die guides 94 of embodiments of the present disclosure. Other shapes and geometries of the shoulder 12 and neck 14 can be formed for the bottle body 4 by the necking apparatus 40 of the present disclosure.

[0260] While various embodiments of the system have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. It is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Further, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as, additional items.

[0261] To provide additional background, context, and to further satisfy the written description requirements of 35 U.S.C. § 112, the following references are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,403,493; 4,693,108; 4,732,027; 4,774,839; 5,138,858; 5,297,414; 5,448,903; 5,469,729; 5,497,900; 5,713,235; 5,737,958; 5,778,723; 6,032,502; 6,094,961; 6,167,743; 6,343,496; 6,484,550; 7,140,223; 7,418,852; 7,530,445; 8,601,843; 8,807,325; 9,290,329; U.S. Pat. Pub. 2004/0099036; U.S. Pat. Pub. 2008/0295558; U.S. Pat. Pub. 2014/0061212; U.S. Pat. Pub. 2016/0214164; U.S. Pat. Pub. 2018/0207705; U.S. Pat. Pub. 2019/0344325; U.S. Pat. Pub. 2019/0344326; U.S. Pat. Pub. 2019/0345958; and U.S. Pat. Pub. 2020/0254506.