MOLDING APPARATUS
TECHNICAL FIELD
The non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to a molding apparatus, and
more particularly to components of a mold stack for use in an injection mold.
BACKGROUND
Molding is a process by virtue of which a molded article can be formed from molding material
(such as Polyethylene Teraphalate (PET), Polypropylene (PP) and the like) by using a molding
system. Various molded articles can be formed by using the molding process, such as an
injection molding process. One example of a molded article that can be formed, for example,
from PET material is a preform that is capable of being subsequently blown into a beverage
container, such as, a bottle and the like.
As an illustration, injection molding of PET material typically involves heating the PET
material to a homogeneous molten state and injecting, under pressure, the so-melted PET
material is injected into a molding cavity defined, at least in part, by a female cavity piece and
a male core piece mounted respectively on a cavity plate and a core plate of the mold. The
cavity plate and the core plate are urged together and are held together by clamp force, the
clamp force being sufficient enough to keep the cavity and the core pieces together against the
pressure of the injected PET material. The molding cavity has a shape that substantially
corresponds to a final cold-state shape of the molded article to be molded. The so-injected
PET material is then cooled to a temperature sufficient to enable ejection of the so-formed
molded article from the mold. When cooled, the molded article shrinks inside of the molding
cavity and, as such, when the cavity and core plates are urged apart, the molded article tends
to remain associated with the core piece. Accordingly, by urging the core plate away from the
cavity plate, the molded article can be de-molded, i.e. ejected off of the core piece. Ejection
structures are known to assist in removing the molded articles from the core halves. Examples
of the ejection structures include stripper plates, stripper rings and neck rings, ejector pins, etc.
When dealing with molding a preform that is capable of being blown into a beverage
container, one consideration that needs to be addressed is forming a so-called "neck region".
Typically and as an example, the neck region includes (i) threads (or other suitable structure)
for accepting and retaining a closure assembly (ex. a bottle cap), and (ii) an anti-pilferage
assembly to cooperate, for example, with the closure assembly to indicate whether the end
product (i.e. the beverage container that has been filled with a beverage and shipped to a store)
has been tampered with in any way. The neck region may comprise other additional elements
used for various purposes, for example, to cooperate with parts of the molding system (ex. a
support ledge, etc.). As is appreciated in the art, the neck region can not be easily formed by
using the cavity and core halves. Traditionally, split mold inserts (sometimes referred to by
those skilled in the art as "neck rings") have been used to form the neck region.
With reference to Figure 1, a section along a portion of an injection mold 10 illustrates a
portion of typical mold stack 16 that is arranged within a molding system (not depicted). The
description of Figure 1 that will be presented herein below will be greatly simplified, as it is
expected that one skilled in the art will appreciate configuration of other components of the
injection mold 10.
The mold stack 16 includes a first stack portion 17 and a second stack portion 18 that are
associated, in use, with a first mold half 14 and a second mold half 1 of the injection mold
10, respectively. The first stack portion 17 and the second stack portion 18 are arrangable, in
use, to define a molding cavity 19 therebetween within which molding material may be
injected to form a molded article. The first stack portion 17 includes a core insert 20, a lock
ring 30, and a neck ring pair 40. The core 20 and the neck ring pair 40 each include molding
surfaces with which to define an inner body portion and an encapsulated portion (e.g. for
molding the neck region on the preform/container) of the molding cavity 1 , respectively. The
lock ring 30 does not define any portion of the molding cavity 19, although this is not always
so, and wherein the lock ring 30 is provided to both retain the core insert 20 to a core plate
(not shown) and to align and hold closed (i.e. keep the halves thereof in a closed
configuration) the neck ring pair 40 during a step of molding of the molded article. The
second stack portion 18 includes a cavity insert 50 and a gate insert 60 with which to define an
outer body portion and a gate portion of the molding cavity 19. The gate insert 60 is further
configured to connect the molding cavity 19 to a melt distribution system (not shown). Lastly,
and much like the lock ring 30, the cavity insert 50 is also configured to both align and hold
closed the neck ring pair 40 during the step of molding.
Also shown are a slide pair 70 upon which the neck ring pair 40 are mounted. The slide pair
70 is slidably mounted on a top surface of a stripper assembly 72. As commonly known, and
as generally described in United States patent 6,799,962 to Mai et a (granted on October 5,
2004), the stripper assembly 72 is configured to be movable relative to a cavity plate assembly
74 and a core plate assembly (not depicted), when the mold in arranged in an open
configuration, whereby the slide pair 70, and the complementary neck ring insert pair 40
mounted thereon, can be laterally driven, via a cam arrangement (not shown), for the release
of the molded article from the molding cavity 19 .
The neck ring 40 has a body that includes a first projecting portion 45 and a second projecting
portion 46 that extend from a top and a bottom face of a flange portion 48. As shown, the first
projecting portion 45 and the second projecting portion 46 may be structured in the form of
male tapers.
In operation, with the mold stack 16 being closed, as shown, to define the molding cavity 19,
the first projecting portion 45 and the second projecting portion 46 are arranged to cooperate
with a first seat 52 and a second seat 32 that are defined in the cavity insert 50 and the lock
ring 30 to both align and lock the neck ring pair 40 in relation thereto. As shown, the first seat
52 and the second seat 32 may be structured in the form of female tapers.
