Abstract: A movable mold is disposed so as to face the stationary mold and to be advanceable and retractable. The movable mold forms a cavity in cooperation with the stationary mold when mold clamping is performed. A sprue is disposed to face the cavity and has a concave portion formed at a front end thereof. A cut punch is reciprocatively disposed to face the cavity at a position corresponding to the concave portion. The cut punch enters the concave portion when advanced. A drive section is provided to advance and retract the cut punch when driven. A controller drives the drive section such that during the mold clamping, the cut punch is advanced at a predetermined extension force in order to perform gate cutting and such that the extension force is made no greater than a preset value before the mold is opened.

Abstract: An assembly disposed within a mold for forming openings in a plastic part includes a punch pin and a backing pin having faces disposed flush with a surface of a mold cavity. The backing pin is disposed opposite the punch pin. The punch pin is driven into the completed plastic part removing material to form an opening. The waste material is driven into a bore housing the backing pin. The backing pin recedes into the bore to accept the waste material. Upon ejection of the plastic part the waste material ejects from the mold cavity as the backing pin moves back to a position flush with the surface of the mold cavity.

Abstract: A method for accelerating the release of a flammable blowing agent from an expanded foam is disclosed. According to the method, an expanded foam structure is perforated to form a first series of channels extending partially through its thickness from a first surface and a second series of channels extending partially through its thickness from a second surface opposite the first surface. The channels provide paths enabling the blowing agent to escape more rapidly from the interior of the expanded foam structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing an expanded fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin molding, the method using a mold comprising a female and male dies and comprising processes for supplying a molten thermoplastic resin containing reinforcing fibers whose average fiber length is maintained at 1 mm or more to between the female and male dies to charge a mold cavity with the molten thermoplastic resin, opening a part or the whole of the mold in the thickness direction of a molding after the charging, and cooling a molding while maintaining a cavity clearance at the thickness of a final molding, the method wherein the mold cavity of the mold is interconnectable to the atmosphere, the method further comprising steps for (a) forming a solidified layer in the surface of the molten thermoplastic resin charged in the mold cavity, followed by (b) breaking at least a part of the solidified surface layer, introducing the air through the broken part concurrently with or after the breakage, and opening a

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a part having at least one mechanically weakened area includes a step of producing a thermoplastics material part and at least one cycle of steps entailing forming a localized opening through an area of the part, heating the part locally by means of a heating probe so as to render the aforementioned area of the part plastic, and using a punch to modify the geometry of the area rendered plastic so as to delimit in the part a mechanically weakened area constituting a hole or hole precursor.

Abstract: A tool with a blade is provided at a molding die and set so as to protrude further inwardly than the molding surface of the molding die. When a parison is expanded within the molding dies, the parison is brought into close contact with the outer peripheral wall of the tool. A hollow body is formed in a state in which the inner wall surface of a through-hole is molded by the outer peripheral wall of the tool. Thereafter, the tool is advanced and a cut-out piece is excised. A washer tank is thereby formed. The inner wall surface of the through-hole is not a cut surface and the through-hole is formed in accordance with the outer peripheral wall of the tool.

Abstract: A pumpkin carving kit includes a cutting die having a closed peripheral configuration defining a shape to be carved into the pumpkin shell, a striking tool for driving the die into the pumpkin shell, and a scoop and scraping tool. The die has a lower cutting edge and an upper driving edge, and a striking surface of the striking tool has a lateral dimension which is greater than the majority of the largest transverse dimension of the striking edge to uniformly distribute impact force to the die. Serrations of the cutting edge of the die are forced into the pumpkin shell to hold the die in position before it is struck. The scoop and scraping tool is used to scrape the thickness of the pumpkin wall so that the die will extend through it.

Abstract: Mold apparatus and method of production of molded wood strand three-dimensionally carved articles of manufacture using at least one hole punch comprised of a base and a funnel shaped hole-defining portion having a funnel angle of 20 degrees or greater to vertical for producing molded holes at angles of 20 degrees or greater to vertical, to facilitate insertion of items such as a T nut within the molded hole in an assembly-line like fashion.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shell element (13) for an electronic device, said shell element (13) having a front (5) and at least one part that is angled in relation to said front (5). The shell element (13) further comprises a formed sheet (6) that constitutes at least a part of the outer surface of said front (5) and at least a part of said part that is angled in relation to the front of the shell element (13). The method comprises the steps of first forming a sheet (1) to a desired shape including a part that is angled in relation to a front part (5) and then injection molding a plastics material on the back of the formed sheet (6). At least one opening (7) is provided in the angled part of the formed sheet (6) before the plastics material is injection molded on the back of the formed sheet (6) and the at least one opening (7) is left open during the injection molding of a plastics material on the back of the formed sheet (6).

