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Patent 2447430 Summary

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(12) Patent: (11) CA 2447430
(54) English Title: STAGED, SEQUENTIALLY SEPARATED INJECTION MOLD
(54) French Title: MOULE POUR INJECTION A SEPARATION SEQUENTIELLE EN PLUSIEURS TEMPS
Status: Deemed expired
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • B29C 45/44 (2006.01)
  • B29C 45/33 (2006.01)
  • B29C 45/40 (2006.01)
  • B29C 45/43 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • CHAPPLEAR, WILLIAM E. (United States of America)
  • HARRISON, KEVIN R. (United States of America)
  • MOORHEAD, ANDREW J. (Canada)
  • WEBSTER, CHARLES A. (United States of America)
(73) Owners :
  • WEST PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES, INC. (United States of America)
  • ACCURATE MOULD LTD. (Canada)
(71) Applicants :
  • ACCURATE MOLD USA, LTD. (United States of America)
  • WEST PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES, INC. (United States of America)
(74) Agent: FINLAYSON & SINGLEHURST
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued: 2008-01-22
(86) PCT Filing Date: 2002-05-15
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 2002-11-21
Examination requested: 2003-11-12
Availability of licence: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/US2002/015388
(87) International Publication Number: WO2002/092319
(85) National Entry: 2003-11-12

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
60/291,442 United States of America 2001-05-16

Abstracts

English Abstract




A stage, sequentially separated injection mold (40) for forming a container
spout (14) having a peripheral flange (18), a generally cylindrical sidewal
(20), a removable panel (30) fixed within the sidewall, and a pull ring (32)
connected to the removable panel. The mold includes a base (42), and a first
element (44) coupled to the base including a gate (45). A core plate (60)
movable with respect ot the base, and a core element (62) confronting the
first mold element. A sleeve (76) surrounds the core element having a channel
(84) to define the pull ring. The sleeve moves with respect to the core
element to permit release of a molded pull ring. A stripper ring (96)
surrounds the sleeve with an edge (98) positioned contiguous to the sleeve
outward facing surface, the stripper ring being movable along the sleeve.


French Abstract

La présente invention concerne un moule (40) pour injection à séparation séquentielle en plusieurs temps utilisé pour former un bec verseur (14) de récipient comportant un bord périphérique (18), une paroi latérale globalement cylindrique (20), une cloison détachable (30) fixée dans la paroi latérale et un anneau de déchirage (32) couplé à la cloison détachable. Le moule comprend une base (42) et un premier élément relié à la base qui comprend une porte (45). Une plaque à noyau (60) est mobile par rapport à la base et un élément de noyau (62) fait face au premier élément de moule. Un manchon (76) entoure l'élément de noyau dans lequel un passage (84) définit l'anneau de déchirage. Le manchon se déplace par rapport à l'élément de noyau pour libérer un anneau de déchirage moulé. Un éjecteur annulaire (96) entoure le manchon avec un bord (98) positionné contigu à la surface orientée vers l'extérieur du manchon, l'éjecteur annulaire étant mobile le long du manchon.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.



The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege
is
claimed are defined as follows:


1. A staged, sequentially separated injection mold (40) comprising a mold base
(42)
and a first mold element (44) coupled to the base (42) including a gate (45)
through
which plastics material can be injected and a first surface (46) at least
partially defining
a mold cavity (47) for receiving the plastics material;
a core plate (60) movable in a first direction (Y) with respect to the mold
base (42)
and a core element (62) fixed to the core plate (60), the core element (62)
including an
end surface (64) confronting the first mold element (44) and at least
partially defining the
mold cavity (47);
a sleeve (76) surrounding the core element (62) having an end surface (78)
confronting the first mold element (44), an outward facing surface (80), and
an inward
facing surface (82) confronting the core element (62), the sleeve and surface
(78) and
outward facing surface (80) further defining the mold cavity (47), and a
channel (84) on
the inward facing surface (82) of the sleeve (76) coupled to the sleeve end
surface (78)
further defining the mold cavity (47), the sleeve (76) being movable in said
first direction
(Y) with respect to the core element (62) to permit release of material from
the channel
(84);
a set of thread splits (112) confronting the sleeve outward facing surface
(80) and
the first mold element (44) to further define the mold cavity (47), the set of
thread splits
(112) being movable in a direction (X) generally orthogonal to the first
direction (Y);
a stripper ring (96) surrounding the sleeve (76) and including an edge (98)
positioned contiguous to the sleeve outward facing surface (80), the stripper
ring (96)
being movable along the sleeve (76) to facilitate removal of material from the
sleeve
outward facing surface (80); and
a stripper plate (94) fixed to the stripper ring (96), and thread split
supporting
means fixed to the thread splits (112) and coupled to the stripper plate for
movement
relative to the stripper plate in said second direction (X) and with the
stripper plate in
said first direction (Y).


