EP0125787A2 — Injection molding methods, injection molding appa…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 108 words

A method of forming multi-layer plastics articles wherein said method involves use of a multi-cavity injection molding machine, characterised in that a combined material stream is injected from each of a plurality of co-injection nozzle means of said machine into an associated injection cavity to form each article, said method being further characterised by: - providing streams of polymeric materials to form the corresponding layers of the articles, and moving each material stream separately to each of the nozzle means, - forming in the plural nozzle means substantially identical combined streams, from the separate material streams, and - injecting the combined streams to form the multi-layer plastics articles.

Claim 2

Independent Claim 108 words

A method of forming multi-layer plastics articles wherein said method involves use of a multi-cavity injection molding machine, characterised in that a combined material stream is injected from each of a plurality of co-injection nozzle means of said machine into an associated injection cavity to form each article, said method being further characterised by: - providing streams of polymeric materials to form the corresponding layers of the articles, and moving each material stream separately to each of the nozzle means, - forming in the plural nozzle means substantially identical combined streams, from the separate material streams, and - injecting the combined streams to form the multi-layer plastics articles.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 25 words

A method according to claim 1, characterised by subjecting the corresponding material streams to substantially identical flow conditions sufficient to provide the said combined streams.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 109 words

3 . A method of forming multi-layer plastics articles wherein said method involves use of a multi-cavity injection molding machine, characterised in that a combined material stream is injected from each of a plurality of co-injection nozzle means of said machine into an associated injection cavity to form each article, said method being further characterised by: - providing streams of polymeric materials to form the corresponding layers of the articles, and moving each material stream separately to each of the nozzle means, - forming the combined stream in the plural nozzle means from the separate material streams, and - injecting the combined streams to form the multi-layer plastics articles.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 109 words

3 . A method of forming multi-layer plastics articles wherein said method involves use of a multi-cavity injection molding machine, characterised in that a combined material stream is injected from each of a plurality of co-injection nozzle means of said machine into an associated injection cavity to form each article, said method being further characterised by: - providing streams of polymeric materials to form the corresponding layers of the articles, and moving each material stream separately to each of the nozzle means, - forming the combined stream in the plural nozzle means from the separate material streams, and - injecting the combined streams to form the multi-layer plastics articles.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 20 words

4 : A method according to claim 3, characterised by subjecting the corresponding material streams to substantially identical flow conditions.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 31 words

A method according to claim 2 or claim 4, characterised by the substantially identical flow conditions being obtainea by providing flow paths of substantially identical configuration for each corresponding material stream.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 32 words

A method according to claim 2 or claim 4, characterised by said substantially identical flow conditions being obtained by providing substantially the same flow path and experience for each corresponding material stream.

Claim 9

Independent Claim 30 words

A method according to any of claims 1 to 6, further characterised by the forming step including effecting substantially simultaneous control of flow and non-flow of the corresponding material streams.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 26 words

A method according to claim 7, characterised by said control being effected by operation of positively acting flow control means in each of said nozzle means.

Claim 11

Independent Claim 36 words

A method according to any of claims 1 to 6, further characterised by the forming step including positively effecting the initiation and termination of flow of the corresponding material streams substantially simultaneously in said nozzle means.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 29 words

A method according to claim 9, characterised in that positively acting flow control means in each of said nozzles means are employed to control the said initiation and termination.

Claim 13

Independent Claim 94 words

A method according to any of claims 1 to 10, for producing articles having at least three layers and characterised by the steps of forming each of said combined streams from material streams corresponding to two of said - layers while preventing material corresponding to another layer from flowing, raising the pressure of the arrested material to a level above the pressure of the combined two layer stream, and establishing flow of the so pressurized material so that it forms with the other material streams a multi-layer combined stream having at least three layers.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 23 words

A method according to claim 11, characterised by permitting flow of said pressurized material substantially simultaneously in each of the plural nozzle means.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 32 words

A method according to claim 11 or claim 12, characterised in that each of the corresponding arrested materials to be introduced in the plural nozzle means is subjected to a common pressure.

Claim 16

Independent Claim 50 words

A method according to any of claims 11 to 13, characterised in that the pressure is imparted by a common pressure source while said materials are arrested by a positive blocking thereof, and flow of the so-pressurized materials is effected substantially simultaneously in nozzles by positive unblocking of said materials.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 134 words

Apparatus for forming a plurality of multi-layer plastics articles, comprising a plurality of co-injection nozzle means (296) for injecting materials into associated cavities (102) to form the articles and means (208 to 212) for providing streams of materials for injection to form corresponding layers of the articles, characterised by means (288,294) associated with the nozzle means to channel the material streams separately from one another to each of the nozzle means (296), means (232, 234, 252, 260, 262) for moving the material streams along their respective channels to the respective nozzle means (296), and means (540, 462, 482, 502, 522) for combining in each nozzle means the streams moved thereto, to form substantially identical combined streams in the said nozzle means (296), for injection into their associated injection cavities (102) to form said articles.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 134 words

Apparatus for forming a plurality of multi-layer plastics articles, comprising a plurality of co-injection nozzle means (296) for injecting materials into associated cavities (102) to form the articles and means (208 to 212) for providing streams of materials for injection to form corresponding layers of the articles, characterised by means (288,294) associated with the nozzle means to channel the material streams separately from one another to each of the nozzle means (296), means (232, 234, 252, 260, 262) for moving the material streams along their respective channels to the respective nozzle means (296), and means (540, 462, 482, 502, 522) for combining in each nozzle means the streams moved thereto, to form substantially identical combined streams in the said nozzle means (296), for injection into their associated injection cavities (102) to form said articles.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 132 words

Apparatus for forming a plurality of multi-layer plastics articles, comprising a plurality of co-injection nozzle means (296) for injecting materials into associated cavities (102) to form the articles and means (208 to 212) for providing streams of materials for injection to form corresponding layers of the articles, characterised by means (288,294) associated with the nozzle means to channel the material streams separately from one another to each of the nozzle means (296), means (232, 234, 252, 260, 262) for moving the material streams along their respective channels to the respective nozzle means (296), and means (540, 462, 482, 502, 522) for combining in each nozzle means the streams moved thereto, to form combined streams in the said nozzle means (296), for injection into their associated injection cavities (102) to form said articles.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 132 words

Apparatus for forming a plurality of multi-layer plastics articles, comprising a plurality of co-injection nozzle means (296) for injecting materials into associated cavities (102) to form the articles and means (208 to 212) for providing streams of materials for injection to form corresponding layers of the articles, characterised by means (288,294) associated with the nozzle means to channel the material streams separately from one another to each of the nozzle means (296), means (232, 234, 252, 260, 262) for moving the material streams along their respective channels to the respective nozzle means (296), and means (540, 462, 482, 502, 522) for combining in each nozzle means the streams moved thereto, to form combined streams in the said nozzle means (296), for injection into their associated injection cavities (102) to form said articles.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 48 words

Apparatus according to claim 15 or claim 16, characterised in that the nozzle means (296) has a stream-combining area (546) adjacent an exit end thereof and separate passageways (460, 480, 500, 520) for the material streams in communication with the combining area and the channelling means (288, 294).

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 41 words

Apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 17, characterised in that the channelling (288, 294) and moving means (232, 234, 252, 260, 262) are operative to subject corresponding material streams entering the plural nozzle means to substantially identical flow conditions.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 24 words

Apparatus according to claim 18, characterised in that the said channelling means (288) for corresponding material streams provide flow patterns of substantially -identical configuration.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 29 words

Apparatus according to claim 18, characterised in that the said channelling means (288, 294) are operative to subject the corresponding streams to substantially the same flow paths and experiences.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 40 words

Apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 20, characterised by means (e.g. 800, 860, 856; 834, 844, 850) to effect substantially simultaneous control of the flow or non-flow of the corresponding material streams in the plural nozzle means (296).

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 23 words

Apparatus according to claim 21, characterised by said control means including positively-acting, flow-controlling means (800, 834) for each of the nozzle means (296).

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 41 words

Apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 20, characterised by means (e.g. 800, 860, 856; 834, 844, 850) operative to effect positive initiation and termination of flow of the corresponding material streams substantially simultaneously in the plural nozzle means (296).

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 25 words

Apparatus according to claim 23, characterised by the said means comprising positively-acting flow control means (800, 834) in each of the said nozzle means (296).

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 134 words

Apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 23, for use to produce articles having at least three layers, characterised in that each of the nozzle means (296) have, associated therewith, flow controlling means (800, 834) to prevent flow of a corresponding one of the materials (e.g. C) to form a corresponding layer of the articles, and means (252) to raise the pressure of the arrested material to a level above the pressure of the materials (e.g. A, B, etc.) which are to form other corresponding layers of the articles, the flow-controlling means (800, 834) being operable when the said material (C) has been so pressurized to establish flow of the said material for providing the multi-layer combined stream having at least three layers, one of which is formed by the said material (C).

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 46 words

Apparatus according to claim 25, characterised by the flow-controlling means (e.g. 800, 860, 856; 834, 844, 850) being operative substantialiy simultaneously for each of the nozzle means (296) to establish simultaneous onset of flow of the said material (e.g. C) in the plural nozzle means (296).

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 40 words

Apparatus according to claim 25 or claim 26, characterised by pressurizing means (e.g. 252) effective to exert a common pressure on the material (e.g. C) controlled by the flow controlling means (800, 834) associated with the plural nozzle means (296).

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 79 words

Apparatus according to any of claims 25 to 27, characterised in that said flow controlling means (800, 834) provide positive blocking of the material (e.g. C) controlled thereby while said material is pressurized, and means (850, 856) is provided to operate the flow controlling means (800, 834) for all the plural nozzle means substantially simultaneously to effect a positive unblocking of the pressurized material, thereby to establish onset of flow thereof substantially simultaneously in all the nozzle means (296).

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 32 words

Apparatus according to any of claims 25 to 28, characterised in that the plural nozzle means have flow control means operative to control flow and/or non-flow of at least two material streams.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 26 words

Apparatus according to any of claims 25 to 29, characterised in that each flow control means is or are substantially identical in the plural nozzle means.

Claim 35

Independent Claim 165 words

A method of injection molding a plurality of substantially identical plastics articles characterised by injection of substantially identical multi-layer combined polymeric material streams from a plurality of co-injection nozzle means each having a central channel, into a plurality of juxtaposed injection cavities, and further characterised by the steps of: feeding separately each nozzle means with a melt stream of polymeric material for each layer of the articles to be formed, the separate streams of each material being fed along substantially identical flow paths to the several nozzle means, positively blocking corresponding melt streams from entering the central channel of each nozzle means substantially simultaneously, pressurizing the positively blocked corresponding melt streams in the different nozzle means, substantially simultaneously removing the blockage to allow the corresponding melt streams to flow substantially simultaneously into the central channels and be injected into the juxtaposed injection cavities, and thereafter substantially simultaneously positively blocking flow of each corresponding stream substantially simultaneously to terminate the injections and complete the injection operation.

Claim 36

Independent Claim 165 words

A method of injection molding a plurality of substantially identical plastics articles characterised by injection of substantially identical multi-layer combined polymeric material streams from a plurality of co-injection nozzle means each having a central channel, into a plurality of juxtaposed injection cavities, and further characterised by the steps of: feeding separately each nozzle means with a melt stream of polymeric material for each layer of the articles to be formed, the separate streams of each material being fed along substantially identical flow paths to the several nozzle means, positively blocking corresponding melt streams from entering the central channel of each nozzle means substantially simultaneously, pressurizing the positively blocked corresponding melt streams in the different nozzle means, substantially simultaneously removing the blockage to allow the corresponding melt streams to flow substantially simultaneously into the central channels and be injected into the juxtaposed injection cavities, and thereafter substantially simultaneously positively blocking flow of each corresponding stream substantially simultaneously to terminate the injections and complete the injection operation.

Claim 37

Independent Claim 161 words

A method of injection molding a plurality of substantially identical articles substantially simultaneously, characterised by feeding a plurality of polymeric melt streams to a plurality of substantially identical co-injection nozzles means for co-injection to form plural multi-layer articles, and further characterised by the steps of providing a melt stream of polymeric material for each of the corresponding layers of the articles to be formed, feeding the melt streams to the plurality of nozzle means such that the material streams to form corresponding layers in the articles pass along separate, substantially equal flow paths to the nozzle means, applying substantially identical pressures to the corresponding melt streams to establish substantially identical flows of the corresponding materials to and from each nozzle means, positively effecting the initiation, flow and termination of flow of the corresponding materials substantially identically in all the nozzle means by employing substantially identical valve means in the nozzle means, and operating all the valve means substantially simultaneously and identically.

Claim 38

Independent Claim 161 words

A method of injection molding a plurality of substantially identical articles substantially simultaneously, characterised by feeding a plurality of polymeric melt streams to a plurality of substantially identical co-injection nozzles means for co-injection to form plural multi-layer articles, and further characterised by the steps of providing a melt stream of polymeric material for each of the corresponding layers of the articles to be formed, feeding the melt streams to the plurality of nozzle means such that the material streams to form corresponding layers in the articles pass along separate, substantially equal flow paths to the nozzle means, applying substantially identical pressures to the corresponding melt streams to establish substantially identical flows of the corresponding materials to and from each nozzle means, positively effecting the initiation, flow and termination of flow of the corresponding materials substantially identically in all the nozzle means by employing substantially identical valve means in the nozzle means, and operating all the valve means substantially simultaneously and identically.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 21 words

A method according to claim 31 or claim 32, characterised by establishing substantially identical combined streams in the plural nozzle means.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 21 words

A method according to claim 31, 32, or 33, characterised by pressurizing the corresponding material streams by a common pressure source.

Claim 41

Independent Claim 19 words

A method according to any of claims 31 to 34, characterised by pressurizing the corresponding material streams substantially simultaneously.

Claim 42

Independent Claim 139 words

A method of injection molding suitable for use -in producing at least three layer, e.g. five layer multi-material plastics articles, such as containers having side walls with marginal end portions, and those total side wall thicknesses below the marginal end portions average from 1.010 inch to 0.035 inch (0.25 to 0.89 mm), characterised by: providing a source of supply of each polymer melt material which is to form a layer of the container, establishing an advancing flow of each polymer melt material from the source thereof towards a plurality of co-injection nozzle means, channelling each advancing flow into separate flow streams to the nozzle means, and bringing the separate flow streams arriving at each nozzle means together as a combined flow stream having at least three materials therei n for co-injection from the nozzle means into associated juxtaposed cavities.

Claim 43

Independent Claim 139 words

A method of injection molding suitable for use -in producing at least three layer, e.g. five layer multi-material plastics articles, such as containers having side walls with marginal end portions, and those total side wall thicknesses below the marginal end portions average from 1.010 inch to 0.035 inch (0.25 to 0.89 mm), characterised by: providing a source of supply of each polymer melt material which is to form a layer of the container, establishing an advancing flow of each polymer melt material from the source thereof towards a plurality of co-injection nozzle means, channelling each advancing flow into separate flow streams to the nozzle means, and bringing the separate flow streams arriving at each nozzle means together as a combined flow stream having at least three materials therei n for co-injection from the nozzle means into associated juxtaposed cavities.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 33 words

The method according to claim 37, characterised by using valve means operative in or for each of the nozzle means for controlling the combining of the separate streams fed to each nozzle means.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 47 words

The method according to claim 36 or claim 37, characterised in that valve means in a central channel of each nozzle means is employed for positively controlling flow and non-flow of the respective materials into the central channel, there to form the combined multi-material, multi-layer flow stream.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 52 words

The method according to claim 36, 37 or 38, further characterised by a step of establishing substantially the same flow path and flow experience for each of the separate, corresponding flow streams of the same material to the different nozzle means, from initiation of flow advancement to arrival at the nozzle means.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 59 words

The method according to claim 36, 37, 38 or 39, further characterised by a step of establishing within all the nozzle means substantially the same flow path and flow experience for each of the separate corresponding polymer flow streams of the same material to the different nozzle means, from initiation of flow advancement to arrival at the nozzle means.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 48 words

The method according to claim 36, 37, 38 or 39, further characterised by a step of establishing within all the nozzle means substantially the same flow path and flow experience for each of the seprate corresponding polymer flow streams which are to form corresponding layers in the articles.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 48 words

The method according to claim 38, 39 or 40, characterised by displacing the melt materials at upstream locations removed from the nozzle means to establish the said advancing flows, and said flows are channelled into separate streams to the nozzle means downstream of means which displace the flows.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 43 words

The method according to claim 41, characterised by splitting the advancing flows and, from the points whereat the flows are split, establishing for all of the separate split flow streams, paths and flow experiences which are substantially identical for the corresponding material streams.

Claim 51

Independent Claim 39 words

The method according to any of claims 36 to 40, characterised by the providing of the flow stream travel path and experience is from each stream's origination point-of continuous flow in an injection shot, to within each nozzle means.

Claim 52

Independent Claim 43 words

The method according to any of claims 36 to 43, further characterised by the step of injection blow molding to form an article, such as a container, whose total side wall thickness averages from 0.012 inch to 0.030 inch (0.30 to 0.76 mm).

