Compartmented disposable food service articles with angular junctions thermoformed with plug-assist
US6371327B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 31, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 16, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 31, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/712
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Compartmented food service articles with sharp angular junctions are thermoformed utilizing a plug-assisted thermoforming process. The plug is employed in connection with a thermoforming mold having a plurality of rib portions which project axially from a substantially planar mold surface of the thermoforming mold, and which rib portions define a plurality of angular junctions with the substantially planar mold surface. The plug includes a plurality of rib relief portions positioned and configured to fit about the rib portions of the mold in a forming operation at an axial clearance distance of about 0.125 inches or less from the angular junction of the rib portions of the mold with the substantially planar mold surface. The plug is also provided with a plurality of substantially vertical wall rib relief portions configured and dimensioned to be substantially vertically aligned with said angular junctions of the rib portions of the mold with the substantially planar mold surface, the vertical wall portions being adjacent a plurality of angular corner portions transitioning between the vertical wall rib relief portions of the plug and a bottom surface thereof.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.