Apparatus and method for forming discrete hollow parts

Abstract

A method for continuously forming discrete hollow parts includes extruding at least one continuous stream of molten plastic. A plurality of mold segments are arranged such that one or more segments periodically close on the one or more streams of molten plastic and define discrete part forming cavities when closed. A pressure differential is created within the discrete part forming cavities to shape the molten plastic accordingly. Air or another gas is replenished within the discrete hollow parts either in the discrete part forming cavities, or nearly immediately upon discharge from the cavities. The discrete hollow parts are then cooled. The apparatus for forming discrete hollow parts in this manner has an extruder and a plurality of the mold segments including one or more segments that can be closed on the plastic stream or streams. The pressure differential is applied by the apparatus to the closed mold segments. The hollow part interior is replenished either by the apparatus or manually by an operator. The parts can be cooled by a part of the apparatus or downstream of the apparatus.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.