Tool For Forming A Three Dimensional Article Or Container
AssigneeGraphic Packaging International, Inc.
InventorsPatrick H. Wnek, Ronald P. Marx
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A forming tool assembly and method for forming a cooking element. The forming tool assembly has an upper tool assembly and a lower tool assembly that cooperate to shape the cooking element from an annular cutout.
Claims36
A tool for forming a cooking element from an annular cutout having an inner edge and an outer edge, the tool comprising:
- a first tool assembly;
- and
- a second tool assembly,
- at least one of the first tool assembly and the second tool assembly being moveable between an open position wherein the annular cutout is received between the first and the second tool assembly and a closed position wherein the cutout is formed into the cooking element,
- the first and the second tool assembly having a cooperating clamping feature that holds a portion of the annular cutout comprising the inner edge in a fixed position during formation of cooking element.
A method of forming a cooking element from an annular cutout having an inner edge and an outer edge, the method comprising:
- providing a tool comprising a first tool assembly and a second tool assembly, the first and second tool assemblies having a cooperating clamping feature,
- providing a annular cutout comprising material to be formed into the cooking element;
- clamping the annular cutout between the clamping feature of the first tool assembly and the second tool assembly;
- positioning the first and second tool assemblies in a closed position to press the cutout between the tool assemblies and form the cutout into the cooking element while maintaining a portion of the annular cutout comprising the inner edge in a substantially fixed position.
A method of forming a cooking element, the method comprising:
- providing a tool comprising a first tool assembly and a second tool assembly;
- cutting an annular cutout from a blank, the annular cutout having an outer radial edge, an inner radial edge, and an opening adjacent the inner radial edge;
- positioning the tool in an open position wherein the first tool assembly and the second tool assembly are spaced apart to form a receiving space therebetween;
- conveying the annular cutout to the tool in the open position and placing the cutout between the first and second tool assembly;
- closing the tool so that the first and second tool assemblies form the annular cutout into a cooking ring.
A cooking element for heating a food product, the cooking element comprising a generally annular body comprising a lower edge portion, an upper edge portion, a curved portion between the lower and upper edge portions, and an annular groove between the upper edge portion and the curved portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.