Also shown, is a parting line 26 between the molding surfaces of the core insert 20 and the
neck ring 40 (i.e. the place where the molding surfaces of the neck ring pair 40 and core insert
20 meet) that is pushed up inside the neck ring pair 40. More particularly, the parting line 26
is located at an interface between top face of a protuberance 22 that is defined around a medial
portion of the core insert 20 and a recessed face of a pocket 42 that is defined through the
bottom face of the neck ring pair 40. Also note that an inner annular portion of the top face of
the protuberance 22 defines molding surface with which to define a top end portion of the
molding cavity 19 (e.g. for molding a top sealing surface of the neck region on the container).
A technical effect of the foregoing may include flexibility of parting line location for sake of
molding neck regions having shorter threads with lower risk of ejection related issues.
Furthermore, by moving the parting line 26 to be in line with the flange 48 of the neck ring
pair 40, which may be cooled by means (not shown) of a coolant circulating therethrough,
certain cooling related defects (e.g. parting line indentation) may be avoided.
A description of a mold stack that is similar to the foregoing may be referenced in US Patent
Application US2009/02 14694 to Mai, published on August 27, 2009, which discloses,
amongst other things, a mold insert stack for use in an injection mold and a coupler thereof.
The mold insert stack for use in an injection mold is provided and comprises a core assembly
that includes: a core insert that includes: a core body; an inner molding surface that is defined
on the core body, the inner molding surface provides, in use, an inner portion of a molding
cavity that is shaped to mold a preform; a core-coupler interface that is defined on the core
body; a support member that includes: a support body; a support-sliding interface that is
defined on the support body; a coupler member that includes: a coupler body; a coupler-core
interface that is defined on the coupler body; a coupler-insert interface that is defined on the
coupler body; and a complementary sliding interface that is defined on at least one of the
coupler body and the core body; the coupler-core interface and the core-coupler interface
being configured to cooperate, in use, to mutually locate the coupler body with the core body;
the coupler-insert interface being configured to cooperate, in use, with a complementary
interface defined on a further mold insert; the support- sliding interface and the complementary
sliding interface being configured to cooperate, in use, to establish a slidable coupling that is
able to accommodate, in use, a lateral move between the support-sliding interface and the
complementary sliding interface and connect a load path between the support body with at
least one of the core body with the coupler body.
SUMMARY
According to a first aspect claimed herein, there is provided a molding apparatus that includes
a core ring that is configured to seat, in use, around a core insert in a mold stack. The core ring
is configured to be received, at least in part, within a pocket that is defined within a split insert
of the mold stack. The core ring is also configured to define at least a portion of a molding
cavity having a core ring-to-split insert parting line that is within the pocket of the split insert.
According to a second aspect claimed herein, there is provided a molding apparatus, that
includes a core insert of a mold stack that is configured to define an inner body portion of a
molding cavity. The core insert is also configured to define a ring seat on a medial portion
thereof upon which the core ring may be seated, in use, in cooperation with a mounting
interface thereon. The core insert is further configured to define a core ring-to-core insert split
line with the core ring that is within a pocket that is defined within a split insert of the mold
stack.
According to a third aspect claimed herein, there is provided a mold stack that includes a core
insert, a core ring, and a split insert that are configured to cooperate, in use, to define a
molding cavity. The core insert defines a ring seat on a medial portion thereof upon which a
core ring of the mold stack may be seated, in use, in cooperation with a mounting interface
thereon. The split insert defines a pocket that extends coaxially through a bottom projecting
portion thereof within which to receive a projecting portion of the core ring. The core ring and
the split insert being further configured to define a core ring-to-split insert parting line that is
within the pocket of the split insert.
These and other aspects and features will now become apparent to those skilled in the art upon
review of the following description of specific non-limiting embodiments in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The detailed description of illustrative (non-limiting) embodiments will be more fully
appreciated when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1depicts a section view through a known embodiment of a mold stack;
FIG. 2 depicts an exploded perspective view of a first non-limiting embodiment of a mold
stack;
FIG. 3A depicts a section view through the mold stack of FIG. 2;
FIG. 3B depicts an enlarged view of a portion of the mold stack that is shown in FIG. 3A;
FIG. 3C depicts a top view of an core ring of the mold stack shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 depicts a section view of a portion of a mold stack in accordance with a second nonlimiting
embodiment;
FIG. 5 depicts a section view of a portion of a mold stack in accordance with a third nonlimiting
embodiment
FIG. 6 depicts a section view of a portion of a mold stack in accordance with a fourth nonlimiting
embodiment;
FIG. 7 depicts a section view of a portion of a mold stack in accordance with a fifth nonlimiting
embodiment;
FIG. 8 depicts an exploded perspective view of a sixth non-limiting embodiment of a mold
stack;
FIG. 9 depicts a section view through a portion of the mold stack of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 depicts an exploded perspective view of a seventh non-limiting embodiment of a
mold stack.
The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by phantom lines,
diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details that are not
necessary for an understanding of the embodiments or that render other details difficult to
perceive may have been omitted.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S)
With reference to FIG. 2, there is depicted an exploded perspective view of a first nonlimiting
embodiment of a mold stack 116. The mold stack 116 includes a first stack portion
117 and second stack portion 118 that are associated, in use, with a first mold half (not
shown) and a second mold half (not shown), respectively, of an injection mold (not shown).
The first stack portion 117 broadly includes a core insert 120, a lock ring 130, a core ring 140,
and a split insert 150. The second stack portion 118 broadly includes a cavity insert 160 and a
gate insert 170. The structure and operation of the foregoing is generally consistent with the
prior art and hence a detailed description of the known features has been omitted herein.
