Patent ID: 6237227
Filing Date: 2001-05-29
Classification: B26F,B67B,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for providing fluid drain passages in an annular channel of a metal can, the metal can being resealable with a removable lid that engages the annular channel of the metal can, the steps comprising:a. aligning a support with the metal can, the support defining a plane and having:a central axis perpendicular to the plane,a face perpendicular to the central axis and parallel to the plane,a plurality of punches, each punch having a corresponding base and point, wherein the base of each punch is integrally connected to the face such that each punch projects perpendicular to the plane and parallel to the axis of the support in a common direction,b. aligning the plurality of punches of the support with the annular channel of the metal can,c. applying pressure to the support and piercing the annular channel with the plurality of punches, andd. removing pressure from the support to form a plurality of drain passages in the annular channel while retaining the annular channel in the metal can such that the annular channel is still engagable with the removable lid.