Claim 53

Independent Claim 77 words

The method according to any of claims 36 to 44, characterised by the use of four co-injection nozzle means, one at each corner of a foursided pattern, and by the steps of bringing the separate polymer material streams close to each other in a pattern in substantially the same horizontal and axial plane wherein they are transaxially offset from each other and between the four nozzle means, and directing each flow stream to the respective nozzle means.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 173 words

The mettiod according to any of claims 36 to 44, characterised by the use of eight nozzle means, aligned in a pattern of two rows each having four nozzle means therein, the rows being positioned along respective elongated sides of a rectangle and by the steps of bringing the separate flow streams of polymer material into substantially horizontal alignment along a plane centered in the rectangle between the parallel rows of nozzle means, then into horizontally and axially respectively displaced alignment, then outward towards the narrow ends of the rectangle to the center of each of the upper and lower patterns of four nozzle means, T-splitting at each side center each of the polymer streams into two opposite horizontal streams each of which extends to a point between the point at which the streams were T-split and the respective adjacent two nozzles on either side of the pattern, and, at such latter point Y-splitting the respective streams into divergent streams, and directing each stream to a respective one of the eight nozzle means.

Claim 55

Independent Claim 29 words

The method accordi-ng to any of claims 36 to 46, characterised by bringing the separate flow streams together into combined streams in combining areas of the respective nozzle means.

Claim 56

Independent Claim 31 words

A method according to any of claims 36 to 47, characterised by establishing the combined streams in the nozzle means such that the combined streams have the same mass flow characteristics.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 419 words

An injection molding apparatus for injection molding multi-layer, multi-material plastics articles, characterized by (i) a plurality of injection cavities (102) on a mounting member, a plurality of co-injection nozzle means (296) juxtaposable with the cavities, and (ii) means for abutting the juxtaposed nozzles and injection cavities, (iii) a source (202) of polymeric material located upstream of the nozzle means (596) for each material which is to form a layer of the article, characterised by (iv) each of the nozzle means having a central channel (540), and polymer flow stream passageways (450, 460, 480, 500, 520) in communication with the central channel, said central channel having an open end with a gate (596) and a polymer material combining area (546) in communication with the passageways and the gate, (v) means (232, 234, 252, 260, 262) located upstream of the nozzle means (296) for displacing the polymer materials to form the layers of the articles from their sources to respective passageways, via separate flow channels (e.g. 250) for each polymer material, and for pressurizing said material in its passageway, (vi) flow channel splitter means (290, 292) in each flow .channel (e.g. 220) downstream of its associated displacement and pressurizing means, for splitting the flow channel into a plurality of separate branched flow channels (708, 709; 350, 351; 352, 353; 356, 357), there being a separate branched flow channel for each material which is to form a layer of the article, (vii) means (294) in communication with a branched flow channel for each material for separately feeding each separate polymer material to it associated nozzle means (296), the flow channels, branched flow channels and feeding means providing for each corresponding polymer travel paths to all the nozzle means which are of substantially identical configuration and length, (viii) valve means (800, 834) cooperatively associated with each of the nozzle means, each valve means being operative in the combining area (546) of the central channel of the associated nozzle means, (ix) drive means (860, 856; 844, 850) for driving all the valve means substantially simultaneously and substantially identically within the central channels of their respective nozzle means (296) to provide substantially simultaneous and identical control over the initiation, regulation, and termination of the flows of the polymer materais through all the nozzle means, and (x) control means (2040) connected to the drive means for moving all the valve means (800, 834) in a predetermined mode which provides the substantially identical simultaneous movements of the separate valve means in their respective co-injection nozzle means (296).

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 419 words

An injection molding apparatus for injection molding multi-layer, multi-material plastics articles, characterized by (i) a plurality of injection cavities (102) on a mounting member, a plurality of co-injection nozzle means (296) juxtaposable with the cavities, and (ii) means for abutting the juxtaposed nozzles and injection cavities, (iii) a source (202) of polymeric material located upstream of the nozzle means (596) for each material which is to form a layer of the article, characterised by (iv) each of the nozzle means having a central channel (540), and polymer flow stream passageways (450, 460, 480, 500, 520) in communication with the central channel, said central channel having an open end with a gate (596) and a polymer material combining area (546) in communication with the passageways and the gate, (v) means (232, 234, 252, 260, 262) located upstream of the nozzle means (296) for displacing the polymer materials to form the layers of the articles from their sources to respective passageways, via separate flow channels (e.g. 250) for each polymer material, and for pressurizing said material in its passageway, (vi) flow channel splitter means (290, 292) in each flow .channel (e.g. 220) downstream of its associated displacement and pressurizing means, for splitting the flow channel into a plurality of separate branched flow channels (708, 709; 350, 351; 352, 353; 356, 357), there being a separate branched flow channel for each material which is to form a layer of the article, (vii) means (294) in communication with a branched flow channel for each material for separately feeding each separate polymer material to it associated nozzle means (296), the flow channels, branched flow channels and feeding means providing for each corresponding polymer travel paths to all the nozzle means which are of substantially identical configuration and length, (viii) valve means (800, 834) cooperatively associated with each of the nozzle means, each valve means being operative in the combining area (546) of the central channel of the associated nozzle means, (ix) drive means (860, 856; 844, 850) for driving all the valve means substantially simultaneously and substantially identically within the central channels of their respective nozzle means (296) to provide substantially simultaneous and identical control over the initiation, regulation, and termination of the flows of the polymer materais through all the nozzle means, and (x) control means (2040) connected to the drive means for moving all the valve means (800, 834) in a predetermined mode which provides the substantially identical simultaneous movements of the separate valve means in their respective co-injection nozzle means (296).

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 135 words

Apparatus according to claim 49, characterised in that the valve means is comprised of (a) an open-ended elongated sleeve (800) having a close tolerance slip fit within the nozzle central channel (540) and a port (804) in its wall opening to an elongated central passageway (820) leading to the open end (812), and (b) an elongated pin (834) mounted for relative axial movement within the central channel passageway of the sleeve and having a close tolerance slip fit within the passageway (820) sufficient to prevent any significant accumulation or passage of polymer melt material between the pin and the sleeve, the elongated sleeve being a close tolerance slip fit within the central channel of the nozzle likewise to prevent any significant accumulation or passage of polymer material between the nozzle (296) and the sleeve (800).

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 65 words

Apparatus according to claim 49 or claim 50, characterised in that the drive means (860, 856; 844, 850) actuates the separate valve means sequentially and simultaneously to allow flow of the plurality of material in predetermined combinations into the central channel of each nozzle means (296) whereby flow of the material for any given layer is effected substantially simultaneously in all the co-injection nozzle means.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 57 words

Apparatus according to claim 49, 50 or 51, characterised in that the combining area (546) of each nozzle means (296) is close to the gate, the combining area has an axial length of from 100 mils to 900 mils (2.54 to 22.9 mm) and the valve means of each nozzle is operative in the combining area thereof.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 72 words

Apparatus according to any of claims 49 to 52, characterised in that the valve means (800, 834) and drive means (860, 856; 844, 850) are operative at the end of an injection cycle whereby the valve means is moved in the combining areas to clear melt materials therefrom and thereafter block the materials from flowing from the passageways (450, 460, 480, 500, 520) into the central channels (540) of the nozzle means.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 85 words

Apparatus according to any of claims 49 to 53, characterised in that the flow channels (e.g. 220), branched flow channels, feeding means (232, 234, 252, 260, 262) and nozzle means (296) are adapted to provide substantially the same polymer stream flow path in terms of distance, diameter, restrictions, and pattern of flow for each corresponding material in its corresponding flow channels (e.g. 220), branched channels arid nozzle passageways (e.g. 450) for forming a corresponding layer of each multi-layer article injected from each nozzle means (296).

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 35 words

Apparatus according to any of claims 49 to 54, characterised in that said cavities are for molding parisons and said apparatus includes plurality of blow mold cavities (108) wherein said parisons are inflated into containers.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 25 words

Apparatus according to any of claims 49 to 54, wherein said cavities (102 or 108) are shaped to define articles in the form of containers.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 52 words

Apparatus according to any of claims 49 to 56, characterised in that each passageway (e.g. 500) of the plurality thereof has an orifice (502) which communicates with the central channel (540) of the associated nozzle means and at least one of the passageways (e.g. 500) is tapered to converge toward its orifice.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 202 words

Apparatus for injection molding multi-layer, multi-material plastics containers, characterised by a plurality of injection cavities (102) on a mounting member (104), a plurality of co-injection nozzles (296) on a juxtaposable mounting member (288), said cavities and nozzles being operative to form containers having side walls with portions below the marginal end portions of the containers which are 0.010 inch to 0.035 inch (0.25 to 0.89 mm), the - apparatus being further characterised by a source (e.g. 202) of polymer material located upstream of the nozzles, for each material which is to form a layer of each multi-layer container, means (232, 234, 252, 260, 261 ) for each polymer material to form a layer of the container, to move streams of the materials towards the nozzle means, a flow channel (e.g. 220, 222, 250, 257, 258) for each stream of polymer material to form a layer of the container, each flow channel for each stream of material extending from each of the pressurizing and moving means to each nozzle means, the flow channels being separate from one another and providing substantially identical polymer flow stream travel paths and experience for each polymer stream of the same material channelled to each nozzle means (296).

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 202 words

Apparatus for injection molding multi-layer, multi-material plastics containers, characterised by a plurality of injection cavities (102) on a mounting member (104), a plurality of co-injection nozzles (296) on a juxtaposable mounting member (288), said cavities and nozzles being operative to form containers having side walls with portions below the marginal end portions of the containers which are 0.010 inch to 0.035 inch (0.25 to 0.89 mm), the - apparatus being further characterised by a source (e.g. 202) of polymer material located upstream of the nozzles, for each material which is to form a layer of each multi-layer container, means (232, 234, 252, 260, 261 ) for each polymer material to form a layer of the container, to move streams of the materials towards the nozzle means, a flow channel (e.g. 220, 222, 250, 257, 258) for each stream of polymer material to form a layer of the container, each flow channel for each stream of material extending from each of the pressurizing and moving means to each nozzle means, the flow channels being separate from one another and providing substantially identical polymer flow stream travel paths and experience for each polymer stream of the same material channelled to each nozzle means (296).

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 92 words

The apparatus according to claim 58, characterised in that there are fewer sources (202, 204,206) than pressurizing and moving means, there are polymer stream flow channels between and communicating with the respective sources and moving means, and wherein the flow channel (e.g. 217) from at least one source (202) is split such that each of the split flow channels (220, 222) communicates with a respective moving means (232, 234), and the paths of the split flow channels for the same material between the sources and respective moving means are substantially the same.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 120 words

The apparatus according to claim 58 or claim 59, characterised by a separate passageway (e.g. 500) in each nozzle means (296) for each polymer material (e.g. C), the passageways communicating with the appropriate flow channels (e.g. 250) for the polymer materials which form layers of the containers, and the length of each nozzle passageway and its associated and communicating flow channel extending to the pressurizing and moving means (e.g. 252) for one polymer stream (C) which is to form a layer (C), is substantially the same as that for each other polymer stream of the same material (C) which is to be injected from each other nozzle and which is to form a corresponding layer (C) in each other container.

Claim 71

Independent Claim 112 words

The apparatus according to any of claims 58 to 60, characterised in that adjacent, between and equidistant from the plurality of nozzle means are means for arranging the respective channels (220, 222, 250, 257, 258) in a linear pattern, means (276, 290, 292) for splitting each linearly-arranged channel into sets of branched flow channels (700 to 709), means (294) for rearranging each set of said linearly-arranged branched flow channels and aligning them in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of each of the nozzle means (296), and means for directing each of said linearly-arranged, axially-aligned branched flow channels toward each of the respective nozzle means (296) so as to communicate therewith.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 204 words

The apparatus according to claim 61, characterised in that there are eight nozzles (296) arranged in a rectangular pattern of two columns of four equidistant nozzle means in each column with a nozzle means at each corner of said rectangular pattern, the aligned pattern of flow channels is located axially along a line between the middle set of four nozzle means of said rectangular patterns, and, from said vertical axially-aligned and offset pattern which is parallel to the axis of each of the nozzle means, each of said channels is directed to, and the apparatus includes, first splitting means (290) for splitting each of said channels (e.g. 350, 351) into T-split channels (e.g. 352 to 355) flowing in opposite directions and communicating with, and the apparatus includes, second splitting means (292) which Y-split each of the respective T-split channels (e.g. 352) into two diagonally divergent Y-split channels (e.g. 358, 359) one of which communicates with one, and the other of which communicates with the other of the two respective nozzles near the top on each one side, and the opposingly Y-split channels likewise communicating with the two nozzle means on the other side of the lowermost and uppermost nozzle means of the rectangular pattern.

Claim 73

Independent Claim 40 words

The apparatus according to any of claims 58 to 62, characterised by valve means (800, 834) operative in the nozzle means (296) for controlling the flow and non-flow of the polymer materials from the nozzles into the injection cavities (102).

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 91 words

The apparatus according to claim 63, characterised in that the valve means includes an elongated sleeve (800) having a side wall with a port (804) therein, an open end (812), and an elongated central passageway (820) in communication with the port and the open end, and an elongated pin (834) mounted and adapted to axially reciprocate within the sleeve central passageway (820) and having a side wall whose outer surface is adapted to close and open said port and is in a close tolerance slip fit within said central passageway (820).

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 135 words

A nozzle apparatus for injection molding a multi-layer article, characterised by having a gate (596) at one end, and a central channel (540) in communication with - the gate, at least three polymeric melt material flow stream passageways (440, 460, 500) in communication with the central channel (540) each through an associated orifice, a first of said orificies (462) being more proximate the gate (596) than the other orifices, and a third of said orifices (440) being disposed more remotely from the gate than the other orifices, and the nozzle apparatus further including valve means (800, 834) moveable in the nozzle central channel (540) and operative to block and unblock the orifices and thereby selectively prevent and allow flow of polymeric melt materials through the orifices (462, 502, 440) into the central channel for injection.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 135 words

A nozzle apparatus for injection molding a multi-layer article, characterised by having a gate (596) at one end, and a central channel (540) in communication with - the gate, at least three polymeric melt material flow stream passageways (440, 460, 500) in communication with the central channel (540) each through an associated orifice, a first of said orificies (462) being more proximate the gate (596) than the other orifices, and a third of said orifices (440) being disposed more remotely from the gate than the other orifices, and the nozzle apparatus further including valve means (800, 834) moveable in the nozzle central channel (540) and operative to block and unblock the orifices and thereby selectively prevent and allow flow of polymeric melt materials through the orifices (462, 502, 440) into the central channel for injection.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 42 words

The nozzle apparatus according to claim 65, characterised by the valve means being adapted to in one position block said second orifice (502) while it does not block the first (462) or third orifice (440), or both the first and third orifices.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 31 words

The nozzle apparatus according to claim 66, characterised by the valve means being also adapted in another position to block the first orifice (462) and not block the third orifice (440).

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 9 words

The nozzle apparatus according to claim 66 or claim

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 24 words

67, characterised by the valve means being also adapted in another position to block neither the second orifice (502) nor the first orifice (462).

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 24 words

67, characterised by the valve means being also adapted in another position to block neither the second orifice (502) nor the first orifice (462).

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 47 words

The nozzle apparatus according to any of claims 66 to 68, characterised by the valve means being also adapted in one position to block the second orifice (502) while all other orifices are not blocked, and in another position to block all orifices except the second orifice.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 59 words

The nozzle apparatus according to claim 65, characterised by the valve means (800, 834) being adapted in one position to block said second orifice (502) and not block the third (440) or both the first (462) and third orifices, and in a second position to block the first orifice and not block either the second or the third orifice.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 42 words

The nozzle apparatus according to claim 70, characterised by the valve means being further adapted in one position to block the second orifice (502) while all other orifices are not blocked, and in another position block all orifices except the second orifice.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 70 words

The nozzle apparatus according to any of claims 65 to 71, further characterised by means (232, 252, 234) removed from the co-injection nozzle for moving polymeric melt material to each of the nozzle passageways (440, 460, 500), and for reducing the flow of polymeric material through the third orifice (440) while the valve means (800, 834) is in a position wherein neither the second nor the third orifice is blocked.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 192 words

The nozzle apparatus according to any of claims 65 to 72, further characterised by the valve means comprising an elongated sleeve (800) having an open end (812) and a port (804) in its wall opening to an elongated central passageway (820) in the sleeve, the sleeve being mounted within the nozzle central channel (540) in a close tolerance slip fit at least adjacent the first orifice (462) and sufficient to prevent significant accumulation or passage of polymeric material therebetween, and an elongated pin (834) mounted within the sleeve in a close tolerance slip fit within the central passageway (820) of the sleeve sufficient to prevent significant accumulation or passage of melt material between the pin and the sleeve central passageway; the said sleeve being adapted to reciprocate axially within the nozzle central channel (540) and operative to block and unblock said first and second orifices (462, 502) and to bring its port (804) into and out of alignment with said third orifice (440) and the pin (834) being adapted to reciprocate axially within the sleeve to block and unblock the said port (804) when the port is aligned with the third orifice.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 76 words

The nozzle apparatus according to claim 73, characterised in that the third orifice is for passage of melt material (A) which is to form the core of a substantially concentric combined stream of melt materials (B, C, A) through the nozzle central channel (540), and the sleeve and pin are positionable to permit melt material (a) to flow through the third orifice (440) while flow of melt material (C) through said second orifice (502) is prevented.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 42 words

The nozzle apparatus according to claim 74, further characterised in that the sleeve and pin are positionable to allow melt material (C) to flow through said second orifice (502) while flow of melt material (A) through said third orifice (440) is prevented.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 237 words

The nozzle apparatus according to claim 66 or many claim dependent on claim 66, characterised by first, second and third passageways (440, 460, 500) each having an orifice defined by leading and trailing lips (e.g. 461, 523) and communicating with said channel (540), said lips completely encircling the channel and each orifice having its center line substantially perpendicular to the axis of the central channel, the second orifice (502) being axially intermediate the first and third orificies (462, 440), and the nozzle being further characterised by the valve means being axially and reciprocably mounted within said central channel (540) and positionable (a) to block all of said orifices, (b) while said second orifice (502) is blocked, to unblock the third orifice (440) for flow of melt material (A) into the central channel as a solid stream, (c) to unblock the first orifice (462) to provide a flow of melt material (B) which completely surrounds the solid stream to provide a combined concentric flow stream of two materials (B, A), (d) to unblock the second orifice (502) to allow melt material (C) to flow therethrough to enter between the said two materials and thereby provide a combined stream of three concentric layers (A, B, C), and (e) in turn to block the flow of the respecti ve materi al s through the orifices in a sequence which is not the reverse of the flow-producing sequence (b) to (d).