With further reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B it may be appreciated that the core insert 120
defines an inner body portion 1 4 and part of a top portion 145 of a molding cavity 119. The
structure of the core insert 120 generally includes a tubular body that is closed at one end. In
operation, a coolant, such as water, may be circulated within the tubular body of the core
insert 120 via a bubbler (not shown) that is arranged through the open end thereof. The tubular
body defines a mounting interface, which has the form, as shown, of a cylindrical spigot with
which to mount the core insert 1 0 to a first mold shoe (not shown) of the first mold half. The
tubular body also defines a ring seat 1 2 on a medial portion thereof upon which the core ring
140 may be seated, in use, in cooperation with a mounting interface 190 thereon. More
particularly, the ring seat 192 is located above a shoulder that is formed in the tubular body
and includes an annular face 128 atop of the shoulder and an alignment part 123 of an outer
medial surface 121 (FIG. 2) of the tubular body that is located above the shoulder.
The function of the lock ring 130, generally, is to align and hold closed members of the split
insert 150 during a step of molding of a molded article. Another function of the lock ring 130
is to retain the core ring 140 in association with the core insert 120, as shown with reference
to FIGS. 3A and 3B, and in so doing also retain the core insert 120 to the first mold shoe (not
shown). The structure of the lock ring 130 generally includes a tubular body, within which a
lower portion of the core insert 120 may be retained. The tubular body defines a mounting
flange at its base for mounting to the first mold shoe (not shown). The tubular body also
defines a first split insert seat 136 at an opposite end of the tubular body from the flange with
which to cooperate, in use, with a first projecting portion 155 on the split insert 150 to
perform the function of aligning and holding closed, in use, of the members thereof during the
step of molding. The first split insert seat 136 has the form, as shown, of a conical female
taper. In addition, the tubular body defines a retaining interface 132 on an inner surface
thereof with which to cooperate, in use, with a retainer interface 143 on the core ring 140 to
perform the function of trapping the core ring 140 on the core insert 120 and in turn retaining
the core insert 120 to the first mold shoe (not shown). The retaining interface 132 has the
form, as shown, of a conical female taper.
The split insert 150 defines an encapsulated portion 157 of the molding cavity 119, which
may, for example, and as discussed previously, correspond to the neck region of a molded
article such as a preform of the type for blow molding into a container for cooperating with a
closure. The split insert 150, sometimes commonly known to those of skill in the art as neck
rings or thread splits, may include, as shown, a pair of bodies that collectively define a flange
portion 153 (FIG. 2) from which the first projecting portion 155 (i.e. top projecting portion)
and a second projecting portion 156 (i.e. bottom projecting portion) extend from a top and a
bottom face thereof. The function of the second projecting portion 156 in cooperation with a
second split insert seat 166 that is associated with the cavity insert 160 is similar to that of the
first projecting portion 155 in cooperation with the first split insert seat 136, as discussed
previously, which is to align and hold closed the halves of the split insert 150 in relation
thereto. The first projecting portion 155 and the second projecting portion 156 have the form,
as shown, of conical male tapers. The pair of bodies also collectively define a pocket 152 that
extends coaxially through the second projecting portion 156 within which to receive a
projecting portion 149 of the core ring 140.
The core ring 140 defines a remaining part of the top portion 145 of the molding cavity 11
(FIG. 3A) (recalling that the top portion 145 is also partially defined on the core insert 120).
That is, the top portion 145 of the molding cavity 119 is split between the core ring 140 and
the core insert 120. A technical effect of defining part of the top portion 145 of the molding
cavity 119 with the core ring 140 may include ease and efficiency of manufacture relative to
defining it entirely on the core insert 120. In terms of structure, the core ring 140 includes a
ring body that defines the remaining part of the top portion 145 of the molding cavity through
a top face 148 thereof adjacent to an inner surface 144 thereof.
The core ring 140 is further configured to define a core ring-to-split insert parting line 180 that
is within the pocket 152 of the split insert 150. More particularly, the top face 148 of the
projecting portion 149 defines the core ring-to-split insert parting line 180 in cooperation with
a recessed face 158 of the pocket 152 in the split insert 150. In addition, the core ring 140
forms a core ring-to-core insert split line 182 with the core insert 120. More particularly, the
inner surface 144 of the core ring 140 defines the core ring-to-core insert split line 182 in
cooperation with an outer medial surface 121 (FIG. 2) of the core insert 120.
The core ring 140 also defines a split line vent 110 in cooperation with the core insert 120
along the core ring-to-core insert split line 182 for venting, in use, air from the top portion 145
of the molding cavity 119. A technical effect of the split line vent 110 may include avoidance
of defects in the molded article that result from trapped air. To further support the venting, the
core ring 140 includes a branch conduit 141 with which to fluidly connect the split line vent
110 with a trunk pressure conduit 112 that is defined between the core insert 120, the core
ring 140 and the lock ring 130. As such the ring body of the core insert 140 defines the branch
conduit 141 as a channel that extends through a lower part of a sidewall thereof.
In view of the foregoing it may now be further appreciated that the tubular body of the core
insert 120 also defines a network of interconnected grooves, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3B,
along the outer medial surface 121 thereof, to assist in defining the split line vent 110. These
interconnected grooves include an upper collector groove 122, a lower collector groove 126,
and a plurality of vertical grooves 1 4 that extend therebetween. The upper collector groove
122 is positioned on the tubular body to be near to the molding cavity for collecting, in use, air
that passes between the narrowly gaped cylindrical faces that are defined on an upper part 125
of the upper medial surface 121 of the tubular body and the inner surface 144 of the ring body
on the core ring 140. The lower collector groove 126 is positioned on the tubular body to be
adjacent to the branch conduit 141 on the core ring 140 for channeling, in use, air thereto. The
plurality of vertical grooves 1 4 fluidly connect, in use, the upper and lower collector grooves
122, 126.