Abstract: A semi-pneumatic tire assembly including a tire casing 22 and a lining 26 is provided. The lining 26 includes a contoured inward surface 30 defining an inflation chamber 18 about an associated wheel rim. The lining 26 minimizes the risk of puncture damage from an object penetrating the tire casing 22 while allowing pneumatic cushioning of the ride and cooler running temperatures as compared to solid-fill tires. Additionally, the semi-pneumatic tire will carry the same load or more than the same tire filled with perform and/or solid urethane foam wingfil. The tire assembly is formed by injecting a curable, lining-forming material 96 into a cavity 57 defined between the tire casing 22 and a molding member 50. The molding member 50 includes a contoured outer surface 54 which molds the inward surface of the lining 26. The molding member 50 may be an inflatable airbag 100 retained in the tire assembly during service.

Abstract: The receptacle consists of a stiff outer receptacle and an easily deformable inner bag resting on said outer receptacle, and is produced in a coextrusion-type blow molding process. The outer receptacle contains at least one pressure compensating opening through which air enters between the outer receptacle and the inner bag whenever receptacle contents is discharged, for instance, by means of a pump. The at least one pressure compensating opening is formed by the measure that a curved wall section of the outer receptacle is cut away by means of a rotating tubular knife or a hollow knife in such a manner that a hole is formed in the outer wall. During the cutting operation, which is carried out at a flat angle, the inner bag is not damaged, but pressed away inwardly.

Abstract: Cushion members, for an air bag gas generator, that have sufficient elasticity to secure gas generating agents and that can also be easily manufactured is provided. Further, an air bag gas generator using such cushion members is provided. In the cushion members for prohibiting movement of a member, contained in the housing, the surface characteristic of upper or lower surface, of both surfaces are designed such that the cushion members are laid on top of another, they do not adhere to each other. The air bag gas generator using the cushion members is to be provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for perforating a web of material intended to form an outer casing sheet of absorbent articles. As the web is advanced, the web is first provided with a large number of mutually separated cuts in the nip defined between raised plateaus on a matrix cylinder and circumferentially extending knife-edges of a cutting cylinder. The web is then deformed transversely to its plane at parts which border on each cut. The invention also relates to a perforated outer casing sheet which includes recesses in the form of mutually adjacent elongated channel-like grooves.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a casing for an electronic equipment, the casing having a rib of a predetermined height and an insertion hole formed inside the rib in the width direction. The manufacturing method comprises the steps of preparing a molded article having a rib of a predetermined height and a concave portion positioned inside the rib in the width direction, the concave portion having a bottom wall portion, allowing a concave portion supporting die having a punch insertion hole formed therein to be engaged with the bottom portion so as to fix the molded article, and moving a punch from a side opposite to the bottom portion of the molded article engaged with the concave portion supporting die so as to punch the bottom portion positioned inside a punch insertion hole and, thus, to form an insertion hole.

Abstract: A photo film cassette includes a spool core, on which the photo film is wound in a form of roll. A cassette shell contains the spool core in rotatable fashion. First and second flanges are respectively secured to ends of the spool core, for regulating positions of sides of the photo film roll. A first ring-like lip is formed integrally with a periphery of the first flange, is projected toward the roll, is contacted on one edge of an outermost turn of the roll, and prevent the roll from being loosened. The first and second flanges are formed from resin in accordance with injection molding. The resin has temperature of thermal deformation being 80° C. or higher under 18.6 kg/cm2, modulus in elasticity in flexure being 13,000-30,000 kg/cm2, surface hardness being 80 or more in Rockwell R-scale, and high fluidity in molds for the injection molding. The first and second flanges have an outer diameter of 15 mm or more, thickness of 0.

