Mold, mold assembly, and stacked components

Abstract

A mold stack (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) for molding a preform (P) includes a cavity insert (131, 231, 331, 431, 531), a split mold insert (123, 223, 323, 423, 523), and an interface (140, 240, 340, 440, 540) therebetween. The cavity insert has a molding surface (135, 235, 335, 435, 535) that shapes a portion of a body of the preform. The split mold insert has a molding surface (124, 224, 324, 424, 524) that shapes a portion of the body and a radial flange of the preform. The interface includes a non-cooperating portion (141, 241, 341, 441, 541) that surrounds and extends from the molding surface and a cooperating portion (142, 242, 342, 442, 542) that surrounds the non-cooperating portion. When the mold stack is in a molding configuration, the non-cooperating portion shapes a gap (G) between the cavity and the split mold insert when a clamping force is laterally transmitted across the cooperating portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to molding apparatus and related methods. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to mold stacks and their components, mold assemblies, molds, molding systems for molding preforms and other articles (e.g., tubular articles), and related methods. Background Technology

[0002] Molding is a process that uses a molding system (e.g., an injection molding system or a compression molding system) to form molded articles from a molding material (e.g., a plastic material). Various molded articles can be formed using such molding processes, including preforms that can be formed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material. These preforms can then be blow-formed into containers, such as beverage containers, bottles, cans, etc.

[0003] As an illustration, injection molding of a preform involves heating PET material (or other suitable molding material for this purpose) to a homogeneous molten state and injecting the molten material under pressure into a molding cavity at least partially defined by a female cavity part and a male core part. Typically, the female cavity part is mounted to a cavity plate, and the male core part is mounted to a core plate of the mold. The cavity plate and core plate are pressed together and held together by a clamping force sufficient to hold the cavity part and core part together against the pressure of the injected material. The molding cavity has a shape that generally corresponds to the final cold shape of the molded article to be molded. The injected material is then cooled to a temperature sufficient to allow the molded article thus formed to be removed from the molding cavity. As it cools, the molded article shrinks inside the molding cavity, and therefore tends to remain associated with the core part when the cavity plate and core plate are pressed apart.

[0004] Accordingly, by pushing the core plate away from the cavity plate, the molded article can be subsequently demolded by ejecting it from the core. Ejection structures are known to facilitate the removal of the molded article from the core half. Examples of ejection structures include ejector plates, ejector rings and neck rings, ejector pins, etc.

[0005] When processing preforms that can be subsequently blow-blown into beverage containers, one consideration that needs to be addressed is the formation of a so-called "neck region." Typically, and as an example, this neck region includes (i) engaging features, such as threads (or other suitable structures), for receiving and retaining a closure assembly (e.g., a bottle cap), and (ii) a tamper-evident component that, for example, cooperates with the closure assembly to indicate whether the final product (i.e., a beverage container already filled and shipped to a store) has been tampered with in any way. The neck region may include other additional elements for various purposes, such as those cooperating with parts of the molding system (e.g., support frames, etc.). As understood in the art, the neck region cannot be readily formed using cavities and core halves. Typically, a flap-type mold insert (sometimes referred to by those skilled in the art as a "neck ring") is used to form the neck region.

[0006] A typical molding insert stack assembly that can be arranged (in use) within a molding machine includes a pair of interlocking mold inserts that, together with mold cavity inserts, gate inserts, and core inserts, define a molding cavity. Molding material can be injected from a molding material source into the molding cavity via a receiver or port in the gate insert to form a molded article. To facilitate the formation of the neck region of the molded article and subsequent removal therefrom, the interlocking mold insert pair includes a pair of complementary interlocking mold inserts mounted on adjacent slides of a slide pair. The slide pair is slidably mounted on the top surface of the ejector plate.

[0007] As is generally known, the ejector platen is configured to move relative to the cavity insert and core insert when the mold is arranged in an open configuration. A pair of sliding members and a complementary interlocking mold insert mounted thereon can be laterally driven via a cam arrangement or any other suitable known method for releasing the molded article from the mold cavity. One of the functions performed by the interlocking mold insert pair is to aid in ejecting the molded article from the core insert by allowing the molded article to typically “slide” from the core insert into the cooling pipes of a post-mold cooling unit mounted to downstream processing equipment.

[0008] During demolding, the demolding plate and core plate remain together as they are pushed apart. The interface between the split mold insert and the feature in the neck region helps hold the molded article to the core insert, which can be crucial for some preform designs. In the past, mold stacks were designed such that one part of the support frame was formed by the split mold insert, while another part was formed by the cavity insert. While this design approach offers advantages as understood by those skilled in the art, it can lead to so-called thread pull (thread deformation) for some preform designs. Therefore, encapsulating the support frame within a split mold insert is beneficial in avoiding such drawbacks.

[0009] However, encapsulating the support frame within the interlocking mold insert requires it to also form part of the main body of the preform, which, as those skilled in the art will understand, will have a negative impact on ejection performance. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This invention is particularly aimed at providing an apparatus that minimizes the body portion formed by a flap-type mold insert. The invention specifically, but not exclusively, relates to mold stacks and their components, molds, mold assemblies, molding systems, and related methods for manufacturing tubular articles (e.g., preforms). The article may have a neck portion, which may have an open end. The article may have a hollow body portion, which may have a closed end. The neck portion may include one or more radial flanges that may extend outwards. The neck portion may include engagement features, such as threads or snap-fit ​​closures. The preform and / or the neck portion may include any one or more other features formed with respect to known preform designs. Furthermore, any of the aforementioned features formed with respect to known mold stacks and their components, molds, and molding systems may be incorporated into the mold stack, mold, and molding system according to the invention, provided that they are consistent with the disclosure herein.

[0011] According to a first broad aspect of the invention, a mold stack is provided, comprising a cavity insert and a snap-fit ​​mold insert, and having an interface between the cavity insert and the snap-fit ​​mold insert, wherein the interface comprises a non-fitting portion and a fitting portion, the non-fitting portion at least partially surrounding, and / or engaging with, and / or extending from the molding surface of each of the cavity insert and the snap-fit ​​mold insert, and the fitting portion at least partially surrounding the non-fitting portion.

[0012] A non-mating portion is provided that surrounds and extends from the molding surface and is surrounded by the mating portion, so that the non-mating portion can be isolated from the clamping load, which would otherwise exert stress on the area of ​​the adjacent radial flange of the interlocking mold insert.

[0013] Another broad aspect of the invention provides a mortise-and-tenon mold insert comprising a non-molding portion and a mating portion, the non-molding portion at least partially surrounding, and / or coupled to, and / or extending from the molding surface, and the mating portion at least partially surrounding the non-molding portion.

[0014] Another broad aspect of the invention provides a cavity insert comprising a non-molding portion and a mating portion, the non-molding portion at least partially surrounding, and / or coupled to, and / or extending from the molding surface, and the mating portion at least partially surrounding the non-molding portion.

[0015] Flap-type mold inserts and / or cavity inserts can be used in mold stacks for molding tubular articles having a neck portion with radial flanges and an open end, and a hollow body portion with a closed end. The molding surface of the flap-type mold insert can be used to mold a portion of the hollow body portion and at least the radial flange of the neck portion. The molding surface of the cavity insert can be used to mold a portion of the hollow body portion.

[0016] Another broad aspect of the invention provides a mold stack, for example for molding a tubular article having a neck portion with radial flanges and an open end and a hollow body portion with a closed end, the mold stack comprising: a cavity insert having a molded surface for molding a portion of the hollow body portion; a flap mold insert having a molded surface for molding at least a radial flange of the hollow body portion and the neck portion; and an interface between the cavity insert and the flap mold insert; wherein the interface includes a non-fitting portion and a fitting portion, the non-fitting portion at least partially surrounding and / or engaging with and / or extending from the molded surface, and the fitting portion at least partially surrounding the non-fitting portion.

[0017] Non-mating portions can form gaps, such as force-isolating gaps. For example, in use, when mold stacks are in a molding configuration, gaps can be formed between cavity inserts and flap mold inserts when clamping forces are transmitted laterally in the mating portions.