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 52 words

The nozzle apparatus according to claim 76, characterised in that the valve means (800, 834) is adapted to clear the combined stream of three materials (A, B, C) from the central channel (540) at the end of the injection cycle at least up to the passageway orifice (462) most proximate the gate.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 75 words

The nozzle apparatus according to claim 76, characterised in that the first and second passageway orifices (462, 502) each have an axial width which is uniform about the central channel (540) and is less than the cross-sectional width of the central channel, and the orifices are as proximate as possible to each other and to the gate (596) so as to minimize the time taken by the combined stream of materials to reach the gate.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 34 words

The nozzle apparatus according to claim 78, characterised by the distance from the trailing lip of the second orifice (502) to the gate (596) is from 100 to 600 mils (2.54 to 15.2 mm).

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 320 words

A nozzle apparatus according to claim 65, further characterised by at least the first and second (462, 502) of the orifices completely encircling and opening to a melt-combining area of the central channel (540), a leading lip (e.g. 461) of each orifice and the center line of each orifice lying substantially perpendicular to the axis of the central channel (540), the first passageway orifice (462) being the orifice most proximate the gate (596) and the third passageway orifice being most remote from the gate, each of the orifices having a cross-sectional area no greater than the cross-sectional area of the channel (540), and both the first and second orificies (462, 502) being as close as possible to each-other and to the gate to minimize the time taken for the combined melt materials to flow to the gate, the nozzle apparatus being further characterised in that the valve means comprises (a) an elongated sleeve (800) fitted in a close slip tolerance within said channel to reciprocate therein, the sleeve having an open end (812) which, when the sleeve is in a forwardmost position, is aligned with and communicates with the gate (596), the sleeve having in its side wall a port (804) adapted to communicate with the third passageway orifice, and (b) an elongated pin (834) fitted in a close slip tolerance in said sleeve for reciprocable movement therein, the pin being moveable to a position which closes said port (804) and being cooperative with said sleeve (800) when they are in a forward position, to purge the combining area of said channel substantially completely, the tolerances between the channel, sleeve and pin being such that melt cannot accumulate between their confronting surfaces, and the valve means being moveable to respective positions whereat all orifices are blocked, all orifices are opened, only the first orifice is unblocked, only the third orifice is unblocked, and only the first and second are unblocked.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 25 words

The nozzle apparatus according to claim 80, which includes drive means (860, 856; 844, 850; 906, 918) for driving said valve means between said positions.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 36 words

The nozzle apparatus according to claim 80, characterised in that the valve means are adapted to unblock all the orifices within a period of 75 centiseconds, preferably within 20 centiseconds and more preferably within 15 centiseconds.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 33 words

The nozzle apparatus according to claim 80, characterised in that the central channel (540) has a unifarm cross-sectional area at least from the first passageway orifice (462) to the second passageway orifice (502).

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 109 words

The nozzle apparatus according to claim 80, characterised in that the first passageway (460) has a leading wall (593) which inclines towards the gate (596) and towards the axis of the central channel and extends to the leading lip (461) of the first orifice, the leading lip of the first orifice being closer to the axis of the central channel than the trailing lip of said orifice, and wherein the sleeve (800) has a tapered mouth (812) defining the sleeve open end which is adapted to abut against the said leading wall (593) to limit movement of the sleeve toward the gate (596) and block said first orifice (462).

Claim 98

Dependent Claim 221 words

A nozzle apparatus according to claim 80, characterised in that the valve means comprises: an elongated sleeve (800) fitted in a close slip tolerance within the central channel (540) for reciprocation therein, the sleeve having a central passageway (820), a forward open end (812) adapted to communicate with a portion of the central channel located between the first and second orifices, and there being a port (804) in its wall so that the sleeve can block and unblock the third passageway orifice (440) depending upon registry or misregistry of the port therewith, the sleeve being capable of moving to a position at which it blocks the first and second passageway orificies (462, 502) while port (804) is in registry with the third passageway orifices (462, 502) while port (804) is in registry with the third passageway orifice (440) which is not blocked, and the valve means further includes means for blocking the port when in registry with the third passageway orifice, the port blocking means (834) being adapted to be moved to a port-blocking position at the same time as the first and second orifice (462, 502) are not blocked, and to a port-unblocking position at the same time as the first and third orifices (462, 440) are not blocked and the port (804) is in registry with the third orifice.

Claim 99

Dependent Claim 55 words

The nozzle apparatus according to claim 85, characterised in that said sleeve (800) is also positionable such that the first and second orifices (462, 502) are unblocked, while the third orifice (440) is blocked by the port being out of registry therewith and further positionable wherein all three orifices are at the same time blocked.

Claim 100

Dependent Claim 104 words

The nozzle apparatus according to claim 85 or 86, characterised in that the sleeve (800) has a rear end portion and the means for blocking the port is a stationary member (648) extending within a rear end portion of the sleeve central passageway (820) partially to block the third orifice, said member (648) being in a close tolerance slip fit within the sleeve central passageway and cooperative with the sleeve such that when the sleeve is withdrawn from a forward position, the sleeve port (804) is aligned with the third orifice (440) but is juxtaposed relative to and partially blocked by the member (648).

Claim 101

Dependent Claim 186 words

An injection molding machine for injection molding a plurality of plastics articles which comprises, sources (e.g. 202, 204, 206) of polymer materials for the layers of the article, runner means (278, 289) extending downstream of the sources of polymer materials to each of a plurality of co-injection nozzle apparatuses each according to any of claims 65 to 87 and each mounted in the front of the runner means, said runner means inciuding a plurality of polymer flow stream channels (220, 222, 250, 257, 258) therein each for separately channelling a polymer melt material which is to form a layer of the article, from the source to each of the injection nozzles (296), and means (232, 234, 252) for moving each stream of polymer material through the flow channels and into the respective nozzles, the valve means (800, 834) within the respective nozzles being operative to control the flow of the respective polymer melt materials from said passageways into the central channel (540) of the injection nozzles for the injection of combined streams of said materials as simultaneous shots from the nozzles into juxtaposed injection cavities (102).

Claim 102

Dependent Claim 118 words

Apparatus for an injection molding machine, which is characterised by a co-injection nozzle means (296) having a central channel (540) with an open end, a gate (596) at the open end, and two polymeric material melt flow stream passageways (440, 450; 460) each having an orifice (440, 462) in communication with the central channel, the apparatus having a channel (220, 222) for each melt flow stream, each channel communicating with a respective passageway, common means (214, 232, 234) in communication with each passageway for moving both polymeric material melt flow streams through their channels, passageways and orifices, and valve means (800, 834) mounted in the central channel (540) and operative to block, partially block and unblock the orifices.

Claim 103

Dependent Claim 118 words

Apparatus for an injection molding machine, which is characterised by a co-injection nozzle means (296) having a central channel (540) with an open end, a gate (596) at the open end, and two polymeric material melt flow stream passageways (440, 450; 460) each having an orifice (440, 462) in communication with the central channel, the apparatus having a channel (220, 222) for each melt flow stream, each channel communicating with a respective passageway, common means (214, 232, 234) in communication with each passageway for moving both polymeric material melt flow streams through their channels, passageways and orifices, and valve means (800, 834) mounted in the central channel (540) and operative to block, partially block and unblock the orifices.

Claim 104

Dependent Claim 68 words

The apparatus according to claim 89, characterised in that the nozzl e has an additional polymeric material melt flow stream passageway (500) with an orifice (502) in communication with the central channel, the additional passageway and orifice being located between the other passageways and orifices, and the valve means is operative to block the additional orifice (502) while the other two orifices (440, 462) are not blocked thereby.

Claim 105

Dependent Claim 474 words

Apparatus according to claim 89 for injection molding a plurality of plastics articles each having at least five layers (A to E) laminated together, characterised by: (1) a plurality of the co-injection nozzle means (296), and sources (202 to 206) of poiymeric material located upstream of the nozzle means, for each polymeric material which is to form one or more layers of the article, each of the co-injection nozzle means (296) including at least five polymer material melt flow stream passageways (440, 460, 480, 500, 520), each communicating by a respective orifice with the central channel (540) to pass a melt flow stream of polymeric material into the central channel, there being a first passageway (460) with its orifice more proximate (462) the gate (596) than the other passageway orifices for passing a melt stream of material (B) into the central channel for forming the outside surface layer (B) of the article, a second passageway (500) for passing a melt stream of material (C) into the central channel for forming an internal layer (C) of the article, a third passageway (440) more remote from the gate than any of the other orifices for introducing into the central channel a melt stream of material (A) for forming the i nside surface layer (A) of the article, a fourth passageway (480) between the first and second passageways for passing a melt stream of material (E) into the central channel for forming an intermediate layer (E) between the outer surface layer (B) and the internal layer (C) of the article, and a fifth passageway (520) between the internal passageway (500) and the third passageway (440) for passing a melt stream of material (D) into the central channel for forming an intermediate layer (D) between the internal layer (C) and the inside surface layer (A) of the article, (ii) there are valve means (800, 834) operative in each nozzle means (296) adjacent the orifices for controlling the flow of the respective polymeric materials through the orifices and into the central channel, each valve means being adapted in one positional mode to block the associated second orifice (502) while the third orifice (440) is not blocked, in another positional mode not to block the associated first orifice (462) while partially blocking the third orifice (4 4 0), and in another positional mode not to block the first, second and fourth orifices (462, 502, 482) while partially blocking the fifth orifice (522), (iii) the common moving (214) means being associated with both the materials (B, A) to form the outside and inside surfaces for moving them into and through their respective first and third passageways and orifices, and, (iv) -another moving means (218) common to both materials (E, D) to form the intermediate layers for moving each of them into and through the respective fourth and fifth passageways and orifices.

Claim 106

Dependent Claim 129 words

The apparatus according to claim 91, characterised in that each of the valve means includes an axially-reciprocal, elongated sleeve (800) seated in a close tolerance slip fit within the central channel (540) of the associated nozzle means (296), the sleeve having a central passageway (820), a forward open end (812) to commnicate with the central channel and a port (804) in its wall to communicate with the third passageway orifice, the sleeve being adapted to block and unblock the first, second, fourth and fifth orifices (462, 502, 482, 522), and is operative in cooperation with another element (e.g. 834 or 648) of the valve means to block the third orifice, the said element cooperatively associated with the sleeve serving to block, partially block or unblock the sleeve port (804).

Claim 107

Dependent Claim 43 words

The apparatus according to claim 92, characterised in that the said ei ement is a stationary member (648) confined to a rear end portion of the sleeve's central passageway, the stationary member making a close tolerance slip fit within the sleeve central passageway.

Claim 108

Dependent Claim 182 words

The apparatus according to claim 91, characterised in that the valve means (800, etc.) operative in each nozzle means (296) includes an elongated axially reciprocable sleeve (800) seated in a close tolerance slip fit within the central channel (540), the sleeve having a central passageway (82), a forward open end (812) to communicate with the central channel and a port (804) in its wall to communicate with the third passageway orifice, the sleeve (800) being adapted to block and unblock the first, second, fourth and fifth orifices (462, 502, 482, 522), and an elongated pin (834) mounted axially reciprocably within the sleeve central passageway (820) in a close tolerance slip fit, said sleeve and pin being cooperatively associated and adapted to be moved to different respective positions, so that in one position, said third passageway orifice (440) is blocked while the first orifice (462) is not blocked, in another position, the third orifice is partially blocked but the first orifice is not blocked, and in yet another position the fourth orifice (482) is blocked but not the first, second and third orifices.

Claim 109

Dependent Claim 124 words

Apparatus according to any of claims 89 to 94, characterised by a plurality of substantially identical co-injection nozzle means (296) having passageways (e.g. 440, 450; 460) for plural melt streams (B, A) which are to form corresponding respective layers of a plurality of injection molded articles, the apparatus having means (214, 252) common to and in communication with the passageways for each of at least two melt streams operative to move said at least two melt streams to each of the plural nozzle means (296), and each nozzle means having valve means (800, etc.) to block, unblock, partially block flow through the passageways for said at least two melt streams, said valve means (800, etc.) preferably being substantially identical and preferably operable substantially simultaneously.

Claim 110

Dependent Claim 319 words

A co-injection nozzle means for co-injecting a five layer plastic article, characterised by having an open end, a gate (596) at the open end, a cylindrical central channel (540) i n communication with the gate, and five polymer flow stream passageways (440, 450; 460; 480; 500, 520), each having an orifice (440, 462, 482, 502, 522) in communication with the central channel and each adapted for passing a melt flow stream of polymeric material through the orifice into the central channel for forming a layer of the article, there being a first passageway (460) having its orifice (462) more proximate to the gate (596) than any other orifice, for passing a melt stream of structural material (B) into the central channel for forming the outside surface layer of the article, a second passageway (500) for passing a melt stream of material (C) into the central channel for forming an internal layer of the article, a third passageway having its orifice (440) more remote from the gate (596) than any other orifice for passing a melt stream of structural material (A) into the central channel for forming the inside surface layer of the article, a fourth passageway (480) between the first and second passageways for passing a melt stream of polymeric material (E) into the central channel for forming an intermediate layer between the outside surface layer and the internal layer of the article, and a fifth passageway (520) between the second passageway and the third passageway for passing a melt stream of material (D) into the central channel for forming an intermediate layer between the internal layer and the inside surface layer of the article, and further characterised by valve means (800, etc.) for the nozzle means (296) and operative adjacent at least the second orifice (502) and the third orifice (440) and adapted at the same time to block the second orifice and not block the third orifice.

Claim 111

Dependent Claim 319 words

A co-injection nozzle means for co-injecting a five layer plastic article, characterised by having an open end, a gate (596) at the open end, a cylindrical central channel (540) i n communication with the gate, and five polymer flow stream passageways (440, 450; 460; 480; 500, 520), each having an orifice (440, 462, 482, 502, 522) in communication with the central channel and each adapted for passing a melt flow stream of polymeric material through the orifice into the central channel for forming a layer of the article, there being a first passageway (460) having its orifice (462) more proximate to the gate (596) than any other orifice, for passing a melt stream of structural material (B) into the central channel for forming the outside surface layer of the article, a second passageway (500) for passing a melt stream of material (C) into the central channel for forming an internal layer of the article, a third passageway having its orifice (440) more remote from the gate (596) than any other orifice for passing a melt stream of structural material (A) into the central channel for forming the inside surface layer of the article, a fourth passageway (480) between the first and second passageways for passing a melt stream of polymeric material (E) into the central channel for forming an intermediate layer between the outside surface layer and the internal layer of the article, and a fifth passageway (520) between the second passageway and the third passageway for passing a melt stream of material (D) into the central channel for forming an intermediate layer between the internal layer and the inside surface layer of the article, and further characterised by valve means (800, etc.) for the nozzle means (296) and operative adjacent at least the second orifice (502) and the third orifice (440) and adapted at the same time to block the second orifice and not block the third orifice.

Claim 112

Dependent Claim 191 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to claim 96, characterised in that the valve means (800) includes an elongated sleeve (800) having an open end (812), a cylindrical side wall with a port (804) therein, and an elongated axial central passageway (820) in communication with the port and the open end, said sleeve being mounted within the nozzle central channel (540) in a close tolerance slip fit sufficient to prevent significant accumulation or passage of polymeric material therebetween, and an elongated pin (834) mounted within the sleeve central passageway (820) in a close tolerance slip fit therewith sufficient to prevent signficant accumulation or passage of melt material between the pin side wall outer surface and the sleeve central passageway wall, said sleeve (800) being adapted to reciprocate axially within the nozzle central channel (540) and operative to block and unblock the first and second passageway orifices (462, 502) and to bring its port into and out of alignment with the third passageway orifice (440), and said pin (834) being adapted to reciprocate axially within said sleeve to block and unblock said port (804) when the port is aligned with the third passageway.

Claim 113

Dependent Claim 53 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to claim 96 or 97, characterised in that the valve means is operative with respect to at least three of the five orifices, and is also adapted to block the second passageway orifice (502) while it does not block the first and the third passageway orifices (462, 440).

