Importance

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Abstract

A staged, sequentially separated injection molding apparatus for forming a molded container closure includes a mold base portion, a plurality of concentric, separable telescopic mold elements, and an opening therein defined by one of the base portion and the mold elements for injecting a mold material into the apparatus. The elements are configured such that they can be separated or removed from the mold, from the inner most element outward, to provide sufficient free space for the newly molded part to flex inward as the mold elements are removed. The inward flexing of the part, permits ready removal of the next outwardly most mold element, while minimizing the possibility of damage to the molded part. Each of the mold elements includes a mold face, which in conjunction with the base portion, in part defines a mold cavity. The inner and outer mold elements and the intermediate mold element include flange portions opposite of their respective mold faces. The elements include recesses therein, and the intermediate element includes openings therethrough, adapted to receive a movable, locking cam member positioned in the opening. The cam member is adapted to hold the intermediate mold element against movement relative to the outer mold element as the inner mold element is moved away from the base portion, and to release the intermediate element with the inner element relative to the base portion, to facilitate staged, sequential opening of the mold for removal of the molded part.

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First Claim