Likewise, it may also now be further appreciated that the trunk pressure channel 112 is
provided in a gap that is defined between an inner cylindrical surface 13 1 of the tubular body
on the lock ring 130, and the outer cylindrical surfaces 127, 199 of the tubular body and the
ring body of the core insert 120 and the core ring 140, respectively. Lastly, the tubular body of
the lock ring 130 may also define a connecting pressure conduit 114 (FIG. 3A) with which to
connect, in use, the trunk pressure conduit 112 to a controllable source of air (i.e. source or
sink of air pressure). A technical effect of the foregoing may include the ability to purge
molding residue from the split line vent 110, particularly from the narrow gap in an upper
portion thereof that is located adjacent to the molding cavity 119.
Furthermore, it may now be further appreciated that the core ring 140 and the split insert 150
cooperate to define a parting line vent 115 across the core ring-to-split insert parting line 180
with which to provide, in use, additional venting of the air from the molding cavity 119 during
the step of molding. In particular, and with reference to FIG. 3C, it may be appreciated that
the top face 148 of the core ring 140 includes a plurality of semi-annular pads 147 that are
separated by a plurality of vent slots 146. Thus, during the step of molding, the plurality of
semi-annular pads 147 form a shut-off in contact with the recessed face 158 of the pocket 152
in the split insert 150, whereas the plurality of vent slots 146 are configured to form the
parting line vent 115 in cooperation with the recessed face 158. Furthermore, the core ring
140 and the split insert 150 also cooperate to define a parting line vent conduit 113 with
which to fluidly connect the parting line vent 115 with a split insert vent 159 that is defined
between members of the split insert 150. In particular, the parting line vent conduit 113 is
defined in a gap between the projecting portion 149 of the core ring 140 that is locatable, in
use, within the pocket 152 of the split insert 150.
To complete the description of the core ring 140, and recalling that the core ring 140 also
includes a mounting interface 1 0 with which to mount the core ring 140 around a core insert
1 0 in cooperation with a ring seat 192 thereon, it may now be appreciated that the ring body
defines the mounting interface 190 along an aligning part 142 of the inner surface 144 thereof.
In addition, recalling that the core ring 140 also includes a retainer interface 143 with which to
trap the core ring 140 on the core insert 120 in cooperation with a retaining interface 132 on
the lock ring 130, it may now be appreciated that the ring body defines the retainer interface
143 on an alignment part of an outer surface thereof. The retainer interface 143 has the form,
as shown, of a conical male taper.
Turning now to a brief description of the remaining members of the mold stack 116, and with
reference to FIGS. 2 and 3A, it may be appreciated that the cavity insert 160, may include, as
shown, a cavity insert part 162 for installation, in use, into a bore (not shown) that is defined
in a second mold shoe (not shown) of the second mold half. The cavity insert part 162 defines
an outer body portion 168 of the molding cavity 119. The cavity insert 160 also includes a
mounting flange 164 that mounts, in use, to the second mold shoe, the cavity insert part 162
being structured to retain the cavity insert part 162 in the bore. The cavity insert part 162 also
defines the second split insert seat 166.
Lastly, the gate insert 170 defines an end portion 172 of the molding cavity 119. The structure
of the gate insert 170 generally includes a cylindrical body that defines the end portion 172
and a nozzle interface 173 through opposing ends thereof, the two being connected by a gate
conduit. The nozzle interface 173 cooperates, in use, with a nozzle (not shown) of a melt
distribution apparatus (not shown), such as a hot runner, for introducing melt into the molding
cavity 119. The gate insert 170 mounts, in use, within the bore of the second mold shoe (not
shown) with the cavity insert 160.
With reference to FIG. 4, there is depicted a section view through a portion of a second nonlimiting
embodiment of a mold stack 216. The second non-limiting embodiment of the mold
stack 216 is the same as the first embodiment of the mold stack 116 with the exception that it
includes a different core ring 240. The core ring 240 is similar to the core ring 140, of the first
non-limiting embodiment of the mold stack 116, except that it further includes an air nozzle
242 with which to provide air assisted ejection, in use, of the molded article from the core
insert 120. The air nozzle 242 is defined in the ring body of the core ring 240. The air nozzle
242 includes an inlet aperture that fluidly connects to a branch conduit 241 that is defined
through the sidewall of the ring body. As such, the branch conduit 241 fluidly connects a
trunk pressure conduit 212 (like the trunk pressure conduit 112 described previously) with the
air nozzle 242. The air nozzle 242 also includes an outlet aperture on the top face 248 of the
core ring 140 through which to dispense high velocity air in the direction of a molded article
(not shown) on the core insert 220.
With reference to FIG. 5, there is depicted a section view through a portion of third nonlimiting
embodiment of a mold stack 316. The third non-limiting embodiment of the mold
stack 316 is similar to the first embodiment of the mold stack 116 with the exception that it
includes a core ring 340 that is pressed fit onto a core insert 320 for retention thereon without
the assistance of the lock ring 130. As such, a ring body of the core ring tubular body of the
core insert 320 defines a cylindrical mounting interface 390 that forms an interference fit with
an annular ring seat 392 that is defined on the core insert 320.