Claim 114

Dependent Claim 52 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to claim 96 or 97, characterised in that valve means is operative with respect to all five of the orifices and is adapted to block the second, fourth and fifth passageway orifices (502, 482, 522) while said valve means does not block the third passageway orifice (440).

Claim 115

Dependent Claim 49 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to claim 99, characterised in that the valve means is further adapted at the same time to block the second orifice (502) while said valve means does not block the first orifice (462), the third orifice (440), or both the first and third orifices.

Claim 116

Dependent Claim 64 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to any of claims 96 to 100, further characterised in that the first, second, fourth and fifth nozzle passageways (460, 480, 5 00 , 520) are tapered towards their respective orifices (462, 482, 502, 522) such that each tapered passageway has a greater gap at an adjacent location remote from the orifice and a smaller gap at the orifice.

Claim 117

Independent Claim 303 words

A method of injection molding characterised by forming a multi-iayer combined stream of a plurality of polymer materials i n injection nozzle means such that leading edges of the respective layers i n the combined stream lie i n planes in the nozzle which are substantially unbiased when viewed in vertical cross-section, the method involving the use of a co-injection nozzle having a central channel with a gate at one end, and at least first; second and third passageways, each having an orifice communicating with the central channel, there being one passageway for each layer to be formed in the combined stream, the first passageway orifice being more proximate the gate than the other passageway orifices for flow of the polymer material to form the outside layer of the combined stream, the third passageway orifice being remote from the gate for flow of the polymer material which will form the inside layer, and one or more second passageway orifices intermediate the first and third passageway orifices for flow of one or more polymer materials to form the internal layer or layers of the stream, the nozzle means further including valve means operative i n the central channel for blocking the flow of polymer material from the orifices into the central channel, and for independently and selectively controlling the flow of polymer materials from the orifices, and the method involves the steps of operating the valve means for: preventing flow from all of the orifices, preventing the flow of polymer material from the second passageway orifice or orifices, while allowing flow of material from the third orifice, the first orifice, or both the third and first orifices, and allowing flow of material through the second orifice or orifices while allowing material to flow through the third orifice or both the third and first orifices.

Claim 118

Independent Claim 303 words

A method of injection molding characterised by forming a multi-iayer combined stream of a plurality of polymer materials i n injection nozzle means such that leading edges of the respective layers i n the combined stream lie i n planes in the nozzle which are substantially unbiased when viewed in vertical cross-section, the method involving the use of a co-injection nozzle having a central channel with a gate at one end, and at least first; second and third passageways, each having an orifice communicating with the central channel, there being one passageway for each layer to be formed in the combined stream, the first passageway orifice being more proximate the gate than the other passageway orifices for flow of the polymer material to form the outside layer of the combined stream, the third passageway orifice being remote from the gate for flow of the polymer material which will form the inside layer, and one or more second passageway orifices intermediate the first and third passageway orifices for flow of one or more polymer materials to form the internal layer or layers of the stream, the nozzle means further including valve means operative i n the central channel for blocking the flow of polymer material from the orifices into the central channel, and for independently and selectively controlling the flow of polymer materials from the orifices, and the method involves the steps of operating the valve means for: preventing flow from all of the orifices, preventing the flow of polymer material from the second passageway orifice or orifices, while allowing flow of material from the third orifice, the first orifice, or both the third and first orifices, and allowing flow of material through the second orifice or orifices while allowing material to flow through the third orifice or both the third and first orifices.

Claim 119

Dependent Claim 41 words

The method according to claim 102, further characterised by the step of utilizing the valve means for reducing the flow of the polymer material through the third orifice while allowing the flow of polymer material through the second orifice or orifices.

Claim 120

Dependent Claim 38 words

The method according to claim 102 or claim 103, further characterised by the step of preventing the flow of polymer material through the third orifice while allowing the flow of polymer material through the second orifice or orifices.

Claim 121

Dependent Claim 24 words

The method according to claim 104, further characterised by the step of terminating the flow of polymer material from the second orifice or orifices.

Claim 122

Independent Claim 272 words

A method of making a multi-layer article by forming a substantially concentric combined stream of at least three polymeric materials and injecting said stream into a cavity to form the article, which has outside, at least one internal and inside layers formed from respective streams of the combined stream, namely an outer melt stream, at least one internal melt stream, and a core melt stream, the method being characterised by the use of a co-injection nozzle means having a gate at one end, a cylindrical central channel in communication with the gate, and at least three polymer passageways each communicating with the central channel by way of respective orifices, namely a first orifice located more proximate the gate than the other orifices, for routing the outer stream into the channel, a third orifice further removed from the gate than the other orifices for routing the core stream into the channel, and at least one second orifice positioned between the first and third orifices, for routing at least one internal stream into the channel, the nozzle further including valve means operative adjacent the orifices and adapted to prevent and to allow the flow of the internal stream(s) through the second orifice(s), and for independently controlling the flow or non-flow of the core stream through the third orifice, the method being further characterised by operating the valve means in the nozzle means (a) preventing flow of the internal stream(s) through the second orifice(s) while allowing flow through the first, the third, or both the first and third orifices, and then, (b) allowing flow through the second orifice(s) while allowing flow through the third orifice.

Claim 123

Independent Claim 272 words

A method of making a multi-layer article by forming a substantially concentric combined stream of at least three polymeric materials and injecting said stream into a cavity to form the article, which has outside, at least one internal and inside layers formed from respective streams of the combined stream, namely an outer melt stream, at least one internal melt stream, and a core melt stream, the method being characterised by the use of a co-injection nozzle means having a gate at one end, a cylindrical central channel in communication with the gate, and at least three polymer passageways each communicating with the central channel by way of respective orifices, namely a first orifice located more proximate the gate than the other orifices, for routing the outer stream into the channel, a third orifice further removed from the gate than the other orifices for routing the core stream into the channel, and at least one second orifice positioned between the first and third orifices, for routing at least one internal stream into the channel, the nozzle further including valve means operative adjacent the orifices and adapted to prevent and to allow the flow of the internal stream(s) through the second orifice(s), and for independently controlling the flow or non-flow of the core stream through the third orifice, the method being further characterised by operating the valve means in the nozzle means (a) preventing flow of the internal stream(s) through the second orifice(s) while allowing flow through the first, the third, or both the first and third orifices, and then, (b) allowing flow through the second orifice(s) while allowing flow through the third orifice.

Claim 124

Dependent Claim 30 words

The method according to claim 106, further characterised by the step of utilizing the valve means for reducing flow through the third orifice while allowing flow through the second orifice.

Claim 125

Dependent Claim 31 words

The method according to claim 107, characterised in that after the reducing step there is included a step of utilizing the valve means for terminating the flow through the second orifice.

Claim 126

Dependent Claim 35 words

The method according to claim 108, characterised in that after terminating the flow from the second orifice, continued flow is allowed through the first orifices the -third orifice or both the first and third orifices.

Claim 127

Independent Claim 40 words

The method according to any of claims 106 to 109, characterised in that before the flow preventing step (a), there is included the step of utilizing the valve means for preventing flow of polymeric material from all of the orifices.

Claim 128

Dependent Claim 75 words

lil. The method according to claim 109, wherein the nozzle central channel includes a combining area in which the combined stream i s formed and wherei n after the step of preventing flow of polymeric material from all orifices, the method is further characterised by a step of utilizing the valve means for substantially completely clearing the combihing area of polymer material prior to forming the next combined stream of material in the central channel.

Claim 129

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method according to claim 111, further characterised by use of the valve means to prevent back-up of polymer material from one orifice into another orifice.

Claim 130

Independent Claim 55 words

The method according to any of claims 106 to 112, further characterised by a step of substantially knitting in the nozzle means the internal melt stream material with itself through the core material, and by moving the valve means forward through the central channel toward the gate to assist in knitting the internal layer material.

Claim 131

Dependent Claim 34 words

The method according to claim 113, characterised by the step of moving the valve means forward to assist in effecting in the nozzle means the encapsulation in core material of the knitted internal material.

Claim 132

Dependent Claim 36 words

The method according to claim 113 or 114, characterised by the moving of the valve means forward to move the combined stream through the gate into an injection cavity without disruption of the knitted internal material.

Claim 133

Independent Claim 69 words

The method according to any of claims 106 to 115, characterised in that after flow-allowing step (b) there is included the steps of utilizing the valve means for allowing the flow of materials from all the orifices and then for preventing the flow from all the orifices, and the time elapsed between these allowing and preventing steps is from 60 to 700 centiseconds, preferably from 60 to 250 centiseconds.

Claim 134

Dependent Claim 156 words

The method according to claim 106, characterised by operating the valve means in the nozzle means for the steps of (i) preventing flow of polymer material from all of the orifices, (ii) preventing flow of polymer material through the second orifice while allowing flow of structural material through the first, the third or both the first and third orifices, then, (iii) allowing flow of polymer material through the second orifice while allowing material to flow through the third orifice, (iv) restricting the flow of polymer material through the third orifice while allowing the flow of material through the second orifice, (v) restricting the flow of polymer material through the second orifice while allowing flow of polymer material through the first or third orifices or both the first and third orifices to knit the intermediate layer material with itself through the core material and substantially encapsulate the intermediate layer in the combined stream and in the shot.

Claim 135

Dependent Claim 32 words

The method according to claim 117, characterised by including after step (v), the step of utilizing the valve means for clearing all or most of the polymer material from the central channel.

Claim 136

Dependent Claim 44 words

The method according to claim 118, further characterised by including the step of utilizing the valve means during said clearing step for preventing back flow of -polymer material from the central channel into an orifice, or from one of the orifices into another orifice.

Claim 137

Dependent Claim 38 words

The method according to claim 117, 118 or 119, further characterised by including the step of moving the valve means through the central channel towards the gate during step (v) to assist in knitting the internal layer material.

Claim 138

Dependent Claim 29 words

The method according to claim 120, characterised by moving the valve means to move the combined stream through the gate into an injection cavity without disruption of the knit.

Claim 139

Independent Claim 38 words

The method according to any of claims 117 to 121, characterised in that-during step (iii) material is allowed to flow through the first orifice, and steps (ii) and (iii) are performed within 250 centiseconds, preferably within 100 centiseconds.

Claim 140

Dependent Claim 142 words

The method according to claim 106, characterised by operating the valve means in the nozzle for forming the combined stream by the steps of: (i) preventing flow of polymer material through the second orifice(s) while allowing flow of polymer material through the first orifice, the third orifice or both the first and third orifices, (ii) then allowing flow of polymer material through the second orifice(s) while allowing polymer material to flow through the third orifice, (iii) reducing the flow of polymer material through the third orifice while allowing polymer material to flow through the second orifice(s), (iv) terminating the flow of polymer material through the second orifice(s), and (v) allowing flow of polymer material only through the first orifice while preventing flow of polymer material from the second and third orifices to substantially encapsulate the intermediate polymer material(s) in the combined stream.

Claim 141

Dependent Claim 35 words

The method according to claim 123, characterised in that after step (v) there is included a step of substantially completely purging the polymer materials from the nozzle central channel prior to the next injection cycle.

Claim 142

Independent Claim 46 words

A method according to any of claims 106 to 124, further characterised by a step of forming the combined stream wherein the leading edge of the one or more internal layer(s) is substantially unbiased relative to a vertical plane drawn perpendicularly and transaxially through the shot.

Claim 143

Independent Claim 60 words

The method according to any of claims 102 to 125 further characterised by practicing the method to form a plurality of combined streams in a plurality of the co-injection nozzle means and injecting the said streams with a plurality of associated injection cavities, the nozzle means preferably including valve means which are substantially identical and are preferably operable substantially simultaneously.

Claim 144

Dependent Claim 199 words

i27. A method of injection molding to produce an article, such as a parison, having a wall composed of at least three layers, wherein melt material streams to form said layers are injected into a mold cavity through a co-injection nozzle having a central channel, at least three melt stream passageways each with an orifice which communicates with the central channel, the method being characterised by the use of a nozzle containing valve means in the central channel, and further characterised by the steps of moving the valve means to a first position to prevent flow of the melt material streams into the nozzle central channel , moving the valve means to a second position to permit the flow of a first material stream into the nozzle central channel, moving the valve means to a third position to permit continued flow of said first material stream and to permit flow of a second material stream into the nozzle central channel, and moving the valve means to a fourth position to permit continued flow of said first and second streams, and to permit flow of a third material stream into the nozzle central channel between the first and second streams.

Claim 145

Dependent Claim 199 words

i27. A method of injection molding to produce an article, such as a parison, having a wall composed of at least three layers, wherein melt material streams to form said layers are injected into a mold cavity through a co-injection nozzle having a central channel, at least three melt stream passageways each with an orifice which communicates with the central channel, the method being characterised by the use of a nozzle containing valve means in the central channel, and further characterised by the steps of moving the valve means to a first position to prevent flow of the melt material streams into the nozzle central channel , moving the valve means to a second position to permit the flow of a first material stream into the nozzle central channel, moving the valve means to a third position to permit continued flow of said first material stream and to permit flow of a second material stream into the nozzle central channel, and moving the valve means to a fourth position to permit continued flow of said first and second streams, and to permit flow of a third material stream into the nozzle central channel between the first and second streams.

Claim 146

Dependent Claim 41 words

A method according to claim 127, characterised in that the second material stream is admitted as an annular flow around the first stream and the third material stream is admitted as an annular flow between the first and second material streams.

Claim 147

Dependent Claim 34 words

The method according to claim 127 or claim 128, further characterised by imparting pressure to at least the third material stream prior to or concurrently with moving the valve means to the fourth position.

Claim 148

Dependent Claim 88 words

The method according to claim 127 or claim 128, further characterised by imparting pressure to the third stream in a passageway and to at least one of the first and second streams in the central channel, and, prior to or concurrent with moving the valve means to the fourth position, adjusting the pressure of one or more of the said streams so that the pressure of the third stream is then greater than the pressure of either one of the first and second streams in the central channel.

Claim 149

Dependent Claim 73 words

The method according to claim 127 or claim 128, further characterised by imparting pressure to the third stream and to at least one of the first and second streams, and, prior to or concurrent with moving the valve means to the fourth position, adjusting the pressure of one or more of the said streams so that the pressure of the third stream is greater than the pressure of the first and second streams.

Claim 150

Dependent Claim 54 words

The method according to claim 131, further characterised by imparting pressure to the said first, second and third streams, and, prior to or concurrently with moving the valve means to the fourth position, increasing the pressure of the third stream and reducing the pressure of at least one of the first and second streams.

Claim 151

Dependent Claim 505 words

Co-injection nozzle means for a multi-polymer injection blow molding machine for co-injecting at least three streams of melt materials to form a multi-layer article therefrom, the nozzle means (296) having a cylindrical central channel (1546) open at one end with a gate (596) at the open end and in communication with the central channel, the nozzle means being characterised in having at least two passageways (460, 500) each with an annular orifice (462, 502) close to the gate (596) and a third passageway (4 40 , 450) with an orifice (440) remote from the gate, all said passageways being in communication with the central channel (1546) by way of their orifices, the first orifice (462) being proximate the gate, and the second orifice (502) being adjacent the first orifice, each of these orifices having its center line in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the central channel and each of these orifices being defined by a leading lip (e.g. 461) close to the open end and a trailing lip remote from the open end, and the nozzle central channel (1546) having two cylindrical portions, the first portion (595) extending from the gate (596) to the leading lip of the first orifice (462), and the second portion (766) extending from the trailing lip of the first orifice in an upstream direction to at least the trailing lip of the second orifice, said first portion (595) being of smaller diameter than the second portion, and the nozzle means being further characterised by valve means in operative - association with the nozzle central channel and the orifices, the valve means including: (i) - an elongated sleeve (8000') having an open end (812), a port (8040) in its side wall and an elongated central passageway (1820) in communication with the port and the open end, the sleeve being mounted within the nozzle central channel (1540) in a close tolerance slip fit within the second portion (766) of the central channel sufficient to prevent significant accumulation of passage of polymer material, the said sleeve further having an outer surface portion (1835) of a diameter which provides a close tolerance slip fit within the first portion (595) of the nozzle central channel, and the sleeve being capable of blocking each of the first and second orifices (462,502), and (ii) an elongated pin (1834) mounted within the central passageway (1820) of the sleeve (8000') in a close tolerance slip fit within the central passageway of the sleeve sufficient to prevent significant accumulation or passage of melt material between the pin and the sleeve, the sleeve being adapted to reciprocate axially within the nozzle central channel (1540) to block and unblock said first and second orifices (462, 502) and to bring said port (804) into and out of alignment with said third orifice (440) and the valve means being capable of clearing the central channel first portion (595) of polymer melt material at the end of an injection cycle and to prevent back flow of polymer material into the said orifices.