11


2. The injection mold of claim 1 further comprising an inclined outer surface
(118)
on each of the thread splits (112) and wedge elements (56) fixed to the mold
base (42),
each wedge element having a pair of similarly inclined surfaces (58)
projecting between
the adjacent inclined outer surfaces (118) on adjacent thread splits to force
the thread
splits toward confronting sleeve outward facing surfaces (118) upon movement
of the
core plate (60) toward the mold base (42).


3. The injection mold of claim 1 or 2 further comprising stripper plate
coupling means
(99) for coupling the stripper plate to the core plate (60) for limiting the
relative
movement between the stripper plate and core plate.


4. The injection mold of claim 3 further comprising stops (116) fixed to the
stripper
plate for limiting the movement of the thread splits (112) away from the
confronting
sleeve outward facing surfaces.


5. The injection mold of any one of claims 1, 2, 3 or 4 further comprising a
sleeve
support plate (72) fixed to the sleeve and coupling means (86) for coupling
the sleeve
support plate to the core plate (68) for delayed movement with respect to the
core plate.

6. The injection mold of any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 wherein said
channel (84)
on the sleeve inward facing surface (76) further comprises a circumferential
groove at
a fixed distance from said sleeve end surface (78), and a slot leading from
the
circumferential groove to the sleeve end surface.


7. The injection mold of claim 6 wherein the smallest dimension of the slot
leading
from the circumferential groove to the sleeve end surface (78) is greater than
a smallest
dimension of the mold cavity (47) measured between the sleeve end surface (78)
and
the first surface (46) of the first mold element (44).


12


8. The injection mold of any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 wherein said
edge of
the stripper ring (92) positioned contiguous to the sleeve further comprises
an arcuate
portion (100) partially defining the mold cavity (47).


9. The injection mold of any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 wherein
the first
surface (46) of the first mold element (44) defining the mold cavity (47)
defines at least
in part a peripheral flange (18) and removable panel (30) of a container spout
(14).

10. The injection mold of claim 9 wherein the first mold element (44) defining
the mold
cavity further comprises a surface (50) continuously surrounding the first
surface (46)
defining at least in part an inner surface of a cylindrical sidewall (28) of
the container
spout.


11. The injection mold of any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10
wherein the
end surface (64) of the core element (62) defines at least in part a removable
panel (30)
of a container spout.


12. The injection mold of any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or
11 wherein
the end surface (78) of the sleeve (76) surrounding the core element (62)
defines at
least in part a removable panel (30) of a container spout.


13. The injection mold of claim 12 wherein the end surface (78) of the sleeve
(76)
defines a line of weakness (36) surrounding the removable panel (30) of the
container
spout.


14. The injection mold of any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,
12 or 13
wherein the outward facing surface (80) of the sleeve defines at least in part
a cylindrical
sidewall (28) of a container spout.


13


15. The injection mold of any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,
12, 13 or
14 wherein the channel (84) on the sleeve inward facing surface (82) is
connected to a
peripheral groove defining a pull ring (32) attached to a removable panel (30)
of a
container spout.


16. The injection mold of any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,
12, 13, 14
or 15 wherein a surface (100) adjacent to the stripper ring edge (98)
contiguous to the
sleeve defines a lip (24) of a container spout (14).


