MXPA98009826A - Method to produce a divid container - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for producing a divided package of the present invention includes the steps of providing a preform having an inner surface, separately forming an internal wall for insertion into the preform, inserting the inner wall into the preform, preparing for molding and molding the preform and the inner wall in the divided container, and activating a way to secure the inner wall to the internal surface of the preform during the preparation step. A system for forming a divided package according to the present invention includes a preform that includes an inner surface surrounding a cavity, an internal wall formed separately from the preform, the inner wall including a way of securing the preform to the application of heat thereto, and a molding device for molding the preform into the container. During the preparation to mold the preform into the container, the preform and the inner wall are heated and the way is activated to secure the inner wall to the inner surface.

Description

METHOD TO PRODUCE A DIVIDED PACKAGE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention is still directed to the molding process of containers, and more particularly, to an improved process for molding divided packages from a preform and an internal wall formed separately, wherein the internal wall is secured to the preform before of the molding of the container. The divided packages and the methods for making them are well known in the art. In most cases a preform for the divided container is used, which preform has integrally formed with it the required divisions or walls and the like to form the partitions of the finished container. That is, typically a complex mold is required for injection molding or otherwise forming a reformation having integral partitions that extend through the cavity itself. In the case of a simple preform, it can be formed having a hollow cavity and a separately formed partition subsequently secured therein. In such cases, assuring the division to the internal surface of the preform is problematic since the preform must be bordered to maintain its engagement with the internal surface of the preform during the subsequent blow molding operations to form the container. Furthermore, to resist expansion during the molding and its assurance with the internal surface of the preform, the division must reliably maintain its engagement with the inner wall of the container after the container was formed. Even another method of forming a divided container is for injection molding the entire container of a construction that includes the partitions. Typically, large and complex multiple injection molds are required for this method. The prior art includes a plurality of divided packages, none of which solves the problems in the formation of divided packages, as stated above. U.S. Patent 5,398,828 to Valyi discloses a blow molded plastic package that includes an internal support and handles. The blow molded container includes at least one internal support member integral with the internal wall of the body portion for supporting the same. The body portion defines lobes connected together by depressions defining a handle. The depressions are supported by the internal support member. The internal support member is formed integral with the preform during the molding thereof and is then blow molded between the internal member of the container. U.S. Patent 5,135,823 to Eales discloses a modular multi-compartment blow-molded container. The container includes dividing means for forming the compartments therein which initially form portions of a mold for the container. When the molding is completed, the dividing means form part of the container, with the molded plastic material of the container substantially enclosing the dividing means. In another embodiment, the packages are modular, wherein the adapted coupling means are formed in coherent walls of separate container portions which are subsequently attached to the "molding." The container portions may be made removably or permanently joined together. , in this container, the divisions are provided during the molding of the container, wherein the partitions are a part of the mold which are adapted to become part of the container US Patent 5,232,108 to Nakamura discloses a preform having an internal dividing wall and a process for making a container, plastic therefrom having an internal partition wall The preform has an internal partition wall formed to extend through the interior of the body portion of the preform and to the bottom portion The inner dividing wall is injection molded together with the remaining portion of the prefix during injection. mation of it. The same wall is subsequently blow molded within the division of the container. The North American Patent "4, 277,000 for Jaarsma describes multi-compartment packaging. The multi-compartment containers include a molded body and a molded lid secured thereto. The body includes a confining wall that forms a space, an internal dividing wall that forms separate compartments within the space and a base. A fluid seal is formed by the confinement wall and the inner surface of the container body. The complete package is formed from injection molding, including the formation of the dividing wall. U.S. Patent 4,065,536 to Lucus discloses a method for making a bulbous shaped container divided precisely. The package is formed from a preform having a division integrally formed therein during the formation of the preform. Accordingly, the division into integral with the remaining body portion of the preform. PCT Application GB89 / 01362 describes a divided plastic container. The package is formed from an injection molded preform, wherein the preform has a division formed integrally therewith which is also formed during the injection molding process. The preform and the division are formed after the blowing of a container having a division therein. - There is a need, therefore, for an improved process to form a divided container whose process allows the use of a simple preform and provides a reliable way to join a split formed separately thereto and to hold the joint during the formation of the container to be formed for which and for the container after training.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The main object of this invention is to provide an improved method for forming divided packages. Another object of this invention is to provide a method for forming divided packages, wherein the divided package is formed from a preform that includes an internal wall formed separately reliably affixed therein. Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved method for forming a divided package, the package of which is formed from a preform including an internal wall formed separately and whose internal wall is secured to the inner surfaces of the preform and the container by means of heat activated adhesive which is activated by before and / or during the molding preparation - and molding of the preform. The above objects and the following advantages are achieved by the method for producing a divided container of the present invention comprising the steps of providing a preform having an inner surface; forming an internal wall separately for insertion into the preform; insert the inner wall inside the preform; preparing for molding and molding the preform and an inner wall within the divided container; and activating a way to secure the inner wall to the inner surface of the preform during the preparation stage. Objects and advantages are also achieved by a subject to form a divided container according to the present invention comprising a preform including an interior surface defining a cavity; an internal wall formed separately from the preform, the inner wall including means for securing the preform by applying heat thereto, and means for molding the preform within the container. During the preparation for the molding in the container by means of the molding means, the preform and the inner wall are heated and the securing means are activated, thus securing the inner wall to the inner surface.