Claim 152

Dependent Claim 505 words

Co-injection nozzle means for a multi-polymer injection blow molding machine for co-injecting at least three streams of melt materials to form a multi-layer article therefrom, the nozzle means (296) having a cylindrical central channel (1546) open at one end with a gate (596) at the open end and in communication with the central channel, the nozzle means being characterised in having at least two passageways (460, 500) each with an annular orifice (462, 502) close to the gate (596) and a third passageway (4 40 , 450) with an orifice (440) remote from the gate, all said passageways being in communication with the central channel (1546) by way of their orifices, the first orifice (462) being proximate the gate, and the second orifice (502) being adjacent the first orifice, each of these orifices having its center line in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the central channel and each of these orifices being defined by a leading lip (e.g. 461) close to the open end and a trailing lip remote from the open end, and the nozzle central channel (1546) having two cylindrical portions, the first portion (595) extending from the gate (596) to the leading lip of the first orifice (462), and the second portion (766) extending from the trailing lip of the first orifice in an upstream direction to at least the trailing lip of the second orifice, said first portion (595) being of smaller diameter than the second portion, and the nozzle means being further characterised by valve means in operative - association with the nozzle central channel and the orifices, the valve means including: (i) - an elongated sleeve (8000') having an open end (812), a port (8040) in its side wall and an elongated central passageway (1820) in communication with the port and the open end, the sleeve being mounted within the nozzle central channel (1540) in a close tolerance slip fit within the second portion (766) of the central channel sufficient to prevent significant accumulation of passage of polymer material, the said sleeve further having an outer surface portion (1835) of a diameter which provides a close tolerance slip fit within the first portion (595) of the nozzle central channel, and the sleeve being capable of blocking each of the first and second orifices (462,502), and (ii) an elongated pin (1834) mounted within the central passageway (1820) of the sleeve (8000') in a close tolerance slip fit within the central passageway of the sleeve sufficient to prevent significant accumulation or passage of melt material between the pin and the sleeve, the sleeve being adapted to reciprocate axially within the nozzle central channel (1540) to block and unblock said first and second orifices (462, 502) and to bring said port (804) into and out of alignment with said third orifice (440) and the valve means being capable of clearing the central channel first portion (595) of polymer melt material at the end of an injection cycle and to prevent back flow of polymer material into the said orifices.

Claim 153

Dependent Claim 107 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to claim 133, characterised in that the passageway (460) with the first orifice (462) has a leading wall (OW) which is inclined towards the gate and the axis of the nozzle central channel and extends to the leading lip (461) of the first orifice, which is closer to the axis of the central channel than the trailing lip of the first orifice, and the sleeve wall (1814) has a tapered mouth defining the sleeve open end which is adapted to abut against the leading wall (OW) to limit movement of the sleeve (8000') toward the gate and to block the first orifice.

Claim 154

Dependent Claim 29 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to claim 133 or claim 134, characterised in that the pin (1834) is adapted to move forwardly into the first central channel portion (595).

Claim 155

Dependent Claim 137 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to any of claims 133 to 135, characterised in that the said valve means are adapted to move forward toward the gate (596) sufficientlfy to clear a combining area of the nozzle of polymer material, and the pin (1834) and sleeve (8000') are such that said pin is capable of being positioned with its forward end axially offset upstream from the forward end of the sleeve and further characterised in that the pin and sleeve together are axially moveable forward through the central channel, with the offset position of said pin forward end providing an accumulation area in the forward end of the sleeve for accumulation of polymer melt material, for pushing said material forward through the channel when said channel is cleared by the clearing action of said pin and sleeve.

Claim 156

Dependent Claim 334 words

Co-injection nozzle means for a multi-polymer injection molding machine, the co-injection nozzle means having a central channel, an open end with a gate at the open end, the nozzle means (296) being characterised by: (1) at least three passageways. (460, 480, 500) each having an orifice (462, 482, 502) for discharging melt material into the central channel (1546), each orifice being annular and encircling the periphery of the central channel, a leading edge of each orifice and the center line for each orifice being perpendicular to the axis of the central channel, the first passageway orifice (462) being most proximate the gate, the third passageway orifice (502) being most proximate the gate, the third passageway orifice (502) being most remote from the gate, and the second passageway orifice (482) being intermediate the first and third orifices, (ii) the central channel has stepped, cylindrical sections (760, 762, 764, 766) having different diameters, and (iii) valve means comprising (a) an elongated sleeve (8000') seated within and axially reciprocable within the central channel, the sleeve having a central passageway (1820), a forward open end to communicate with a portion (766) of the central channel located between the first and second orifices, and a port (8040) in its wall to coact with a passageway orifice (440) remote from the open end of the central channel and to block and unblock the said remote passageway orifice, the sleeve wall having radially stepped cylindrical surface portions (761, 763, 765, 767), each adapted to block one or more of the nozzle passageways when the sleeve is fully forward in the central channel, and, (b) an elongated pin (1834) mounted in the sleeve central passageway (1820) in a close tolerance slip fit sufficient to prevent significant accumulation or passage of melt material between the pin and the sleeve central passageway, the pin (1834) being reciprocal axially within said sleeve to block and unblock the said port (8040') when the sleeve is positioned with the port and the said remote orifice are aligned.

Claim 157

Dependent Claim 334 words

Co-injection nozzle means for a multi-polymer injection molding machine, the co-injection nozzle means having a central channel, an open end with a gate at the open end, the nozzle means (296) being characterised by: (1) at least three passageways. (460, 480, 500) each having an orifice (462, 482, 502) for discharging melt material into the central channel (1546), each orifice being annular and encircling the periphery of the central channel, a leading edge of each orifice and the center line for each orifice being perpendicular to the axis of the central channel, the first passageway orifice (462) being most proximate the gate, the third passageway orifice (502) being most proximate the gate, the third passageway orifice (502) being most remote from the gate, and the second passageway orifice (482) being intermediate the first and third orifices, (ii) the central channel has stepped, cylindrical sections (760, 762, 764, 766) having different diameters, and (iii) valve means comprising (a) an elongated sleeve (8000') seated within and axially reciprocable within the central channel, the sleeve having a central passageway (1820), a forward open end to communicate with a portion (766) of the central channel located between the first and second orifices, and a port (8040) in its wall to coact with a passageway orifice (440) remote from the open end of the central channel and to block and unblock the said remote passageway orifice, the sleeve wall having radially stepped cylindrical surface portions (761, 763, 765, 767), each adapted to block one or more of the nozzle passageways when the sleeve is fully forward in the central channel, and, (b) an elongated pin (1834) mounted in the sleeve central passageway (1820) in a close tolerance slip fit sufficient to prevent significant accumulation or passage of melt material between the pin and the sleeve central passageway, the pin (1834) being reciprocal axially within said sleeve to block and unblock the said port (8040') when the sleeve is positioned with the port and the said remote orifice are aligned.

Claim 158

Dependent Claim 49 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to claim 137, characterised in that the sleeve (8000') and pin (1834) are adapted to be positioned and to cooperate such that at the same time the third orifice (440) is not blocked by the valve means while the second orifice (500) is blocked.

Claim 159

Dependent Claim 45 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to claim 137 or 138, characterised by including five nozzle passageways, a fourth passageway (1480) being intermediate the second passageway (1500) and the first passageway (1460), and a fifth passageway (1520) being intermediate the second passageway and the third passageway.

Claim 160

Dependent Claim 27 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to claim 139, characterised by the fourth and fifth passageways (1480, 1520) communicating with the central channel through the second orifice (1500).

Claim 161

Dependent Claim 69 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to any of claims 137 to 140, characterised in that the central channel has a combining area extending from the leading edge of the first orifice (462) to a trailing edge of the second orifice (502) and said combining area has an axial length of from 100 to 900 mils. (2.54 to 22.9 mm), for example 100 to 300 mils (2.54 to 7.62 mm).

Claim 162

Dependent Claim 52 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to claim 139, characterised in that the axial length from a leading lip of the fourth orifice (482) to a trailing lip of the fifth orifice (522) is from 100 to 900 mils (2.54 to 22.9 mm), for example 100 to 300 mils (2.54 to 7.62 mm).

Claim 163

Dependent Claim 137 words

A co-injection nozzle apparatus for an injection molding machine, characterised by the nozzle (296) having a plurality of orifices (462, 482, 502, 522, etc.) in communication with central channel (540) and valve means comprising (i) an elongated sleeve (800) having a side wall with a port (804) therein, an open end (812), and an elongated central passageway (820) in communication with the port and the open end, ana (ii) an elongated pin (834) for relative axial reciprocal motion in the sleeve mounted in a close tolerance slip fit with the central passageway (820), said pin having a side wall whose outer surface is adapted to close and open said port, the said nozzle central channel (540) and sleeve (800) having between them no area for significant accumulation of injection material therein or passage of injection material therethrough.

Claim 164

Dependent Claim 137 words

A co-injection nozzle apparatus for an injection molding machine, characterised by the nozzle (296) having a plurality of orifices (462, 482, 502, 522, etc.) in communication with central channel (540) and valve means comprising (i) an elongated sleeve (800) having a side wall with a port (804) therein, an open end (812), and an elongated central passageway (820) in communication with the port and the open end, ana (ii) an elongated pin (834) for relative axial reciprocal motion in the sleeve mounted in a close tolerance slip fit with the central passageway (820), said pin having a side wall whose outer surface is adapted to close and open said port, the said nozzle central channel (540) and sleeve (800) having between them no area for significant accumulation of injection material therein or passage of injection material therethrough.

Claim 165

Dependent Claim 47 words

A nozzle apparatus according to claim 143, characterised by the elongated sleeve (800) being mounted in a close tolerance slip fit within the central channel (540) of the nozzle (296) thereby to prevent any significant accumulation or passage of injection material between the channel and the sleeve.

Claim 166

Dependent Claim 25 words

The nozzle apparatus according to claim 143 or claim 144, characterised by said pin and said sleeve central passageway (820) each has a uniform cross-section.

Claim 167

Dependent Claim 27 words

the nozzle apparatus according to any of claim 143 to 145, characterised in that the elongated pin (834) has a greater axial length than the sleeve (800).

Claim 168

Dependent Claim 169 words

Apparatus for selectively controlling the flow of at least three melt material streams for injection molding multi-layer plastics articles from the melt materials, characterised by a nozzle (296) having a central channel (540) open at one end, a flow passageway in the nozzle for each of a plurality of material streams, at least two of the nozzle passageways (460, 500, etc.) terminating at a respective exit orifice (462, 502), each of which communicates with the nozzle central channel (540) preferably adjacent the open end, and by sleeve valve means (800) having an axial material flow passageway (820) communicating with the nozzle central channel (540) and adapted to communicate with a flow passageway (440) for conveying a material stream to the nozzle central channel, the sleeve means (800) being carried in the central channel (540) and being moveable to selected positions to block and unblock one or more of said orifices and to bring the said axial passageway (820) into and out of communication with the said flow passageway (440).

Claim 169

Dependent Claim 169 words

Apparatus for selectively controlling the flow of at least three melt material streams for injection molding multi-layer plastics articles from the melt materials, characterised by a nozzle (296) having a central channel (540) open at one end, a flow passageway in the nozzle for each of a plurality of material streams, at least two of the nozzle passageways (460, 500, etc.) terminating at a respective exit orifice (462, 502), each of which communicates with the nozzle central channel (540) preferably adjacent the open end, and by sleeve valve means (800) having an axial material flow passageway (820) communicating with the nozzle central channel (540) and adapted to communicate with a flow passageway (440) for conveying a material stream to the nozzle central channel, the sleeve means (800) being carried in the central channel (540) and being moveable to selected positions to block and unblock one or more of said orifices and to bring the said axial passageway (820) into and out of communication with the said flow passageway (440).

Claim 170

Dependent Claim 69 words

The apparatus according to claim 147, characterised by the nozzle (296) having a flow passageway (460, 500) for each of at least two of said material streams, and the sleeve means (800) being adapted to communicate with a flow passageway (440) external of the nozzle, and moveable to bring said internal axial passageway (820) into and out of communication with one or more of said nozzle passageways (460, 500).

Claim 171

Dependent Claim 25 words

The apparatus according to claim 147 or claim 148, characterised by the sleeve having said axial passageway (820) formed in or by the interior thereof.

Claim 172

Dependent Claim 44 words

The apparatus according to claim 147, 148 or 149, characterised in that communication from the internal axial passageway (820) of the sleeve means (800) to the said flow passageway (440) is through a port or aperture (804) in the wall of the sleeve means.

Claim 173

Dependent Claim 61 words

The apparatus according to claim 150, characterised in that the sleeve means (800) is moveable axially, rotationally or both in the central channel (540) of the nozzle (296) to selected positions, thereby to block and unblock one or more of the orifices and to bring said port or aperture (804) into and out of alignment with the said flow passageway (440).

Claim 174

Independent Claim 32 words

The apparatus according to any of claims 147 to 151, characterised by the sleeve means (800) being moveable to selected positions to block and unblock at least two of the said orifices.

Claim 175

Independent Claim 24 words

The apparatus according to any of claims 147 to 152, characterised by the exit orifices (462, 502) completely surrounding the nozzle central channel (540).

Claim 176

Independent Claim 42 words

The apparatus according to any of claims 147 to 153, characterised in that the sleeve means (800) fits closely within the nozzle central channel (540) whereby there is no substantial cavity for polymer accumulation between the sleeve means and. the central channel.

Claim 177

Independent Claim 34 words

The apparatus according to any of claims 147 to 154, characterised by the plane of at least one of the said orifices (462, 502) being perpendicular to the axis of the central channel (540).

Claim 178

Independent Claim 40 words

The apparatus according to any of claims 147 to 155, characterised by a plurality of further flow passageways for a plurality of further material streams, and by the sleeve means having a plurality of axial flow passageways (666, 668) therefor.

Claim 179

Independent Claim 257 words

The apparatus according to any of claims 147 to 156, further characterised by means (860, 856) to actuate and move the sleeve means (800) between first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth modes, wherein in said first mode the sleeve means blocks all of the said orifices (e.g. 462, 482, 502, 522) and said axial passageway (820) is out of communication with the said flow passageway (440), in said second mode the sleeve means blocks all of the orificies and said axial passageway (820) is in communication with the said flow passageway (440), in said third mode the sleeve means does not block the orifice (462) most proximate to the open end of the nozzle central channel (540) and said axial passageway is in communication with the said flow passageway, in said fourth mode the sleeve means does not block at least two orifices, one of which is the orifice (462) most proximate to the open end of said nozzle central channel, and said axial passageway is in communication with the said flow passageway, in said fifth mode the sleeve means does not block at least two orifices, one of which is the orifice (462) most proximate to the open end of said nozzle central channel, and said axial passageway is out of communication with the said flow passageway, and in said sixth mode the sleeve means does not block the orifice (462) most proximate to the open end of said nozzle central channel and said axial passageway is out of communication with the said flow passageway.

Claim 180

Dependent Claim 38 words

The apparatus according to claim 157, characterised in that the actuating means is operative to move the sleeve means sequentialiy from said first position to each of said second to sixth positions and then to said first position.

Claim 181

Independent Claim 16 words

The apparatus according to any of claims 147 to 158, adapted to control five material streams.

Claim 182

Dependent Claim 44 words

The apparatus according to claim 159, characterised in that the nozzle includes four exit orifices (462, 482, 502, 522) communicating with the nozzle central channel (540) and the sleeve means has one internal flow passageway (820) and one aperture (804) in the wall thereof.

Claim 183

Dependent Claim 54 words

The apparatus according to claim 159, characterised in that the nozzle includes three exit orifices (462, 482, 502) communicating with the nozzle central channel and the sleeve means includes two internal material flow passageways (660, 680) and has two apertures (661, 662) in the wall thereof each communicating with said nozzle passageway (660, 640).

Claim 184

Dependent Claim 54 words

Apparatus according to any of claims 147 to 161, characterised by pin means (834) moveable, by actuating means (844, 850) therefor, in the axial passageway (820) of the sleeve means to selected positions to block or permit communication between said internal axial passageway (820) and the or a flow passageway (440) to communicable therewith.

Claim 185

Dependent Claim 55 words

The apparatus according to claim 162 when dependent on claim 158, characterised by the actuating means (844, 850; 856, 860) for both the sleeve means (800) and the pin means (834) are operative to move them sequentially from said first mode to each of said second to sixth modes and then to said first mode.

Claim 186

Dependent Claim 44 words

The apparatus according to claim 162 or claim 163, characterised by one end of the pin means (834) being proximate to the open end (595) of the nozzle central channel (540) when the sleeve means and the pin means are in said first mode.

Claim 187

Independent Claim 49 words

The apparatus according to any of claims 147 to 164, further characterised by material flow directing means (e.g. 464, 466) associated with the nozzle for balancing the flow of at least one material stream (B) around the nozzle passageway (460) and exit orifice (462) through which the stream flows.

Claim 188

Independent Claim 21 words

The apparatus according to any of claims 147 to 165 further characterised by means for pressurizing at least one material stream.

Claim 189

Independent Claim 103 words

The apparatus according to any of claims 147 to 166, further characterised by material flow directing means (e.g. 464, 466) in at least one of said nozzle passageways (460) for balancing the flow of the associated material stream (B) around said passageway and the exit orifice (462) through which it flows, and means (232) for pressurizing said stream to produce a pressurized reservoir of material in said nozzle passageway between said flow directing means and said orifice, whereby, when the sleeve means (800) unblocks said orifice (462), the start of flow of said material through said orifice is substantially uniform around the orifice.

Claim 190

Dependent Claim 39 words

The apparatus according to claim 167, characterised by the said at least one nozzle passageway (e.g. 500) being tapered toward its associated orifice (502) from a wide gap remote from the orifice to a narrow gap at the orifice.