17. The injection mold of any on of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,
12, 13, 14,
15 or 16 further comprising a channel in one of the core, stripper ring, or
sleeve to
provide a blast of air against an interior surface of the molded container
spout (14) to
assist in the ejection of the container spout (14) from the mold.


18. A method for forming a container spout (14) having a peripheral flange
(18), a
generally cylindrical sidewall (28) extending from an inner perimeter (22) of
the flange
to a lip (24), a closure coupling formation (26) on an outer surface of the
sidewall (28),
a removable panel (30) fixed within the sidewall (28), and a pull ring (32)
connected to
the removable panel, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a first mold element (44) including a gate (45) through which
plastics
material can be injected and a surface (46) at least partially defining the
peripheral
flange (18) and removable panel (30),
providing a core element (62) including an end surface (64) confronting the
first
mold element (44) to partially define the removable panel,
providing a sleeve (76) surrounding the core element (62) having an end
surface
(78) confronting the first mold element (44) to partially define the removable
panel, an
outward facing surface (80) at least partially defining the sidewall, and an
inward facing
surface (82) confronting the core element, the inward facing surface including
a channel
(84) coupled to the sleeve end surface (78) at least partially defining the
pull ring,


14




providing a stripper ring (96) surrounding the sleeve having an edge (88)
positioned contiguous to the sleeve outward facing surface (80) and an arcuate
portion
(100) immediately adjacent to the sleeve at least partially defining the lip
(24) of the
sidewall,
moving the core element (62), sleeve (76) and stripper ring (96) as a unit in
a first
direction (Y) away from the first mold element (44),
retracting the core element (62) within the sleeve (76) by a distance
sufficient to
expose the channel (84) coupled to the sleeve end surface (78) at least
partially defining
the pull ring,
withdrawing the sleeve (76) relative to the stripper ring (96) by a distance
sufficient to remove the sleeve from within the container spout sidewall (28)
and to
remove the pull ring (32) from the channel on the inside surface of the sleeve
(76), and
advancing the sleeve (76) relative to the stripper ring (96) sufficient to
cause the
sleeve end surface (78) to contact the pull ring (32) and thereby separate the
container
spout (14) from the stripper ring.


19. The method of claim 18 further comprising the steps of:
providing a set of thread splits (112) confronting the sleeve outward facing
surface
(80) and the first mold element (44) to further define the flange (18) and the
closure
coupling formation (26) on the outer surface of the sidewall (28) and the mold
cavity, and
allowing the set of thread splits (112) to move in a second direction (X)
generally
orthogonal to the first direction (Y) away from the outer surface of the
sidewall (28)
simultaneously with the moving of the core element (62), sleeve (76) and
stripper ring
(96) as a unit in a first direction (Y) away from the first mold element (44).


20. The method of claim 18 or 19 further comprising the steps of
providing an outward facing surface (50) on the first mold element (44)
defining
at least in part an inner surface of the cylindrical sidewall (28) of the
container spout (14)
and







arranging for the part of the inner surface of the cylindrical sidewall (28)
of the
container spout defined by the outward facing surface (50) on the first mold
element to
be withdrawn from the first mold element (44) simultaneously with the moving
of the core
element (62), sleeve (76) and stripper ring (96) as a unit in a first
direction (Y) away from
the first mold element.


21. The method of any one of claims 18 through 20 further comprising the step
of
providing a blast of air against an interior surface of the molded container
spout (14) to
assist in the ejection of the container spout from the mold (40).



16

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.