The details of the present invention are set forth in the following description and drawings in which similar reference numerals illustrate similar elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic view of a process for forming a divided package according to the principles of the present invention; Figure 2 is a view in eva luation of a preform used according to the principles of the present invention in the method shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of an internal wall used in the preform shown in Figure 2 for the method of Figure 1; Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in Figure 2; Figure 5 is a perspective view of an example of a package formed in accordance with the method of the present invention; and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view similar to that shown in Figure 4 but describing an alternative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY Referring to the drawings in detail, a schematic view of a process for forming a divided container is shown in Figure 1, the process of which is generally designated 10. The process generally includes stage 12, molding or provide a preform; step 14, separately forming an internal wall for insertion into the preform; step 16, inserting the inner wall into the cavity of the preform; step 18, prepare the preform for molding and activate a manner to secure the inner wall to the internal surface of the preform; and stage 20, smelling the preform and inner wall within a divided container. These stages of the process are discussed in more detail below. In step 12, and referring to Figure 2, a preform 21 is formed in accordance with known methods, ie preferably injection molded to have a well-known preform that includes a body portion 22, and a threaded portion. and / or of flange 24, whose portions 22 and 24 define a cavity 26 surrounded by an internal surface 28. As shown in both Figures 2 and 4, the inner surface 28 is formed with slots 30a and 30b extending longitudinally in the same to receive the inner wall 32. In stage 14, and referring to the Figures 3 and 4, the inner wall 32 is formed separately from the preform 21 in a size to fit within the cavity 26 in the preform 21. Preferably the inner wall 32 is longitudinal and rectangular in shape having contact edges 34a and 34b for insertion into the slots 30a and 30b, respectively, and includes the faces 35a and 35b. As shown in Figures 2-4, the inner wall 32 is dimensioned to fit within the cavity 26 of the preform 21 and extend, through the cavity 26, thereby forming two compartments 36 and 38. In the step 16, the inner wall 32 is inserted into the cavity 26 of the preform 21 in the slots 30a and 30b, as shown in Figure 3. In step 18, the preform 21 is prepared for blow molding by heating and consequently, the inner wall 32 is secured to the inner surface 28 of the preform 21 of the grooves 30. This step is preferably achieved by using a heating element (not shown) and a heat activated adhesive 39 which is covered by the wall internal 32, as shown in Figure 4, preferably on the edges 34a and 34b and preferably on at least a portion of the faces 35a and 35b in the areas 40a and 40b immediately adjacent the edges 34a and 34b. The adhesive 39 can also extend over all of the faces 35a and 35b. Therefore, as the preform is heated for blow molding in step 18, the adhesive 39 is activated and therefore secures the inner wall 32 at the edges 34a and 34b and the longitudinal areas 40a and 40b to the walls of the walls. slots 30a and 30b formed in the preform 21. Once the inner wall is securely supported on the inner surface 28 of the preform 21, the actual blow molding stage, the step 20 is executed, thereby extending the inner wall 32 a - through the full diameter of the container being formed. Accordingly, the adhesive 39 is adapted to have a temperature activation scale that is effectively activated in the temperature range of preparation of the blow molding. By activation, the adhesives may become tacky, melted or chemically activated to cause adhesion to the inner surface 28 of the preform 21. A number of adhesives having such properties are known in the art and therefore, any such adhesives. it can be used successfully, and a particular selection can be determined by the preparation requirements of the selected molding material. For some adhesives complete activation and reliable adhesion may occur during the actual molding stage. In step 20, the preform 21 is molded into the divided container 41, shown in Figure 5, preferably using a blow molding technique well known in the art. During blow molding or the like and in the scenario where PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is used, the temperature reached by the molding is typically 95 ° -110 ° C, in which scale, the selected adhesive 39 is preferably activated. Accordingly, the package 41 shown in Figure 5 is formed having an internal wall reliably secured therein. Preferably, although not required, the inner wall is of such length that it does not extend the full length of the body portion of the package 41, as shown, allowing fluid flow below the inner wall. Alternatively, if desired, the inner wall can extend the entire length of the container from the base to the neck to form separate self-contained compartments. The inner wall can be used, for example, to play games or to display things such as advertisements or the like, or to hold an integral handle, or to form separate compartments. Referring again to stage 18 and now to Figure 6, an alternative embodiment of the wall 32 for increasing the strength of the joint between the inner wall 32 and the inner surface 28 of the preform 21 is shown. In this embodiment, the ends of the inner wall are formed into similar members, still hook 42a and 42b, the outer surfaces of which include the edges 34a and 34b. By forming longitudinally extending ends of the inner wall 32 within the still similar hook members 42a and 42b, the increased surface areas 44a and 44b, defined by the outer surface of the similar members still hook and that include the edges 34 and 34b are obtained for improved securing to the surfaces of the grooves 3 Cha and 30b. In this embodiment, the adhesive 39 is preferably dispersed on all of the external surfaces 44a and 44b of the similar members still hook 42a and 42b and the similar hook members 42a and 42b are preferably of a size to fit closely within the slots 30a and 30b, respectively. Accordingly, when the adhesive 39 is activated during heating during the blow molding preparation and / or during molding, all of the outer surfaces 44a and 44b of the still-like hook members 42a and 42b are edged to adhere to the surface of the grooves 30a and 30b, respectively, thereby obtaining a stronger connection between the inner wall 32 and the inner surface 28 of the preform 21. While an inner wall has been shown in the present only two faces to form only two compartments, it is understood that several internal walls of different shape, such as those having more than two faces, can be used to form any number of compartments in the package 41. That is, an inner wall having a cross section that resembles the inside of a peace sign or a sum sign can also be used with the method described herein to form containers They have three or four compartments, respectively. A variety of other ways to form even more compartments can also be used. For those embodiments, the same slot and adhesive arrangements can be used to achieve a secure bond between the inner wall and the preform and the inner wall and the container. The main advantage of this invention is that an improved method for forming divided packages is provided. Another advantage of this invention is that a method for forming divided packages is provided, wherein the divided package is formed from a preform that includes an internal wall formed by a separate reliably secured thereto. Yet another advantage of this invention is that an improved condition is provided for forming a divided package, the package of which is formed from a preform that includes an internal wall formed separately and whose internal wall is securely attached to the inner surfaces of the preform and the container by means of heat activated adhesive which is activated before and / or during the molding of the preform in the package. It is understood that the invention is not limited to the illustrations described and shown herein, which are considered to be only illustrative of the best modes of carrying out the invention, and which are susceptible to modification of the shape, size, arrangement or parts and details of operation. The invention is intended to ship all those modifications that are within its spirit and scope as defined within the claims.