[0018] Another broad aspect of the invention provides, for example, a mold stack for molding tubular articles having a neck portion with radial flanges and an open end, and a hollow body portion with a closed end. The mold stack includes: a cavity insert having a molded surface for molding a portion of the hollow body portion; a flap mold insert having a molded surface for molding at least a radial flange of the hollow body portion and the neck portion; and an interface between the cavity insert and the flap mold insert; wherein the interface includes a non-fitting portion and a fitting portion, the non-fitting portion at least partially surrounding and / or coupled to and / or extending from the molded surface, the fitting portion at least partially surrounding the non-fitting portion, and in use, when the mold stack is in a molding configuration, when clamping forces are transmitted laterally through the fitting portion, the non-fitting portion forms a gap, such as a force-isolating gap, between the cavity insert and the flap mold insert.

[0019] At least a portion of the non-mating portion may be annular or partially annular. At least a portion of the non-mating portion may extend around and / or adjacent to the molding surface and / or circumferential to the molding surface.

[0020] Alternatively, at least a portion of the non-mating part may have a radial dimension, which may be at least half, for example at least two-thirds, three-quarters, four-fifths, or nine-tenths of the radial dimension of the radial flange formed by the molding surface of the interlocking mold insert.

[0021] The non-mating portion may include one or more non-mating surfaces, such as facing non-mating surfaces. The non-mating portion may include at least one surface of each of the segmented mold insert and the cavity insert. The non-mating portion may include facing non-mating surfaces of the segmented mold insert and the cavity insert. At least one or each non-mating surface may be planar, but is not required.

[0022] At least a portion of at least one of the non-mating surfaces of the segmented mold insert may be spaced 5 mm or less from the radial flange portion, preferably 3 mm or less, and more preferably 2 mm or less. In some embodiments, at least a portion of at least one of the non-mating surfaces of the segmented mold insert may be spaced 1 mm or less from the radial flange portion.

[0023] The non-mating portion may include a first portion. The first portion may extend radially from the molding surface. The non-mating portion may include a second portion. The second portion may at least partially surround the first portion and / or extend from the first portion at an angle or substantially perpendicular to or orthogonal to the first portion.

[0024] The first portion may form, for example, a first gap between a cavity insert and a flap mold insert. The second portion may form, for example, a second gap between a cavity insert and a flap mold insert. The first gap may be larger than the second gap, or the second gap may be larger than the first gap. The second portion may be incorporated into and / or extend from the first portion.

[0025] The interface may include one or more cones, such as two or more cooperating male and female cones. Cones can be used, for example, to align cavity inserts with flap-type mold inserts when the mold stack is in a molding configuration.

[0026] A mortise and tenon mold insert may include multiple mortise and tenon mold insert portions. The mortise and tenon mold insert portions may together provide molding surfaces, such as at least a radial flange for molding a portion of a hollow body portion and a neck portion. A mortise and tenon mold insert may include a male cone, or the mortise and tenon mold insert portions may together provide a male cone. The male cone may be on the cavity side of the mortise and tenon mold insert. A cavity insert may include a female cone. At least a portion of the mating portion may be formed by the male cone and / or the female cone.

[0027] The segmented mold insert may include, or the segmented mold insert portion may be provided together, a cavity-side receiving groove, which, for example, is at least partially within and / or extends from the cavity side of the male cone. The cavity-side receiving groove may include a non-mating portion that may at least partially surround, and / or engage with, the molding surface, and / or extend from the molding surface.

[0028] A mortise-and-tenon mold insert may include, or may be provided together with, a cavity mating portion. The cavity mating portion may at least partially surround, for example, a non-mating portion of a cavity side recess.

[0029] The male cone may include a first male cone. The split mold insert may include, or the split mold insert portion may be provided together with, a second male cone, which may be on the core side of the split mold insert. Alternatively, the split insert may include, or the split mold insert portion may be provided together with a female cone, which may be on the core side of the split mold insert.

[0030] The slatted mold insert may include, or the slatted mold insert portion may together provide a core-side cavity, which may at least partially be within the second male cone and / or may extend from the core side to the molding surface.

[0031] The mortise-and-tenon mold insert can be configured such that, during use, when the mold stack is in a molding configuration, clamping force is transmitted to the cavity insert through the cavity mating portion rather than through the non-matting portion.

[0032] Another broad aspect of the invention provides, for example, a flap-type mold insert for use in a mold stack for molding tubular articles having a neck portion with radial flanges and an open end, and a hollow body portion with a closed end. The flap-type mold insert includes a plurality of flap-type mold insert portions, which together provide: a molding surface for molding a portion of the hollow body portion and at least the radial flange of the neck portion; a first male cone on the cavity side of the flap-type mold insert; and a cavity side at least partially within the first male cone and extending from the cavity side. The cavity-side cavity includes a non-fitting portion that at least partially surrounds and extends from the molding surface; a cavity-fitting portion that is at least partially formed by a first male cone, the cavity-fitting portion at least partially surrounding the non-fitting portion; a second male cone on the core side of the split mold insert; and a core-side cavity, the core-side cavity being at least partially within the second male cone and extending from the core side to the molding surface; wherein the split mold insert is configured such that, in use, when the mold stack is in a molding configuration, clamping force is transmitted to the cavity insert through the cavity-fitting portion rather than through the non-fitting portion.

[0033] The mating portion may include one or more flat surfaces. Alternatively, the mating portion may include one or more truncated conical surfaces. In some embodiments, the mating portion includes one or more flat surfaces and one or more truncated conical surfaces. The flat surface may be annular or partially annular. The truncated conical surface may be annular or partially annular.

[0034] The mating portion may include one or more annular or partially annular surfaces. At least one of the annular or partially annular surfaces of the mating portion may be planar and / or radially oriented. At least one of the annular or partially annular surfaces of the mating portion may be truncated conical. In some embodiments, the mating portion includes one or more flat annular or partially annular surfaces and one or more truncated conical annular or partially annular surfaces.

[0035] The cooperating male and female cones may include mating truncated conical surfaces. In use, such as when a mold stack is in a molding configuration, at least a portion of the clamping force can be transmitted through the mating truncated conical surfaces. The cooperating male and female cones may also include mating flat surfaces. In use, such as when a mold stack is in a molding configuration, at least a portion of the clamping force can be transmitted through the mating flat surfaces.

[0036] The first male cone may include a truncated conical surface. The truncated conical surface may at least partially surround a cavity-side receiving groove. Alternatively, the first male cone may include an extension surface that protrudes from the truncated conical surface and / or at least partially surrounds the cavity-side receiving groove. The truncated conical surface may form at least a portion of the cavity mating portion.

[0037] The cavity insert may include a female cone. The cavity insert may include a socket, such as a mating socket or a socket that mates with or is formed in the cavity side recess of the split mold insert. The female cone may be on the split mold side of the cavity insert. The socket may include a split mold side socket. The split mold side socket may be at least partially external to the female cone. The split mold side socket may include a non-mating portion. The non-mating portion may at least partially surround and extend from the molding surface. The cavity insert may include a split mold mating portion. The split mold mating portion may at least partially surround the non-mating portion.

[0038] Cavity inserts can be configured such that, during use, when the mold stack is in a molding configuration, clamping force is transmitted to the interlocking mold insert through the cavity mating portion rather than through the non-matting portion.

[0039] Another broad aspect of the invention provides a cavity insert, for example, for use in a mold stack for molding tubular articles having a neck portion with a radial flange and an open end, and a hollow body portion with a closed end. The cavity insert includes: a molding surface for molding a portion of the hollow body portion; a female cone on a mortise-and-tenon mold side of the cavity insert; a mortise-and-tenon mold side inlet at least partially external to the female cone, the mortise-and-tenon mold side inlet including a non-fitting portion at least partially surrounding and extending from the molding surface; and a mortise-and-tenon mold fitting portion at least partially formed by the female cone, the mortise-and-tenon mold fitting portion at least partially surrounding the non-fitting portion; wherein the cavity insert is configured such that, in use, when the mold stack is in a molding configuration, clamping forces are transmitted to the mortise-and-tenon mold insert through the mortise-and-tenon mold fitting portion rather than through the non-fitting portion.