CA 02447430 2003-11-12
WO 02/092319 PCT/US02/15388
Staged, Sequentially Separated Injection Mold
Background of the Invention
The present invention is directed generally to staged, sequentially separated
injection molds and particularly to molds for forming container spouts having
an
integral panel sealing the spout and an integral pull ring to facilitate
opening the
spout by removal of the panel.
Certain types of containers, such as cartons and the like that have a gable-
shaped top, employ separately molded plastic spouts with threaded closures.
Such
cartons will be recognized as those containers in which quarts, liters, and
half-
i0 gallons of milk or juice are packaged. The spouts are injection molded to
include a
removable integral panel sealing the spout at the time of initial purchase by
the
consumer. Examples of such an injection molded spout are found in U.S. Patents
5,133,486; 5,735,426; 5,915,574; 5,957,312 and 6,179,147. The integral panel
is
view as a tamper-resistant feature of the closure system that is desired by
the public
i5 to ensure the safety of the product within the container. The integral
panel is joined
to the spout by a frangible line, and an integral pull ring is provided to
facilitate
opening of the spout through removal of the integral panel by tearing the
frangible
line surrounding the panel. The spout includes a threaded exterior surface and
a
threaded closure to permit re-closing of the container after partial
consumption of the
20 contents.
To mold such spouts in an injection molding apparatus, a steel or other
metallic mold of the item to be molded is first made. The mold contains a mold
cavity configured to reflect the part to be molded. The mold is periodically
openable,
or separable, so that the molded part can be removed from the mold cavity. A
25 plastic material, such as polypropylene, polystyrene or the like, is
injected, such as
by a reciprocating screw arrangement, into the mold. After the material has
been
allowed to cool, the mold is opened and the molded part is ejected from the
mold.
The mold can then be closed and used for forming a subsequent part.
The presence of the integral panel and pull ring on the interior of the spout
at
30 the time it is initially molded represents a special problem. The ejection
of the part


CA 02447430 2003-11-12
WO 02/092319 PCT/US02/15388
from the mold must occur in such a sequence as to preserve the frangible line
surrounding the removable panel and the pull ring. This can be accomplished by
having the mold include an internal mandrel-like core element or sleeve around
which the plastic material is molded to conform to the desired mold shape. The
mandrel-like portion must, as part of the mold opening sequence, be removed
from
the molded part after the part is formed. In some known injection mold
apparatus,
removing the mandrel-like mold element is typically done by pulling or
stripping the
molded part from the mandrel as part of the mold opening sequence. This,
however,
may cause damage to the molded parts, particularly if the parts include
threads or
pull rings formed therein.
One mold designed for this purpose, disclosed in U.S. Patents 5,736,172 and
5,820,807, includes a plurality of concentric, separable telescopic mold
elements,
and an opening therein defined by one of the base portion and the mold
elements for
injecting a mold material into the apparatus. The elements are configured such
that
they can be separated or removed from the mold, from the inner most element
outward. This structure is intended to provide sufficient free space for the
newly
molded part to flex inward as the mold elements are removed thus minimizing
the
possibility of damage to the molded part. Each of the mold elements includes a
mold
face, which in part defines a mold cavity, and flange portions opposite of
their
respective mold faces. The mold also includes a movable, ball bearing type to
facilitate opening the mold for removal of the molded container spout. The
mold
apparatus also includes two intermediate mold elements positioned between the
inner and outer mold elements. Each of the intermediate mold elements includes
openings through their respective body portions adapted to receive a movable,
locking ball bearing cam member therein.
This combination of separable telescopic mold elements and locking ball
bearing cam members is rather complex and less reliable than would be
desirable in
a manufacturing situation. Thus, there continues to be a need for an injection
molding apparatus which permits a staged, sequential separation of the mold to
2


CA 02447430 2003-11-12
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effect withdrawal of mold portions, which separation process eliminates the
potential
damage to the molded parts during the mold opening process.
Summary of the Invention
Accordingly, a staged, sequentially separated injection mold of the present
invention includes a base, a first mold element coupled to the base including
a gate
through which plastics material can be injected and a surface at least
partially
defining a mold cavity for receiving the plastics material. A core plate
movable in a
first direction with respect to the mold base has a core element fixed to the
plate
including an end surface confronting the first mold element partially defining
the mold
cavity. A sleeve surrounds the core element having an end surface confronting
the
first mold element, an outward facing surface, and an inward facing surface
confronting the core element. The inward facing surface includes a channel
coupled
to the sleeve end surface and a circumferential groove. The sleeve end
surface,
outward facing surface and channel further defining the mold cavity. After
injection
of plastic into the mold cavity, the core element, sleeve and stripper ring
initially
move as a unit in a first direction away from the first mold element. The core
element is then retracted within the sleeve by a distance sufficient to expose
the
channel coupled to the sleeve end surface to permit release of material from
the
channel.
A set of thread splits confronts the sleeve outward facing surface and the
first
mold element to further define the mold cavity. The set of thread splits are
movable
generally orthogonally to the direction of relative movement of the core and
cavity
plates. An inclined outer surface is included on each of the thread splits and
wedge
elements are fixed to the mold base. Each wedge element acts between adjacent
inclined outer surfaces on adjacent thread splits to force the thread splits
toward the
confronting sleeve outward facing surfaces upon movement of the core plate
toward
the mold base. After injection of plastic into the mold cavity, the set of
thread splits
move away from the outer surface of the sidewall simultaneously with the
moving of
the core element, sleeve and stripper ring as a unit away from the first mold
element.
3


