US20050249902A1 - Compression over-molding container preforms - Google Patents
Compression over-molding container preforms Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050249902A1 US20050249902A1 US10/841,773 US84177304A US2005249902A1 US 20050249902 A1 US20050249902 A1 US 20050249902A1 US 84177304 A US84177304 A US 84177304A US 2005249902 A1 US2005249902 A1 US 2005249902A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- shell
- preform
- plastic
- compression
- polymer
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
- B29C43/02—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
- B29C43/18—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. compression moulding around inserts or for coating articles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C49/02—Combined blow-moulding and manufacture of the preform or the parison
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/20—Preforms or parisons whereby a specific part is made of only one component, e.g. only one layer
- B29C2949/22—Preforms or parisons whereby a specific part is made of only one component, e.g. only one layer at neck portion
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/20—Preforms or parisons whereby a specific part is made of only one component, e.g. only one layer
- B29C2949/24—Preforms or parisons whereby a specific part is made of only one component, e.g. only one layer at flange portion
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/30—Preforms or parisons made of several components
- B29C2949/3008—Preforms or parisons made of several components at neck portion
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/30—Preforms or parisons made of several components
- B29C2949/3012—Preforms or parisons made of several components at flange portion
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/30—Preforms or parisons made of several components
- B29C2949/3016—Preforms or parisons made of several components at body portion
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/30—Preforms or parisons made of several components
- B29C2949/3016—Preforms or parisons made of several components at body portion
- B29C2949/3018—Preforms or parisons made of several components at body portion partially
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/30—Preforms or parisons made of several components
- B29C2949/302—Preforms or parisons made of several components at bottom portion
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/30—Preforms or parisons made of several components
- B29C2949/3024—Preforms or parisons made of several components characterised by the number of components or by the manufacturing technique
- B29C2949/3026—Preforms or parisons made of several components characterised by the number of components or by the manufacturing technique having two or more components
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/30—Preforms or parisons made of several components
- B29C2949/3024—Preforms or parisons made of several components characterised by the number of components or by the manufacturing technique
- B29C2949/3026—Preforms or parisons made of several components characterised by the number of components or by the manufacturing technique having two or more components
- B29C2949/3028—Preforms or parisons made of several components characterised by the number of components or by the manufacturing technique having two or more components having three or more components
- B29C2949/303—Preforms or parisons made of several components characterised by the number of components or by the manufacturing technique having two or more components having three or more components having more than three components
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C49/22—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor using multilayered preforms or parisons
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2067/00—Use of polyesters or derivatives thereof, as moulding material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2105/00—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped
- B29K2105/25—Solid
- B29K2105/253—Preform
- B29K2105/258—Tubular
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/13—Hollow or container type article [e.g., tube, vase, etc.]
- Y10T428/1352—Polymer or resin containing [i.e., natural or synthetic]
Definitions
- the present invention is directed to compression molding preforms for subsequent blow molding as plastic containers, and more particularly to an article and a method for compression over-molding a preform within or around a pre-made shell.
- the preform typically is injection molded, and includes a body having a closed bottom end and a sidewall extending in a direction axially away from the closed bottom end.
- the preform also includes a neck, which axially terminates the sidewall to define an open end of the preform.
- the perform neck can have one or more threads for receiving a threaded closure to close the container.
- a method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes making a preform for blow molding a plastic container.
- a tubular shell of plastic construction has a closed end and an open end.
- a plastic mold charge is placed within the shell, and a preform body is compression molded within the shell such that the shell is secured to an outer surface of the preform body.
- a tubular shell of plastic construction is provided wherein the shell is open at opposed ends, and a preform body is compression molded externally around the shell.
- An article in accordance with a third aspect of the invention includes a preform that is used in the blow molding of a plastic container.
- the preform includes a plastic shell and a plastic body that is compression over-molded to the plastic shell.
- FIG. 1A illustrates a compression molding apparatus according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which a charge of preform material is located within a pre-made shell, which is inserted within a mold cavity;
- FIG. 1B illustrates the compression molding apparatus of FIG. 1A wherein a core pin has been driven into the mold cavity to compression over-mold the preform material within the pre-made shell to produce a completed preform;
- FIG. 2 illustrates the completed preform produced by the apparatus of FIG. 1B ;
- FIG. 2A illustrates an enlarged view of a sidewall of the preform of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 2B illustrates an enlarged view of a sidewall according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the preform material is multilayered;
- FIG. 2C illustrates an enlarged view of a sidewall according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the shell material is multilayered;
- FIG. 3 illustrates a compression molding apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which a charge of preform material is located within a compression mold cavity and a pre-made shell is loaded to a compression core pin;
- FIG. 4 illustrates a preform produced by the apparatus of FIG. 3 , in which the preform material is compression over-molded around the pre-made shell;
- FIG. 5 illustrates a preform according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the pre-made shell is substantially tubular without a flange at an upper end thereof;
- FIG. 6 illustrates a preform according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the preform material has been compression molded within the pre-made shell.