[0040] The female cone of the cavity insert may include a truncated conical surface. The truncated conical surface may at least partially surround the side socket of the split mold. Alternatively, the female cone may include an extension surface. The truncated conical surface may extend from the extension surface. The extension surface may at least partially surround the side socket of the split mold. The truncated conical surface may form at least a portion of the mating portion of the split mold.

[0041] The male cone or first male cone of the split mold insert may, for example, be at least partially recessed relative to the peripheral portion of the split mold insert. In other embodiments, the split mold insert may include or the split mold insert portions may be provided together with a female cone, and / or the cavity insert may include a male cone, in which case the male cone may, for example, be at least partially recessed relative to the peripheral portion of the cavity insert.

[0042] The segmented mold insert may include a cavity-side recess and / or the cavity-side recess may be formed in the segmented mold insert. The cavity-side recess may be on the cavity side of the segmented mold insert. The male cone may be at least partially within the cavity-side recess. The male cone may include the non-mating portion or a non-mating portion that at least partially surrounds and extends from the molding surface.

[0043] Another broad aspect of the invention provides, for example, a flap-type mold insert for use in a mold stack for molding tubular articles having a neck portion with radial flanges and an open end, and a hollow body portion with a closed end. The flap-type mold insert includes a plurality of flap-type mold insert portions, which together provide: a molding surface for forming a portion of the hollow body portion and at least the radial flange of the neck portion; a cavity-side recess on the cavity side of the flap-type mold insert; a male cone at least partially within the cavity-side recess, the male cone including a non-fitting portion at least partially surrounding and extending from the molding surface; and a cavity-fitting portion at least partially formed by the male cone, the cavity-fitting portion at least partially surrounding the non-fitting portion; wherein the flap-type mold insert is configured such that, in use, when the mold stack is in a molding configuration, clamping forces are transmitted to the cavity insert through the cavity-fitting portion rather than through the non-fitting portion.

[0044] Another, more general aspect of the invention provides a mortise-and-tenon mold insert for use, for example, in a mold stack for molding tubular articles, the mortise-and-tenon mold insert comprising a plurality of mortise-and-tenon mold insert portions together providing a cavity-side recess on the cavity side of the mortise-and-tenon mold insert and a male cone at least partially within the cavity-side recess.

[0045] Another broad aspect of the invention provides a mortise-and-tenon mold insert for use, for example, in a mold stack for molding tubular articles, the mortise-and-tenon mold insert comprising a plurality of mortise-and-tenon mold insert portions together providing a male cone that is at least partially recessed relative to the peripheral portion of the mortise-and-tenon mold insert portion.

[0046] Cavity inserts may include protrusions, such as cooperating protrusions or protrusions that cooperate with or are formed in the cavity-side recesses of the segmented mold insert. Protrusions may include, for example, segmented mold-side protrusions on the segmented mold side of the cavity insert. The protrusions may at least partially surround or externally connect to the female cone.

[0047] The cavity insert may include a female cone at least partially within a side protrusion of a snap-fit ​​mold. The female cone may include the non-fitting portion or a non-fitting part that may at least partially surround and / or extend from the molding surface. The cavity insert may include a snap-fit ​​mold portion that may at least partially surround the non-fitting portion.

[0048] Another aspect of the invention provides a cavity insert for use in a mold stack for molding tubular articles having a neck portion with a radial flange and an open end, and a hollow body portion with a closed end. The cavity insert includes: a molding surface for molding a portion of the hollow body portion; a lobed mold-side protrusion on a lobed mold-side side of the cavity insert; a female cone at least partially within the lobed mold-side protrusion, the female cone including a non-fitting portion at least partially surrounding and extending from the molding surface; and a lobed mold-fitting portion at least partially formed by the female cone, the lobed mold-fitting portion at least partially surrounding the non-fitting portion; wherein the cavity insert is configured such that, in use, when the mold stack is in a molding configuration, clamping forces are transmitted to the cavity insert through the cavity-fitting portion rather than through the non-fitting portion.

[0049] When the mold stack is in a molding configuration, the protrusion may be spaced apart from the cavity-side groove by, for example, a circumferential gap. The circumferential gap may be between the outer cylindrical surface of the protrusion and the groove. The circumferential gap may be at least 0.01 mm, for example, about 0.02 mm. Alternatively, when the mold stack is in a molding configuration, the protrusion may be spaced apart from the cavity-side groove by an axial gap. The axial gap may be between the groove and the facing annular surfaces of the protrusion. The axial gap may be at least 0.01 mm, for example, about 0.02 mm.

[0050] The male cone may include two or more, such as multiple male cones, one of which may be a male cone. The two or more male cones may be nested and / or concentric male cones. Multiple nested and / or concentric male cones may each be at least partially within the cavity-side groove or the corresponding cavity-side groove.

[0051] Another aspect of the invention provides a mortise-and-tenon mold insert for use, for example, in a mold stack for molding tubular articles, the mortise-and-tenon mold insert comprising a plurality of mortise-and-tenon mold insert portions together providing a plurality of nesting and / or concentric cones.

[0052] The female cone may include two or more, such as multiple, one of the female cones. The two or more female cones may be nested and / or concentric female cones. The cavity insert may include multiple interlocking mold-side protrusions, which may be located on the interlocking mold side of the cavity insert. Multiple nested and / or concentric female cones may each be formed within the interlocking mold-side protrusion or a corresponding interlocking mold-side protrusion.

[0053] Another broad aspect of the invention provides a cavity insert, for example, for use in a mold stack for molding tubular articles having a neck portion with a radial flange and an open end, and a hollow body portion with a closed end. The cavity insert includes: a molding surface for molding a portion of the hollow body portion; a plurality of interlocking mold-side protrusions on an interlocking mold side of the cavity insert; a plurality of nested and / or concentric female cones, each formed within a respective interlocking mold-side protrusion; an interlocking mold non-fitting portion at least partially surrounding and extending from the molding surface; and an interlocking mold fitting portion at least partially formed by the female cones, at least partially surrounding the non-fitting portion; wherein the cavity insert is configured such that, in use, when the mold stack is in a molding configuration, clamping forces are transmitted to the cavity insert through the cavity fitting portion rather than through the non-fitting portion.

[0054] Another, broader aspect of the invention provides a cavity insert, for example, for use in a mold stack for molding tubular articles, the cavity insert comprising a plurality of nested and / or concentric female cones.

[0055] At least one of the nested and / or concentric male cones can be a ring. At least one of the nested and / or concentric male cones can be a partially ring. At least one of the nested and / or concentric female cones can be a ring. At least one of the nested and / or concentric female cones can be a partially ring.

[0056] The male and female cones, such as cooperating male and female cones, may include locating cones. The male and female cones may include locating cones, such as multiple cooperating male and female locating cones. Each of the cones, such as cooperating male and female locating cones, may be spaced apart from and / or adjacent to the non-mating portion and / or centered radially away from the non-mating portion. Each of the cones, such as cooperating male and female locating cones, may be centered radially away from the non-mating portion at substantially the same distance.

[0057] A flap-type mold insert may include multiple cones. Each cone may be spaced apart around and / or adjacent to a non-mating portion. Each cone may be radially centered on the non-mating portion.

[0058] Another broad aspect of the invention provides a flap-type mold insert for use in a mold stack for molding tubular articles having a neck portion with a radial flange and an open end, and a hollow body portion with a closed end. The flap-type mold insert includes a plurality of flap-type mold insert portions, which together provide: a molding surface for molding a portion of the hollow body portion and at least a radial flange of the neck portion; a cavity-side non-fitting portion that at least partially surrounds and extends from the molding surface; a cavity-fitting portion that at least partially surrounds the non-fitting portion; and a plurality of cones, each cone spaced apart from and / or adjacent to the cavity-side non-fitting portion and radially centered at the cavity-side non-fitting portion; wherein the flap-type mold insert is configured such that, in use, when the mold stack is in a molding configuration, clamping forces are transmitted to the cavity insert through the cavity-fitting portion rather than through the cavity-side non-fitting portion.