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Stops are fixed to the stripper plate for limiting the movement of the thread
splits
away from the confronting sleeve outward facing surfaces.
A stripper ring surrounding the sleeve includes an edge positioned contiguous
to the sleeve outward facing surface. The stripper ring edge includes an
arcuate
portion immediately adjacent to the thread splits partially defining the mold
cavity.
The stripper ring is movable along the sleeve to facilitate removal of
material from
the sleeve outward facing surface. A stripper plate coupling means couples the
stripper plate to the core plate for limiting the relative movement between
the stripper
plate and core plate. A sleeve support plate is fixed to the sleeve and
coupling
means couple the sleeve support plate to the core plate for delayed movement
with
respect to the core plate. After the sleeve support plate has been moved by a
distance sufficient to remove the sleeve from within the container spout
sidewall and
to remove the pull ring from the channel on the inside surface of the sleeve,
the
sleeve support plate is advanced relative to the stripper plate to cause the
sleeve
end surtace to contact the pull ring and thereby separate the container spout
from
the stripper ring.
The structure of a mold of the present invention allows for a less complex set
of relative movements betweens the various elements of the mold to permit
release
of the molded article and return of the mold to a position suitable to receive
injected
plastics. The less complex movements allows for faster and more reliable
operation
of the mold as compared to existing molds intended to create similar molded
articles.
Some of the simplicity comes from having certain elements of the mold perform
two
functions. For example, the set of thread splits confronting the sleeve
outward facing
surface to define the thread formation on the outer surface of the sidewall
also
cooperates with the first mold element to define the flange. Likewise, the
stripper
ring surrounding the sleeve to facilitate removal of the molded sidewall
portion of the
spout from the sleeve also has an edge positioned contiguous to the sleeve
outward
facing surface with an arcuate portion immediately adjacent to the thread
splits at
least partially defining the lip of the sidewall.
4


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These and other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the
following
description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention that references
the
accompanying figures illustrating the best mode of the invention.
Brief Description of the Drawincs
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary container spout that can be
formed using the staged, sequentially separated injection mold, in accordance
with
the principles of the present invention, the spout being illustrated affixed
to a gable
top container.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a spout that can be formed in a staged,
sequentially separated injection mold of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the staged, sequentially separated
injection mold apparatus of the present invention for making the spout shown
in
Figures 1 and 2, with the mold shown in the fully closed position.
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 3 with the mold
moved to an open position with the thread splits retracted away from the
molded
spout.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 4 with the mold
core
plate moved even further open so that the core is moved within the sleeve to a
2o position that will allow the pull ring to be removed.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 5 with the mold
sleeve support plate moved to a further open position thereby causing the
sleeve to
be withdrawn from the molded article that is held by the stripper ring.
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view nearly identical to that of Figure 5 with
the
mold sleeve support plate having been returned to its former position thus
causing
the sleeve to move back inside the stripper ring to force the molded spout out
of
contact with the stripper ring.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view nearly identical to that of Figure 4 with
the
core plate having been returned to its former position, thus completing the
ejection of
5


