Method and apparatus for attaching article processing stem

Apparatus [10] to facilitate surface treatment of articles of manufacture [12] of the type having a given handling surface [14], said apparatus comprising:

• a releasable gripping structure [16] for supporting, in a stable position, an article of manufacture [12] of the type having a given handling surface [14];
• a source [18] of elongate stem elements [20], said source being positioned to align a given one of said elongate stem elements [20] with the elongate axis [22] thereof in a predetermined orientation relative to said given handling surface of said plastic article;
• an advancing mechanism [24] for advancing a free end [34] of said given elongate element [20] into contact with said given handling surface [14] of said plastic article [12];
• and
• a securing mechanism [26] for fixedly attaching said free end [34] of said given elongate stem element [20] to said given handling surface [14] of said plastic article [12], such that said stem element thereafter fixedly extends from said handling surface to serve as a handle for manipulating and supporting said article.