[0059] Another, more general aspect of the invention provides a flap mold insert for use in a mold stack for molding tubular articles, the flap mold insert comprising a plurality of cones, each cone being spaced apart around and / or adjacent to a central axis and centered radially away from the central axis.

[0060] Each of a plurality of cones may be provided by a corresponding hole in a flap-type mold insert. Alternatively, each of a plurality of cones may be provided by a corresponding protrusion or male cone on a flap-type mold insert.

[0061] The cavity insert may include multiple cones. Each cone may be spaced around and / or adjacent to the non-mating portion. Each cone may be radially centered on the non-mating portion.

[0062] Another broad aspect of the invention provides a cavity insert for use in a mold stack for molding tubular articles having a neck portion with a radial flange and an open end, and a hollow body portion with a closed end. The cavity insert includes: a molding surface for molding a portion of the hollow body portion; a flap-type mold-side non-fitting portion at least partially surrounding and extending from the molding surface; a flap-type mold-side fitting portion at least partially surrounding the non-fitting portion; and a plurality of cones, each cone spaced apart from and / or adjacent to the flap-type mold-side non-fitting portion and radially centered therefrom; wherein the cavity insert is configured such that, in use, when the mold stack is in a molding configuration, clamping forces are transmitted to the cavity insert through the cavity-fitting portion rather than through the non-fitting portion.

[0063] Each of a plurality of cones may be provided by a corresponding protrusion or pin extending from the cavity insert. Alternatively, each of a plurality of cones may be provided by a corresponding hole in the cavity insert.

[0064] The mating portion may include one or more (e.g., a pair) generally flat surfaces. The mating portion may include a pair of generally flat surfaces on opposite sides of the non-mating portion. The generally flat surface, or each generally flat surface, may taper or slope toward the non-mating portion. The pair of generally flat surfaces may converge toward the non-mating portion.

[0065] The cavity insert may include a first portion. The first portion may include at least a portion of the molded surface. The cavity insert may include a second portion. The second portion may include at least a portion of the mating portion.

[0066] Another broad aspect of the invention provides a mold that includes mold stacks or cavity inserts or flap mold inserts as described above.

[0067] The mold assembly or mold may include a release plate assembly, such as a split mold insert mounted to or movably mounted to the release plate assembly. The release plate assembly may include a release plate and / or one or more (e.g., a pair) sliders movably mounted to the release plate. Each split mold insert portion may be mounted onto a corresponding slider.

[0068] The mold assembly may include multiple interlocking mold inserts movably mounted to the ejector plate assembly. The ejector plate assembly may include multiple pairs of sliders that can carry the interlocking mold inserts. The ejector plate may include multiple core holes, for example, through which the core inserts extend.

[0069] The mold release assembly may include one or more wear-resistant surfaces or wear-resistant plates. Slider members may move along and / or contact the wear-resistant surface or plate. The pair of sliders, or each pair of sliders, may move toward and / or away from each other. The interlocking mold insert, or each portion of the interlocking mold insert, may move toward and / or away from each other, for example, by means of the relative movement of the slider to which it is mounted.

[0070] The mold assembly may include two or more cavity inserts, such as multiple cavity inserts. The mold assembly may include a cavity plate, to which the cavity insert or each cavity insert is mounted or installed within the cavity plate. The mold assembly may include one or more gate inserts, such as multiple gate inserts. The gate insert or each gate insert may include or form a molding surface and / or a gate. The gate insert or each gate insert may be mounted to or within the cavity plate, such as and / or may engage and / or cooperate with a corresponding one of the cavity inserts.

[0071] The cavity plate may include one or more (e.g., multiple) bases. The cavity insert, or each cavity insert and / or the gate insert, or each gate insert, may be received within a corresponding base. The gate insert may include a nozzle receiving groove and / or a molding surface that can form the closed end of the preform. In some embodiments, the cavity insert is incorporated into a feature of the gate insert.

[0072] The mold assembly may include a melt flow distributor that can be mounted to a cavity plate. The melt flow distributor may include one or more nozzles. The nozzle, or each nozzle, may cooperate with and / or engage with a gate in a gate insert or a corresponding gate in one of the gate inserts. The cavity plate may include a melt flow distributor facing side, for example, the melt flow distributor is mounted to the melt flow distributor facing side. The cavity plate assembly may include a core facing side, for example, opposite the melt flow distributor facing side. The cavity insert, or the female cone of each cavity insert, may be on the core facing side of the cavity plate.

[0073] A mold stack may include core inserts. Core inserts may include molded surfaces. A mold release assembly may move, for example, along the core insert. A mold assembly or mold may include a core plate, to which the core insert is mounted, for example. A mold assembly may include multiple core inserts, which may be mounted to the core plate. Each core insert may have a molded surface.

[0074] The ejector plate and / or ejector plate assembly may include a cavity-facing side and / or a core-facing side, for example, opposite to the cavity-facing side. The ejector plate may be located on the core-facing side of the ejector plate assembly. A wear-resistant plate and / or a sliding element and / or a flap-type mold insert may be on the cavity-facing side of the ejector plate or ejector plate assembly. The core plate may include a mounting side and / or a cavity or ejector plate-facing side, for example, opposite to the mounting side. The core may be mounted to the core plate such that the core protrudes from the cavity or ejector plate-facing side of the core plate. The ejector plate assembly may be mounted (e.g., movably mounted) to the core plate such that the core is received within a core bore and / or movable along the core bore. A guide (e.g., a cam) may be mounted (e.g., fixed) to the core plate. Movement of the ejector plate assembly relative to the core plate may cause a cam follower to move along the cam.

[0075] Another aspect of the invention provides a computer program element that includes and / or shapes and / or defines a three-dimensional design for use with a simulation device or a three-dimensional additive or subtractive manufacturing apparatus or device (e.g., a 3D printer or a CNC machine), the three-dimensional design including a mold assembly, a mold, a mortise and tenon mold insert, a core, a pressure plate, or any one or more of the above-mentioned mold components.

[0076] For the avoidance of doubt, any features formed herein are equally applicable to any aspect of the invention. Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives set forth in the foregoing paragraphs, claims, and / or the following description and drawings, and in particular their individual features, may be employed independently or in any combination. That is, features of all and / or any embodiment can be combined in any manner and / or combination unless such features are incompatible.

[0077] For the avoidance of doubt, the terms “may,” “and / or,” “for example,” “such as,” and any similar terms used herein shall be interpreted as non-limiting, such that the presence of any feature thus formed is not required. In fact, any combination of optional features may be clearly contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not such features are explicitly claimed. The applicant reserves the right to accordingly amend any original filed claim or to file any new claim, including the right to modify any original filed claim to reference and / or incorporate any feature from any other claim, although no such feature is originally claimed in this manner. Attached Figure Description

[0078] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0079] Figure 1 A portion of a preform mold stacked according to the first example is depicted;

[0080] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of the mold stack, showing the interface between the cavity insert and the flap mold insert;

[0081] Figure 3 This is viewed from the side of the insert in the mortise and tenon mold. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of the mold-stacked cavity inserts;

[0082] Figure 4 This is viewed from the side facing the cavity insert. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of the stacked, segmented mold inserts;

[0083] Figure 5 It is a replaceable mold stack similar to Figure 2 An enlarged view showing the interface between the cavity insert and the flap mold insert;

[0084] Figure 6 This is viewed from the side of the insert in the mortise and tenon mold. Figure 5 A perspective view of the mold-stacked cavity inserts;

[0085] Figure 7 This is viewed from the side facing the cavity insert. Figure 5 A perspective view of the stacked, segmented mold inserts;

[0086] Figure 8 It is another alternative mold stack similar to Figure 2 An enlarged view showing the interface between the cavity insert and the flap mold insert;

[0087] Figure 9 This is viewed from the side of the insert in the mortise and tenon mold. Figure 8 A perspective view of the mold-stacked cavity inserts;

[0088] Figure 10 This is viewed from the side facing the cavity insert. Figure 8 A perspective view of the stacked, segmented mold inserts;

[0089] Figure 11 It is another alternative mold stack similar to Figure 2 An enlarged view showing the interface between the cavity insert and the flap mold insert;

[0090] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A magnified view of region A;

