Abstract: An injection molded article includes: (a) an article first portion having internal threading extending helically about an article axis, the threading configured to be formed by a thread mold in a mold core; and (b) an article second portion spaced radially apart from the article first portion and connected to the article first portion by a connection portion. The article second portion has at least one ejection-assist rib configured to be formed by at least one rib mold feature in the mold core. The ejection-assist rib defines a helical slide surface extending helically about the article axis. During an initial unscrewing rotation of the molded article relative to the mold core, the rib mold feature of the mold core bears against the slide surface of the ejection-assist rib to urge the article second portion axially away from the mold core during ejection of the molded article from the mold core.
Abstract: A cap for a container includes an annular tamper evident band with a generally rigid cylindrical frame having an upper ring and a plurality of ribs extending axially from the ring and spaced circumferentially apart about the ring. A plurality of retainer elements are supported by the frame, each retainer element connected at circumferentially opposed ends by resiliently flexible webs to adjacent ones of the ribs. The retainer elements are biased to a radially contracted position, in which the retainer elements protrude inwardly to engage an underside surface of a neck flange of the container. The retainer elements are movable to a radially expanded position in which the retainer elements can be advanced axially past the neck flange when installing the cap onto the container for the first time.
Abstract: A mold apparatus for producing a molded article by injection molding includes (a) a base plate for mounting to a platen of an injection molding machine; and (b) a core plate movably coupled to the base plate and axially translatable relative to the base plate between a plate advanced position and a plate retracted position. A method of resetting the core plate includes energizing a mechanical actuator in a retraction direction to exert a retraction force against the core plate and axially translate the core plate relative to a base plate from the plate advanced (molded part ejection) position to a plate retracted (mold injection) position; and then, prior to applying clamping tonnage, relieving the retraction force to axially unload the mechanical actuator, wherein the actuator is isolated from axial force exerted across the mold during application of the clamping tonnage.
Abstract: A mold apparatus for producing a molded article by injection molding includes (a) a base plate for mounting to a platen of an injection molding machine; (b) a core plate movably coupled to the base plate and axially translatable relative to the base plate between a plate advanced position and a plate retracted position; (c) a lead screw rotatably supported by, and axially fixed relative to, the base plate; and (d) a lead nut coupled to the lead screw and rotationally fixed relative to the core plate. The lead nut is translatable in response to rotation of the lead screw between a first and a second abutment surface fixed relative to the core plate. The lead nut alternately bears against the first abutment surface for moving the core plate to the plate advanced position and the second abutment surface for moving the core plate to the plate retracted position.