- FIGS. 1A through 2C illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1A illustrates a compression molding apparatus 10 that is used in accordance with a process of the present invention.
- the compression molding apparatus 10 includes a core pin 12 positioned above a compression mold 14 .
- the compression mold 14 includes a closed bottom end 16 , a body portion 18 , and a finish portion 20 that define a mold cavity 22 .
- a pre-made component, liner, sleeve or shell 24 is placed in the compression molding apparatus 10 prior to compression molding.
- the pre-made shell 24 preferably is composed of a relatively inexpensive polymeric material such as a regrind polymer, post consumer resin, lower IV material and the like.
- the shell 24 is circumferentially continuous and may be produced in an upstream manufacturing operation such as injection molding, thermoforming, cutting from swaged tube stock or the like. In any case, this embodiment involves loading the shell 24 all the way down into the mold cavity 22 of the mold 14 , such that the top of the shell 24 is positioned just below the finish portion 20 of the mold 14 .
- a compression overmolding process follows, wherein a charge 26 of polymeric material is placed or fed into the mold cavity 22 within the interior of the shell 24 .
- the charge 26 is soft or molten, and thereby conforms to and fills the lower end of the shell 24 .
- the core pin 12 and mold 14 are positioned in vertical alignment, and the core pin 12 is moved into the mold 14 to compression mold the charge 26 over and within the interior of the shell 24 .
- a preform body 28 is thus molded over the shell 24 between the core pin 12 and mold 14 .
- Mold charge 26 can be of any suitable polymer intent, such as polyester, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN).
- FIG. 2 illustrates a preform 30 produced by the apparatus and process described above.
- the preform 30 includes a closed bottom end 32 defined by a closed bottom end 32 a of the shell 24 and by a closed bottom end 32 b of the preform body 28 .
- a sidewall 34 extends in a direction axially away from the closed bottom end 32 , and terminates in an open end 36 opposite from the closed bottom end 32 .
- the preform body 28 is formed within the shell 24 , such that the shell 24 is secured to the outer surface of the preform body 28 .
- the preform body 28 extends from the closed bottom end 32 to the open end 36 where the preform body 28 includes a finish portion 38 and a flange 40 .
- the shell 24 does not extend all the way from the closed bottom end 32 to the open end 36 but, rather, stops short at an open end 42 just beneath the flange 40 of the preform body 28 .
- FIGS. 2A-2C generally illustrate enlarged views of the sidewall 34 of the preform 30 of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 2A illustrates an enlarged portion of the sidewall 34 showing the shell 24 disposed on the outside of the preform body 28 , wherein both the shell 24 and preform body 28 are of monolayer construction.
- FIG. 2B illustrates a sidewall 134 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the shell 24 is of monolayer construction, but an alternative preform body 128 is composed of multiple layers, such as three layers as shown.
- FIG. 2C illustrates another sidewall 234 according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the preform body 28 is a of monolayer construction, but an alternative shell 224 is composed of multiple layers, such as three layers as shown.
- FIGS. 2A-2C generally illustrate enlarged views of the sidewall 34 of the preform 30 of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 2A illustrates an enlarged portion of the sidewall 34 showing the shell 24 disposed on the outside of the preform body 28 ,
- the multiple-layers may be composed of, for example, outside layers of virgin PET and an interior layer of barrier resin such as nylon or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH).
- the outside layers may be composed of different materials such as virgin PET and post consumer resin.
- a method for compression molding such stratified layers is disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/746,404, which is assigned to the assignee hereof and is incorporated by reference herein.
- the preform 30 preferably is composed in a ratio of about 90% regrind polymer, post consumer resin, lower IV material, or the like and about 10% virgin polymer, which preferably is composed of about 10% polycarbonate, polycarbonate blends, PEN or PEN blends and about 90% PET for low cost, high temperature applications. More specifically, it is preferred that the shell be composed of about 10% high IV or high temperature polymeric material and about 90% low IV polymeric material. (IV is intrinsic viscosity measured according to ASTM D-5225-92.)