Abstract: An extruded plastic strip (1) adapted for use in protecting the edge of an article having a curved surface: said strip including alongitudinal groove (6), a flexible covering portion (2) extending from one side of the longitudinal groove adapted to be placed over and conform with the curve surface of an article to be protected and a plurality of tabs (3-5) hinged to and extending from the other side of the longitudinal groove, wherein said covering portion includes a plurality of holes (9, 10) which are located at or proximate the outer most edge of the covering portion.

Abstract: A method of forming a slit in a reseal element having an outer surface defined by a proximal end thereof, a semi-spherical inner surface portion defined by a dome region of the proximal end, and an annular inner surface portion which circumvents the semi-spherical inner surface portion. The method is accomplished through the use of a cutting assembly which includes a locator plate having a locator cavity disposed therein, a cutting core, a support fixture, and a blade member. The method comprises the initial step of inserting the reseal element into the locator cavity of the locator plate. Thereafter, the dome region of the reseal element is pre-stressed by the contact of the support fixture thereagainst, with the blade member then being advanced upwardly through the proximal end of the reseal element to form the slit therein.

Abstract: A photo film cassette includes a spool core (13) on which photo film is wound in a form of a roll. A cassette shell (3, 4) contains the spool core in rotatable fashion. In each of a pair of disks (16, 17), a bearing hole (16a, 17a) is formed. The disks are secured to first and second ends of the spool core, and regulate edges of the photo film. To produce at least one kind of disk, a continuous sheet (27, 78, 88, 162, 171, 215) of thermoplastic synthetic resin is partially masked with a mask plate (48, 87, 160, 161, 170). A portion of the sheet emerging out of the mask plate is heated at temperature higher than a softening point of the sheet. The emerging portion is subjected to vacuum/air-pressure forming, so as to form a disk-like portion (20) in the sheet. The bearing hole and a contour of the disks is cut in the disk-like portion, to produce the disks.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for forming glass article from sheet glass. More specifically the apparatus comprises a mold, a plunger being cooperative alignment with the mold, wherein the mold and the plunger form a cavity exhibiting the shaped of the glass article, an outer trimmer for separating the glass article from the surrounding excess sheet glass, and an inner trimmer for forming the aperture in the glass article, and the method involves forming the aperture during the hot-forming process, therefore eliminating a post-formation step.

Abstract: A flexible film interface includes a flexible film; flexible material attached to a portion of the flexible film; surface metallization on the flexible material, the flexible film having at least one via extending therethrough to the surface metallization; and a floating pad structure including floating pad metallization patterned over the flexible material and the surface metallization, a first portion of the floating pad metallization forming a central pad and a second portion of the floating pad metallization forming at least one extension from the central pad and extending into the at least one via.

Abstract: The two ends of an article to be processed which is in the form of a sheet are held by means of a fixed clamp and a movable clamp, the article being held by applying bias by means of a biasing cylinder to the movable clamp in a direction such as would separate it from the fixed clamp and hole-forming processing being performed by means of a laser beam. Since the sheet-like article is held under tension, flatness of even a thin sheet can be maintained and since the underneath space is open, there is no reflection of laser light after passing through the holes that are formed and any processing waste can easily be removed.

Abstract: A vacuum forming apparatus has a first mold and a second mold, the first mold including a forming surface. The first mold has a hollow space defined therein and communicating with the forming surface through holes defined in the first mold. The hollow space is connected to a vacuum pump for developing a vacuum in the hollow space to attract a sheet against the forming surface through the holes. The second mold has a presser including a cylinder which displaces a cutter having a serrated trimming blade of the second mold. The presser has an upper groove which accommodates teeth of the serrated trimming blade. The first mold has a lower groove for receiving the teeth of the serrated trimming blade when it is displaced downwardly by the cylinder.

Abstract: A Process is described in which the polymer is passed over a former under hydro-static pressure, which may involve passing the material over a die or series of dies for the purpose of imposing multi-axial expansion to the workpiece. Some of the advantages are increased stiffness and reduction in creep. Improved wear is also found.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a cushioned article. A base is formed in a female base mold. The base has a substantially smooth exterior and a substantially rough interior surface. A flexible skin is formed by applying at least one carrier solvent free material onto a form. The base and flexible skin are assembled such that a cavity is formed therebetween and a foam material is injected into the cavity such that when the foam material cures, the foam material unites the base with the flexible skin to form the article. A method is also provided for making a cushioned article in which a first carrier solvent free resin mixture is applied to a form to form a first coating, a second carrier solvent free resin mixture is applied to the first coating to form a second coating, a foamable polymeric resin is applied onto the second coating to form a third coating, a binder coating is applied to the third coating and a fiberglass coating is applied onto the binder coating to form the cushioned article.

