Abstract: A method of reshaping a hollow tube having a circumferential wall defining an inside and an outside of the tube and formed from at least one layer of a thermoformable plastic, with the outside of the wall having at least one decoration, which method includes the steps of juxtaposing one side of the tube with a forming element having a surface in the shape of a pattern, so that the pattern confronts the side of the tube; and heating the tube wall to an elevated forming temperature at which the plastic is capable of being thermoformed and applying a differential fluid pressure to the tube so that the prevailing pressure on the side of the tube opposite the forming element exceeds the pressure prevailing on the side with the forming element, so that the heated tube wall contacts the forming element surface pattern and is thereby formed into conformity with the shape of the pattern. Methods in which a mandrel is used as the forming element are described.

Abstract: There is disclosed a press on dispensing cap for containers which can be opened and closed by a limited angular rotation. The cap is press fitted onto the neck of a container such as a tube, and the neck of the container has a plurality of discontinuous spiral tracks which receive lugs carried on an inner skirt of the cap to permanently retain the cap, and to permit extension and retraction of the cap upon twisting. Preferably the lugs have a plurality of closely spaced ribs on their inside surface which ride against the neck wall, thereby reducing the frictional resistance of the cap to rotation. The cap has a dispensing orifice which seals about a central boss on the end of the neck, and two additional seals which engage against sealing surfaces of the tube neck. One seal is a circular rim on the underside of the cap which seals against a circular rim on the end of the neck, opposed to that on the cap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing compression molded articles from a thermoplastic material blank comprising heating the material, and compression molding the blank by means of a die. The material forming the blank is deposited on the surface of an intermediate support which forms a part of the compression molding mold and extends under and is separated from the die. The blank is separated from the die, which may be accomplished using a heated stream of gas surrounding the die and directed at the point of separation. The blank is introduced into the mold which is closed as the intermediate support is lowered, followed by compression molding the blank by the application of compression molding pressure, and cooling the molded article at least partly under pressure.