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the molded article from the mold in preparation for the mold to close to the
position
shown in Figure 3 ready again to accept injected plastic.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment
Figure 1 shows a container 10 that has come into widespread use having a
gable top 12 including a spout 14 capped with a closure 16 for resealing the
container 10 after initial opening. The spout 14 is shown in greater detail in
Figure 2
to have a peripheral flange 18. A generally cylindrical sidewall 20 extends
perpendicularly from an inner perimeter 22 of the flange 18 to a lip 24. A
closure
engaging formation such as a thread 26 is formed on the outer surface 28 of
the
sidewall 20, which interacts with a corresponding internal thread (not shown)
on the
closure16. It will be appreciated that the closure engaging formation 26 could
be a
snap ring near the lip 24 for interaction with a corresponding snap-on cap
rather than
the closure 16 with an internal thread. A removable panel 30 is integrally
formed
within the sidewall 20 forming a tamper indicating seal that can be visually
inspected
by a consumer of the contents of the container prior to initiating use. A pull
ring 32 is
connected to the removable panel 30 by a stem portion 34 to permit easy
removal of
the panel 30 by the consumer. By merely pulling on the pull ring 32, the
consumer
causes a rupture to develop along a generally circular line of weakness 36 at
the
periphery of the removable panel 30. It will be recognized by those skilled in
the art
that the various elements of the spout 14 are not easily formed using an
injection
mold.
A mold 40, constructed according to the present invention for the purpose of
forming the spout 14, is shown in Figures 3-8. While the figures only
illustrate a
single set of mold elements capable of forming a single spout at one time, in
actual
practice, the mold 40 can comprise many such sets of mold elements so that as
many as 96, or even more, spouts 14 can be formed simultaneously. The
illustration
of merely those mold elements necessary to form a single spout at one time is
for
the purpose of clarity and should not be considered as limiting in any way.
The mold 40 includes a mold base 42. A first mold element 44 is coupled to
the base 42 and includes a gate 45 through which plastics material can be
injected
6


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The first mold element 44 also includes a surface 46 partially defining a mold
cavity 47 for receiving the plastics material, the mold cavity 47 having the
shape of
the spout 14. The surface 46 of the first mold element 44 is configured to
form the
obverse surface of the spout 14 from that shown in Figure 2. As shown in
Figure 4,
the surface 46 of the first mold element 44 includes a first portion 48
defining a lower
surface of flange 18, a second portion 50 defining a inner surface of the
cylindrical
sidewall 20 below the removable panel 30, a third portion 52 defining the
lower
surface of the removable panel 30, and a ridge 54 at the junction of the
second and
third portions defining the circular line of weakness 36. A pair of ramming
wedges
l0 56 are fixed to the mold base 42 on each side of the first mold element 44
to project
generally perpendicularly away from the mold base 42. Each ramming wedge 56
includes a pair of inclined surfaces 58, the function of which will become
apparent
from the discussion below.
The mold 40 also includes a first core plate 60 that is reciprocally movable
in
direction Y with respect to the mold base 42. A core element 62 is fixed to
the core
plate 60 to project toward the first mold element 44. The core element 62
includes
an end surface 64 that confronts a central part of the third portion 52 of
surface 46 of
the first mold element 44 and defines an inner portion of the upper surface of
the
removable panel 30. The core element 62 also includes a cylindrical outer
surface 66. A second core plate 68 is fixed to the first core plate 60, and
includes
lines 70 for handling cooling fluids, such as chilled water, supplied to the
interior of
the core element 62.
The mold 40 also includes a sleeve support plate 72 separated from the first
core plate 60 by a core retaining plate 74. The core retaining plate 74 is
fixed to the
sleeve support plate 72. A sleeve 76 is fixed to the sleeve support plate 72
so as to
surround the core element 62. As shown in Figure 4, the sleeve 76 has an end
surface 78 that confronts that portion of surface 46 of the first mold element
44 to
define the perimetral portion of the removable panel 30. The sleeve 76 also
has an
outward facing surface 80 that includes a forward portion defining the inner
surface
of the sidewall 20 of the spout 14. An inward facing surface 82 of the sleeve
76
7