Claim 191

Independent Claim 42 words

The apparatus according to any of claims 147 to 168, characterised in that the nozzle has four, five or more passageways with orifices (e.g. 462, 482, 502, 522) communicating with the central channel (540) at locations close to the open end (595).

Claim 192

Dependent Claim 117 words

Apparatus according to any of claims 147 to 169 for co-injecting at least three melt material streams through the nozzle (296) into a cavity (102) to form a thin wall multi-layer plastic article having at least one thin internal layer having a terminai end, characterised in that the nozzle (296) has material flow directing means (524, 526) for balancing the flow of the material stream (C) which forms the said internal layer around the nozzle passageway (500) and exit orifice (502) through which that stream flows, the flow directing means being operative to locate the terminal end of the internai layer substantially uniformly in the injected article at the conclusion of polymer movement in said injection cavity.

Claim 193

Dependent Claim 20 words

The apparatus according to claim 170, further characterised by means (252) for pressurizing at least the internal layer material stream.

Claim 194

Dependent Claim 91 words

The apparatus according to claim 171, characterised in that the said material flow directing means (524, 526) is located in the nozzle passageway (500) for the material to form said internal layer, the said passageway providing for a pressurized reservoir of the material therein located between said flow directing means and the exit orifice (502) of the said passageway to said central channel (540), whereby, when the said orifice is unblocked, the start of flow of the pressurized internal layer material into said central channel is substantially uniform around the channel.

Claim 195

Dependent Claim 44 words

The apparatus according to claim 172, characterised in that the said nozzle passageway for the material to form the internal layer is tapered (at 518) and has a wider gap remote from its exit orifice (502) and has a narrower gap at the orifice.

Claim 196

Dependent Claim 111 words

Apparatus according to any of claims 147 to 173, for co-injecting at least three melt material streams through the nozzle into a cavity (102) to form thin wall multi-layer plastic article having an outer layer having a terminal end, characterised in that the nozzle (296) has material flow directing means (464, 468) for balancing the flow of the material stream (B) which forms said outer layer around the nozzle passageway (460) and exit orifice (462) through which that stream flows, the flow directing means being operative to locate the terminal end of said outer layer substantially uniformly in the injected article at the conclusion of polymer movement in said injection cavity.

Claim 197

Dependent Claim 18 words

The apparatus according to claim 174, further characterised by means (232) for pressurizing the outer layer material stream.

Claim 198

Dependent Claim 89 words

The apparatus according to claim 175, characterised in that the said material flow directing means (464, 466) is located in the nozzle passageway (460) for the material to form said outer layer, the said passageway providing for a pressurized reservoir of the material therein located between said flow directing means and the exit orifice of the said passageway to said central channel, whereby, when the said orifice is unblocked, the start of flow of the pressurized outer layer material into said central channel is substantially uniform around the channel.

Claim 199

Dependent Claim 44 words

The apparatus according to claim 176, characterised in that the said nozzle passageway for the material to form the outer layer is tapered (at 478) and has a wider gap remote from its associated orifice (462) and has a narrower gap at the orifice.

Claim 200

Dependent Claim 100 words

Apparatus according to claims 170, 171, or 172 and 174, 175 or 176, characterised in that the material streams to form both the internal and the outer layers of the article are subjected to flow directing means (524, 526; 464, 466) operative to balance the flows of the material streams (B, C) which form said outer and internal layers and to locate around the nozzle passageways and exit orifices through which said streams flow, to locate the terminal ends of each of these layers substantially uniformly in the injected article at the conclusion of polymer movement in said injection cavity.

Claim 201

Dependent Claim 286 words

Apparatus according to any of claims 147 to 178, characterised by means for selectively controlling the flow of at least three melt material streams through the nozzle (296) of a machine for co-injecting the materials into a cavity (102) to form thin wall multi-layer plastic articles having an outer layer and at least one thin internal layer, wherein the nozzle (296) has a central channel (540) open at one end, comprising a flow passageway in the nozzle for each material stream, at least two of the nozzle passageways (460, 500) terminating at an exit orifice (462, 502), each of said orifices communicating with the nozzle central channel (540) at locations close to the open end (596), sleeve means (800) having at least one internal axial flow passageway (820) communicating with the nozzle central channel and adapted to communicate with one of the flow passageways (e.g. 440) in the nozzle, said sleeve being carried in said nozzle central channel (540) and being moveable to selected positions to block and unblock one or more of said orifices, pin means (834) moveable in the axial passageway (820) of the sleeve means to selected positions to block and establish communication between said internal axial passageway (8 2 0) and said nozzle passageway (440), and material flow directing means (464, 466; 524, 526) associated with the nozzle for balancing the flows of the material streams (B, C) which form said outer layer and the internal layer around the respective nozzle passageways and exit orifices through which said streams flow, whereby the locations of the terminal ends of said outer layer and said internal layer are substantially uniform iri the injected article at the conclusion of polymer movements in said injection cavity.

Claim 202

Dependent Claim 190 words

Apparatus for selectively controlling the flow of at least three melt material streams for co-injecting the materials into a cavity to form a thin wall multi-layer plastics article having at least one thin layer having a terminal end, characterised in that a co-injection nozzle (296) has a central channel (540) open at one end, a flow passageway (e.g. 460, 500) in the nozzle for each of a plurality of material streams (B, C), valve means (800) in the central channel moveable to selected positions to block and unblock one or more orifices (e.g. 462, 502) by which said assageways open to the central channel, to bring said passageways (460, 500) into and out of communication with said central channel, and material flow directing means (464, 466 and/or 524, 526) associated with the nozzle (296) for balancing the flow of-the material stream which forms said one layer (B or C) around the nozzle passageway through which that stream flows, the flow directing means being operative to locate the terminal end of said one layer substantially uniformly in the injected article at the conclusion of the polymer movement in said injection cavity.

Claim 203

Dependent Claim 190 words

Apparatus for selectively controlling the flow of at least three melt material streams for co-injecting the materials into a cavity to form a thin wall multi-layer plastics article having at least one thin layer having a terminal end, characterised in that a co-injection nozzle (296) has a central channel (540) open at one end, a flow passageway (e.g. 460, 500) in the nozzle for each of a plurality of material streams (B, C), valve means (800) in the central channel moveable to selected positions to block and unblock one or more orifices (e.g. 462, 502) by which said assageways open to the central channel, to bring said passageways (460, 500) into and out of communication with said central channel, and material flow directing means (464, 466 and/or 524, 526) associated with the nozzle (296) for balancing the flow of-the material stream which forms said one layer (B or C) around the nozzle passageway through which that stream flows, the flow directing means being operative to locate the terminal end of said one layer substantially uniformly in the injected article at the conclusion of the polymer movement in said injection cavity.

Claim 204

Dependent Claim 38 words

The apparatus according to claim 180, characterised in that there are five passageways (460, 480, 500, 520, 440) which preferably terminate at exit orifices (e.g. 462, 482, 502, 522) close to the open end of the central channel.

Claim 205

Dependent Claim 38 words

Apparatus according to claim 180 or claim 181, wherein said nozzle passageway (500) with which the flow directing means (524, 526) is associated serves to deliver a stream to form an internal layer (C) of the injected article.

Claim 206

Dependent Claim 77 words

Apparatus according to claim 180, 181 or 182, characterised by material flow directing means (524, 526) associated with the nozzle for balancing the flow of the material stream (B) to form the outer layer of the article around the nozzle passageway (500) through which the outer layer stream flows, the flow directing means being operative to locate the terminal end of said outer layer substantially uniformly in the injected article at the conclusion of the injection operation.

Claim 207

Dependent Claim 19 words

The apparatus according to claim 182, further characterised by means (252) for pressurizing the internal layer material stream (C).

Claim 208

Dependent Claim 18 words

The apparatus according to claim 183, further characterised by means (232) for pressurizing the outer layer stream (B).

Claim 209

Independent Claim 112 words

The apparatus according to any of claims 180 to 185, characterised in that the or each material flow directing means is located in the nozzle passageway (500 or 460) for the flow stream (C or B) of the material to form the respective internal or outer layer, the said passageway providing a pressurized reservoir (at 518 or 478) of the material in the nozzle passageway between the said flow directing means and the exit orifice of said passageway to said central channel, whereby, when the valve means unblocks the said passageway, the start of flow of the material in the said passageway into said central channel is substantially uniform around the channel.

Claim 210

Independent Claim 58 words

The apparatus according to any of claims 180 to 186, characterised by the nozzle passageway (500, 460) for the flow stream to form either or both the internal layer and the outer layer is tapered (at 518, 478) such that it has a wider gap remote from its associated orifice and has a narrower gap at the orifice.

Claim 211

Dependent Claim 91 words

Apparatus according to any of claims 180 to 187, further characterised in that there are material flow directing means (464, 466; 524, 526) associated with the nozzle for balancing the flows of both the material streams (B, C) to form said outer layer and internal layer around the nozzle passageways (460, 500) through which each stream flows, whereby the location of the terminal ends of each of said outer layer and said internal layer are substantially uniform in the injected article at the conclusion of polymer movement in said injection cavity.

Claim 212

Dependent Claim 163 words

A co-injection nozzle means for a multi-polymer injection molding machine for co-injecting at least three streams of melt materials to form a multi-layer article therefrom, wherein the nozzle means (296) has an axially extending central channel (540), a gate (596) in communication with the central channel, and is characterised in that it has at least two polymer stream passageways (460, 500) each having an annular orifice (462, 502), the first of said orifices (462) being proximate the gate (596), the second of said orifices (502) being adjacent the first orifice, and is further characterised in that either or both of the first and second passageways (460, 500) has a tapered portion (478, 518) adjacent its respective orifice such that each orifice has a smaller cross-sectional gap than an upstream adjacent portion of its respective passageway, the nozzle preferably having a third passageway (440) with an orifice opening to the central channel at a location more remote from the gate than the other orifices.

Claim 213

Dependent Claim 163 words

A co-injection nozzle means for a multi-polymer injection molding machine for co-injecting at least three streams of melt materials to form a multi-layer article therefrom, wherein the nozzle means (296) has an axially extending central channel (540), a gate (596) in communication with the central channel, and is characterised in that it has at least two polymer stream passageways (460, 500) each having an annular orifice (462, 502), the first of said orifices (462) being proximate the gate (596), the second of said orifices (502) being adjacent the first orifice, and is further characterised in that either or both of the first and second passageways (460, 500) has a tapered portion (478, 518) adjacent its respective orifice such that each orifice has a smaller cross-sectional gap than an upstream adjacent portion of its respective passageway, the nozzle preferably having a third passageway (440) with an orifice opening to the central channel at a location more remote from the gate than the other orifices.

Claim 214

Dependent Claim 54 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to claim 189, characterised by valve means (800) operative in the central channel for blocking and unblocking the orifices of three passageways (e.g. 460, 480, 440) and adapted in one position to block the second orifice (502) while the third orifice (440) is not blocked by said valve means.

Claim 215

Dependent Claim 40 words

The co-injection nozle means according to claim 190, further characterised in that the valve means (800) is also adapted in another position to block the third orifice (440) while the first orifice (462) is not blocked by the valve means..

Claim 216

Dependent Claim 63 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to claim 190 or 191, characterised in that the valve means includes a sleeve (800) having a central axial passageway (820), an open end (812) in communication with the axial passageway and a port (804) in the sleeve wall, and an elongated pin (834) axially moveable within the sleeve and adapted to block and unblock said port (804).

Claim 217

Dependent Claim 53 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to any of claims 189 to 192, characterised by having five polymer stream passageways each having an annular orifice, the fourth passageway orifice (482) being intermediate the first and second orifices (462, 502), and the fifth passageway orifice (522) being intermediate the second (502) and third orifices (440).

Claim 218

Dependent Claim 89 words

Apparatus for use in a multi-coinjection nozzle injection molding machine for injection molding a multi-layer plastic article, which comprises the co-injection nozzle means (296) according to claim 189, further characterised by valve means (800) operative in the nozzle central channel (540) for blocking and unblocking the orifices, and, means (232, 234, 260, 262) for displacing polymer melt material through each passageway and passageway orifice, and for pressurizing a melt material in a tapered passageway (478, 498, 518 or 538) while its orifice is blocked by the valve means (800).

Claim 219

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus according to claim 194, characterised in that the means (232, 234, 260, 262) for displacing and pressurizing includes a ram.

Claim 220

Dependent Claim 48 words

The apparatus according to claim 194 or 195, characterised in that for each material stream there is means for displacing and pressurizing melt material, and each means is adapted to pressurize the melt material in its passageway while its passageway orifice is blocked by said valve means (800).

Claim 221

Dependent Claim 56 words

The apparatus accordi ng to claim 194, 195 or 196, characterised in that the valve means (800) is adapted to control flow through the orifices of three passageways and in one position to block the orifice of the second passageway (500) while the orifice (440) of the third passageway is not blocked by the valve means.

Claim 222

Independent Claim 46 words

The apparatus according to any of claims 194 to 197, characterised in that at least the passageway (460) in communication with the first orifice (462) has in cooperative association therewith means (464, 466) for balancing the flow of the melt stream material (B) through that passageway.

Claim 223

Dependent Claim 32 words

The apparatus according to claim 198, characterised in that the flow balancing means includes an eccentric choke (464 or 466) which protrudes into the passageway (460) from one of the wails thereof.

Claim 224

Dependent Claim 118 words

Apparatus according to any of claims 194 to 199, characterised in that the nozzle means (296) has five passageways, for five melt streams, each with a respective orifice opening to the central channel, wherein each of the first, second, fourth and fifth passageways (460, 500, 480, 520) has a tapered portion (478, 518, 498, 538) adjacent its respective orifice such that each orifice has a smaller cross-sectional gap than an upstream adjacent portion of its respective passageway, and further characterised in that the valve means (800) operative in the central channel (540) is adapted to block the fourth, second and fifth orifices (482, 50 2, 522) while the third orifice (440) is not blocked by the valve means.

Claim 225

Dependent Claim 42 words

20 1. Apparatus according to claim 200, characterised by means (464, 466; 504, 506; 484, 486; 524, 526) in cooperative association with each tapered passageway (478, 518, 498, 538) for balancing the flow of melt material through each of the tapered passageways.

Claim 226

Dependent Claim 113 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to claim 189, characterised in that each orifice (462, 482, 502, 522) is fixed and defined by leading and trailing lips (e.g. 461, 523), and each has a center line (190 to 196) which lies substantially perpendicular to the axis of the central channel (540), the first orifice (462) having its center line within 350 mils (8.89 mm) of the gate (596), the second orifice (502) having its center line within 250 mils (6.35 mm) of the center line of the first orifice, and the leading lip of the first orifice and the trailing lip of the second orifice being no greater than 300 mils (7.62 mm) apart.

Claim 227

Dependent Claim 29 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to claim 202, characterised by valve means (800) in cooperative association with the central channel (540), and adapted to block and unblock the orifices.

Claim 228

Dependent Claim 59 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to claim 202, characterised by valve means (800) in cooperative association with the central channel (540), the valve means including an elongated sleeve (800) having a mouth (812) adapted to provide a third polymer stream orifice in communication with the central channel area at least adjacent the trailing lip of the second orifice (500).

Claim 229

Dependent Claim 59 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to claim 203 or 204, characterised in that the nozzle means includes drive means (860, 856 etc.) for driving the valve means (800), and the valve means are adapted to move to a position which blocks all orifices and to a position which unblocks all orifices, within a time period of about 75 centiseconds.

Claim 230

Dependent Claim 58 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to claim 204 or 205, characterised in that the valve means includes an elongated pin (834) axially moveable within the sleeve (800) and adapted to have a close tolerance slip fit throughout most of the operative length of the sleeve which prevents a significant accumulation of molding material between the sleeve and pin.

Claim 231

Dependent Claim 79 words

The co - injection nozzle means according to any of claims 202 to 206, characterised by third, fourth and fifth passageways (440, 480, 520) and respective orifices for delivering melt streams to the central channel, and further characterised by the axial distance between a leading lip of the fourth orifice (482) and a trailing lip of the fifth orifice (522) being from 100 to 900 mils (2.54 to 22.9 mm), e.g. 100 to 300 mils (2.54 to 7.62 mm).

Claim 232

Dependent Claim 340 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to claim 189 or claim 202, characterised in that it has five polymer stream passageways (460, 480, 500, 520, 440), each having an orifice in communication with the central channel (540) and each adapted for passing a polymeric material melt stream through the orifice into the central channel for forming a layer of the article, there being a first passageway (460) having its orifice (462) more proximate to the gate (596) than any other orifice, for passing a melt stream (B) of structural material into the central channel for forming the outside surface layer of the article, a second passageway (500) for passing a melt stream (C) of material into the central channel for forming an internal layer of the article, a third passageway (440) having its orifice more remote from the gate (596) than the other orifices for passing a melt stream (A) of structural material into the central channel for forming the inside surface layer of the article, a fourth passageway (480) between the first and second passageways (460, 500) for passing a melt stream (E) of polymeric material into the central channel for forming an intermediate layer between the outer surface layer and the internal layer of the article, and a fifth passageway (520) between the second passageway (500) and the third passageway (440) for passing a melt stream (D) of material into the central channel for forming an intermediate layer between the internal layer and the inside surface layer of the article, and wherein of the first, second, fourth, and fifth nozzle passageways at least the first and second (460, 500) are tapered towards their respective orifices (462, 502) such that each tapered passageway has a greater gap at an adjacent location remote from the orifice and a smaller gap at the orifice ; the-nozzle further including valve means (800 etc.) operative adjacent at least the second orifice (502) and the third orifice (440) and adapted at the same time to block the second orifice and not block the third orifice.