- FIG. 3 illustrates a compression molding apparatus 310 that is used in accordance with of this second embodiment of the present invention.
- the compression molding apparatus 310 includes a core pin 312 positioned above a compression mold 314 .
- the compression mold 314 includes a closed bottom end 316 , a substantially cylindrical body portion 318 and a finish portion 320 that together define a mold cavity 322 .
- this embodiment involves novel steps to produce a multi-layer preform.
- a pre-made component, liner, sleeve, tube or shell 324 is loaded into the compression molding apparatus 310 prior to compression molding.
- the pre-made shell 324 preferably is composed of any polymeric material, such as virgin PET or the like, that is amenable for use with containers—e.g., for holding contents for human consumption.
- the shell 324 may be produced by a process involving injection molding, thermoforming, cutting from swaged tube-stock or the like. In any case, this embodiment involves loading the shell 324 onto and around the core pin 312 .
- the shell 324 includes a flange portion 323 that abuts a flanged portion of the core pin 312 , and further includes an open bottom end 325 . It is, however, contemplated that the bottom end 325 instead may be closed.
- a compression overmolding process follows, wherein a charge 326 of polymeric material is placed or otherwise fed into the mold cavity 322 .
- the charge 326 is soft or molten, and thereby conforms to and fills the lower end of the mold cavity 322 .
- the core pin 312 , with the shell 324 mounted thereto, and the mold 314 are positioned in vertical alignment, and the core pin 312 and shell 324 are moved into the mold 314 to compression mold the charge 326 over and around the exterior of the shell 324 .
- FIG. 4 illustrates a completed preform 330 produced by the apparatus and process described immediately above.
- the preform 330 includes a closed bottom end 332 , a sidewall 334 extending in a direction axially away from the closed bottom end 332 , and an open end 336 opposite of the closed bottom end 332 .
- the compression molding of the charge 326 of FIG. 3 results in the formation of a preform body 328 over and around the exterior of the shell 324 .
- the preform body 328 extends from the closed bottom end 332 to the open end 336 , where the preform body 328 includes a finish portion 338 and a flange 340 .
- FIG. 5 illustrates a preform 430 having a shell 424 made by the process of the present invention, but not including the flange 323 of the shell 324 of FIG. 4 . Rather, the shell 424 is a tubular-shaped component having an open upper end 423 opposite an open lower end 425 .
- the preform body 328 and shell 324 , or 424 may be composed of multi-layer materials.
- the shell 324 , or 424 preferably is composed of virgin polymer, and the preform body 328 composed of a regrind material, post consumer resin, low IV material or the like.
- the preform body 328 may be composed of multiple layers, it is preferable that the innermost layer, which partially defines the interior of the preform 330 or 430 , be composed of a virgin polymer, and the other layers may be composed of regrind material or the like.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a modification to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2 .
- a preform 530 includes a preform body 528 that is partially circumscribed by a modified shell 524 .
- the shell 524 of this embodiment includes a flange 523 that abuts a flange 540 of the preform body 528 , and the shell 524 does not extend all the way from the flange 540 down and around a closed bottom end 532 of the preform. Rather, the shell 524 stops at about a transition point between the sidewall 534 of the preform 530 and the closed bottom end 532 .
- the present invention provides a process for making a preform that is composed of layers of materials so as to reduce material costs yet optimize container properties such as strength and resistance to gas permeability.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention is directed to compression molding preforms for subsequent blow molding as plastic containers, and more particularly to an article and a method for compression over-molding a preform within or around a pre-made shell.
- In the production of hollow plastic containers it is common to form a parison or preform, and then to blow mold the preform to achieve the final shape of a container. The preform typically is injection molded, and includes a body having a closed bottom end and a sidewall extending in a direction axially away from the closed bottom end. The preform also includes a neck, which axially terminates the sidewall to define an open end of the preform. The perform neck can have one or more threads for receiving a threaded closure to close the container.
- A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes making a preform for blow molding a plastic container. According to the method, a tubular shell of plastic construction has a closed end and an open end. A plastic mold charge is placed within the shell, and a preform body is compression molded within the shell such that the shell is secured to an outer surface of the preform body.
- In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided another method of making a preform for blow molding a plastic container. According to this method, a tubular shell of plastic construction is provided wherein the shell is open at opposed ends, and a preform body is compression molded externally around the shell.
