Abstract: A method of making lids involves providing multiple mold parts which are movable between open and partially telescoped closed conditions, provision of a barrier strip or laminate which includes foamed plastic material, closing the mold parts to define a lid-shaped cavity with one of its inner and outer surfaces defined by a registered portion of the strip and spraying preheated plastic which adheres to the strip to fill the cavity and form the lid. The registered portion may be cut out during closing of the mold parts.

Abstract: The invention refers to an apparatus which allows the application of a round gasket or liner inside closures. The apparatus consists of a plastic material batching carousel carrying, on a horizontal plate a plurality of shuttles or molds peripherically distributed and whose top surface is provided with a recess or hollow. On the carousel are elements which take and leave batches of plastic material supplied by an extruder inside the recesses. A first star wheel at the bottom of the carousel is provided to transfer the shuttles having the batches therein towards a forming carousel where the batches of plastic material are pressed to form round gaskets. A second star is provided to transfer the shuttles with the molded gaskets toward a further carousel where gaskets are inserted into cups or closures.

Abstract: The invention refers to an apparatus which allows the application of a round gasket or liner inside closures. The apparatus consists of a plastic material batching carousel carrying, on a horizontal plate a plurality of shuttles or molds peripherically distributed and whose top surface is provided with a recess or hollow. On the carousel are elements which take and leave batches of plastic material supplied by an extruder inside the recesses. A first star wheel at the bottom of the carousel is provided to transfer the shuttles having the batches therein towards a forming carousel where the batches of plastic material are pressed to form round gaskets. A second star is provided to transfer the shuttles with the molded gaskets toward a further carousel where gaskets are inserted into cups or closures.

Abstract: A male mold member includes a base or body having a central projecting core with an intermediate peripheral tapered seat between the core and body. The body, seat and core are intercepted by a plurality of cylindrical bores spaced uniformly about the male mold member and inclined toward the core axis. The bores receive core blades having cylindrical bodies. The core blades are exteriorly shaped in the area of the core to form sections which continue the contour of the core and seat. The blades may each have a thread matrix in the core area. After molding, a stripper bushing, engaging the molded product, pushes the product along with the core blades to a position at which the core blades are collapsed so that the product may be stripped. In the molding position the stripper bushing has a tapered bore opening which fits snugly against the tapered seat portions on the blades to orient the blades to proper position and immobilize them.

Abstract: A method of making a tamper-evident closure cap including the steps of forming a one piece closure cap from a plastic material having a top, a skirt depending from the top and a tamper-evident band depending from the skirt. The band has a radially inward directed rib and an annular portion between the skirt and the tamper-evident band. The annular portion is engaged with a cutting blade which has a cutting edge and series of spaced notches. The blade and the cap are rotated to form a plurality of circumferentially spaced bridges with a series of angularly inwardly disposed tabs.

Abstract: An improved molded closure cap is described which has a softer sealing portion and a relatively hard closure engaging portion. The cap is molded using two differing plastics where the container engaging portion is molded of a softer seal-forming plastic and the remaining portion or shell is molded of a harder plastic. The novel molding apparatus and method employ plunger or die movement to facilitate a successive molding of the soft and hard cap portions without changing the molding plunger or die.

Abstract: A rotational plastic compression molding apparatus including a plurality of circumferentially spaced female molds and a plurality of circumferentially spaced male molds cooperating respectively with the plurality of the female molds. The female molds and the male molds are rotated in synchronism and thus moved round successively through a material loading zone, a compression molding zone and an article discharge zone. In the material loading zone and the article discharge zone, each said female mold and each corresponding mold are maintained in a spaced-apart inoperative relation, and in the compression molding zone, they are maintained in an approaching operative relation to define a mold space therebetween. In the material loading zone, a heat-melted plastic material is loaded in the female molds, and in the article discharge zone, the compression-molded plastic article is discharged from between each said female mold and each corresponding male mold.

Abstract: Break-away closures are formed by an injection molding process with a closure part in interference path with a forming core for interference in use with a counterpart surface of a container neck. The process and apparatus disclosed permits stripping of the formed closure from the core by selectively creating free encircling space about the interference closure part for expansion thereof during stripping. The closure has detent surface molded therein which assists the stripping operation and the process and apparatus provide for the application of stripping forces at spaced locations simultaneously to permit stripping of the closure in part without axial loading thereof.