Claim 233

Dependent Claim 191 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to claim 208, characterised in that the valve means includes an elongated sleeve (800) having an open end (812), a cylindrical side wall with a port (804) therein, and an elongated axial central passageway (820) in communication with the port and the open end, said sleeve being mounted within the nozzle central channel (540) in a close tolerance slip fit sufficient to prevent significant accumulation or passage of polymeric material between their confronting surfaces, and an elongated pin (834) mounted within the sleeve central passageway (820) in a close tolerance slip fit therewith sufficient to prevent significant accumulation or passage of melt material between the pin side wall outer surface and the sleeve central passageway wall, said sleeve being adapted to reciprocate axially within the nozzle central channel and operative to block and unblock the first and second passageway orifices (462, 502) and to bring its port (804) into and out of alignment with the orifice of the third passageway (440), and said pin being adapted to reciprocate axially within said sleeve to block-and unblock said port when the port is aligned with the third passageway.

Claim 234

Dependent Claim 51 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to claim 208, characterised in that the valve means is operative with respect to at least three of the five orifices, and is also adapted to block the second passageway orifice (502) while it does not block the first and the third passageway orifices (462, 440).

Claim 235

Dependent Claim 46 words

The co-injection nozzle according to claim 208, characterised in that the valve means is operative with respect to all five of the orifices and is adapted to block the second, fourth and fifth orifices (502, 482, 522) while it does not block the third orifice (440).

Claim 236

Dependent Claim 45 words

The co-injection nozzle according to claim 211, characterised in that valve means is further adapted at the same time to block the second orifice (502) while it does not block the first orifice (462), the third orifice (440), or both the first and third orifices.

Claim 237

Dependent Claim 196 words

A co-injection nozzle assembly having a central channel with an open end for co-injecting at least three melt material streams .to form a multi-layer article, characterised by the assembly (296) comprising at least two interfitting shells (434, 436) and a nozzle cap (438) enclosing at least a portion of the outermost one (436) of said interfitting shells, one of the shells (e.g. 436) containing a feed channel (460) for flow of melt materiai therethrough, which channel leads to an associated annular flow passageway (478) having an orifice (462) opening to the nozzle central channel (540), the said annular flow passageway being bounded on one side by a portion (589) of the outer surface of the shell containing the feed channel and on the other side by a portion (593) of the inner surface of an adjacent one of the interfitting shells or of the nozzle cap, a portion of the said outer surface having a symmetrical, frustoconical shape and a portion of the said inner surface having a symmetrical, frustoconical shape, the outer and inner symmetrical, - frustoconical surface portions (589, 593) together defining a tapered, symmetrical, frustoconical portion of the said annular flow passageway (478).

Claim 238

Dependent Claim 196 words

A co-injection nozzle assembly having a central channel with an open end for co-injecting at least three melt material streams .to form a multi-layer article, characterised by the assembly (296) comprising at least two interfitting shells (434, 436) and a nozzle cap (438) enclosing at least a portion of the outermost one (436) of said interfitting shells, one of the shells (e.g. 436) containing a feed channel (460) for flow of melt materiai therethrough, which channel leads to an associated annular flow passageway (478) having an orifice (462) opening to the nozzle central channel (540), the said annular flow passageway being bounded on one side by a portion (589) of the outer surface of the shell containing the feed channel and on the other side by a portion (593) of the inner surface of an adjacent one of the interfitting shells or of the nozzle cap, a portion of the said outer surface having a symmetrical, frustoconical shape and a portion of the said inner surface having a symmetrical, frustoconical shape, the outer and inner symmetrical, - frustoconical surface portions (589, 593) together defining a tapered, symmetrical, frustoconical portion of the said annular flow passageway (478).

Claim 239

Dependent Claim 143 words

An injection nozzle assembly according to claim 213, characterised by each shell (430; 432; 434; 436) containing a feed channel (440, 450; 520; 500; 480; 460) for flow of a melt material therethrough, at least two of said feed flow channels (460, 500) leading to a respective annular flow passageway (478, 518), each of which has an orifice (462, 502) opening to the central channel and each of which is bounded on one side by a portion (578, 566) of the outer surface of a shell (434, 432) and on the other side by a portion (593, 603) of the inner surface of an adjacent one of the interfitting shells (434) or of the nozzle cap (438), all the confronting surface portions having symmetrical, frustoconical shapes whereby the pairs of confronting surfaces define tapered, symmetrical, frustoconical portions of the annular passageways (478, 518).

Claim 240

Dependent Claim 35 words

The injection nozzle assembly according to claim 213 or claim 214, characterised by the said annular flow passageway or at least one thereof containing means for directing the flow of melt material through said passageway.

Claim 241

Dependent Claim 28 words

The injection nozzle assembly according to claim 215, characterised by said directing means comprising choke means, for example eccentric choke means (464, 466) or concentric choke means (506).

Claim 242

Dependent Claim 34 words

The injection nozzle assembly according to claim 213 or claim 214, characterised by means for providing a balanced flow of melt material around the said annular flow passageway or around at least one thereof.

Claim 243

Dependent Claim 31 words

The injection nozzle assembly according to claim 217, characterised by said means for providing balanced flow comprising choke means, for example eccentric choke means (464, 466) or concentric choke means (506).

Claim 244

Dependent Claim 35 words

The i njection nozzle assembly according to any of claims 213 to 218, characterised by the or an orifice (e.g. 462) being located close to the open end (596) of the nozzle central channel (540).

Claim 245

Dependent Claim 173 words

A co-injection nozzle means having a central channel with an open end, for co-injecting at least three streams of melt materials to form a multi-layer article having an outside layer, an inside layer, and at least one internal layer between said outside layer and said inside layer, said nozzle means having a flow passageway for each stream of melt material, characterised in that at least two of the passageways, e.g. for the streams to form an outside and an internal layer, terminate at annular orifices (462, 502) communicating with the central channel (540) at locations close to the open end (596), at least the passageway (500) for the material stream (C) to form the internal layer having means (504, 506) therein for providing a balanced flow of material through and around said passageway, this passageway further having a symmetrical, tapered portion (518) between the balancing means and the passageway orifice (502) to provide a symmetrical, tapered pool for the melt material adjacent the orifice for balanced flow therethrough into said central channel (540).

Claim 246

Dependent Claim 173 words

A co-injection nozzle means having a central channel with an open end, for co-injecting at least three streams of melt materials to form a multi-layer article having an outside layer, an inside layer, and at least one internal layer between said outside layer and said inside layer, said nozzle means having a flow passageway for each stream of melt material, characterised in that at least two of the passageways, e.g. for the streams to form an outside and an internal layer, terminate at annular orifices (462, 502) communicating with the central channel (540) at locations close to the open end (596), at least the passageway (500) for the material stream (C) to form the internal layer having means (504, 506) therein for providing a balanced flow of material through and around said passageway, this passageway further having a symmetrical, tapered portion (518) between the balancing means and the passageway orifice (502) to provide a symmetrical, tapered pool for the melt material adjacent the orifice for balanced flow therethrough into said central channel (540).

Claim 247

Dependent Claim 28 words

The injection nozzle means according to claim 220, characterised by the flow balancing means comprising choke means, for example eccentric choke means (504) or concentric choke means (506).

Claim 248

Dependent Claim 42 words

The injection nozzle means according to any of claims 213 to 221, further characterised by means (800) in the nozzle (296) selectively moveable to prevent or permit flow into said central channel of the melt material (C) to form.the said internal layer.

Claim 249

Dependent Claim 227 words

Co-injection nozzle means for a multi-polymer injection blow molding machine for co-injecting at least three streams of melt materials to form a multi-layer article therefrom, wherein the co-injection nozzle has an axially extending cylindrical central channel, a gate in communication with the central channel, and is characterised by having at least three polymer stream passageways each having an orifice, the first (462) of said orifices being proximate or close to the gate (596), the second (502) of said orifices being adjacent the first orifice, and the third orifice (e.g. 440) being remote from said gate, each of the first and second (462, 502) of said orifices being annular and defined by a leading lip (e.g. 461 ) and a trailing lip (e.g. 523), said central channel (540) having a combining area which is a cylindrical portion of the central channel extending from the forward lip of the first orifice (462) to the trailing lip of the annular orifice most remote from the gate (596) in which area all polymer streams combine into a combined flow stream for injection from the nozzle, said combining area having an axial length of from 100 to 900 mils (2.54 to 22.9 mm), e.g. 100 to 300 mils (2.54 to 7.62 mm), and preferably the second orifice, and more preferably the first and second orifices, being fixed relative to the central channel.

Claim 250

Dependent Claim 227 words

Co-injection nozzle means for a multi-polymer injection blow molding machine for co-injecting at least three streams of melt materials to form a multi-layer article therefrom, wherein the co-injection nozzle has an axially extending cylindrical central channel, a gate in communication with the central channel, and is characterised by having at least three polymer stream passageways each having an orifice, the first (462) of said orifices being proximate or close to the gate (596), the second (502) of said orifices being adjacent the first orifice, and the third orifice (e.g. 440) being remote from said gate, each of the first and second (462, 502) of said orifices being annular and defined by a leading lip (e.g. 461 ) and a trailing lip (e.g. 523), said central channel (540) having a combining area which is a cylindrical portion of the central channel extending from the forward lip of the first orifice (462) to the trailing lip of the annular orifice most remote from the gate (596) in which area all polymer streams combine into a combined flow stream for injection from the nozzle, said combining area having an axial length of from 100 to 900 mils (2.54 to 22.9 mm), e.g. 100 to 300 mils (2.54 to 7.62 mm), and preferably the second orifice, and more preferably the first and second orifices, being fixed relative to the central channel.

Claim 251

Dependent Claim 236 words

Co-injection nozzle means for a multi-polymer injection blow molding machine for co-injecting at least three streams of melt materials into a given cavity to form a multi-layer article therefrom, wherein the nozzle has an axially extending cylindrical central channel, a gate in communication with the central channel, and is characterised by having at least three polymer stream passageways (e.g. 460, 500, 440) each having an orifice preferably fixed relative to the central channel (540), there being two of said at least three orifices close to the gate, the first (462) of said orifices being proximate the gate (596), the second (502) of said orifices being adjacent the first orifice, and the third orifice (e.g. 440) being remote from said gate, each of said first and second orifices (462, 502) being narrow, annular and defined by a leading lip (e.g. 461) and a trailing lip (e.g. 523), said central channel (540) having a combining area which is a cylindrical portion defined at either end by the forward lip of the first orifice (462) and the trailing lip of the annular orifice most remote from the gate in which area all polymer streams combine into a combined flow stream for injection from the nozzle, and wherein said combining area has a volume no greater than about 5% of the volume of the injection cavity (102) into which the combined polymer flow stream is injected from the nozzle (296).

Claim 252

Dependent Claim 236 words

Co-injection nozzle means for a multi-polymer injection blow molding machine for co-injecting at least three streams of melt materials into a given cavity to form a multi-layer article therefrom, wherein the nozzle has an axially extending cylindrical central channel, a gate in communication with the central channel, and is characterised by having at least three polymer stream passageways (e.g. 460, 500, 440) each having an orifice preferably fixed relative to the central channel (540), there being two of said at least three orifices close to the gate, the first (462) of said orifices being proximate the gate (596), the second (502) of said orifices being adjacent the first orifice, and the third orifice (e.g. 440) being remote from said gate, each of said first and second orifices (462, 502) being narrow, annular and defined by a leading lip (e.g. 461) and a trailing lip (e.g. 523), said central channel (540) having a combining area which is a cylindrical portion defined at either end by the forward lip of the first orifice (462) and the trailing lip of the annular orifice most remote from the gate in which area all polymer streams combine into a combined flow stream for injection from the nozzle, and wherein said combining area has a volume no greater than about 5% of the volume of the injection cavity (102) into which the combined polymer flow stream is injected from the nozzle (296).

Claim 253

Dependent Claim 41 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to claim 223 or 224, characterised in that the nozzle (296) includes means (800) axially moveable forward through the combining area towards the gate (596) for clearing the combined polymer flow stream from the combining area.

Claim 254

Dependent Claim 39 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to claim 225, characterised i n that the clearing means includes valve means (800, 834) adapted at its forward end to provide an area for accumulating polymer material prior to effecting its clearing action.

Claim 255

Dependent Claim 57 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to claim 223, characterised in that there is also included valve means (800, 834) adapted to be placed in a position in the combining area wherein the valve means block and prevent the flow of polymer material through at least all of the orifices (e.g. 462, 502) communicating with the combining area.

Claim 256

Dependent Claim 131 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to claim 223, characterised in that the passageway (460) having the first orifice (462) has a leading wall (OW) which extends diagonally towards the gate and towards the axis of the central channel and communicates with the leading lip (461) of the first orifice, such that the end portion of the leading wall is closer to the axis of the central channel (540) than the trailing lip of said orifice, and wherein the valve comprises a sleeve (800) which has a tapered mouth which defines the sleeve open end and is adapted to abut against the end portion of said leading wall (OW) to prevent further forward movement of the sleeve in the central channel toward the gate (596) and to block said first orifice (462).

Claim 257

Dependent Claim 48 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to any of claims 223 to 228, further characterised in that the leading lip (461) of the first orifice (462) is within 100 to 900 mils (2.54 to 22.9 mm), e.g. 100 to 300 mils (2.54 to 7.62 mm) of the gate (596).

Claim 258

Dependent Claim 67 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to claim 226 or any claim dependent on claim 226, characterised by drive means cooperatively associated with the valve means for driving the valve means, and wherein the valve means (800, 834) and drive means (918, 860, 856; 850, 844, 906) are adapted to enable the valve means to unblock all orifices within 15 to 300 centiseconds, e.g. 15 to 75 centiseconds.

Claim 259

Dependent Claim 43 words

1. The co-injection nozzle means according to any of claims 223 to 230, further characterised in that the center lines (190, 194) of each of the first and second orifices (462, 502) lie substantially perpendicular to the axis of the central channel (540).

Claim 260

Dependent Claim 54 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to any of claims 223 to 231, further characterised in that each of the first and second passageways (460, 500) has a tapered portion (478, 518) adjacent its orifice (462, 502) such that each orifice has a smaller cross-sectional gap than an adjacent upstream portion of its respective passageway.

Claim 261

Dependent Claim 35 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to any of claims 223 to 232, characterised in that those orifices, irrespective of their number, which communicate with the combining area, are fixed relative to the central channel (540).

Claim 262

Dependent Claim 30 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to claim 224 or any claim dependent on claims 224, characterised by the combining area of the central channel (540) having a uniform cross-sectional area.

Claim 263

Dependent Claim 55 words

The co-injection nozzle means according to any of claims 223 to 234, further characterised in there are at least three passageways (e.g. 460, 480, 500) with annular orifices (e.g. 462, 482, 502), preferably each fixed relative to the central channel (540) and preferably at least two of them (462, 502) open to the combining area.

Claim 264

Independent Claim 134 words

A method of injection molding characterised by controlling the relative flow rates of two polymeric material melt flow streams to be co-molded and including the steps of providing two polymeric material melt flow streams and feeding them to a co-injection nozzle means having a central channel with an open end, a gate thereat and a polymer flow stream passageway for each polymeric f aaterial melt flow stream, each passageway having an orifice opening to the central channel, conducting each of the two polymeric material melt flow streams to common moving means for moving each stream to its respective passageway, and utilizing the common moving means to move the material streams through their passageways while positively partially blocking the flow of one of the flow streams and not blocking the flow of the other stream.

Claim 265

Independent Claim 134 words

A method of injection molding characterised by controlling the relative flow rates of two polymeric material melt flow streams to be co-molded and including the steps of providing two polymeric material melt flow streams and feeding them to a co-injection nozzle means having a central channel with an open end, a gate thereat and a polymer flow stream passageway for each polymeric f aaterial melt flow stream, each passageway having an orifice opening to the central channel, conducting each of the two polymeric material melt flow streams to common moving means for moving each stream to its respective passageway, and utilizing the common moving means to move the material streams through their passageways while positively partially blocking the flow of one of the flow streams and not blocking the flow of the other stream.

Claim 266

Dependent Claim 50 words

The method according to claim 236, characterised in that the blocking is effected at the orifices and, while positively partially blocking one of the orifices, there is included the step of retarding the action of the moving means for reducing the flow of polymeric material to each of the orifices.

Claim 267

Dependent Claim 53 words

The method according to claim 236 or 237, characterised by feeding into the co-injection nozzle means an additional melt flow stream via a passageway and orifice located between the said two passageways and orifices, and by positively blocking the additional orifice while partially blocking the said one of the two first-mentioned flow streams.

