Abstract: Apparatus and a method for rapidly replacing a tool set included in a bodymaker are disclosed. A bodymaker is used in connection with tin box manufacture and typically includes a mandrel and a set of forming wings disposed above the mandrel and specifically designed for a particular shape of mandrel so that a planar bland disposed above the mandrel can be formed therearound by the forming wings. A support plate mounted on a totally and translatable axially of the mandrel on guide means is rolled into place adjacent the tool set, and the support plate is moved towards the free ends of the tools within the set and connected within the bodymaker. As the support plate approaches the free ends of the tools, latch means provided on the support plate in front of a suitably shaped recess are deflected laterally by a plug formation provided at least on the mandrel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (2) for providing at least a bead (4) on a side wall portion (10) of a metal container (8). The apparatus includes a mandrel (16) over which side wall portions (10) of the container are disposed. The mandrel (16) has reaction members (20) with reaction surfaces for supporting the side wall portion internally and a plurality of forming members (18) surrounding the mandrel having forming surfaces being substantially parallel with the reaction surfaces but separated therefrom to define a gap between the surfaces which receives the side wall portion (10). The reaction members (20) and forming members (18) are capable of displacement towards and away from one another such that the gap between the reaction surfaces and forming surfaces can effectively expand and contract. The reaction surfaces and forming surfaces are provided with complementary formations thereon to deform the side wall portion therebetween and form a bead (4) therein.

Abstract: A mandrel for use in tin box manufacturing apparatus is described. The mandrel is provided with a base component and a plurality of side wall components which are indirectly coupled to said base component such that the movement of said base component towards the center of said mandrel causes laterally outward displacement of said side wall components. The coupling is achieved by connecting a rod member to the base component which moves vertically within the mandrel when the base component moves and providing inclined cam surfaces on either side of said rod member against which cam followers provided on lateral actuating members are springingly biased. The cam surfaces of the rod member and the actuating members are ideally disposed within the mandrel in a plane parallel with the base component and at the mid point of the depth of the mandrel.