CA 02447430 2003-11-12
WO 02/092319 PCT/US02/15388
confronts the core element 62 and includes a channel 84 coupled to the sleeve
end
surface 78 that defines the pull ring 32 and stem portion 34 of the spout 14.
The
sleeve 76 is movable with respect to the core element 62 to permit release of
material from the channel 84 as explained below in connection with the steps
of the
molding process illustrated by Figures 5 and 6, however, the sleeve 76 is
limited in
its movement. A fastener 86 extends through the core retaining plate 74, the
first
core plate 60 and the second core plate 68, and is fixed to the sleeve support
plate 72. The second core plate 68 includes a shoulder 88 that confronts a
stop 90
on the fastener 86 that limits the relative movement between the sleeve
support
plate 72 and the second core plate 86. The faster 86 is surrounded by a
bushing 92
that limits the travel of the plates 60, 68, 72 and 74 during their relative
movement.
The mold 40 also includes a stripper plate 94. A stripper ring 96 is
fixed to the stripper plate 94 so as to surround the sleeve 76. The stripper
ring 96
includes an edge 98 positioned contiguous to the sleeve outward facing surface
80.
As shown in Figure 6, the edge 98 includes a portion 100 that defines the lip
24 of
the spout 14. The stripper plate 94 and stripper ring 96 are movable relative
to the
sleeve 76 to facilitate removal of material from the sleeve outward facing
surface 80
as explained below in connection with the steps of the molding process
illustrated by
Figures 5 through 7, however, the stripper ring 96 is limited in its movement.
A
fastener 99 extends through the first core plate 60, core retaining plate 74,
and the
sleeve support plate 72, and is fixed to the stripper plate 94. The first core
plate 60
includes a shoulder 101 that confronts a stop 102 on the fastener 99 that
limits the
relative movement between the stripper plate 94 and the first core plate 60.
The
fastener 99 is surrounded by a bushing 104 that limits the travel of the
plates 60, 72,
74 and 94 during their relative movement.
Wear plate 106 is fixed to a front surface 108 of the stripper plate 94 by
fastener 110. Thread splits 112 move along the surface of wear plate 106 for
lateral
movement in the direction X. The thread splits 112 include a thread-defining
surface 114 that confronts the sleeve outward facing surface 80 and the second
portion 50 of the first mold element 44 to define the threaded outer surface
20 of the
8


CA 02447430 2003-11-12
WO 02/092319 PCT/US02/15388
spout 14. The thread splits 112 are movable by a biasing means or by a cam and
cam follower combination (not shown) between the position shown in Figure 3
and
the position shown in Figures 4-8. The thread splits 112 include an inclined
outer
surface 118 intended to be engaged by the inclined surfaces 58 of ramming
wedges
56 to force the thread splits 112 toward the confronting sleeve outward facing
surfaces 80 upon movement of the first core plate 60 toward the mold base 42.
The
head 116 of fastener 110 is dimensioned to act as a stop to limit the outward
lateral
movement of the thread splits 112.
In operation, a container spout 14 as shown in Figures 1 and 2 is formed in
mold 40 by injecting a molten plastic through gate 45 while the mold is
situated in a
closed position as shown in Figure 3. After an initial period of time
sufficient for in
molten plastic to cool to a form-stable state, the core element 62, sleeve 76
and
stripper ring 96 are moved as a unit to an open position as shown in Figure 4
which
has the effect of removing the molded spout 14 from contact with the surface
46 of
the first mold element 40. Simultaneously with this movement, the thread
splits 112
are caused to move outward away from the outer surface 28 of the sidewall 20
to
expose the newly formed threads 26.
Next, the first and second core plates 60 and 68 move away from the sleeve
support plate 72 and core retaining plate 74 by a distance limited by the
abutment of
stop 90 and shoulder 88, typically about 1.25 cm, as shown in Figure 5. This
causes
the core element 62 to be withdrawn from within the sleeve 76 by a distance
sufficient to expose the channel 84 coupled to the sleeve end surface 78 that
contains the pull ring 32 and stem portion 34 of the spout 14. The rearward
movement of the first and second core plates 60 and 68 continues until the
shoulder 101 on the first core plate 60 abuts stop 102 surrounding fastener
99, as
shown in Figure 6. This causes the sleeve support plate 72 to be separated
from the
stripper plate 94 by a distance, typically about 1.9 cm, sufficient to
withdraw sleeve
outward facing surface 80 from within the sidewall 20 of spout 14 so that the
spout is
now held by edge portion 100 of the stripper ring 96 that defines the lip 24
of the
spout 14.
9


