Apparatus and method for multi-layer injection molding

(54) APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MULTILAYER INJECTION MOLDING

(75) Inventors: Jobst U. Gellert, Georgetown (CA);

Denis L. Babin, Acton (CA)

(73) Assignee: Mold Masters Limited (CA)

( * ) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term ol this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

(21) Appl. No.: 09/271,835

(22) Filed: Mar. 18, 1999

(51) Int. CI.7 B29C 45/16

(52) U.S. CI 425/130; 425/563; 425/566;

425/573

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OTHER PUBLICATIONS

Copy ol claims ol Co-pending Application 09/274,443.* International Search Report dated Jun. 21, 2000, lor PCT/ IB00/00299.

"High Performance Polyester Packaging for Foods & Beverages," Technologies, 1996, pp. 42-70.

Primary Examiner—-W. L. Walker

Assistant Examiner—Emmanuel Luk

(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—McDonnell Boehnen

Hulbert & Berghoff

(57) ABSTRACT

An injection molding apparatus and method for multi-layer molding ol preforms and closures has a central melt channel, an annular melt channel radially spaced from the central melt channel, and an annular ring channel surrounding the central melt channel. The central melt channel has a first portion for flow of a first material, a second portion for flow of the first material and a second material, and a flow extension connecting the first portion and the second portion. The flow extension has a flow opening in communication with the annular ring channel for flow of the second material. The apparatus and method also include a cavity for receiving flow of the first material and the second material from the central melt channel, and for receiving flow of the first material from the annular melt channel. In addition, the apparatus and method include a melt passage having a first melt portion in communication with the central melt channel, and a second melt portion in communication with the annular melt channel.

14 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets

110

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