[0091] Figure 13 This is viewed from the side of the insert in the mortise and tenon mold. Figure 11 A perspective view of the mold-stacked cavity inserts;

[0092] Figure 14 This is viewed from the side facing the cavity insert. Figure 11 A perspective view of the stacked, segmented mold inserts;

[0093] Figure 15 It is another alternative mold stack similar to Figure 2 An enlarged view showing the interface between the cavity insert and the flap mold insert;

[0094] Figure 16 This is viewed from the side of the insert in the mortise and tenon mold. Figure 15 A perspective view of the mold-stacked cavity inserts; and

[0095] Figure 17 This is viewed from the side facing the cavity insert. Figure 15 A perspective view of the stacked, segmented mold inserts. Detailed Implementation

[0096] Reference Figure 1 This illustration depicts a non-limiting embodiment of a portion of a mold assembly 100, which includes a core plate assembly 101, a stripper assembly 102, and a cavity plate assembly 103. The core plate assembly 101, stripper assembly 102, and cavity plate assembly 103 are incorporated together into a plurality of mold stacks 104, only one of which is shown. Figure 1 In the molding configuration shown, each mold stack 104 forms a cavity, and the cavity forms a preform P. The mold assembly 100 may also include a melt distributor (not shown) attached to the exposed side of the cavity plate assembly 103 for injecting molten material into the mold stack 104.

[0097] The core plate assembly 101 includes a core plate 110, to which core assemblies 111 of each mold stack 104 are mounted. Each core assembly 111 includes a hollow core insert 112, a core ring 113 surrounding and engaging a base of the core insert 112, a locking ring 114 surrounding the core insert 112 and the core ring 113, and a core cooling tube 115 housed within the hollow core insert 112. The locking ring 114 is secured to the core plate 110 by bolts B and has an inner cone that engages the outer cone of the core ring 113 to secure the core ring 113 and the core insert 112 to the core plate 110 in a conventional manner.

[0098] The core insert 112 has a socket 112a protruding from its first open end and a molded surface 112b at its second closed end. The socket 112a is received within the base 110a of the core plate 110, and the molded surface 112b is used to form the inner surface of the preform P. A core cooling pipe 115 is engaged within the base 110a of the core plate 110 to receive cooling fluid from a network of cooling channels 110b within the core plate 110. This cooling fluid then flows along the core cooling pipe 115 and is guided to the inner surface of the closed end of the core insert 112, and is then redirected back along the outside of the core cooling pipe 115 and into the network of cooling channels 110b in a normal manner.

[0099] The template release assembly 102 includes a template 120, a wear-resistant plate 121 mounted to the template 120, a slider 122 movably mounted to the wear-resistant plate 121, and a mortise-and-tenon mold insert 123 mounted to each mold stack 104 of the slider 122. More specifically, in this embodiment, the mortise-and-tenon mold insert 123 includes two mortise-and-tenon mold insert portions 123a, 123b, and each mortise-and-tenon mold insert portion 123a, 123b is mounted to a corresponding one of the sliders 122. Those skilled in the art will understand that the template release assembly 102 may include multiple pairs of sliders 122, and each slider 122 in each pair carries a corresponding one of the mortise-and-tenon mold insert portions 123a, 123b of each of the multiple mold stacks 104. Each slider 122 is connected to one of the other pairs of sliders 122, thereby enabling all the interlocking mold insert portions 123a, 123b to be separated simultaneously in the usual manner during the demolding of the preform P.

[0100] Cavity plate assembly 103 includes cavity plate 130, to which cavity inserts 131 of each mold stack 104 are mounted. In this embodiment, cavity insert 131 is divided into cavity portion 132 and cavity flange 133, but those skilled in the art will understand that these two components can be configured as a single unit. Cavity portion 132 is received within a seat 130a of cavity plate 130. In this embodiment, each mold stack 104 also includes a gate insert 134 received within the seat 130a, the gate insert 134 abutting the cavity portion 132. Gate insert 134 includes a nozzle receiving groove 134a and a molding surface 134b, the molding surface 134b forming the closed end of preform P.

[0101] Now refer to Figures 2 to 4 A mortise-and-tenon mold insert 123 forms a molding surface 124, which forms the neck portion of the end opening of the preform P. More specifically, the molding surface 124 includes a threaded portion 124a, a radial flange portion 124b, and a hollow body portion 124c. A cavity insert 131, or more specifically, a cavity portion 132 of the cavity insert 131, forms a molding surface 135 for molding a portion of the hollow body portion. The molding surface 134b of the gate insert 134 provides a continuation of the molding surface 135 of the cavity insert 131. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the cavity portion 132 may incorporate features of the gate insert 134.

[0102] In this embodiment, the segmented mold insert 123 includes a cavity-side groove 125 and a male cone 126 within the cavity-side groove 125. The cavity insert 131, or more specifically, the cavity flange 133 of the cavity insert 131, includes a protrusion 136 having a shape complementary to the cavity-side groove 125 of the segmented mold insert 123. A female cone 137 is formed partially within the protrusion 136 by the cavity flange 133 and partially by the cavity portion 132.

[0103] When the mold stack 104 is in the molding configuration, the male and female cones 126, 137 form an interface 140 between the mortise mold insert 123 and the cavity insert 131. The interface 140 includes a non-mating portion 141 and a mating portion 142. The non-mating portion 141 surrounds and extends from the molding surfaces 124, 135, while the mating portion 142 surrounds the non-mating portion 141. In this embodiment, the non-mating portion 141 is formed by the facing flat surfaces 141a, 141b of the mortise mold insert 123 and the cavity insert 131. In this embodiment, the mating portion 142 is formed by the truncated conical surfaces 142a, 142b and the peripheral flat surfaces 142e, 142f of the mortise mold insert 123 and the cavity insert 131.

[0104] The non-mating surface 141a of the split mold insert 123 corresponds to the truncated apex of the male cone 126. The non-mating surface 141b of the cavity insert 131 corresponds to the base of the female cone 137 formed by the cavity portion 132. The split mold insert 123 includes a first mating surface 142a corresponding to the outer surface of the male cone 126 and a second mating surface 142e surrounding the cavity-side groove 125. The cavity insert 131 includes a first mating surface 142b and a second mating surface 142f. The first mating surface 142b corresponds to the inner surface of the female cone 137 facing the male cone 126 of the split mold insert 123, and the second mating surface 142f surrounds the protrusion 136 facing the second mating surface 14e of the cavity insert 131. The non-mating surfaces 141a and 141b of the segmented mold insert 123 and the cavity insert 131 extend from their respective molding surfaces 124 and 135 and are not mated by means of the gap G between them. The mating surfaces 142a and 142b of the segmented mold insert 123 and the cavity insert 131 are external to the non-mating surfaces 141a and 141b and are in contact with each other.

[0105] The clearance G is sized to isolate the non-mating portion 141 from the clamping load applied to the mold assembly 100 during use, while preventing the molding material from passing through it. In this embodiment, the molding material is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and the clearance G is 0.03 mm. Therefore, the clamping load passes through the mating surfaces 142a, 142b of the mating portion 142, while the non-mating portion 141 is isolated from the clamping load, which could otherwise stress the area of ​​the interlocking mold insert 123 adjacent to the radial flange portion 124b. This force-isolating clearance G minimizes the distance between the non-mating surface 141a of the interlocking mold insert 123 and the radial flange portion 124b, while mitigating the risk of excessive stress on the area of ​​the interlocking mold insert 123. For example, the distance between the non-mating surface 141a of the interlocking mold insert 123 and the radial flange portion 124b can be 2 mm or even less.

[0106] In this embodiment, when the mold stack 104 is in the molding configuration, the protrusion 136 of the cavity insert 131 is also spaced apart from the facing surface of the cavity-side groove 125 of the split mold insert 123 by an axial gap between the facing annular surfaces of the groove and the protrusion, and a circumferential gap between the outer cylindrical surfaces of the protrusion and the groove. In this embodiment, both the axial gap and the circumferential gap are approximately 0.02 mm. Therefore, substantially all the clamping force transmitted between the split mold insert 123 and the cavity insert 131 is transmitted through the mating surfaces 142a, 142b, 142e, 142f of the mating portion 142 of the interface 140.