With reference to FIG. 6, there is depicted a section view through a portion of fourth nonlimiting
embodiment of a mold stack 416. The fourth non-limiting embodiment of the mold
stack 416 is similar to the third embodiment of the mold stack 316 with the exception that the
lock ring 430 further cooperates to retain the core ring 440 on a core insert 420. As such, a
tubular body of the lock ring 430 defines a retaining interface 432 on an inner surface thereof
with which to cooperate, in use, with a retainer interface 443 on the core ring 440 to perform
the function of trapping the core ring 440 on the core insert 420. The tubular body and the ring
body of the lock ring 430 and the core ring 440, respectively, define the retaining interface
432 and the retainer interface 443 across close fitting diametrical steps thereon.
With reference to FIG. 7, there is depicted a section view through a portion of fifth nonlimiting
embodiment of a mold stack 5 16 . The fifth non-limiting embodiment of the mold
stack 5 16 is similar to the third embodiment of the mold stack 3 16 with the exception that a
core ring 540 thereon is further configured to cooperate with a fastener (not shown) to retain it
to a core insert 520. In particular, a ring body of the core ring 540 defines a retainer interface
543 that is configured to threadably receive the fastener (not shown) therein, and wherein a
tubular body of the core insert 520 defines a retaining interface 525, in the form of a groove,
for receiving an end of the fastener.
With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, there is depicted a sixth non-limiting embodiment of a mold
stack 616. The sixth non-limiting embodiment of the mold stack 616 is similar to the first
embodiment of the mold stack 116.
Like the core ring 140 (FIG. 2), the mold stack 616 includes a core ring 640 that is arranged,
in use, around a medial portion 621 of a core insert 620. More particularly, the core insert 620
has a tubular body that defines a ring seat 692 on the outer medial surface 62 1 thereof upon
which the core ring 640 may be seated, in use, in cooperation with a mounting interface 690
thereon. The top portion 645 of the molding cavity 619 is split between the core ring 640 and
the core insert 620, wherein a core ring-to-core insert split line 682 is defined between the
two.
The core ring 640 is configured to be received, at least in part, within the pocket 152 that is
defined within the split insert 150. More specifically, the core ring 640 has a ring body that
includes a projecting portion 649 that is receivable within the pocket 152 of the split insert
150, wherein a top face 648 of the projecting portion 649 defines a core ring-to-split insert
parting line 680 in cooperation with a recessed face 158 of the pocket 152.
The core ring 640 and the split insert 150 also cooperate to define a parting line vent 615
across the core ring-to-split insert parting line 680 with which to provide, in use, venting of
the air from the molding cavity 619 during the step of molding. In particular, as best shown in
FIG. 8, it may be appreciated that the top face 648 of the core ring 640 includes a plurality of
semi-annular pads 647 that are separated by a plurality of vent slots 646. Thus, during the step
of molding, the plurality of semi-annular pads 647 form a shut-off in contact with the recessed
face 158 of the pocket 152 in the split insert 150, whereas the plurality of vent slots 646 are
configured to form the parting line vent 615 in cooperation with the recessed face 158.
Furthermore, the core ring 140 and the split insert 150 also cooperate to define a parting line
vent conduit 613 with which to fluidly connect the parting line vent 615 with a split insert
vent (not shown) that is defined between members of the split insert 150. In particular, the
parting line vent conduit 613 is defined in a gap between the projecting portion 649 of the
core ring 640 that is locatable, in use, within the pocket 152 of the split insert 150.
That being said, there are several notable differences between the mold stack 616 and the
mold stack 116. Chief among these is that the mold stack 116 does not require a lock ring 130.
Instead, the functions of the lock ring 130 have been incorporated into the core insert 620 and
the core ring 640 of the mold stack 616. More particularly, the core insert 620 has been
structured to be directly retained to a core plate (not shown) of the first mold half (not shown)
by means of a retaining flange 630 that is provided at an end thereof. The retaining flange 630
includes a set of bores defined therethrough for receiving, in use, fasteners (not shown) for
fastening the core insert 620 to the core plate. In addition, the core ring 640 has been
structured to align and hold closed the split insert 150 (i.e. keep the halves thereof in a closed
configuration) during a step of molding of the molded article (not shown). More specifically,
the core ring 640 has been structured to define a first split insert seat 636. The first split insert
seat 636 has the form, as shown, of a conical female taper for receiving the second projecting
portion 156 (i.e. male taper) of the split insert 150.
Another notable difference between the mold stack 616 and the mold stack 116 is that the core
ring 640 is fastened to the core insert 620 instead of being retained in relation thereto by the
lock ring 130 (FIG. 3B). As such, the core ring 640 defines a retainer interface 643 that is
configured to cooperate, in use, with a retaining interface 627 on the core insert 620 to retain
the core ring 640 to the core insert 620. More particularly, the core ring 640 and the core
insert 620 are structured to be threadably connected together. Specifically, the retaining
interface 627 on the core insert 620 is a core thread 627 that is provided adjacent to a bottom
of an outer medial surface 121 thereof. The retainer interface 643 on the core ring 640 is a ring
thread 643 near a bottom of an inner surface 644 thereof. The ring thread and the core thread
are adapted to cooperate to releasably engage with relative rotation between the core ring 640
and the core insert 620. To facilitate such relative rotation, the core ring 640 may be structured
to include tooling splines 645 covering an outer surface thereof, wherein the tooling splines
645 are engageable with a complementary spline tool (not shown). A technical effect of
threadably fastening the core ring 640 to the core insert 620 may include increased ease with
which the core ring 640 may be replaced. As a further benefit, the core ring 640 may
conceivably be replaced with the injection mold arranged in the molding machine (not
shown).
