Filler Boot Diaphragm for Dairy Machines and the Like and Method of Making Same

Abstract

An elastomeric casing encapsulates a reinforcing insert on a filler diaphragm for filling machines. The casing is molded onto the insert, the insert being completely encased in the lower end of the casing. At least one location port is provided in the lower end of the casing, and a plug is injected, inserted or over-molded in the location port.

Claims

1. A diaphragm adapted to be mounted on a spout on a filling machine, said diaphragm comprising: at least one insert; an elastomeric casing adapted to be mounted on the spout of the filling machine, said casing having upper and lower ends and being over molded onto and completely encasing the insert in the lower end thereof; at least one location port the lower end of the casing; and a plug injected, inserted or over-molded in the location port.

2. A method of making a diaphragm adapted to be mounted on a spout on a filling machine, said method comprising: forming at least one insert; molding an elastomeric casing onto the insert, said casing having upper and lower ends, said insert being completely encapsulated in the lower end of said casing; providing at least one location port in the lower end of the casing; and injecting, inserting or over-molding a plug into said at least one injection port.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a filling machine and illustrates the diaphragms or filler boots interposed between the fluid-dispensing spouts on the machine and the bottles into which the fluid is dispensed;

[0007] FIG. 2 is a top view of a conventional filler boot;

[0008] FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2 and particularly illustrates an insert typically provided in the lower portion of the conventional filler boot;

[0009] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the filler boot illustrates in FIGS. 2 and 3;

[0010] FIG. 5 is an enlarged detail view of crevice formation on the insert illustrated in FIG. 3;

[0011] FIG. 6 is an enlarged detail view of another mode of crevice formation on the insert illustrated in FIG. 3;

[0012] FIG. 7 is a top view of a filler boot according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 7 and particularly illustrates encapsulation of the insert in the lower portion of the boot; and

[0014] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the present filler boot illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] As illustrated in FIGS. 7-9, a diaphragm or filler boot, generally designated 26, is particularly adapted for use on a Federal Filling machine 11 (FIG. 1). The diaphragm may comprise at least one insert 28, an elastomeric casing 30 having upper 32 and lower ends 34, at least one location port 36 in the lower end of the casing, and a plug 38 injected, inserted or over-molded in the location port. The casing may be over molded onto and completely encase the insert in the lower end of the casing.

[0016] The present invention also encompasses a method of making the filler boot 26. The method may comprise forming at least one insert 28, molding the elastomeric casing 30 having upper 32 and lower ends 34 onto the insert, said insert being completely encapsulated in the lower end of said casing; providing at least one location port 36 in the lower end of the casing; and injection, inserting, or over-molding a plug 38 into said at least one injection port.