[0107] Now go to Figures 5 to 7 An alternative mold stack 204 similar to the above embodiment is shown, wherein the same features are depicted with the same reference numerals plus 100, and therefore will not be described further. The mold stack 204 according to this embodiment differs from the mold stack of the previous embodiment in that the interface 240 incorporates a plurality of nested and concentric cones 226, 237.

[0108] As in the previous embodiment, interface 240 includes a non-mating portion 241 and a mating portion 242, with the non-mating portion 241 surrounding and extending from molding surfaces 224, 235, and the mating portion 242 surrounding the non-mating portion 241. The non-mating portion 241 is also formed by the facing flat surfaces 241a, 241b of the segmented mold insert 223 and the cavity insert 231. The non-mating surfaces 241a, 241b of the segmented mold insert 223 and the cavity insert 231 are also external to and extend from their respective molding surfaces 224, 235, and are not mated by means of a gap G therebetween.

[0109] However, in this embodiment, the mating portion 242 is formed by multiple facing truncated conical surfaces 242a, 242b and facing flat surfaces 242c, 242d of the segmented mold insert 223 and the cavity insert 231. The mating truncated conical surface 242a of the segmented mold insert 223 corresponds to the outer surface of the male cone 226, while the mating surface 242b of the cavity insert 231 corresponds to the facing inner surface of the female cone 237. The mating flat surfaces 242c, 242d of the segmented mold insert 223 and the cavity insert 231 are external to and in contact with the non-matting flat surfaces 241a, 241b. Therefore, the innermost male cone 226 has a truncated apex with a shallow step, which defines the mating surface 242c of the segmented mold insert 223 from the non-matting planar surface 241a. However, the base of the innermost female cone 237 of the cavity insert 231 does not have this step, and therefore, the mating plane surface 242d of the cavity insert 231 is coplanar with its non-mating flat surface 241b. Those skilled in the art will understand that the base of the innermost female cone 237 of the cavity insert 231 may include a shallow step, which is a complement to or alternative to the shallow step at the truncated apex of the innermost male cone 226.

[0110] As in the first embodiment, the clearance G is sized to isolate the non-mating portion 241 from the clamping load while preventing molding material from passing through it. Therefore, the clamping load passes through the mating surfaces 242a, 242b, 242c, 242d of the mating portion 242, while the non-mating portion 241 is isolated from the clamping load, which would otherwise exert stress on the area of ​​the interlocking mold insert 223 adjacent to the radial flange portion 224b. This force-isolating clearance G minimizes the distance between the non-mating surface 241a of the interlocking mold insert 223 and the radial flange portion 224b, while mitigating the risk of excessive stress on the area of ​​the interlocking mold insert 223. For example, the distance between the non-mating surface 241a of the interlocking mold insert 223 and the radial flange portion 224b can be 2 mm or even less.

[0111] Similar to the first embodiment, when the mold stack 204 is in the molding configuration, the protrusion 236 of the cavity insert 231 is spaced apart from the facing surface of the cavity-side groove 225 of the split mold insert 223 by both axial and circumferential clearances. Therefore, substantially all the clamping force transmitted between the split mold insert 223 and the cavity insert 231 is transmitted through the mating surfaces 242a, 242b, 242c, 242d of the mating portion 242 of the interface 240. Other arrangements are also conceivable, as those skilled in the art will understand.

[0112] Now go to Figures 8 to 10An alternative mold stack 304 similar to the first mold stack 104 described above is shown, wherein the same features are depicted with the same reference numerals plus 200 and will therefore not be described further. The mold stack 304 according to this embodiment differs from the mold stack of the first embodiment in that the interface 340 includes a cavity-side receiving groove 328 in the male cone 326 of the segmented mold insert 323, the cavity-side receiving groove 328 receiving a segmented mold-side insertion port 338 externally connected to the female cone 337 of the cavity insert 331. In this embodiment, the male cone 326 protrudes from the body of the segmented mold insert 323, rather than being located within the cavity-side recess 125.

[0113] As in the previous embodiment, interface 340 includes a non-mating portion 341 and a mating portion 342, with the non-mating portion 341 surrounding and extending from molding surfaces 324, 335, and the mating portion 342 surrounding the non-mating portion 341. The non-mating portion 341 is also formed by the facing flat surfaces 341a, 341b of the segmented mold insert 323 and the cavity insert 331. The non-mating surfaces 341a, 341b of the segmented mold insert 323 and the cavity insert 331 are also external to and extend from their respective molding surfaces 324, 335, and are not mated by means of a gap G therebetween.

[0114] However, in this embodiment, the non-mating surface 341a of the interlocking mold insert 323 corresponds to the base of the cavity-side receiving groove 328, and the non-mating surface 341b of the cavity insert 331 corresponds to the free end of the interlocking mold side insertion 338. The diameter of the inner circumference of the cavity-side receiving groove 328 is also slightly larger than the diameter of the outer circumference of the interlocking mold side insertion 338. Furthermore, as in the mold stack 104 of the first embodiment, the mating portion 342 includes not only the facing truncated conical surfaces 342a, 342b and flat peripheral surfaces 342e, 342f of the cones 326, 337, but also the facing flat surfaces 342c, 342d of the truncated apex of the male cone 326 of the interlocking mold insert 323 and the base of the female cone 337 of the cavity insert 331. The mating flat surfaces 342c, 342d, 342e, 342f and the truncated conical surfaces 342a, 342b of the mortise-and-tenon mold insert 323 and the cavity insert 331 are externally connected to the non-matting flat surfaces 341a, 341b and are in contact with each other.

[0115] As in the previous embodiment, the clearance G is sized to isolate the non-mating portion 341 from the clamping load while preventing molding material from passing through it. Therefore, the clamping load passes through the mating surfaces 342a, 342b, 342c, 342d, 342e, 342f of the mating portion 342, while the non-mating portion 341 is isolated from the clamping load, which would otherwise exert stress on the area of ​​the interlocking mold insert 323 adjacent to the radial flange portion 324b. This force-isolating clearance G minimizes the distance between the non-mating surface 341a of the interlocking mold insert 323 and the radial flange portion 324b, while mitigating the risk of excessive stress on the area of ​​the interlocking mold insert 323. For example, the distance between the non-mating surface 341a of the interlocking mold insert 323 and the radial flange portion 324b can be 2 mm or even less.

[0116] Now go to Figures 11 to 14 It shows something similar to Figures 8 to 10 An alternative mold stack 404 to the mold stack 304, wherein the same features are depicted with the same reference numerals plus 100, and therefore will not be described further. The mold stack 404 according to this embodiment and... Figures 8 to 10 The difference in the mold stacking is that the male cone 426 includes an axial annular extension 426a, which is received within an annular groove 432a in the cavity portion 432. The axial end of the annular extension 426a of the male cone 426 is also formed with a flat surface 441c spaced apart from the base of the annular groove 432a, and the annular groove 432a is formed with a flat surface 441d facing it.

[0117] Technicians will also from Figure 12 As understood, the outer side of the annular extension 426a of the male cone 426 is spaced apart from the inner side of the annular groove 432a of the outer annular extension 426a. Those skilled in the art will understand that this gap reduces the risk of the outer corner of the truncated apex of the male cone 426 of the mortise-and-tenon mold insert 423 getting stuck on the female cone 437. Therefore, in this embodiment, the non-mating portion 441 includes all facing surfaces between the mortise-and-tenon mold insert 423 and the cavity insert 431, the facing surfaces being externally connected by truncated conical mating surfaces 442a, 442b.

[0118] Now go to Figures 15 to 17 It shows something similar to Figures 1 to 4An alternative mold stack 504 to the mold stack 104, wherein the same features are depicted with the same reference numerals plus 400, and therefore will not be described further. The mold stack 504 according to this embodiment differs from the mold stack of the first embodiment in that the cooperating cones 126, 137 are replaced by six locating cones 526, 537 that are spaced apart from and adjacent to the non-cooperating portion 541 and centered at substantially the same radial distance from the non-cooperating portion 541.