Claims (18)

1. A method for producing a divided, blow molded container comprising the steps of: providing a preform having a closed bottom, side walls, an "open end and an inner surface, separately forming an internal dividing wall for insertion within of the preform, the inner wall 'having contact edges for engagement with the inner surface, inserting the inner wall into the preform with means for securing the contact edges to the inner surface provided between the contact edges and the internal surface, and securing the contact edges to the internal surface by said means, to ensure the internal shape, a division that extends longitudinally in said preform, a preform and an inner wall within the divided container, with the divided container which has an internal diameter; wherein the inner surface includes slots for engagement with the contact edges; and wherein the molding comprises blow molding the preform which includes extending the inner wall through the internal diameter of the container.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the inner wall has a length and said grooves extend a substantial portion of said length.

3. The method according to claim 1, which includes the step of heating the preform to secure the edges of contact with the inner surface.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the securing means comprises a heat activated adhesive, which includes the step of activating said heat activated adhesive during the heating step to secure the inner wall to the inner surface.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the contact edges are bent to facilitate increased engagement with the inner surface.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the inner wall is a substantially flat, elongate internal wall, adapted to extend through the diameter of the p or f.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the insertion step includes the step of sliding the inner wall into the grooves formed within the inner surface.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of providing comprises the injection molding of said preform.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the securing means comprises a heat activated adhesive and indicates the activation of said means for securing the heat activated adhesive which becomes at least one of sticky, melted or chemically activated to facilitate the assurance.

10 The method according to claim 1, including the step of forming the internal partition wall without openings therein.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the divided package defines separate self-contained compartments.

12. A system for forming a divided blow molded container, comprising: a preform including a closed bottom, side walls and an open end and an inner surface surrounding a cavity; an inner wall formed separately from the preform, the inner wall including contact edges for engagement with the inner surface and including means for securing the contact edges to the inner surface by applying heat thereto to form a division extending longitudinally internal in said preform; means for blow molding the preform in the package, including extending the inner wall through the internal diameter of the package; wherein the inner surface includes slots for engagement with the contact edges; and wherein during the preparation for molding the preform into the package by means of said molding means, the preform and the inner wall are heated and the securing means are activated, thus securing the inner wall to the inner surface .

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the inner wall has a length and said grooves extend a substantial portion of said length.

14. The system according to claim 12, wherein the inner wall is an elongate substantially flat internal wall, adapted to extend through the diameter of the preform.

15. The system according to claim 12, wherein the preform is injection molded.

16. The system according to claim 12, wherein the edges are bent to form longer surfaces for contact with the inner surface.

17. The system according to claim 12, wherein the means for securing comprises a heat activated adhesive.

18. The system according to claim 12, wherein the preform is formed from polyethylene terephthalate and the means for securing comprises a heat activated adhesive adapted to become activated to the heating required by the preform formed from polyethylene terephthalate. to be prepared for molding.