Abstract: The invention provides a stackable thermoplastic container lid having a U-section sealing rib receivable in a container opening. An outer circular flange on the lid has a depending snap rim provided with bevelled detent elements that can cammingly engage the flange of an identical underlying lid in response to transaxial forces applied to the underlying lid, thereby to lift the sealing rib of the upper lid out of the underlying lid so as to enable lateral bottom-feed of lids from a stack of the same.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring articles, e.g. thermoformed plastic cups along a conveyor and then removing them from the conveyor. To overcome problems of interference between closely positioned cups on the conveyor when removing them, a device is provided to accelerate cups in succession as they approach their position for removal from the device. This acceleration increases the distance between cups and permits sufficient time for their individual removal. In a practical apparatus, the accelerating device is an air nozzle to apply pressurized air along the conveyor and push along the cups.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving lightweight articles, for instance thermoplastics cups, in which the articles are moved from one location by ejector pins which push the articles onto a conveyor for transfer to another location. The articles are held in a desired orientation as they are moved by the pins. Ideally, a passage extends through each pin to hold the articles thereto by vacuum which alternates with air pressure in the passage to force articles from the pin onto the conveyor when the pin is closest to the conveyor. The pins move along guide passages which assist in maintaining articles properly orientated and stabilizing plates are preferred adjacent the conveyor to stabilize articles during transfer onto the conveyor. The apparatus is useful in removing thermoformed cups from sheet and for this purpose a cutting device may cooperate with each ejector pin for cutting and then transferring cups.

Abstract: A stamping press, as for stamping molded articles out of a plastic web wherein the articles are premolded, has a fixed stamping tool section accurately secured on the press frame and a movable tool section slidably mounted on fixed columns on the fixed tool section and connected by operating linkage to power driven devices on the frame, the linkage including adjustments for tool alignment, stroke and frequency. Push rods in the linkage transmit movement to the movable tool section from cam controlled rocker arms, and the push rods are removably hinged to the movable tool section to disconnect and remove the latter. Secondary devices such as ejectors and further tools are actuated in synchronism with the stamping tool.

Abstract: Thin-walled articles of thermoplastic material are formed in a continuous apparatus starting with heating and extruding granular thermoplastic raw material in the form of a continuous web which is immediately stabilized by rapid cooling of its opposite surfaces and the stabilized web wherein the material sandwiched between the precooled outer surface layers remains at or near extrusion temperature is fed into a thermal forming station wherein shaping tools form the articles in the web without the need for further heating of the web. Adjustments are provided for correlating the cooling action to different materials and web feed rates, for varying the web feed rates and increments, and for varying the shaping tool movements to adapt for different materials and sizes of articles. After the formed articles are separated from the web the web residue is fed back to be mixed with incoming raw material at the extrusion station.

Abstract: Laminated material for thermoplstic articles of different shapes is produced by extrusion of thermoplastic synthetic material layers, one of which layer contains a predetermined amount of an adhesive material dispersed within it prior to being extruded, whereby an adhesive bond of predetermined strength is provided between the layers to suit various requirements in use.

Abstract: Cup-shaped articles made of thermoplastic material which have their outer surfaces printed or coated with a heat-sensitive material are dried in apparatus wherein a feeding device conveys the printed or coated articles to the lower end of a vertical run of an endless belt in a drying device, so that the articles are placed in inverted position on the belt to be held on the belt by suction exerted through the belt, the articles being so handled in the feeding device that they enter the drying device in proper orientation and in alignment with and at the same speed as the belt. The feeding device may be an arcuate channel with pneumatic pressure advance of the articles, or may be a porous belt running over a suction chamber.

Abstract: Thin-walled articles of thermoplastic material are formed in a continuous apparatus starting with heating and extruding granular thermoplastic raw material in the form of a continuous web which is immediately stabilized by rapid cooling of its opposite surfaces and the stabilized web wherein the material sandwiched between the precooled outer surface layers remains at or near extrusion temperature is fed into a thermal forming station wherein shaping tools form the articles in the web without the need for further heating of the web. Adjustments are provided for correlating the cooling action to different materials and web feed rates, for varying the web feed rates and increments, and for varying the shaping tool movements to adapt for different materials and sizes of articles. After the formed articles are separated from the web the web residue is fed back to be mixed with incoming raw material at the extrusion station.

Abstract: Thin-walled articles of thermoplastic material are formed in a continuous method and apparatus starting with heating and extruding granular thermoplastic raw material in the form of a continuous web which is immediately stabilized by rapid cooling of its opposite surfaces and the stabilized web wherein the material sandwiched between the precooled outer surface layers remains at or near extrusion temperature is fed into a thermal forming station wherein shaping tools form the articles in the web without the need for further heating of the web. Adjustments are provided for correlating the cooling action to different materials and web feed rates, for varying the web feed rates and increments, and for varying the shaping tool movements to adapt for different materials and sizes of articles. After the formed articles are separated from the web the web residue is fed back to be mixed with incoming raw material at the extrusion station.

Abstract: A container assembly wherein an initially filled container and its closure cover have coextensive flat edge regions attached by welds and also have independent snap fit connection. To safeguard against unauthorized opening and reclosing, provision is made for producing a tear line pattern in the cover upon detaching the edge regions at the welds, such rendering the edge regions incapable of undetectable reassembly to initial cover closed condition, but not affecting the ability of the snap fit connection to more or less temporarily reclose the assembly.