[0119] More specifically, the cavity flange 533 of the cavity insert 531 includes six stepped holes 527a and six pins 527b, each pin having a male cone 526 projecting from the mortise-and-tenon mold side of the cavity flange 533 and a stepped base 527c inserted into one of the stepped holes 527a from the opposite side of the cavity flange 533. The mortise-and-tenon mold insert 523 includes six female cones 537 disposed by tapered blind holes extending into the cavity side of the mortise-and-tenon mold insert 523.

[0120] Pin 527 can be press-fitted into stepped hole 527a, but those skilled in the art will understand that pin 527 will also be captured therein when cavity flange 533 is fixed to cavity plate 130. Other arrangements of the locating cone are also conceivable. Specifically, the stepped base 527 can be omitted, wherein pin 527b can be inserted from the cavity side of the split mold insert 523, and pin 527b is secured in stepped hole 527a by a corresponding fastener (not shown) engaging in a threaded hole (not shown) in pin 527b and adjacent to the step of stepped hole 527a. Another alternative is to integrally form male cone 526 with cavity flange 533. Those skilled in the art will also understand other possible configurations.

[0121] As in the previous embodiment, interface 540 includes a non-mating portion 541 and a mating portion 542, with the non-mating portion 541 surrounding and extending from molding surfaces 524, 535, and the mating portion 542 surrounding the non-mating portion 541. The non-mating portion 541 is also formed by the facing flat surfaces 541a, 541b of the interlocking mold insert 523 and the cavity insert 531. The non-mating surfaces 541a, 541b of the interlocking mold insert 523 and the cavity insert 531 are also external to and extend from their respective molding surfaces 524, 535, and are not mated by means of a gap G therebetween.

[0122] However, in this embodiment, the non-mating surface 541a of the segmented mold insert 523 is not formed on, in, or around the male cone 526, but is simply formed on the cavity side surface of the segmented mold insert 523. Furthermore, the mating portion 542 includes facing truncated conical surfaces 543a, 543b of the cones 526, 537 and facing flat surfaces 542c, 542d surrounding and substantially adjacent to the non-mating flat surfaces 541a, 541b. The non-mating flat surface 541b of the cavity insert 531 is formed by the cavity portion 532, while the mating flat surface 542d of the cavity insert 531 is formed by the peripheral portion of the cavity flange 533. Compared to the mating flat surface 542d formed by the peripheral portion of the cavity flange 533, the non-mating flat surface 541b formed by the cavity portion 532 may be slightly recessed to provide a clearance G. Alternatively, the non-mating surface 541a of the interlocking mold insert 523 may be slightly recessed to provide clearance G, compared to its mating surface 542c.

[0123] As in the previous embodiment, the clearance G is sized to isolate the non-mating portion 541 from the clamping load while preventing molding material from passing through it. Therefore, the clamping load passes through the mating surfaces 542c, 542d, 543a, 543b of the mating portion 542, while the non-mating portion 541 is isolated from the clamping load, which could otherwise stress the area of ​​the interlocking mold insert 523 adjacent to the radial flange portion 524b. This force-isolating clearance G minimizes the distance between the non-mating surface 541a of the interlocking mold insert 523 and the radial flange portion 524b, while mitigating the risk of excessive stress on the area of ​​the interlocking mold insert 523. For example, the distance between the non-mating surface 541a of the interlocking mold insert 523 and the radial flange portion 524b can be 2 mm or less.

[0124] It should be understood that the configuration of the elements of the mold assembly 100 can vary, particularly but not exclusively as described above. Those skilled in the art will also understand that several variations in the construction and / or use of the foregoing embodiments can be conceived without departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will also understand that any combination of any number of the foregoing features and / or features shown in the drawings provides significant advantages over the prior art and is therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

1. A mold stack (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) for molding tubular articles having a neck portion with a radial flange and an open end, and a hollow body portion with a closed end, the mold stack (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) comprising: Cavity inserts (131, 231, 331, 431, 531), the cavity inserts having molded surfaces (135, 235, 335, 435, 535) for molding a portion of the hollow body portion. A segmented mold insert (123, 223, 323, 423, 523), the segmented mold insert having a molded surface (124, 224, 324, 424, 524) for molding a portion of the hollow body portion and at least the radial flange of the neck portion; and The interface (140, 240, 340, 440, 540) between the cavity insert (131, 231, 331, 431, 531) and the flap mold insert (123, 223, 323, 423, 523). The interfaces (140, 240, 340, 440, 540) include at least partially surrounding the molded surfaces (124, 135, 224, 235, 324, 335, 424, 435, 524, 535) and extending from the molded surfaces (124, 135, 224, 235, 324, 335, 424, 435, 524, 535) and mating portions (141, 241, 341, 441, 541) and mating portions at least partially surrounding the non-mating portions (141, 241, 341, 441, 541). Parts (142, 242, 342, 442, 542), and when the mold stack (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) are in a molding configuration, when the clamping force is transmitted laterally in the mating parts (142, 242, 342, 442, 542), the non-matting parts (141, 241, 341, 441, 541) form the gap (G) between the cavity insert (131, 231, 331, 431, 531) and the segmented mold insert (123, 232, 332, 432, 532).

2. The mold stack (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the non-fitting portion (141, 241, 341, 441, 541) is annular and external to the molded surface (141, 241, 341, 441, 541).

3. The mold stack (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the annular non-fitting portion (141, 241, 341, 441, 541) has a radial dimension, the radial dimension being at least half of the radial dimension of the radial flange formed by the molded surfaces (141, 241, 341, 441, 541) of the interlocking mold insert (123, 223, 323, 423, 523).

4. The mold stack (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein the non-fitting portion (141, 241, 341, 441, 541) comprises the non-fitting surfaces (141a, 141b, 241a, 241b, 341a, 341b, 441a, 441b, 541a, 541b) facing the segmented mold insert (123, 223, 323, 423, 523) and the cavity insert (131, 231, 331, 431, 531), and at least a portion of the non-fitting surfaces (141a, 241a, 341a, 441a, 541a) of the segmented mold insert (123, 223, 323, 423, 523) is spaced 2 mm or less from the radial flange portion.

5. The mold stack (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the mating portion (142, 242, 342, 442, 542) comprises one or more annular or partially annular surfaces (142a, 142b, 142e, 142f, 242a, 242b, 242c, 242d, 342a, 342b, 342c, 342d, 342e, 342f, 442a, 442b, 442e, 442f, 543a, 543b, 542c, 542d).

6. The mold stack (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) as claimed in claim 5, wherein at least one of the annular or partially annular surfaces (142e, 142f, 242c, 242d, 342c, 342d, 342e, 342f, 442e, 442f, 542c, 542d) of the mating portion (142, 242, 342, 442d, 542e, 342f, 442e, 442f, 542c, 542d) is radially oriented.

7. The mold stack (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) as claimed in claim 5, wherein at least one of the annular or partially annular surfaces (142a, 142b, 242a, 242b, 342a, 342b, 442a, 442b, 543a, 543b) of the mating portion (142, 242, 342a, 442b, 543a, 543b) is a truncated cone.

8. The mold stack (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the interface (140, 240, 340, 440, 540) comprises cooperating male and female cones (126, 137, 226, 237, 326, 337, 426, 437, 526, 537), the cooperating male and female cones (126, 137, 226, 237, 326, 337, 426, 437, 526, 537) for aligning the cavity inserts (131, 231, 331, 431, 531) and the mortise-and-tenon mold inserts (123, 223, 323, 423, 523) when the mold stack (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) is in the molding configuration.

9. The mold stack (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the cooperating male and female cones (126, 137, 226, 237, 326, 337, 426, 437, 526, 537) include mating truncated conical surfaces that, in use, when the mold stack (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) is in the molding configuration, transmit at least a portion of the clamping force through the mating truncated conical surfaces.

10. The mold stack (104, 204) of claim 8, wherein the lobed mold insert (123, 223) includes the male cone (126, 226), and the male cone (126, 226) is at least partially recessed relative to the peripheral portion of the lobed mold insert (123, 223).

11. The mold stack (104, 204) of claim 10, wherein the male cone (126, 226) is at least partially located within a cavity-side groove (125, 225) formed in the interlocking mold insert (123, 223), and the cavity insert (131, 231) includes a cooperating protrusion (136, 236) external to the female cone (137, 237).