A further notable difference between the mold stack 616 and the mold stack 116 is the
specific structure of the split line vent 110 that is provided along the core ring-to-core insert
split line 682 and the manner in which it is connected to a source or sink of air pressure. More
particularly, the tubular body of the core insert 620 defines a network of interconnected
grooves, as best shown in FIG. 8, along the outer medial surface 621 thereof, to assist in
defining the split line vent 610. Like the outer medial surface 121 (FIG. 2) the outer medial
surface 6 1 has interconnected grooves that include an upper collector groove 622 and a
plurality of vertical grooves 624 that extend downwardly therefrom. As best shown with
reference to FIG. 9, the upper collector groove 622 is positioned on the tubular body near to
the molding cavity for collecting, in use, air that passes between the narrowly gaped
cylindrical faces that are defined on an upper part 625 of the upper medial surface 62 1 of the
tubular body and the inner surface 644 of the ring body on the core ring 640. The plurality of
vertical grooves 624 fluidly connect, in use, the upper collector groove 622 with a lower
collector groove 626 that is defined in the core ring 640, recalling that previously the lower
collector groove 126 had been provided on the core insert 120 (FIGS. 2 and 3B), for
channeling, in use, air therebetween. Like the core ring 140 (FIG. 3B), the core ring 640
includes a branch conduit 641 with which to fluidly connect the split line vent 610 with a
trunk pressure conduit 612. The notable difference being that the trunk pressure conduit 612 is
defined in the core insert 620 in absence of the lock ring 120. To ensure fluid communication
between the pressure conduit 612 and the branch conduit 641, a coupling groove 651 is
provided therebetween, the coupling groove 651 extending around a base of the core ring 640.
With reference to FIG. 10, there is depicted a section view through a portion of seventh nonlimiting
embodiment of a mold stack 716. The seventh non-limiting embodiment of the mold
stack 716 is identical to the sixth embodiment of the mold stack 616 with the sole exception
that a core ring 740 thereof has tooling splines 745 that cover only a lower portion of an outer
surface thereof. In this way, an upper portion 747 of the outer surface of the core ring 740 may
be structured to be relatively narrow, which alleviates a space requirement for the core ring
740 within the slide pair (not shown) of the stripper assembly (not shown) which in turn
makes the construction of the slide pair more robust.
It is noted that the foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent non-limiting
embodiments. These non-limiting embodiments may be used for many applications. Thus,
although the description is made for particular arrangements and methods, the intent and
concept of these non-limiting embodiments may be suitable and applicable to other
arrangements and applications. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that modifications to
the disclosed non-limiting embodiments can be effected. The described non-limiting
embodiments ought to be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent
features and applications thereof. Other beneficial results can be realized by applying these
non-limiting embodiments in a different manner or modifying them in ways known to those
familiar with the art. This includes the mixing and matching of features, elements and/or
functions between various non-limiting embodiments is expressly contemplated herein, unless
described otherwise, above.

H-7578-I-WO
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
PCT/CA2011/050489
09 July 2012 09-07-2012
1. A molding apparatus, comprising:
a core ring (140,340,440,540,640, 740) ofa mold stack (116,216,316,416,516,616,
s- 716) that is configured to define a core ring-lo-split insert parting line (180, 680) with a
split insert (150) ofthe mold stack (116, 216, 316,416,516,616, 716) that is within a
pocket (152) that is defined in the split insert (150).
2. The m~lding apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein:
10 the core ring (140,340,440,540,640, 740) is configured to seat, in use, around the core
insert (120, 320, 420, 620);
the core ring (140, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740) being configured to be received, at least in
part, within the pocket (152); and
the core ring (140,340,440,540,640, 740) being configured to be retained to the core
15 insert (120,320,420,620).
3. The molding apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein:
a top face (148,648) ofthe core ring (140,340,440,540,640, 740) defines the core ringto-
split insert parting line (180, 680) in cooperation with a recessed face (158) ofthe
20 pocket (152) in the split insert (150).
4. The molding apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein:
a top portion (145,645) ofthe molding cavity (119,619) is split between the core ring
(140,340,440,540,640, 740) and the core insert (120, 320, 420, 620).
25
5. The molding apparatus of claim 4, wherein:
an inner surface (144, 644) ofthe core ring (140,340,440,540,640, 740) defines a core
ring-to-core insert split line (182, 682) in cooperation with an outer medial surface (121,
621) ofthe core insert (120,320,420,620).
30
6. The molding apparatus of claim 5, wherein:
the core ring (140,340,440,540,640, 740) defmes a split line vent (110,610) that is
configured to cooperate, in use, with the core insert (120, 320,420, 620) along the core
ring-to-core insert split line (182, 682) for venting, in use, air from the molding cavity
35 (119,619).
AMENDED SHEET
\6
H-7578-I-WO PCT/CA2011/050489
09 July 2012 09-07-2012
7. The molding apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein:
the core ring (140,320,420,620) defines a branch conduit (141,641) that is configured to
fluidly connect the split line vent (110,610) with a trunk pressure conduit (112, 612)
5 that is associated with at least one of the core insert (140,340,440,540,640, 740) and a
lock ring (130) ofthe mold stack (116,216,316,416,516,616, 716).