- An article in accordance with a third aspect of the invention includes a preform that is used in the blow molding of a plastic container. The preform includes a plastic shell and a plastic body that is compression over-molded to the plastic shell.
- The invention, together with additional objects, features, advantages and aspects thereof, will be best understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1A illustrates a compression molding apparatus according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which a charge of preform material is located within a pre-made shell, which is inserted within a mold cavity; -
FIG. 1B illustrates the compression molding apparatus ofFIG. 1A wherein a core pin has been driven into the mold cavity to compression over-mold the preform material within the pre-made shell to produce a completed preform; -
FIG. 2 illustrates the completed preform produced by the apparatus ofFIG. 1B ; -
FIG. 2A illustrates an enlarged view of a sidewall of the preform ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 2B illustrates an enlarged view of a sidewall according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the preform material is multilayered; -
FIG. 2C illustrates an enlarged view of a sidewall according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the shell material is multilayered; -
FIG. 3 illustrates a compression molding apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which a charge of preform material is located within a compression mold cavity and a pre-made shell is loaded to a compression core pin; -
FIG. 4 illustrates a preform produced by the apparatus ofFIG. 3 , in which the preform material is compression over-molded around the pre-made shell; -
FIG. 5 illustrates a preform according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the pre-made shell is substantially tubular without a flange at an upper end thereof; and -
FIG. 6 illustrates a preform according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the preform material has been compression molded within the pre-made shell. - In general, the present invention relates to a method of making a multi-layer parison or preform by compression molding, and to the resulting preform, wherein the preform is adapted subsequently to be molded into a plastic container. Referring now to the drawing figures,
FIGS. 1A through 2C illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 1A illustrates acompression molding apparatus 10 that is used in accordance with a process of the present invention. Thecompression molding apparatus 10 includes acore pin 12 positioned above acompression mold 14. Thecompression mold 14 includes a closedbottom end 16, abody portion 18, and afinish portion 20 that define amold cavity 22. - A pre-made component, liner, sleeve or
shell 24 is placed in thecompression molding apparatus 10 prior to compression molding. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1A , thepre-made shell 24 preferably is composed of a relatively inexpensive polymeric material such as a regrind polymer, post consumer resin, lower IV material and the like. Theshell 24 is circumferentially continuous and may be produced in an upstream manufacturing operation such as injection molding, thermoforming, cutting from swaged tube stock or the like. In any case, this embodiment involves loading theshell 24 all the way down into themold cavity 22 of themold 14, such that the top of theshell 24 is positioned just below thefinish portion 20 of themold 14. - A compression overmolding process follows, wherein a
charge 26 of polymeric material is placed or fed into themold cavity 22 within the interior of theshell 24. Thecharge 26 is soft or molten, and thereby conforms to and fills the lower end of theshell 24. Thecore pin 12 andmold 14 are positioned in vertical alignment, and thecore pin 12 is moved into themold 14 to compression mold thecharge 26 over and within the interior of theshell 24. As shown inFIG. 1B , apreform body 28 is thus molded over theshell 24 between thecore pin 12 andmold 14.Mold charge 26 can be of any suitable polymer intent, such as polyester, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). -
FIG. 2 illustrates apreform 30 produced by the apparatus and process described above. Thepreform 30 includes a closedbottom end 32 defined by a closedbottom end 32 a of theshell 24 and by a closedbottom end 32 b of thepreform body 28. Asidewall 34 extends in a direction axially away from the closedbottom end 32, and terminates in anopen end 36 opposite from the closedbottom end 32. Thepreform body 28 is formed within theshell 24, such that theshell 24 is secured to the outer surface of thepreform body 28. Thepreform body 28 extends from the closedbottom end 32 to theopen end 36 where thepreform body 28 includes afinish portion 38 and aflange 40. In contrast, theshell 24 does not extend all the way from the closedbottom end 32 to theopen end 36 but, rather, stops short at anopen end 42 just beneath theflange 40 of thepreform body 28. -