12. The mold stack (104, 204) as claimed in claim 11, wherein when the mold stack (104, 204) is in a molding configuration, the protrusions (136, 236) are spaced apart from the cavity-side grooves (125, 225) by circumferential and axial gaps.

13. The mold stack (204) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the male cone (226) comprises a plurality of concentric male cones (226).

14. The mold stack (504) of claim 8, wherein the cooperating male and female cones (526, 537) include positioning cones (526, 537).

15. The mold stack (504) as claimed in claim 14, comprising a plurality of cooperating male and female positioning cones (526, 537), each of the plurality of cooperating male and female positioning cones (526, 537) being spaced apart from the non-fitting portion (541) and centered at a radial distance substantially the same from the non-fitting portion (541).

16. The mold stack (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the cavity insert (131, 231, 331, 431, 531) comprises a first portion (132, 232, 332, 432, 532) and a second portion (133, 233, 333, 433, 533), the first portion (132, 232, 332, 432, 532) comprising at least a portion of the molded surface (135, 235, 335, 435, 535), and the second portion (133, 233, 333, 433, 533) comprising at least a portion of the mating portion (142, 242, 342, 442, 542).

17. A mold assembly (100) comprising a mold stack (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) according to any of the preceding claims.

18. A mortise-and-tenon mold insert (323, 423) for use in a mold stack (304, 404) for molding tubular articles having a neck portion with a radial flange and an open end, and a hollow body portion with a closed end, the mortise-and-tenon mold insert (323, 423) comprising a plurality of mortise-and-tenon mold insert portions (323a, 323b, 423a, 423b), the plurality of mortise-and-tenon mold insert portions (323a, 323b, 423a, 423b) being provided together: Molded surfaces (324, 424) are used to form a portion of the hollow body portion and at least the radial flange of the neck portion; The first male cone (326, 426) on the cavity side of the flap-type mold insert (323, 423). A cavity-side receiving groove (328, 428) is at least partially within the first male cone (326, 426) and extends from the cavity side, the cavity-side receiving groove (328, 428) including a non-fitting portion (341, 441) that at least partially surrounds the molding surface (324, 424) and extends from the molding surface (324, 424); A cavity mating portion (342, 442) formed at least partially by the first male cone (326, 426), the cavity mating portion (342, 442) at least partially surrounding the non-mating portion (341, 441). The second male cone on the core side of the flap-type mold insert (323, 423); as well as A core-side recess, which is at least partially within the second male cone and extends from the core side to the molding surface (324, 424). The mortise-and-tenon mold inserts (323, 423) are configured such that, in use, when the mold stack (304, 404) is in a molding configuration, the clamping force is transmitted to the cavity inserts (331, 431) through the cavity mating portions (342, 442) rather than through the non-matting portions (341, 441).

19. The mortise and tenon mold insert (323, 423) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the first male cone (326, 426) includes a truncated conical surface (342a, 442a) that at least partially surrounds the cavity side groove (328, 428).

20. The flap mold insert (423) of claim 18, wherein the first male cone (426) includes a truncated conical surface (442a) and an extension surface, the extension surface projecting from the truncated conical surface (442a) and at least partially surrounding the cavity side groove (428).

21. The mortise and tenon mold insert (323) as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the truncated conical surface (342a) forms at least a portion of the cavity mating portion (342).

22. A mortise-and-tenon mold insert (123, 223) for use in a mold stack (104, 204) for molding tubular articles having a neck portion with a radial flange and an open end, and a hollow body portion with a closed end, the mortise-and-tenon mold insert (123, 223) comprising a plurality of mortise-and-tenon mold insert portions (123a, 123b, 223a, 223b), the plurality of mortise-and-tenon mold insert portions (123a, 123b, 223a, 223b) being provided together: Molded surfaces (124, 224) are used to form a portion of the hollow body portion and at least the radial flange of the neck portion; Cavity-side grooves (125, 225) on the cavity side of the flap-type mold insert (123, 223). A male cone (126, 226), said male cone (126, 226) being at least partially within the cavity-side recess (125, 225), said male cone (126, 226) including a non-mating portion (141, 241), said non-mating portion (141, 241) at least partially surrounding and extending from said molding surface (124, 224); and A cavity mating portion (142, 242) formed at least partially by the male cone (126, 226), the cavity mating portion (142, 242) at least partially surrounding the non-mating portion (141, 241). The mortise-and-tenon mold inserts (123, 223) are configured such that, in use, when the mold stacks (104, 204) are in a molding configuration, the clamping force is transmitted to the cavity inserts (131, 231) through the cavity mating portions (142, 242) rather than through the non-matting portions (141, 241).

23. The ferrule-type mold insert (223) as claimed in claim 22, wherein the male cone (226) comprises a plurality of concentric male cones (226), each of the plurality of concentric male cones (226) being at least partially within the cavity-side groove (225) or a corresponding cavity-side groove (225).

24. A cavity insert (231) for use in a mold stack (204) for molding tubular articles having a neck portion with a radial flange and an open end, and a hollow body portion with a closed end, the cavity insert (231) comprising: A molding surface (224) is used to form a portion of the hollow body portion; The cavity insert (231) has multiple segmented mold side protrusions (236) on the segmented mold side. Multiple concentric female cones (237) are formed in the corresponding flap mold side protrusions (236); A non-fitting portion (241) of a mortise and tenon mold, the non-fitting portion (241) of the mortise and tenon mold at least partially surrounds and extends from the molding surface (224); as well as A mortise-and-tenon mold fitting portion (242) formed at least partially by the mother cone (237), the mortise-and-tenon mold fitting portion (242) at least partially surrounding the non-fitting portion (241); The cavity insert (231) is configured such that, in use, when the mold stack (204) is in a molding configuration, the clamping force is transmitted to the mortise insert (223) through the mortise-and-tenon mold mating portion (242) rather than through the non-mating portion (241).

25. A flap-type mold insert (523) for use in a mold stack (504) for molding tubular articles having a neck portion with a radial flange and an open end and a hollow body portion with a closed end, the flap-type mold insert (523) comprising a plurality of flap-type mold insert portions (523a, 523b) provided together: A molding surface (524) for molding a portion of the hollow body portion and at least the radial flange of the neck portion; A cavity-side non-fitting portion (541) that at least partially surrounds and extends from the molding surface (524); A cavity mating portion (542), said cavity mating portion (542) at least partially surrounding said non-matting portion (541); and Multiple cones (537), each of which is spaced apart around the cavity-side non-fitting portion (541) and is radially centered from the cavity-side non-fitting portion (541); The mortise-and-tenon mold insert (523) is configured such that, in use, when the mold stack (504) is in a molding configuration, the clamping force is transmitted to the cavity insert (531) through the cavity mating portion (542) rather than through the cavity-side non-matting portion (541).

26. The flap mold insert (523) as claimed in claim 25, wherein each of the plurality of cones (537) is provided by a corresponding hole in the flap mold insert (523).

27. A cavity insert (531) for use in a mold stack (504) for molding tubular articles having a neck portion with a radial flange and an open end, and a hollow body portion with a closed end, the cavity insert (531) comprising: A molding surface (524) is used to form a portion of the hollow body portion; A non-fitting portion (541) on the side of the mortise and tenon joint mold, the non-fitting portion (541) on the side of the mortise and tenon joint mold at least partially surrounds the molding surface (524) and extends from the molding surface (524); A mortise-and-tenon mold mating portion (542) that at least partially surrounds the non-mating portion (541). as well as Multiple cones (526), ​​each of which is spaced apart from the non-fitting portion (541) of the flap mold side and is radially centered on the non-fitting portion (541) of the flap mold side; The cavity insert (531) is configured such that, in use, when the mold stack (504) is in a molding configuration, the clamping force is transmitted to the mortise insert (523) through the mortise-and-tenon mold mating portion (542) rather than through the non-mating portion (541).

28. The cavity insert (531) of claim 27, wherein each of the plurality of cones (526) may be provided by a corresponding protrusion or pin extending from the cavity insert (531).

Images