Mandrel support means for container decorating apparatus

摘要

A mandrel wheel assembly is disclosed for use with an apparatus for the continuous decoration of containers such as cylindrical cans, and comprises a circular mandrel wheel having a plurality of regularly spaced mandrel assemblies mounted transversely about its circumferential periphery. The mandrel assemblies have cam roller ends that communicate with a guiding stationary box cam, and oppositely extending container receiving mandrels. The mandrel wheel assembly is mounted along a stationary central shaft. A secondary mandrel support is provided adjacent the mandrels comprising a stationary planar support member also mounted on the central shaft with one or more planar support cams that extend radially from the secondary support member and are adapted to cammingly engage the mandrel assemblies. The support cams are juxtaposed to the coating stations and reduce unwanted deflection of the mandrels during coating operations.