Abstract: This relates to the forming of a seal between a container and a top element, such as a fitment, wherein the seal is subjected to a high top loading of a nature wherein conventional gasket materials, such as plastisols, will unduly flow and result in leakage. In lieu of the conventional gasket material, a hot melt material is utilized with the hot melt material being in a flowable state when the fitment is applied to the container and held in place by a mechanical interlock between the fitment and the container so as to cause an extrusion and flowing of certain of the hot melt material wherein the hot melt material functions both as a gasket and as a support to eliminate or restrain movement between the fitment and the container due to top loading. A special dispensing head is also provided for applying a controlled volume of hot melt material to each fitment in a preselected pattern.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for preforming a heat-shrinkable member to a pre-selected configuration which may at least partially conform to a container to which the member is to be applied. The preformed member is subsequently applied to the container so that the member is retained in association therewith, such as for tamper-indication. The heat-shrinkable member is initially preformed by the use of a preforming mandrel which may be at least partially configured like the configuration of the container. After the member has been heat-shrunk on the preforming mandrel, it is positioned in association with the container, and thereafter heated so as to further conform the heat-shrinkable member to the configuration of the container. By this technique, hightly desirable control of the heat-shrinking process is achieved, thus assuring proper conformance of the heat-shrinkable member to its associated container.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for making sheet-plastic articles, such as lids for disposable drinking cups, by vacuum forming. The invention provides spacers that fit into the holes in the stripper plate of the apparatus for the purpose of matching the size of the hole closely to that of the die impression. The spacers are flanged and in three segments, the segments being so arranged that two of the segments can be first placed in the hole, their flanges being entered into a groove in the hole, then the third is located in the hole and maneuvered radially outwards until its flange too is located in the groove. The segments are retained in place with a spring ring. The segmented spacers can easily be inserted at arm's length and by feel alone. The spacers are themselves radially thin so that the holes in the stripper plate can be packed tightly together.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a carousel carrying a plurality of peripherally distributed cups and slidable supports, respectively aligned with the axes of the cups, pick-up and metering assembly forming a spoon member facing in the direction of rotation of the carousel and adapted to be selectively placed in communication with suction and blowing means. The apparatus further includes an extruder nozzle for the plastic material which is stationary relatively to the carousel and opens at the pick-up and metering assembly so as to allow withdrawal of a metered amount of plastic material by said spoon.

Abstract: A novel closure-making process and apparatus are disclosed for formation of plastic closures. The closures include a plastic closure cap which is compression molded to provide a closure having the requisite strength. The process includes steps for formation of a sealing liner within the closure cap if desired, with formation of a novel liner-retaining arrangement provided for secure retention of the liner within the cap. The process also includes steps for formation of a tamper-indicating pilfer band integrally with the plastic cap of the closure for formation of closures requiring a suitable tamper-indicating device.

Abstract: The present invention is carried out in combination with the injection molding of a closure cap or container, wherein a continuous sealing strip having a thermoplastic resin layer on the inner surface thereof is supplied intermittently. Then a reciprocable molding member having a sharp edge at the tip thereof is advanced through the sealing strip to a position where a molding cavity in the injection mold defining a pour-out hole of a closure cap or container is closed by a sealing piece punched out from the sealing strip, and thereafter a thermoplastic resin is injected into the molding cavity.

Abstract: A method for forming a liner of the desired shape in a container closure, and an apparatus for carrying out this method. The method involves extruding a liner stock in the heated and molten state into an annular shape by an extruder, positioning the annular liner stock at a predetermined location in a closure, and molding the annular liner stock positioned in the closure into the desired shape while it is still in the molten state.

Abstract: A molding tool for forming a closure shell liner on the inside surface of a closure shell having a skirt with a groove therein. The tool has a central molding member and a shell positioning sleeve concentric with and external of the central member with the sleeve having an upper portion adapted to be positioned opposite the groove in the skirt of the shell and a lower portion extending to the lower end of the sleeve. The outer diameter of the upper portion of the sleeve exceeds the outer diameter of the lower portion by an amount equal to twice the depth of the groove.