8.. The molding apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein:
the core ring (140, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740) defines a mounting interface (190) that is
10 configured to cooperate, in use, with a ring seat (192) that is defmed on the core insert
(120,320,420,620).
15
20
9. The. molding apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein:
the core ring (540, 640) defines a retainer interface (543, 643) that is configured to
cooperate, in use, with a retaining interface (525, 627) on the core insert (520, 620) to
retain the core ring (540, 640) to the core insert (520, 620).
10. The molding apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein:
the retaining interface (627) on the core insert (620) is a core thread (627) and the retainer
interface (643) is a ring thread (643), wherein the ring thread and the core thread are
adapted to cooperate to releasably engage with relative rotation between the core ring
(640) and the core insert (620)..
tl!;
f
11. The molding apparatus ofclaim. 2, wherein:
25 the core ring (140, 440) defines a retainer interface (143, 243, 443) ~ is configured to
cooperate, in use, with a retaining interface (132, 432) on a lock ring (130,430) ofthe
mold stack (116, 216, 416) to retain the core ring (140, 240, 340, 440) to the core insert
(120,320,420).
30 12. The molding apparatus ofclaim 3 wherein:
the core ring (240) defines an air nozzle (242) therein that has an outlet aperture on the top
face (248) ofthe core ring (140) for providing, in use, air assisted ejection ofa molded
article from the core insert (120).
35 13. The molding apparatus of claim 3, wherein:
AMENDED SHEE~
•• H-7578-I-WO
-----_.-._.-_..._------._--------------.
PCT/CA2011/050489
09 July 2012 09-07-2012
the core ring (140, 640) defines a parting line vent (115, 615) in cooperation with the split
insert (150) across the core ring~to-split insert parting line (180, 680) for venting, in use,
air from the molding cavity (11 Q, 619).
5 14. The molding apparatus of claim 13, wherein:
the top face (148, 648) ofthe core ring (140, 640) includes a plurality ofsemi-annular pads
(147, 647) that are separated by a plurality of vent slots (146, 646), wherein the plurality
of semi-annular pads (147, 647) are configured to provide a shut-off, in use, in contact
with the recessed face (158) ofthe pocket (152) in the split insert (150), and further
10 wherein the plurality ofvent slots (146,646) are configured to provide the parting line
vent (115,615), in use, in contact with the recessed face (158) ofthe pocket (152) in the
split insert (150).
15
20
15. The molding apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein:
the core ring (640) has been structured to define a first split insert seat (636) for receiving a
a second projecting portion (156) ofthe split insert (150).
16. The molding apparatus ofclaim 15, wherein:
the first split insert seat (636) has a form, as shown, ofa conical female taper.
;r
;~
17. Amolding apparatus, comprising:
a core insert (120,320,420,620) of a mold stack (116,216,316,416,516,616, 716) that
is configured to define a core ring-to-core insert split line (182, 682) with a core ring
(140,340,440,540,640,740) ofthe mold stack (116, 216, 316, 416, 516, 616, 716)
25 that is within a pocket (152) that is defmed within a split insert (150) ofthe mold stack
(116,216,316,416,516,616, 716).
18. The molding apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein:
the core insert (120, 320, 420, 620) is configured to define an inner body portion (194) ofa
30 molding cavity (119, 619);
the core insert (120,320,420,620) is configured to define a rip.g seat (192, 392, 492,692)
on a medial portion thereofupon which the core ring (140, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740)
may be seated, in use, in cooperation with a mounting interface (190, 390, 690) thereon;
AMENDED SHEET
--------
•• H-7578-I-WO
,_._----_..._-------.--_.,._.-...._..--",.,,,------,,._'--..--_._------------
PCT/CA2011!OS0489
09 July 2012 09-07-2012
the core insert (520,620) defines a retaining interface (525, 627) that is configured to
cooperate, in use, with a retainer interface (543, 643) on the core ring (540, 640) to
retain the core ring (540; 640) to the core insert (520, 620).
5 19. The molding apparatus ofclaim 18, wherein:
a top portion (145, 645) ofthe molding cavity (119,619) is split between the core insert
(120,320,420,620) and the core ring (140,340,440,540,640, 740).
20. The molding apparatus ofclaim 18, wherein:
10 an outer medial surface (121,621) ofthe core insert (120, 320,420,620) defines the core
ring-to-core insert split line (182, 682) in cooperation with an inner surface (144, 644)
ofthe core ring (140, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740).
21. The molding apparatus ofclaim 20, wherein:
15 the core insert (120, 320, 420, 620) being configured to define a split line vent (110, 610)
along the core ring-to-core insert split line (182, 682) in cooperation with the core ring
(140,340,440,540,640, 740) for venting, in use, air from the molding cavity (119,
619).
20 22. The molding apparatus ofclaini 18, wherein:
the retaining interface (627) on the core insert (620) is a core thread (627) and the retainer
interface (643) is a ring thread (643), wherein the ring thread and the core thread are
adapted to cooperate to releasably engage with relative rotation between the core ring
(640) and the core insert (620).
25
23. A mold stack (116, 216, 316, 416, 516, 616, 716), comprising:
a core insert (120, 320,420,620), a core ring (140,340,440,540,640, 740), and a split
insert (150) that are configured to cooperate, in use, to define a molding cavity (119),
wherein the core ring (140, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740) and the split insert (150) are
30 configured to define a core ring-to-split insert parting line (180, 680) that is within a
pocket (152) that is defmed within the split insert (150).
