Method for continuous stretch-blow molding

Abstract

Method for continuously forming molecularly oriented articles using a multi-station rotary stretch-blow molding machine wherein a plurality of partible blow molds angularly spaced about a continuously rotating support are provided with means for moving the mold sections of said molds between open and closed positions in synchronization with rotation of said support, additional means to longitudinally reciprocate a stretch rod within a cavity of each of said molds and further means for projecting the rod into the cavity and retracting it therefrom, said rod moving means being operable in combination and in synchronization with said mold movements. Another feature involves continuously and simultaneously feeding workpieces to and discharging articles from a stretch-blow mold machine. The workpiece, while at molecular orientation temperature, is held temporarily or stored at each moving mold while an article is being formed in the cavity of such mold from a prior preform.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.