Patent ID: 8336363

Claim:
A device ( 10 ) for gripping and handling a metal container ( 26 ), said container ( 26 ) being obtained from an extruded, deep-drawn or deep-drawn/wire-drawn metal rough piece, said device ( 10 ) being suitable for use with a high speed metal container deformation machine for performing a plurality of mechanical working sequences on the metal container ( 26 ), said device ( 10 ) including: a) a first lower portion ( 12 ) adapted to interface-connect said device ( 10 ) to said high speed metal container deformation machine during the performance of the plurality of working sequences and during high speed transfer stages from one work station to the next of said machine; and b) a second upper portion ( 16 ) including a retaining means adapted to mechanically firmly grip and stabilize said metal container ( 26 ) during the plurality of working sequences and high speed transfer stages of said metal container deformation machine, wherein said upper portion ( 16 ) has an interior with an inner surface having a diameter that progressively increases in the direction from the bottom of said metal container ( 26 ) toward the open top of the upper portion so as to define a taper for receiving said retaining means and to permit axial movement of said retaining means relative to the interior of said upper portion ( 16 ).