FIGS. 2A-2C generally illustrate enlarged views of thesidewall 34 of thepreform 30 ofFIG. 2 .FIG. 2A illustrates an enlarged portion of thesidewall 34 showing theshell 24 disposed on the outside of thepreform body 28, wherein both theshell 24 and preformbody 28 are of monolayer construction.FIG. 2B illustrates asidewall 134 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein theshell 24 is of monolayer construction, but analternative preform body 128 is composed of multiple layers, such as three layers as shown. Similarly,FIG. 2C illustrates anothersidewall 234 according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein thepreform body 28 is a of monolayer construction, but analternative shell 224 is composed of multiple layers, such as three layers as shown. InFIGS. 2B and 2C , the multiple-layers may be composed of, for example, outside layers of virgin PET and an interior layer of barrier resin such as nylon or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). In another example, the outside layers may be composed of different materials such as virgin PET and post consumer resin. A method for compression molding such stratified layers is disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/746,404, which is assigned to the assignee hereof and is incorporated by reference herein. - Regardless of whether the
preform body shell 24 or 124, is individually composed of single or multiple layers, thepreform 30 preferably is composed in a ratio of about 90% regrind polymer, post consumer resin, lower IV material, or the like and about 10% virgin polymer, which preferably is composed of about 10% polycarbonate, polycarbonate blends, PEN or PEN blends and about 90% PET for low cost, high temperature applications. More specifically, it is preferred that the shell be composed of about 10% high IV or high temperature polymeric material and about 90% low IV polymeric material. (IV is intrinsic viscosity measured according to ASTM D-5225-92.) - Referring now to
FIGS. 3 through 5 , there is illustrated a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 3 illustrates acompression molding apparatus 310 that is used in accordance with of this second embodiment of the present invention. Thecompression molding apparatus 310 includes acore pin 312 positioned above acompression mold 314. Thecompression mold 314 includes a closedbottom end 316, a substantiallycylindrical body portion 318 and afinish portion 320 that together define amold cavity 322. As with the embodiment ofFIGS. 1A through 2C , this embodiment involves novel steps to produce a multi-layer preform. - A pre-made component, liner, sleeve, tube or
shell 324 is loaded into thecompression molding apparatus 310 prior to compression molding. In this embodiment, thepre-made shell 324 preferably is composed of any polymeric material, such as virgin PET or the like, that is amenable for use with containers—e.g., for holding contents for human consumption. Theshell 324 may be produced by a process involving injection molding, thermoforming, cutting from swaged tube-stock or the like. In any case, this embodiment involves loading theshell 324 onto and around thecore pin 312. Theshell 324 includes aflange portion 323 that abuts a flanged portion of thecore pin 312, and further includes an openbottom end 325. It is, however, contemplated that thebottom end 325 instead may be closed. - A compression overmolding process follows, wherein a
charge 326 of polymeric material is placed or otherwise fed into themold cavity 322. Thecharge 326 is soft or molten, and thereby conforms to and fills the lower end of themold cavity 322. Thecore pin 312, with theshell 324 mounted thereto, and themold 314 are positioned in vertical alignment, and thecore pin 312 andshell 324 are moved into themold 314 to compression mold thecharge 326 over and around the exterior of theshell 324. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a completedpreform 330 produced by the apparatus and process described immediately above. Thepreform 330 includes a closedbottom end 332, asidewall 334 extending in a direction axially away from the closedbottom end 332, and anopen end 336 opposite of the closedbottom end 332. The compression molding of thecharge 326 ofFIG. 3 results in the formation of apreform body 328 over and around the exterior of theshell 324. Thepreform body 328 extends from the closedbottom end 332 to theopen end 336, where thepreform body 328 includes afinish portion 338 and aflange 340. In contrast, theshell 324 extends from itsflange 323 at theopen end 336 toward the closedbottom end 332, but stops just short at about a transition point between thesidewall 334 and the closedbottom end 332. In a modification of this embodiment,FIG. 5 illustrates apreform 430 having ashell 424 made by the process of the present invention, but not including theflange 323 of theshell 324 ofFIG. 4 . Rather, theshell 424 is a tubular-shaped component having an open upper end 423 opposite an openlower end 425. - As with the embodiment of
FIGS. 1A through 2C , in this embodiment thepreform body 328 andshell shell preform body 328 composed of a regrind material, post consumer resin, low IV material or the like. Where thepreform body 328 may be composed of multiple layers, it is preferable that the innermost layer, which partially defines the interior of thepreform -
FIG. 6 illustrates a modification to the embodiment depicted inFIG. 2 . Here, apreform 530 includes apreform body 528 that is partially circumscribed by a modifiedshell 524. Theshell 524 of this embodiment includes aflange 523 that abuts aflange 540 of thepreform body 528, and theshell 524 does not extend all the way from theflange 540 down and around a closedbottom end 532 of the preform. Rather, theshell 524 stops at about a transition point between thesidewall 534 of thepreform 530 and the closedbottom end 532. - With all of the embodiments and modifications described above, the present invention provides a process for making a preform that is composed of layers of materials so as to reduce material costs yet optimize container properties such as strength and resistance to gas permeability.