Abstract: A cushion article, such as a wrist support or the like, and a method of manufacturing same are provided. The cushion article includes a multiple density, cushioned surface bonded to a molded foam shell. The saddle includes a contoured fabric surface with an underlying layer of soft gel. The gel may be molded to form embossment or imprinting in the fabric surface. A method of the invention includes the steps of disposing the saddle shell having a fabric sealed thereto, into a mold having a molding surface defining a desired contour and/or a desired pattern of embossment to be formed in the fabric. A thermoplastic gelable liquid is injected between the shell and the fabric. The fabric is contoured and or embossed by allowing the gelable liquid to cool while the shell is disposed in mold. The shell may be made of a foam material which is compressed into a desired shape and heat treated to form a shell having firmer, more dense portions and softer, less dense portions.

Abstract: A method of releasing thin discs during molding forms discs with a central aperture with a thin gate connecting the molded disc to a sprue. A male cutter advances under pressure control of an actuator operating the male cutter and implements releasing of the molded discs from the surfaces of a stamper and a mirror plate during mold closing. The molded disc and the sprue are ejected by a center pin in the mold opening operation.

Abstract: A molded product which is molded with thermoplastic resin by a thermal deposition method. The method uses a substantially ring-shaped resistance heating element. A hole is provided for impressing the voltage by inserting the electrode from this hole and impressing the voltage to the resistance heating element. Thereafter the hole is blocked. The electric resistance heating body is disposed between the composition planes of the parts which are to form a body.

Abstract: Into the cavity formed by closing a stationary mold with a movable mold, material is filled through a gate portion of a female cutter. After the material is filled into the cavity, a male cutter is advanced at a high speed from a starting position S to a vicinity position P of the female cutter, at the position P the advance speed is changed to a low speed and the male cutter advances at the low speed to an advancing limit position E to carry out the gate cutting. Then, the filled material solidifies while being cooled.

Abstract: A bulk superconductor is produced by subjecting REBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.y oxide to oxygen annealing after many holes have been formed in the oxide body.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a screen useful for forming three-dimensional films, the screens and the three-dimensional films produced using those screens are disclosed. In forming a screen, a substrate material is applied to a base. A predetermined amount of portions of the substrate are removed to form a predetermined pattern in the substrate. A screen material is applied to the patterned substrate material. A predetermined amount of portions of the screen material are removed to form a predetermined pattern in the screen material. The predetermined pattern in the screen defines a plurality of first perforations in the screen material. The substrate material is removed from the screen material, such that second perforations are formed in the screen, whereby each first perforation is in communication with an adjacent second perforation.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards several methods for forming liquid filled centers from thermoplastic materials, including methods for sealing the liquid filled centers subsequent to filling with liquid. The methods exploit the beneficial processing characteristics of thermoplastic materials so as to provide efficient methods for producing liquid filled center cores.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing at least one insertion label on a tool of a machine, the insertion label being insertable into a mold half of a tool of a plastics processing machine, in particular injection molding machine or deep-drawing machine. In this method insertion labels are punched out of label web material by means of a punching device consisting essentially of a punching plate and a cutting tool. The insertion labels are transferred by a carrier, which belongs to the punching device, to the tool of the machine and are discharged for insertion thereinto. So far a great problem has consisted in performing such a transfer in such a manner that the insertion label is positioned in a sufficiently precise manner without creases.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of embedding separated elements in a molded member wherein at least one side of the separated elements is covered by the molded member. The separated elements are interconnected by links to form a unitary member, which is disposed in a mold cavity formed by first and second mold plates. A support pin positioned on a first side of the unitary member supports the unitary member while a punch pin is extended toward a second side of the unitary member and through the link interconnecting the elements so as to sever the link. At least one of the punch pins or the support pins is retracted away from at least one side of the separated elements before injecting a molten material into the cavity so as to form the molded member.

