A method for forming a silicone container having a reinforced rim. A layer of adhesive is applied to the outer surface of a metal ring. The adhesive layer is covered with a first plug of unvulcanized silicone. The first plug of unvulcanized silicone is then vulcanized to form a vulcanized silicone covered metal ring. The vulcanized silicone covered metal ring is then inserted into a mold along with a second plug of unvulcanized silicone. The second plug of unvulcanized silicone is then vulcanized so that it binds with the vulcanized silicone covered metal ring to form a silicone container having a reinforced rim. In one preferred embodiment the silicone container having a reinforced rim is a bowl. In another preferred embodiment the silicone container having a reinforced rim is a cup.

A multi-cavity mould (1) for a thermoforming machine used in the process of high-volume, continuous thermoforming of a plurality of thin-gauge plastic products (2) from a preheated thin-gauge thermoplastic sheet (3) comprising an upper tool (11) and a lower tool (12) arranged in a cooperating manner; the lower tool (12) comprising a plurality of cavities (8) in which cavity moulds (8) are placed and a plurality of base plates (91) from which a plurality of supporting blocks (92) extend perpendicularly over a predetermined total height (a), situated between adjacent cavities (8), each of said supporting block (92) has a stepped profile comprising three substantially rectangular shaped zones (92a, 92b, 92c) and a fourth substantially isosceles trapezoid shaped zone (92d) in a vertical cross section, having a common symmetry axis.

A process is disclosed to encapsulate the exterior surface of a metal drinking cup or other similar heat resistant container with plastic material such as polybutylene terephthalate in an injection molding process. A fixture holds a metal container in place and is inserted within a mold. Plastic material is then injected into the mold and surrounds the exterior surface of the container and allowed to cool. The container includes various physical features on its exterior to prevent the slipping of the plastic material off of the cup after cooling. Using an injection molding process to surround and encapsulate the exterior surface of a metal container with plastic results in a thicker surface over the container, and creates an ideal platform for receiving high resolution images and designs for impregnation using a further dye sublimation process.

A surface underlayment system and its method of manufacture that is sandwiched between an impact-receiving upper surface and a lower foundation. The energy absorbing system has subassemblies of interconnected modules that cooperate to absorb and distribute impact forces applied thereto. Each module has one or more frustoconical support structures. At least some of the frustoconical support structures have bases that underlie the upper impact-receiving surface such as a golf putting green, a football field, marine decking, and senior living flooring.

A system for labeling a container includes a label forming section, a buffer section, and a bonding section. The label forming section includes a first rotatable turret having a plurality of forming mandrels. The buffer section includes a second rotatable turret having a plurality of buffer receptacles. The bonding section includes a third rotatable turret having a plurality of bonding stations. The label forming section forms a label in a frustoconical shape using one of the forming mandrels and transfers the label to one of the buffer receptacles of the buffer section. The buffer section receives, in a buffer receptacle, the label followed by a container blank, and transfers the label and the container blank together to one of the bonding stations of the bonding section. The bonding section bonds the label to the container blank in the bonding station.

Disclosed, among other things, are ways to manufacture reduced density thermoplastics using rapid solid-state foaming and machines useful for the saturation of plastic. In one embodiment, a foaming process may involve saturating a semi-crystalline polymer such as Polylactic Acid (PLA) with high levels of gas, and then heating, which may produce a reduced density plastic having high levels of crystallinity. In another embodiment, a foaming process may produce layered structures in reduced density plastics with or without integral skins. In another embodiment, a foaming process may produce deep draw structures in reduced density plastics with or without integral skins. In yet another embodiment, a foaming process may utilize additives, blends, or fillers, for example. In yet another embodiment, a foaming process may involve saturating a semi-crystalline polymer such as Polylactic Acid (PLA) with high levels of gas, and then heating, which may produce a reduced density plastic having high levels of crystallinity.

A thermoforming machine for manufacturing articles from a heated thermoplastic film includes a molding station, an extraction device, a hole punch; and a stacking station. The hole punch includes a pivotable lower punching tool which receives punched-out articles from the extraction device while being pivoted into a tilted position facing the extraction device and which pivots into a vertical 0 position to face an upper punching tool for punching operation.

A thermoforming device is described. It relates to a mold assembly including a first and second mold, and to a mold that can be used in a thermoforming device. It also relates to a method for thermoforming a product. The thermoforming device is characterized in that the thermoforming device comprises a second pre-stretcher, in addition to a first pre-stretcher and a calibration element (19, 20), and that the second pre-stretcher is at least partially and moveably arranged in a second mold body (12, 43). A movement relative to the second mold body (12, 43) and towards the same forming cavity of the first pre-stretcher, the second pre-stretcher, and the calibration element (19, 20), can be individually controlled, arid the second pre-stretcher at least partially surrounds the first pre-stretcher and the calibration element (19, 20).

An apparatus may include a film support roller supporting a film roll and a housing that may include a sealing portion having an aperture sized to receive a top portion of a container. The housing may define a film path leading from the film roll to the sealing portion. A guide support assembly may have a ramp and at least one guide truss positioned along the film path. The ramp and the guide truss may guide the film across the aperture within the sealing portion, covering the aperture. The motor may advance the film along the film path. The heating element may emanate energy. The controller may cause the motor to advance the film onto the ramp and cause the heating element to emanate energy to cause the film to seal the top portion of the container.

Mineral-filled polymer compositions and methods of forming such polymer compositions into a thermally stable article are provided. Methods of forming a polymeric article include providing a polymer composition comprising a crystallizable polymer, a mineral filler in an amount of more than about 15 wt-% based on the total weight of the polymer composition, and an impact modifier, wherein the polymer composition is at a temperature less than a crystallization temperature of the crystallizable polymer. The methods further include disposing the polymer composition in a mold, forming the polymer composition into an article within the mold, and releasing the article from the mold. The methods can include thermoforming the polymer composition in a mold, or injection molding the polymer composition in a molten form in a mold.