Abstract: A molding device for forming a liner on the inside surface of the top panel of a closure shell. The device has a molding tool disposed above an anvil which is relatively movable towards and away from the tool by an elevator mechanism. The molding tool includes a center punch. An annular bushing is positioned externally of the center punch and is movable over a predetermined range with respect to the punch. Resilient means are provided for urging the bushing upwardly with respect to the punch and a lowering mechanism is included for moving the bushing downwardly against the force of the resilient means.

Abstract: A process for making a composite closure having a plastic cap with specially configured pedestals that are interconnected to a plastic liner. In one embodiment, the pedestals are each formed with an overhang, such as a mushroom-shaped overhang, to provide a mechanical interlock with the liner. In other embodiments, the pedestals are each formed with a fusible heat concentration zone that is fused to the liner as the liner is compression molded and heated in the cap. In one embodiment, each of the fusible pedestals are formed with a cylindrical configuration. In another embodiment, each of the fusible pedestals are formed in the shape of a pyramid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding and curing liners in cap closures includes a molding head having a plurality of molding stations, a feeding mechanism for feeding unlined caps with charges of lined material to the molding head and a take-off mechanism for removing the completed liner. The feeding mechanism consists of a dispensing unit which is capable of dispensing more than one-thousand charges of material per minute and includes a gun having a lining compound receiving chamber with a needle reciprocated therein. The needle is normally biased to a closed position and is electrically moved to an open position through a solenoid and a photosensing mechanism which accurately senses the position of a rotating wheel of the feeding mechanism.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a closure cap having a liner. A mass of molten thermoplastic is positioned in the inner face of a cap shell. The mass is spread by a heated punch and the spread mass is then formed by a cooled punch to the final liner shape.

Abstract: Method of forming a sealing gasket made from vinyl chloride resin plastisol in container closures made of a high-melting olefin polymer, especially polypropylene. The invention employs a combination of microwave heating and controlled heating by conventional means. The controlled conventional heating raises the temperature of the closure to from 5.degree. to 35.degree. C., preferably 5.degree. to 15.degree. C., below its melting point; at this temperature microwave heating is then introduced to flux the plastisol.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing and molding lining material into metallic cap shells. The apparatus has a conveyor mechanism for conveying shells from a shell supply station to a lining material dispensing station and then on to a shell transfer station including a molding mechanism for molding lining material in the shells. An induction heater heats the shells moving from the supply station to the lining material dispensing station and from the dispensing station to the shell transfer station.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method and apparatus for effecting the severing of successive gobs from a continuously extruded rod-like formation of organic thermoplastic material, followed by the successive transfer of the gobs to successive molding units which are continuously movable relative to the free-fall path of the gobs. Severing means are provided which are operative upon a vertically extruded rod-like formation of hot organic thermoplastic material. A plurality of molding members, each having an open top molding cavity, are moved in timed relationship to the gob severing means along a horizontal path adjacent to the free fall path of the severed gobs. Each gob is caught by a transfer device which is movable under the free-fall path of the gobs in timed relationship to the gob severing and the movement of the molding members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding and curing liners in cap closures includes a molding head having a plurality of molding stations, a feeding mechanism for feeding unlined caps with charges of lined material to the molding head and a take-off mechanism for removing the completed liner. The feeding mechanism consists of a dispensing unit which is capable of dispensing more than one-thousand charges of material per minute and includes a gun having a lining compound receiving chamber with a needle reciprocated therein. The needle is normally biased to a closed position and is electrically moved to an open position through a solenoid and a photosensing mechanism which accurately senses the position of a rotating wheel of the feeding mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus for distributing lining material in cap shells where the apparatus has a lining material extrusion means including an extrusion passage positioned above a path of cap shells moving through the apparatus and a rotatable knife positioned above the exit end of the extrusion passage for cutting lining material as it is extruded from the passage. A drive means is provided for rotating the knife and is connected to the knife by means of a transmission means. The transmission means includes at least two sets of non-circular gear pairs with the relative angle between the sets being adjustable whereby the rotational speed of the knife may be varied.