Abstract: A sheet of expanded plastics material with absorbent properties towards aqueous liquids has a structure with intercommunicating cells and comprises at least one surfactant and at least one lubricating agent. The invention also relates to a tray (1) of plastics material for foods which may release liquids, comprising a base (2) and side walls (3), wherein the base (2) has holes (4) of 0.1-1.5 mm diameter in the surface (4) which is intended to contact the food, and is produced from a sheet as described above. Methods of producing the sheet and the tray are also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for encapsulating one or more small electronic devices, including for example light-emitting diodes, mounted directly on a substrate by providing a three-dimensional formation on the substrate adjacent to the device and injection molding a thermoplastic encapsulating material to cover the device and extend over the three-dimensional formation on the substrate and wherein the encapsulating material mechanically bonds to the three-dimensional formation. A gate plate for use in injection molding a thermoplastic encapsulating material over a small electronic device mounted directly on a substrate including a cavity formed to enclose the device, and a short gate formed entirely within the gate plate having an input for receiving an encapsulating material and an output communicating with the cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide for the assembly of a multiply shaped fiber preform, the apparatus using a shaping tool having the shape of the desired part, and one or more secondary location tools, can be positioned on the shaping tool, so as to simulate a flat shape. The location tools include a number of upwardly extending location pins, such that a number of plies can be assembled in a vertical stack using the pins to assure ply to ply accuracy and orientation. After assembly, the plies are engaged in a localized portion of the assembly so as to hold the plies in register, with the secondary tools then removed and the plies then formed to shape over the tool surfaces. Utilizing the apparatus and method of the invention maintains multiple plies in register during the assembly and forming process to assure part reproducibility, in an automated process.

Abstract: A packaging tray for use with food such as meat or fish formed from a hollow plastics material board, the base portion (14) of the tray having holes (16) formed in the upper portion thereof and the holes having a lip (18) which is at least partly removed on the top side. The tray is preferably formed from corrugated plastics material sheet of a recyclable material such as polyolefin. The holes are star-shaped and channels are formed through the lip in the interstices between adjacent points of the star allowing liquor to drain into the interior of the board but not back out again.

Abstract: The breast appliance and method of making of the present invention is adaptive to a variety of situations ranging from a first embodiment where impressions of both breasts of a client are available for molding, a second embodiment where a single breast is available for molding, a third embodiment where a sensitive nipple or an augmentative breast appliance is to be formed, and a fourth embodiment where breast appliances are formed from a client having neither breast available for molding.If client's impression is made before surgery, a positive impression can be made directly from a negative mold. A molded silicone form or clay form is used to prepare a breast appliance front mold and a breast appliance back mold. Skin type nipple and breast skin silicone is first introduced into the mold before closure. After closure, a silicone gel is introduced into the cured skin silicone envelope, with removal of air and bubbles using an exit tube.

Abstract: A board of foamed polyolefin is extruded and is foamed with a blowing agent that can be halogen-free hydrocarbon or CO.sub.2. To reduce the content of blowing agent, the board is needle-punched within three hours after extrusion to a perforation depth in the range of 60 to 97% of the board thickness. Such a board has good thermal stability.

Abstract: A system for staking a haptic to an optic to form an intraocular lens using a laser beam operating near the infrared range with a coaxial aiming laser beam operating in the visible range. A portion of the haptic is inserted into the optic through a radial bore and is exposed through an axial bore spanning from the optic upper surface to the radial bore. The coaxial laser beams are collimated and then focused using a microscope objective through the axial bores, onto the exposed haptic. Aiming of the coaxial beams onto the optic and haptic is aided by the use of a magnifying CCD camera positioned with its optical axis at a 45.degree. angle to the optic horizontal plane. The coaxial lasers, which are typically focused to a minor diameter which is greater than or equal to the inner diameter of the axial bore, make contact with the exposed haptic. Consequently, the haptic is melted and is then allowed to cool, coalescing into a bead staking the haptic to the optic.

Abstract: A composite camel structure includes an elongate hollow, rigid cylindrical core, opposite ends of the core having respective caps sealingly connected thereto, a buoyant material of cured urethane foam substantially filling the core and being sealingly enclosed therein. A cushion is thermally bonded to and sealingly surrounds the core, the cushion having a substantially unbroken outside surface, being formed of a polymeric component consisting of polyethylene being at least 80 percent low-density polyethylene, and a process additive component including an effective amount of an ultraviolet inhibitor. A pair of parallel-spaced, transversely oriented guides extend between opposite sides of the cushion in axially spaced relation to the core, each guide defining a guide opening through the cushion for receiving hawser chains whereby the camel structure rides up and down with the tide.

