Multiple finish spindle
AssigneeGraham Packaging Company, L.P.
InventorKent Goss
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for supporting a preform is provided. The apparatus comprises a shaft defining a groove. A deformable element is arranged in the groove. A split ring having at least two pieces is provided. Each of the pieces has an inner surface facing the deformable member and an outer surface. At least one of the pieces has a protrusion extending from its inner surface. The protrusion is arranged adjacent to the deformable element and the split ring being moveable in a radial direction whereby the protrusion causes the deformable element to be compressed in the groove.
Claims22
An apparatus for supporting a preform, comprising:
- a shaft defining a groove;
- a deformable element arranged in the groove;
- a split ring having at least two sections each having an inner surface facing the deformable member and an outer surface, at least one of the sections having a protrusion extending from its inner surface, the protrusion being arranged adjacent to the deformable element, and the split ring being moveable in a radial direction whereby the protrusion causes the deformable element to be compressed in the groove.
A multiple finish spindle, comprising:
- a spindle body defining a groove therein;
- a shell including at least two pieces disposed around the spindle body, the shell having an outer surface, an inner surface facing the spindle body, and a protruding element arranged on the inner surface;
- an elastically deformable element disposed in the groove, wherein the shell is moveable between an uncompressed position and a compressed position in which the shell moves in a radial direction towards the spindle body and the protruding element acts on the deformable element, compressing it in the groove.
A method for supporting different size preforms, comprising:
- providing a support device comprising a shaft defining a groove, a deformable element arranged in the groove, and a split ring having at least two pieces, at least one of the pieces having a protrusion arranged adjacent to the deformable element;
- inserting the support device into a first preform having a first diameter causing the split ring and the protrusion move radially inward to a first distance and the split ring to frictionally engage the first preform;
- inserting the support device into a second preform having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter thereby causing the split ring to be move radially inward second distance which is greater than the first distance and the split ring to frictionally engage the second preform.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.