Method and apparatus for trimming containers

An apparatus for trimming a plastic container having an open end and a base, which comprises:

• a multi-station assembly for holding a container during trimming wherein said assembly includes a plurality of spaced stations and wherein said container traverses stations of said multi-station assembly for operating stages, including means to support the base of the container during its traverse through the multi-station assembly;
• inlet means to move the container to be trimmed onto said multi-station assembly at a first operating stage;
• a knife operative to trim said container;
• means to move said knife into engagement with said container to be trimmed at a second operating stage;
• means to move said knife around said container to be trimmed to trim said container at a third operating stage including a roller and tapered cam for camming, positioning and moving the knife;
• means to hold the container stationary during trimming including a holder which holds the container beneath the area to be trimmed during trimming;
• means to the eject the trimmed portion at a fourth operating stage;
• and means to eject the trimmed container at a fifth operating stage.