Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for preparing a tubular parison, which is continuously extruded in an extrusion direction from an extrusion head, and for subsequently transferring the parison to a blow molding machine. The apparatus provides improved control of the wall thickness of the parison and can be used with particular advantage in making articles requiring parisons of large diameter and length. The apparatus includes a parison stretching mechanism that grasps and seals the parison at one location along its length and stretches the parison at a controlled rate while being extruded in the extrusion direction. The apparatus also sequentially severs sections of the parison from the remaining continuously extruded portion and transfers each section to a stationary blow molding machine out of the path of this remaining portion.

Abstract: Relatively light gauge thermoplastic sheet material is pierced by a hot punch to provide a bearing aperture. The hot punch is held in sheet-penetrating position long enough to cause plastic flow of displaced material and formation of a collar-like hub surrounding the aperture. The hot punch is withdrawn and replaced by a cool punch to retard further plastic flow of the displaced material, thereby fixing the aperture in desired size and shape. There results a bearing aperture having an axial length greater than the starting thickness of the sheet material, and consequently a larger bearing surface integrally formed locally in the sheet material. Apparatus for forming the bearing aperture is also disclosed.

Abstract: Relatively light gauge thermoplastic sheet material is pierced by a hot punch to provide a bearing aperture. The hot punch is held in sheet-penetrating position long enough to cause plastic flow of displaced material and formation of a collar-like hub surrounding the aperture. The hot punch is withdrawn and replaced by a cool punch to retard further plastic flow of the displaced material, thereby fixing the aperture in desired size and shape. There results a bearing aperture having an axial length greater than the starting thickness of the sheet material, and consequently a larger bearing surface integrally formed locally in the sheet material. Apparatus for forming the bearing aperture is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tray of thermoplastic material having means releasably latching a power tool in storage position thereon with the tool handle oriented to serve as the carry handle for the tool and attached tray, the tray providing storage for the power cord and accessories. An opening through a wall of the tray is defined by shearing the material during the blow mold cycle.

Abstract: A modular die system is disclosed for use in blow molding an extruded plastic parison to form container members of essentially similar design but differeing dimensionally. Through use of composite die sets having modular elements, containers of different capacities can be molded without requiring complete die sets for each individual container size. That is, die elements used in molding a container member of one size may also serve in molding container members of a different size. This capability is achieved through break-down of the usual integral, cavity-defining die halves of a split die set into a plurality of die elements so selected that each of them controls but two of the three dimensions of the die cavity. Provision is made for substituting different die elements in the composite die sets and for securing these together on the platens of a blow molding press.

Abstract: A molded carrying case for supporting and enclosing an article comprises a main body member having an interior wall shaped to generally conform to the article. At least one inwardly protruding structure is formed with this interior wall. A base member is formed with an upstanding interior wall, which complements the interior wall of the body member, and a floor recessed from the upstanding wall, shaped to receive the article. The base and body members are rigidly secured together by an interlocking rabbet and flange formation. The case is completed by a closure member that is hinged to the main body for movement between open and closed position. The closure member also has an interior wall formed with at least one inwardly projecting structure that extends from the upstanding base wall and complements the main body interior wall when in the closed position.

Abstract: A case is disclosed for storing and transporting a tape cassette having at least one tape reel that includes a clutch element registrable with a corresponding driving spindle of a reel drive mchanism so that the reel may be rotated. The case comprises a base formed to receive the cassette and a non-rotating latch pin registrable with the clutch element of the reel to prevent reel rotation and, hence, unwinding of stored tape. The latch pin is mounted with the base by a leaf spring assembly which permits the pin to retract to accommodate the cassette when not registered with the clutch element. However, the spring assembly urges the pin into reel-rotation preventing engagement with the element when the two are registered.

Abstract: A case is disclosed for a tool that includes an elongated shaft and a fitting attached to and extending perpendicularly from the shaft at a location spaced from a free shaft end. The case comprises a body which is formed with a tool shaft accepting recess, a first socket extending axially from the recess for receiving the free end of the shaft and a second socket extending perpendicularly to the recess for receiving the tool fitting. Axial movement of the tool is prevented when the free end of the shaft and the fitting are respectively received in the first and second sockets. Moreover, the tool can only be removed from the case by first disengaging the fitting from the second socket and then disengaging the free end of the shaft from the first socket.

Abstract: Blow-molded plastic container body and cover parts are hinged together by a cover joint formation integrally formed thereon and received in a body trough formation having sockets at the opposite ends thereof receiving hinge pins integrally formed at the opposite ends of the cover joint formation. A tapered latch tongue formed integral with the cover is received in snap-fitted engagement with a tapered latch receiving formation on the body for releasably latching the cover and body parts in closed position.

Abstract: A blow-molded plastic container base and cover portions formed of double wall construction are hinged together for movement between open and closed positions with respect to one another. A latch assembly is provided for positively locking the cover portion in a closed disposition. The latch assembly includes an elongated bolt means slidably mounted within a trough-shaped groove in the front of the cover portion. The cover and base further include formed portions which matingly engage with one another upon closing of the cover and which include aligned locking apertures. Upon closing of the cover portion, the bolt means may be slid axially into the aforesaid apertures to positively lock the cover and base together. The bolt means further includes a detent means extending radially outward and which may be rotated into a cut-out portion in the trough-shaped groove when the bolt is engaged within the locking apertures.

Abstract: A tray of thermoplastic material having means releasably latching a power tool in storage position thereon with the tool handle oriented to serve as the carry handle for the tool and attached tray, the tray providing storage for the power cord and accessories. An opening through a wall of the tray is defined by shearing the material during the blow mold cycle.