Abstract: A tamper-evident closure seal for containers such as syringes or syringes with an attached needle. The seal includes a plurality of slits therein which inhibit removal of the seal from the container once the seal has been placed on the container. The method includes deformation of a portion of the slitted area of the seal in order to strengthen the seal in the area of the slits so as to improve removeability of the seal from its release liner prior to attachment thereof to the container, without inadvertent or premature destruction of the seal.

Abstract: Pockets for clay jars are made without adding clay after throwing the shape of the jar by cutting an arcuate slot into the jar; pushing the inside wall of the jar to open the slot, pressing the outside surface of the jar above the slot inward, rounding the ends of the slot, smoothing the lower edge of the slot, holding a pocket mold against the jar, pressing the inside wall of the jar located below the slot into the mold, and removing the mold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing polyarylene sulfide fibers, particularly polyphenylene sulfide fibers, comprising melt blowing a blend of polyarylene sulfide and a polyolefin, wherein the polyolefin is present in the blend in an amount of up to about 40% by weight of the total blend. The present invention also provides fibers, webs, and other products prepared in accordance with the present inventive method.

Abstract: A molded foam article with an integral skin is produced by blow-molding a parison in a cavity of a metal mold to form a hollow member, filling the hollow member with pre-expanded thermoplastic resin besides before cooling and solidification of the hollow member, and heating the pre-expanded beads to cause the beads to expand further and fuse together. A filler for the pre-expanded thermoplastic resin beads is provided with a cutter for making a hole in the hollow member before introducing the resin beads into the hollow member.

Abstract: Lining tube material including a curable latent resin system for lining underground pipelines and passageways is prepared as a large supply. Measured lengths are taken from the supply as needed by measuring the length (for a particular length of passageway to be lined) followed by curing the resin of the material along a short section between the length and the remainder of the supply, and by cutting through the cured section to sever the length from the remainder of the supply leaving a cured and sealing end portion on said length by which the insertion of the length in the pipeline or passageway can be controlled.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved method and apparatus for a forward extrusion piercing which is able to pierce a long through-hole of slenderness (length/hole diameter) 5 or the like in a hot blank with a high accuracy by one stroke of the piercing punch so as to produce hollow metallic products. In the process, a hot blank forged with a determined outer shape is set on a lower die, and an upper die assembly is provided with the piercing punch, a holding guide and an upper die coaxially with the lower die. Downward movement of the upper die assembly enables the holding guide to hold the blank and then the punch moves down with a retention by a through-hole of the holding guide through which the punch passes, against transverse displacement of the punch. The tip of the punch is adapted to enter a through-hole of a receiver die at its lower stroke end in order to cut off redundant piece of the blank.

Abstract: Apparatus for the thermoforming of hollow objects at a base comprises thermoforming of the objects from a sheet of thermoplastics material in a half of a double female mould that can be moved between a forming area against a male die and a discharge area to one or the other side of the forming area. The thermoformed objects are transferred from the discharge area onto a plurality of receiving formers moving sequentially stepwise along a track. One or more processing or handling operations are performed on the objects while the formers are stationary.

Abstract: An improved method for forming a disc substrate having a bottomed centering hole for rotating and driving the disc. The method includes injecting synthetic resin into a mold cavity formed by a first and second metal molds to form the substrate, and punching at least part of the centering hole by a movable member protruded into the mold cavity to form a through-hole. A stamper containing digital information is held in place inside the mold cavity by its inner circumference by means of a vacuum or a magnet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mold apparatus and a process for forming a lid latching mechanism in a thermoplastic container. The lid latching mechanism features a large, trapezoidally-shaped opening hole. The trapezoidal shape has been found to reduce the amount of tearing that can occur along the edges of an opening formed during the thermoforming process. The opening is created by the engagement between a fixed shear key mounted in a first mold member and a movable shear key which has a trapezoidally-shaped cutting surface and is mounted in a second mold member. The movable key travels along an inclined path as the mold members close on a preheated thermoplastic sheet to form a container.