CA 02447430 2003-11-12
WO 02/092319 PCT/US02/15388
Next, the sleeve support plate 72 is moved forward until it abuts the stripper
plate 94 as shown in Figure 7. This causes the sleeve end surface 78 to
contact the
pull ring 32 and push the molded spout 14 free from the stripper ring 96,
thereby
providing the molded spout 14 with some momentum so that it will be ejected
from
the mold 40. A optional air channel can be included to provide an air blast
between
the molded spout 14 and one or more of the stripper ring 96, core element 62,
and
sleeve 76 to assist in the ejection of the spout 14. Thereafter the core
plates 60 and
68 are moved to abut the sleeve support plate 72 as shown in Figure 8. The
core
plates 60 and 68, sleeve support plate 72 and stripper plate 94 are then moved
as a
i0 unit to return to the closed position shown in Figure 3. This causes the
inclined
surfaces 58 on ramming wedges 56 to force the thread splits toward the outward
facing surfaces 80 of sleeve 76 and second portion 50 of surface 46 of the
first mold
element 44, thereby defining a closed cavity 47 situated to receive the next
shot of
molten plastic.
The structure of mold 40 is illustrative of the present invention in that it
allows
for a very simple set of relative movements betweens the various elements of
the
mold to permit release of the molded article 14, and then a return of the mold
to a
position suitable to receive a next shot of injected plastics. The simple
movements
of the mold 40 allow for a faster and more reliable operation of the mold as
compared to existing molds intended to create similar molded articles. Various
modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein
will
become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description and
accompanying drawings. Such modifications are intended to fall within the
scope of
the appended claims.

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Administrative Status , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Administrative Status

Title Date
Forecasted Issue Date 2008-01-22
(86) PCT Filing Date 2002-05-15
(87) PCT Publication Date 2002-11-21
(85) National Entry 2003-11-12
Examination Requested 2003-11-12
(45) Issued 2008-01-22
Deemed Expired 2009-05-15

Abandonment History

There is no abandonment history.

Payment History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Amount Paid Paid Date
Request for Examination $400.00 2003-11-12
Application Fee $300.00 2003-11-12
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2004-03-18
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2004-03-18
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 2 2004-05-17 $100.00 2004-03-23
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 3 2005-05-16 $100.00 2005-03-21
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 4 2006-05-15 $100.00 2006-03-21
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 5 2007-05-15 $200.00 2007-03-22
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2007-05-07
Final Fee $300.00 2007-11-07
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
WEST PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES, INC.
ACCURATE MOULD LTD.
Past Owners on Record
ACCURATE MOLD USA, LTD.
CHAPPLEAR, WILLIAM E.
HARRISON, KEVIN R.
MOORHEAD, ANDREW J.
WEBSTER, CHARLES A.
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
Documents

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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Abstract 2003-11-12 2 81
Claims 2003-11-12 5 227
Drawings 2003-11-12 7 206
Description 2003-11-12 10 520
Representative Drawing 2003-11-12 1 32
Cover Page 2004-01-26 1 54
Drawings 2007-01-18 6 185
Claims 2007-01-18 6 240
Representative Drawing 2008-01-02 1 19
Cover Page 2008-01-02 2 60
Prosecution-Amendment 2006-04-18 1 34
PCT 2003-11-12 5 214
Assignment 2003-11-12 4 124
Correspondence 2004-01-21 1 27
Assignment 2004-03-18 9 295
Prosecution-Amendment 2006-08-03 3 73
Prosecution-Amendment 2007-01-18 20 772
Assignment 2007-05-07 6 248
Correspondence 2007-11-07 1 34