- There have thus been described a method and apparatus for compression overmolding a charge of polymeric material with respect to a pre-made sleeve, and a preform made by such method, that fully satisfy all of the objects and aims previously set forth. The present invention has been disclosed in conjunction with two exemplary presently preferred embodiments thereof, and a number of modifications and variations have been discussed. Other modifications and variations will readily suggest themselves to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the foregoing description. Directional words such as “lower”, “bottom”, and the like are employed by way of description and not limitation with respect to the upright orientations of the components illustrated in the drawings. The invention is intended to embrace all modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
Claims (28)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/841,773 US20050249902A1 (en) | 2004-05-07 | 2004-05-07 | Compression over-molding container preforms |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/841,773 US20050249902A1 (en) | 2004-05-07 | 2004-05-07 | Compression over-molding container preforms |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050249902A1 true US20050249902A1 (en) | 2005-11-10 |
Family
ID=35239750
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/841,773 Abandoned US20050249902A1 (en) | 2004-05-07 | 2004-05-07 | Compression over-molding container preforms |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20050249902A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2014082140A2 (en) | 2012-11-30 | 2014-06-05 | Resilux | Overmoulding method for preforms to be converted into containers and device therefor |
WO2016004486A2 (en) | 2014-06-05 | 2016-01-14 | Resilux | Hollow plastic object, particularly ribbed preform for container and method of overmoulding thereof and device therefor |
US20160144552A1 (en) * | 2013-06-27 | 2016-05-26 | Khs Corpoplast Gmbh | Device for heating preforms consisting of thermoplastic material |
JP2017052556A (en) * | 2015-09-11 | 2017-03-16 | 大日本印刷株式会社 | Composite preform, composite container, plastic member and method for manufacturing the same |
JP2021080027A (en) * | 2021-02-18 | 2021-05-27 | 大日本印刷株式会社 | Composite container, manufacturing method of the same, composite preform, and plastic member |
Citations (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3719735A (en) * | 1970-12-21 | 1973-03-06 | Valyi Emery I | Method for molding plastic containers |
US3737259A (en) * | 1971-12-23 | 1973-06-05 | Valyi Emery I | Apparatus for making composite plastic articles |
US3744656A (en) * | 1970-11-16 | 1973-07-10 | Schiemann Dr Wolfram | Container |
US3985257A (en) * | 1975-03-03 | 1976-10-12 | National Distillers And Chemical Corporation | Blow molded industrial drum |
US4507258A (en) * | 1982-08-31 | 1985-03-26 | Katashi Aoki | Method for injection molding a composite parison |
US4715504A (en) * | 1985-10-02 | 1987-12-29 | Owen-Illinois Plastic Products Inc. | Oriented plastic container |
US4901552A (en) * | 1988-02-06 | 1990-02-20 | British Aerospace Plc | Apparatus and a method for fabricating superplastically formed structures |
US5443767A (en) * | 1985-07-10 | 1995-08-22 | Pepsico., Inc. | Process for molding a multiple structure and a container made therein |
US5447766A (en) * | 1990-09-28 | 1995-09-05 | Nissei Asb Machine Co., Ltd. | Plastic vessel preform and mold for forming the same |
US5588544A (en) * | 1989-07-31 | 1996-12-31 | Yamamura Glass Co., Ltd. | Bottle neck structure and a manufacturing method therefor |
US5678711A (en) * | 1996-03-08 | 1997-10-21 | Graham Packaging Corporation | Preform and hot-fill blow-molded container having reinforced finish |
US5762970A (en) * | 1994-12-30 | 1998-06-09 | Yamamura Glass Co., Ltd. | Parison forming apparatus including core insert and parison transfer devices for forming a composite parison |
US5804016A (en) * | 1996-03-07 | 1998-09-08 | Continental Pet Technologies, Inc. | Multilayer container resistant to elevated temperatures and pressures, and method of making the same |
US5902539A (en) * | 1996-12-06 | 1999-05-11 | Continental Pet Technologies, Inc. | Process for making PEN/PET blends and transparent articles therefrom |
US6083449A (en) * | 1998-02-03 | 2000-07-04 | The Elizabeth And Sandor Valyi Foundation, Inc. | Process for producing a container |