Abstract: A device and method for applying a semi-liquid adhesive material in a preselected pattern upon a surface such as the inner surface of a container cap such that a liner may be adhesively connected thereto. The device and its manner of operation are particularly suited for the application of hot melt adhesive to container caps of the type having a central recess surrounded by an annular ledge. A member having a longitudinal bore in which a shaft having one or more external helical grooves is rotationally disposed, cooperates to form the applicating device. One end of the member is operationally associated with a supply of semi-liquid adhesive such that rotation of the shaft with respect to the member will force adhesive along the separate helical paths and on to the receiving surface of the cap in the desired configuration.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing a measured quantity of extrudate material to a receiving means. The extrudate material exits through an outlet, and a cutting surface is positioned adjacent to the outlet. The extrudate material is severed by a cutting means having a flexible and resilient blade for severing the extrudate material into metered charges. The cutting blade contacts the cutting surface during each revolution and bends from a rest condition to a backwardly bent flexed condition. After severing a metered charge, the cutting blade is released from the cutting surface and snaps forwardly to the rest condition to propel the metered charge toward the receiving means at a velocity greater than the average tangential velocity per revolution of the cutting blade.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, methods and machinery are provided for automatically inspecting shaped, lined closures and rejecting those which fail to meet pre-established criteria for shape and seal. Specifically, shaped closures having concave interior portions and resilient sealing liners are supplied to an inspection station comprising one or more female inspection nests for receiving individual closures and one or more respective male inspection heads for insertion into the concave portions of respective closures. The inspection heads are provided with exterior shapes approximating the interiors of ideal closures so that penetration into the closure indicates the conformity of the closure to the ideal. Preferably, the inspection head is connected to a source of pressurized fluid for testing both the depth of penetration and the adequacy of the sealing ring.

Abstract: A machine for forming sealing liners of thermoplastic materials in crowns, which includes a crown carrier and a press drum. Crowns are disposed on the crown carrier and are directed to the press drum by a transfer plate that directs the crowns from the carrier to the drum. The molding of the plastic liner takes place only on the press drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing predetermined amounts of lining material into cap shells, particularly of the deeply recessed type, includes a conveyor including a passage for conveying cap shells at predetermined speeds, an extruder provided above and along the shell-conveying passage for extruding predetermined quantities of a lining material through a discharge passage, a blade fitted adjacent to the exit end of the discharge passage and rotatably across it for cutting the lining material, and a drive for rotating the blade in response to the conveying of the cap shells. The drive is adapted to rotate the blade at a non-uniform speed in response to the speed of shell conveyance so that its speed gradually decreases as the exterior end of the blade in its radial direction approaches the shell-conveying passage, and gradually increases as it departs from it, whereby collision between the tip of the blade and the cap shells can be completely avoided.

Abstract: Apparatus for making a composite container comprising a blank and an injection moulding thereon, the apparatus comprises a pair of tools relatively movable between open and closed conditions in the latter of which they define a mould cavity for receiving a blank and injected mouldable material, and a pair of guides for holding a blank between the tools in their open condition, the blank being positioned to be engaged by one tool in its movement to the closed tool condition between the guides, the guides being insufficiently spaced apart to allow said movement of the one tool in their guiding condition, wherein each guide in the region of movement of the one tool therebetween includes a member movable between an operative guiding position and an inoperative position permitting said movement of the one tool by relative movement of the one tool and the guides.

Abstract: An improvement in a method of applying plastic to a planar surface which comprises extruding the plastic through an annular orifice as a ring onto the planar surface. The improvement is particularly helpful in the manufacture of push button ends for beverage cans.

Abstract: A pair of matched metal dies one of which moves against the other to form a mold to contain, and to apply pressure to a part and to pinch off excess material on the part. The lower die has a recess with all the sides of the recess canted outward in two steps. The upper die when inserted contacts the lower canted sides of the lower die.

Abstract: A plastics introducing unit for a closure lining machine in which pellets are severed from a continuous rod and carried along part of a closed path to a transfer station where the pellets are deposited accurately centrally of the closures to be subsequently moulded into liners for the closures.