24. The mold stack (116, 216, 316, 416, 516, 616, 716) ofclaim23, wherein:
AMENDED SHEET
,~
H-7578-I·WO PCT/CA2011/050489
09 July 2012 09-07-2012
the core insert (120,320,420,620) defines a ring seat (192, 392, 492) on a medial portion
thereof upon which the core ring (140, 340,440,540,640, 740) may be seated, in use,
in cooperation with a mounting interface (190, 390) thereon;
the split insert (150) defines the pocket (152) to extend coaxially through a bottom
5 projecting portion (156) tbereofwithin which to receive a projecting portion (149) ofthe
core ring (140,340,440,540,640, 740); and
the core ring (140,340,440,540,640, 740) being configured to be retained to the core
insert (120, 320, 420, 620).
10 25. The mold stack (116, 216, 316, 416,516,616, 716) ofclaim 24, wherein:
a top face (148, 648) ofthe core ring (140, 340, 440,540,640, 740) defines the core ringto-
split insert parting line (180, 680) in cooperation with a recessed face (158) ofthe
pocket (152) in the split insert (150).
15 26. The mold stack (116, 216,316,416,516,616,716) of claim 24, wherein:
a top portion (145, 645) ofthe molding cavity (119,619) is split between the core ring
(140,340,440,540,640, 740) and the core insert (120, 320,420,620).
27. The mold stack (116, 216,316,416,516,616,716) ofclaim 26, wherein:
20 an inner surface (144, 644) ofthe core ring (140,340,440,540,640,740) defines a core
ring-to-core insert split line (182, 682) in cooperation with an outer medial surface (121,
621) ofthe core insert (120,320,420,620).
28. The mold stack (116, 216, 316, 416, 516, 616, 716) ofclaim 27, wherein:
25 the core ring (140, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740) defines a split line vent (110, 610) that is
configured to cooperate, in use, with the core insert (120,320,420,620) along the core
ring-to-core insert split line (182, 682) for venting, in use, air from the molding cavity
(119,619).
30 29. The mold stack (116, 216, 316, 416, 516, 616, 716) ofclaim 28, wherein:
the core rin~ (140,320,420,620) defines a branch conduit (141, 641) that is configured to
fluidly connect the split line vent (110, 610) with a trunk pressure conduit (112, 612)
that is associated with at least one ofthe core insert (140, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740) and a
lock ring (130) ofthe mold stack (116, 216, 316,416,516; 616, 716).
35
AMENDED SHEET
H·7578-1-WO PCT/CA2011/0S0489
09 July 2012 09-07-2012
30. The mold stack (116, 216,316,416,516,616, 716) ofclaim 24, wherein:
the core ring (540,640) defines a retainer interface (543, 643) that is configured to
cooperate, in use, with a retaining iJiterface (525, 627) on the core insert (520; 620) to
retain the core ring (540, 640) to the core insert (520, 620).
5
31. The mold stack (116, 216, 316,416,516,616,716) ofclaim 30, wherein:
the retaining interface (627) on the core insert (620) is a core thread (627) and the retainer
interface (643) is a ring thread (643), wherein the ring thread and the core thread are
adapted to cooperate to releasably engage with relative rotation between the core ring
10 .(640) and the core insert (620).
32. The mold stack (116,216,316,416,516,616, 716) ofclaim 24, wherein:
the core ring (140, 440) defines a retainer interface (143, 243, 443) that is configured to
cooperate, in use, with a retaining interface (132, 432) on a lock ring (130, 430) of the
15 mold stack (116,216,416) to retain the core ring (140, 240, 340,440) to the core insert
(120, 320, 420).
33. The mold stack (116, 216, 316~ 416,516,616, 716) ofclaim 25 wherein:
the core ring (240) defines an air nozzle (242) therein that has an outlet aperture on the top
20 face (248) ofthe core ring (140) for providing, in use, air assisted ejection ofa molded
article from the core insert (120).
34. The mold stack (116, 216, 316,416,516,616, 716) ofclaim 25, wherein:
the core ring (140,640) defines a parting line vent (115,615) in cooperation with the split
25 insert (150) across the core ring-to-split insert parting line (180, 680) for venting, in use,
air from the molding cavity (119,619).
35. The mold stack (116, 216, 316, 416,516,616,716) ofc1aim 34, wherein:
the top face (148, 648) ofthe core ring (140, 640) includes a plurality of semi-annular pads
30 (147,647) that are separated by a plurality ofvent slots (146,646), wherein the plurality
ofsemi-annular pads (147,647) are configured to provide ashut-off, in use, in contact
with the recessed face (158) ofthe pocket (152) in the split insert (150), and further
wherein the plurality ofvent slots (146, 646) are configured to form the parting line vent
(115,615), in use, in contact with the recessed face (158) ofthe pocket (152) in the split
3S insert (150).
AMENDED SHEET .
J-.l
H-7578-I-WO PCT/CA2011/0504B~
O~ July 2012 0~-07-2012
5
36. The mold stack (116, 216,316,416,516,616, 716) of claim 24, wherein:
the core ring (640) has been structured to define a first split insert seat (636) for receiving-a
a second projecting portion (156) of the split insert (150).
37. The mold stack (116,216,316,416,516,616,716) of claim 36, wherein:
the first split insert seat (636) has a form, as shown, of a conical female taper.