US6217818B1 (en) * | 1995-07-07 | 2001-04-17 | Continental Pet Technologies, Inc. | Method of making preform and container with crystallized neck finish |
US6413600B1 (en) * | 1997-05-22 | 2002-07-02 | Plastipak Packaging, Inc. | Multi-layer container and preform and process for obtaining same |
US6428737B1 (en) * | 1995-07-07 | 2002-08-06 | Continental Pet Technologies, Inc. | Sleeve molding |
US20050029712A1 (en) * | 2003-08-05 | 2005-02-10 | Nahill Thomas E. | Continuous production of container preforms |
US20050218103A1 (en) * | 2004-04-01 | 2005-10-06 | Barker Keith J | Preform assembly, container assembly, and method of manufacture |
US20060065992A1 (en) * | 2004-04-16 | 2006-03-30 | Hutchinson Gerald A | Mono and multi-layer articles and compression methods of making the same |
-
2004
- 2004-05-07 US US10/841,773 patent/US20050249902A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3744656A (en) * | 1970-11-16 | 1973-07-10 | Schiemann Dr Wolfram | Container |
US3719735A (en) * | 1970-12-21 | 1973-03-06 | Valyi Emery I | Method for molding plastic containers |
US3737259A (en) * | 1971-12-23 | 1973-06-05 | Valyi Emery I | Apparatus for making composite plastic articles |
US3985257A (en) * | 1975-03-03 | 1976-10-12 | National Distillers And Chemical Corporation | Blow molded industrial drum |
US4507258A (en) * | 1982-08-31 | 1985-03-26 | Katashi Aoki | Method for injection molding a composite parison |
US5443767A (en) * | 1985-07-10 | 1995-08-22 | Pepsico., Inc. | Process for molding a multiple structure and a container made therein |
US4715504A (en) * | 1985-10-02 | 1987-12-29 | Owen-Illinois Plastic Products Inc. | Oriented plastic container |
US4901552A (en) * | 1988-02-06 | 1990-02-20 | British Aerospace Plc | Apparatus and a method for fabricating superplastically formed structures |
US5588544A (en) * | 1989-07-31 | 1996-12-31 | Yamamura Glass Co., Ltd. | Bottle neck structure and a manufacturing method therefor |
US5447766A (en) * | 1990-09-28 | 1995-09-05 | Nissei Asb Machine Co., Ltd. | Plastic vessel preform and mold for forming the same |
US5762970A (en) * | 1994-12-30 | 1998-06-09 | Yamamura Glass Co., Ltd. | Parison forming apparatus including core insert and parison transfer devices for forming a composite parison |
US6217818B1 (en) * | 1995-07-07 | 2001-04-17 | Continental Pet Technologies, Inc. | Method of making preform and container with crystallized neck finish |
US6428737B1 (en) * | 1995-07-07 | 2002-08-06 | Continental Pet Technologies, Inc. | Sleeve molding |
US5804016A (en) * | 1996-03-07 | 1998-09-08 | Continental Pet Technologies, Inc. | Multilayer container resistant to elevated temperatures and pressures, and method of making the same |
US5678711A (en) * | 1996-03-08 | 1997-10-21 | Graham Packaging Corporation | Preform and hot-fill blow-molded container having reinforced finish |
US5902539A (en) * | 1996-12-06 | 1999-05-11 | Continental Pet Technologies, Inc. | Process for making PEN/PET blends and transparent articles therefrom |
US6413600B1 (en) * | 1997-05-22 | 2002-07-02 | Plastipak Packaging, Inc. | Multi-layer container and preform and process for obtaining same |
US6083449A (en) * | 1998-02-03 | 2000-07-04 | The Elizabeth And Sandor Valyi Foundation, Inc. | Process for producing a container |
US20050029712A1 (en) * | 2003-08-05 | 2005-02-10 | Nahill Thomas E. | Continuous production of container preforms |
US20050218103A1 (en) * | 2004-04-01 | 2005-10-06 | Barker Keith J | Preform assembly, container assembly, and method of manufacture |
US20060065992A1 (en) * | 2004-04-16 | 2006-03-30 | Hutchinson Gerald A | Mono and multi-layer articles and compression methods of making the same |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2014082140A2 (en) | 2012-11-30 | 2014-06-05 | Resilux | Overmoulding method for preforms to be converted into containers and device therefor |
US20160144552A1 (en) * | 2013-06-27 | 2016-05-26 | Khs Corpoplast Gmbh | Device for heating preforms consisting of thermoplastic material |
US9751250B2 (en) * | 2013-06-27 | 2017-09-05 | Khs Corpoplast Gmbh | Device for heating preforms consisting of thermoplastic material |
WO2016004486A2 (en) | 2014-06-05 | 2016-01-14 | Resilux | Hollow plastic object, particularly ribbed preform for container and method of overmoulding thereof and device therefor |
