Method and apparatus for crystallizing the neck finish of a molded plastic article
US7485252B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 6, 2006 |
| Grant date | Feb 3, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 6, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S264/90
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus and method for making a molded plastic article having a stretched and crystallized neck finish. In one embodiment, a series of platforms are carried by a conveying apparatus for transporting a series of molded plastic articles along a predetermined path of travel through one or more treatment stations. At a finish widening station, the molded article, having a relatively wide and thin-walled blow-molded body portion, and a relatively narrow and thick-walled unexpanded neck finish portion, is positioned to enable insertion of a mandrel into an open top aperture of the finish portion to widen the finish. The mandrel may include a lower heated tapered portion for expanding the finish, and an upper cooled body portion on which the expanded finish may be cooled. The article may then be sent to a finish crystallizing station having a heating device that heats the widened finish portion for a time and temperature selected to crystallize at least a portion of the widened finish. A sizing mechanism positionable in the widened finish supports the finish during crystallization.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.