JP2017052556A (en) * | 2015-09-11 | 2017-03-16 | 大日本印刷株式会社 | Composite preform, composite container, plastic member and method for manufacturing the same |
JP2021080027A (en) * | 2021-02-18 | 2021-05-27 | 大日本印刷株式会社 | Composite container, manufacturing method of the same, composite preform, and plastic member |
JP7125680B2 (en) | 2021-02-18 | 2022-08-25 | 大日本印刷株式会社 | Composite container and its manufacturing method, composite preform, and plastic member |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP1344618B1 (en) | Synthetic resin biaxial oriented blow formed preform for forming bottle body | |
US5651933A (en) | Method for making multi-layer preform used for plastic blow molding | |
JP2584194B2 (en) | Manufacturing method of preform | |
US5688570A (en) | Method and apparatus for forming a multi-layer preform | |
US9944453B2 (en) | Integrally blow-moulded bag-in-container having an inner layer and the outer layer made of the same material and preform for making it | |
AU2005231754A1 (en) | Preform assembly, container assembly, and method of manufacture | |
US6461697B1 (en) | Polyethylene terephthalate multi-layer preform used for plastic blow molding | |
JP2000511122A (en) | Plastic blow molded container and method of manufacturing the container | |
US20060105127A1 (en) | Blow molded product | |
US6641881B1 (en) | Liner and preform | |
US6319574B1 (en) | Multi-layer plastic preform for blow molding | |
US20050249902A1 (en) | Compression over-molding container preforms | |
CA2516793A1 (en) | Preform assembly, container assembly and method of manufacture | |
WO2023277874A1 (en) | Two-step hope preform and container with high axial stretch ratio | |
MXPA06011100A (en) | Preform assembly, container assembly, and method of manufacture |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CONTINENTAL PET TECHNOLOGIES, INC., OHIO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:LYNCH, BRIAN A.;NAHILL, THOMAS E.;REEL/FRAME:015315/0007 Effective date: 20040422 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GRAHAM PACKAGING PET TECHNOLOGIES, INC., PENNSYLVA Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:CONTINENTAL PET TECHNOLOGIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:016050/0616 Effective date: 20041012 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: DEUTSCHE BANK AG CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH AS SECOND-L Free format text: GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.;REEL/FRAME:015552/0299 Effective date: 20041007 Owner name: DEUTSCHE BANK AG CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH, NEW JERSEY Free format text: GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.;REEL/FRAME:015980/0213 Effective date: 20041007 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P., PENNSYLVANIA Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTERESTS;ASSIGNOR:DEUTSCHE BANK AG, GAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH, AS COLLATERAL AGENT;REEL/FRAME:027011/0572 Effective date: 20110908 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: REYNOLDS GROUP HOLDINGS INC., NEW ZEALAND Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GRAHAM PACKAGING PET TECHNOLOGIES INC.;REEL/FRAME:026970/0739 Effective date: 20110908 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GRAHAM PACKAGING PET TECHNOLOGIES INC., PENNSYLVAN Free format text: TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS;ASSIGNOR:REYNOLDS GROUP HOLDINGS INC.;REEL/FRAME:027895/0814 Effective date: 20120320 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, NEW YORK Free format text: PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GRAHAM PACKAGING PET TECHNOLOGIES INC.;REEL/FRAME:027910/0567 Effective date: 20120320 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GRAHAM PACKAGING PET TECHNOLOGIES INC., PENNSYLVANIA Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN CERTAIN PATENT COLLATERAL;ASSIGNOR:THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, AS THE COLLATERAL AGENT AND TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:053396/0497 Effective date: 20200804 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P., PENNSYLVANIA Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN CERTAIN PATENT COLLATERAL;ASSIGNOR:DEUTSCHE BANK AG CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH, AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND GRANTEE;REEL/FRAME:053414/0001 Effective date: 20200805 |