Claim 268

Dependent Claim 364 words

A method according to claim 236, characterised by providing five melt flow streams and feeding them into the central channel of one or more co-injection nozzle means, each of which has five melt flow stream passageways, each having an orifice opening to the central channel, wherein (i) the first orifice is located closer to the open end than the other orifices for routing material to the channel for forming an outside surface layer of the article, (ii) the third orifice is farther from the open end than the other orifices for routing material to the channel for forming the inside surface layer of the article, (iii) the second orifice is located between the first and third orifices for routing a polymeric material to the channel for forming an internal layer of the article, (iv) a fourth orifice is located intermediate the first and second orifices for routing a polymeric material to the channel for forming an intermediate layer between the first and the internal layer of the article, and (v) a fifth orifice is located intermediate the second and third orifices for routing a polymeric material to the channel for forming an intermediate layer between the internal layer and the inside surface layer of the article, the method being further characterised by actuating valve means in the nozzle means central channel for blocking, unblocking and controlling the flow and non-flow of the respective materials from their respective five orifices into the central channel, operating a common moving means associated with both of the outside and inside surface materials for moving them into and through their respective passageways and orifices, operating a common moving means associated with both of the intermediate materials for moving them into and through their respective passageways and orifices, and moving the melt flow streams through the first and third passageways at a first rate of flow while utilizing the valve means for not blocking the first orifice and for partially blocking the third orifice, and/or moving the melt flow stream through the fourth and fifth passageways at a first rate of flow while utilizing the valve means for not blocking the fourth orifice and for partially blocking the fifth orifice.

Claim 269

Dependent Claim 48 words

The method according to claim 239, characterised in that during moving of the melt flow streams through the first and third orifices, there is included the step of utilizing the moving means to reduce the flow rate to a level which is less than the first flow rate.

Claim 270

Dependent Claim 278 words

The method according to claim 239 or 240, characterised by utilizing the valve means in the co-injection nozzle means for injecting a combined stream of the materials to form the five layered article, by (i) preventing flow of polymeric material through the fourth, second and fifth orifices while allowing fl ow of polymer material through the third orifice, (ii) then also allowing the flow of polymeric material through the first orifice while continuing to prevent flow through the fourth, second and fifth orifices, (iii) allowing the flow of polymeric material through the fourth, second and fifth orifices while allowing polymeric material to flow through the first and third orifices, (iv) reducing the flow of polymeric material through the third orifice by partially blocking said third orifice while utilizing the common moving means associated with said orifice to reduce the flow of polymer material to the first and third orifices, and while allowing polymeric material to flow through the fourth, second and fifth orifices, (v) reducing the flow of polymeric material through the fifth orifice by partially blocking the fifth orifice and utilizing the common moving means associated with said orifice for reducing the flow of polymeric material to the fourth and fifth orifice, (vi) terminating the flow of polymeric material through the second orifice and then through the fourth orifice, and (vii) restricting the flow of polymeric material through the second orifice while allowing flow of polymeric material through the first or third orifices or both the first and third orifices to knit the internal layer material with itself through the inside layer material and to substantially encapsulate the internal layer within the inside and/or outside layer material.

Claim 271

Independent Claim 92 words

A method according to any of claims 236 to 241, for co-molding a plurality of articles from at least two of said melt flow streams, characterised by injection molding using a plurality of substantially identical co-injection nozzle means, and utilizing common moving means operative to move the at least two melt streams to each of the nozzle means, and blocking, unblocking or partially blocking the at least two melt streams in each of the nozzle means by valve means therein, said valve means preferably being substantially identical and preferably operable substantially simultaneously.

Claim 272

Independent Claim 323 words

A method of injection molding a multi-layer plastics article by creating a multi-layer substantially concentric combined stream of at least three polymeric materials and co-injecting the combined stream into a cavity to form the multi-layer article, the combined stream having an outer structural material layer for forming the outer layer of the article, a core of structural material for forming the inner layer of the article, and one or more intermediate layer(s) of material for forming an internal layer(s) of the article, the method being characterised by the use of a co-injection nozzle means having, a gate at one end, a cylindrical central channel opening to the gate, and a plurality of at least three polymer passageways communicating with the central channel, of which at least the first and second passageways are annular and have annular orifices opening to the central channel, the first orifice being located closer to the gate than the other orifices for routing the outer layer structural material into the channel, the third orifice being farther from the gate than said first or second orifices for routing the core material into the channel, and the second orifice being positioned adjacent to the first orifice for routing intermediate layer material into the channel, and the method being further characterised by controlling the thickness, uniformity and radial position of the internal layer in the combined stream by providing and utilizing means either in all the annular polymer flow stream passageways or at least in the first and second passageways for balancing the flow of the respective polymer flow streams passing through the said passageways such that, as the respective streams enter the central channel, each is substantially uniform in terms of pressure and temperature about its circumference and in the combining area of the nozzle means, the respective layers which form the canbined stream are substantially concentric relative to each other, the respective polymer streams preferably being condensed phase polymeric materials.

Claim 273

Independent Claim 323 words

A method of injection molding a multi-layer plastics article by creating a multi-layer substantially concentric combined stream of at least three polymeric materials and co-injecting the combined stream into a cavity to form the multi-layer article, the combined stream having an outer structural material layer for forming the outer layer of the article, a core of structural material for forming the inner layer of the article, and one or more intermediate layer(s) of material for forming an internal layer(s) of the article, the method being characterised by the use of a co-injection nozzle means having, a gate at one end, a cylindrical central channel opening to the gate, and a plurality of at least three polymer passageways communicating with the central channel, of which at least the first and second passageways are annular and have annular orifices opening to the central channel, the first orifice being located closer to the gate than the other orifices for routing the outer layer structural material into the channel, the third orifice being farther from the gate than said first or second orifices for routing the core material into the channel, and the second orifice being positioned adjacent to the first orifice for routing intermediate layer material into the channel, and the method being further characterised by controlling the thickness, uniformity and radial position of the internal layer in the combined stream by providing and utilizing means either in all the annular polymer flow stream passageways or at least in the first and second passageways for balancing the flow of the respective polymer flow streams passing through the said passageways such that, as the respective streams enter the central channel, each is substantially uniform in terms of pressure and temperature about its circumference and in the combining area of the nozzle means, the respective layers which form the canbined stream are substantially concentric relative to each other, the respective polymer streams preferably being condensed phase polymeric materials.

Claim 274

Dependent Claim 85 words

The method according to claim 243, characterised in that the core structural material to form the inner layer of the article is disposed concentric relative to the axis of the central channel when the material to form the outer layer of the article is introduced into the central channel, and preferably the inner and outer layers are disposed substantially centered on the axis of the central channel when the internal layer material is introduced between them - in the combining area of the central channel.

Claim 275

Independent Claim 263 words

A method of injection molding an article such as a parison formed of a plurality of layers of plastics materials and including at least an inner structural layer, an internal layer, and an outer structural layer, the method being characterised by displacing each polymeric material to form a layer of the article from a respective source thereof to a co-injection nozzle means having a central channel with a polymer stream combining area, and having a passageway and associated orifice for each layer to be formed, the passageway orifices opening to the central channel, and, to control the final lateral location of an internal layer in an article, in the course of its injection: separately channelling the streams of the displaced polymer materials each to a passageway in each nozzle, continuously controlling the displacement of each polymeric material, and controlling the radial location of the internal layer within the combining area of the central channel, by positively controlling the flow and non-flow of the streams to form the outer and internal layers through their respective orifices by moving the streams past flow balancing means operative in their respective passageways for selectively providing desired design flows for each of the said streams, and displacing the outer and internal layer materials and the inner layer material(s) through their respective passageways to achieve their respective desired design flows, thereby to place annular streams of the respective materials uniformly radially in the combining area, and to control the radial location of the internal layer material in the combined flow stream in the combining area of the nozzle means.

Claim 276

Independent Claim 263 words

A method of injection molding an article such as a parison formed of a plurality of layers of plastics materials and including at least an inner structural layer, an internal layer, and an outer structural layer, the method being characterised by displacing each polymeric material to form a layer of the article from a respective source thereof to a co-injection nozzle means having a central channel with a polymer stream combining area, and having a passageway and associated orifice for each layer to be formed, the passageway orifices opening to the central channel, and, to control the final lateral location of an internal layer in an article, in the course of its injection: separately channelling the streams of the displaced polymer materials each to a passageway in each nozzle, continuously controlling the displacement of each polymeric material, and controlling the radial location of the internal layer within the combining area of the central channel, by positively controlling the flow and non-flow of the streams to form the outer and internal layers through their respective orifices by moving the streams past flow balancing means operative in their respective passageways for selectively providing desired design flows for each of the said streams, and displacing the outer and internal layer materials and the inner layer material(s) through their respective passageways to achieve their respective desired design flows, thereby to place annular streams of the respective materials uniformly radially in the combining area, and to control the radial location of the internal layer material in the combined flow stream in the combining area of the nozzle means.

Claim 277

Dependent Claim 105 words

The method according to claim 245, characterised by introducing the outer structural material to the central channel at an angl e relative to the central channel combining area, and introducing the innermost structural material axially as a solid stream into the combining area, and wherein the method also includes the steps of physically blocking the orifices of the outer and internal layer materials and prepressurizing these layers in their passageways while their orifices are blocked, thereby to minimize the transient times required to reach the desired design flows and to control the volumetric flows of the outer and internal structural materials into the combining area.

Claim 278

Dependent Claim 104 words

The method according to claim 245, characterised by introducing the outer structural material to the central channel at an angle relative to the central channel material combining area, and by introducing the inner structural material axially as a solid stream into the combining area, and wherein the method includes the steps of pressurizing the polymer melt material for the outer layer in its passageway while blocking its orifice, then unblocking said orifice, and then as part of the displacing step, effecting a uniform onset of the flow of the outer structural material from all points of its passageway orifice into the nozzle central channel.

Claim 279

Independent Claim 47 words

The method according to claims 245 to 247, characterised in that the displacing step includes leaving the orifice for the outer material unblocked for a time sufficient to obtain a continuous, uniform rate and volume of flow of the outer material during 90% of the injection cycle.

Claim 280

Independent Claim 84 words

The method according to any of claims 245 to 248, further characterised by the steps of pressurizing the internal layer material or this material and the inner layer material while the orifice therefor is blocked, and then unblocking the orifice and effecting a uniform initial flow rate of the or each material across its passageway orifice at the start of the injection cycle, and maintaining a continuous flow in terms of velocity and volumetric rate of all materials during most of the injection cycle.

Claim 281

Dependent Claim 215 words

2 50. The method according to claim 246, characterised in that the pressurizing step is effected during the displacing step to subject the polymer melt material for the outer layer while it is in its passageway and its orifice is blocked to a first pressure which would be sufficient to cause the material to flow into the central channel if its orifice was unblocked, and, prior to allowing flow of the outer layer material through its orifice, operating means to displace the said outer layer material in its passageway and thereby raise it to a second pressure greater than the first pressure and sufficient to create, when its orifice is unblocked, a surge of said material as an onset annular flow from all points of its orifice into the central channel, the resulting flow stream being uniform when considered relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the central channel, the said second pressure being less than that which would cause leakage of the outer layer material past the flow-blocking means into the channel, and, during and after the unblocking of the outer layer orifice, increasing the rate of polymer displacement to approach and maintain a desired design substantially steady flow rate of the said material through the orifice therefor into the central channel.

Claim 282

Independent Claim 215 words

A method of injection molding characterised by the use of multi-material co-injection nozzle means, which has an open end with a gate thereat, an axially extending cylindrical central channel in communication with the gate, and a passageway with an annular orifice in communication with the nozzle central channel, the method being further characterised by the steps of (a) providing a first polymeric melt material in the passageway and preventing the material from flowing through the orifice into the central channel, (b) flowing a melt stream of a second polymeric material through the central channel past the orifice, (c) while the first polymeric material is flowing through the central channel and while continuing to prevent the second material from flowing through the orifice, subjecting the second material in the passageway to pressure which at all points around the orifice is -greater than the ambient pressure of the first material stream at circumferential positions which correspond to the said points, the applied pressure, for example being uniform at all points around the annular orifice, and (d) after pressurizing the second material, permitting it to flow into the channel via the orifice, the pressure applied to the second material being sufficient to establish onset of flow of the second material from all points around the orifice substantially simultaneously.

Claim 283

Independent Claim 215 words

A method of injection molding characterised by the use of multi-material co-injection nozzle means, which has an open end with a gate thereat, an axially extending cylindrical central channel in communication with the gate, and a passageway with an annular orifice in communication with the nozzle central channel, the method being further characterised by the steps of (a) providing a first polymeric melt material in the passageway and preventing the material from flowing through the orifice into the central channel, (b) flowing a melt stream of a second polymeric material through the central channel past the orifice, (c) while the first polymeric material is flowing through the central channel and while continuing to prevent the second material from flowing through the orifice, subjecting the second material in the passageway to pressure which at all points around the orifice is -greater than the ambient pressure of the first material stream at circumferential positions which correspond to the said points, the applied pressure, for example being uniform at all points around the annular orifice, and (d) after pressurizing the second material, permitting it to flow into the channel via the orifice, the pressure applied to the second material being sufficient to establish onset of flow of the second material from all points around the orifice substantially simultaneously.

Claim 284

Dependent Claim 47 words

The method according to claim 251, characterised in that during step (d), pressure is maintained on the second material in the passageway sufficient to establish and maintain a substantially uniform and continuing steady rate of flow simultaneously from all points around the orifice into the central channel.

Claim 285

Dependent Claim 35 words

The method according to claim 251 or claim 252, characterised in that preventing and permitting flow of the second material are effected by utilizing valve means operative in the central channel of the nozzle means.

Claim 286

Dependent Claim 28 words

The method according to claim 251, 252, or 253, characterised in that the annular orifice has a center line substantially perpendicular to the axis of the central channel.

Claim 287

Independent Claim 102 words

The method according to any of claims 251 to 254 for producing a multi-layer injected article having an internal layer, characterised i n that one or more melt materials are caused to flow along the central channel of the multi-material co-injection nozzle and the second material, to form the internal layer of the article, is pressurised to a pressure greater than the ambient pressure of the already flowing one or more materials and thereafter caused to flow substantially simultaneously from all points around the orifice so as to form a layer surrounding the polymeric melt material already flowing in the central channel.

Claim 288

Dependent Claim 67 words

The method according to claim 255, characterised in that the applied pressure is sufficient to establish onset of flow of the internal layer material and provide it with an annular leading edge sufficiently thick at every point therearound that the internal layer in a marginal end portion of the injected article is at least 1% of the total thickness of the article at said marginal end portion.

Claim 289

Dependent Claim 47 words

The method of claim 256 wherein the permitting step includes the step of continuing to subject the material to a pressure sufficient to maintain a substantially uniformly thick and continuing steady'flow rate of internal layer material simultaneously over all points of the orifice into the central channel.

Claim 290

Dependent Claim 172 words

The method according to claim 255, 256 or 257, characterized in that the co-injection nozzle means is part of a multi-polymer injection molding machine having a runner system to convey polymeric melt materials from sources thereof via melt displacing means to the nozzle means, and further characterised by physically blocking the annular orifice and, while so blocking the orifice, moving polymeric melt material for one or more layers into the runner system and, while flowing polymeric melt material for one or more layers other than the internal layer through the central channel past the blocked orifice, subjecting the polymeric melt material to form the internal layer in the runner system to a pressure which at all points about the blocked orifice is greater than the ambient pressure of the melt material flowing in the central channel at circumferential points which correspond to said points about the orifice, and unblocking said orifice to obtain onset. of flow into the central channel of the internal layer material from all points around the orifice simultaneously.

Claim 291

Dependent Claim 45 words

The method according to claim 258, characterised in that the blocked orifice is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the central channel and physically blocking and unblocking flow through the orifice is performed by operating valve means located in the central channel of the nozzle.

Claim 292

Dependent Claim 34 words

The method according to claim 258 or 259, characterised in that the pressure subjecting step is effected by operation of a polymer supply means, exterior of the runner system, for the internal layer material.

Claim 293

Independent Claim 78 words

The method according to any of claims 258 to 260, characterised in that the pressure subjecting step is. effected in two stages, first by providing a residual pressure on the internal layer material lower than the desired pressure at which it is to flow through the blocked orifice, and then before or upon effecting the allowing or unblocking step, raising the pressure to said desired pressure at which the internal layer material is to flow through the orifice.

Claim 294

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method according to claim 261 wherein the pressure raising step is effected rapidly, at a rate of 500 to 1000 for instance 700 psi/centisecond.

Claim 295

Dependent Claim 24 words

The method according to claim 261, characterised in that the residual pressure is established by reciprocating melt displacing means for the internal layer material.

Claim 296

Independent Claim 250 words

A method of injection molding characterised by the use of a multi-polymer injection molding machine for forming multi-layer articles, the machine having means to displace polymer melt materials from sources thereof along runners to passageways and associated orifices of co-injection nozzle means, for delivery to a central channel in the nozzle means, the method being further characterised by the steps of blocking an orifice physically to prevent polymer melt material in the passageway leading to that orifice from flowing into the central channel and, while so blocking the orifice, retracting the displacement means for the said polymer melt material to accommodate fresh polymer melt material from the source thereof. u pstream of the displacement means and external to the runner system, the pressure of the fresh melt generating in the runner therefor a residual pressure sufficient to increase the rate of time response of the polymer melt material in the runner to subsequent movements of the displacement means, and the amount of retraction and the pressure cooperatively providing for a sufficient quantity of fresh melt for the corresponding layer of the article to be injection molded; and then, prior to unblocking the orifice, actuating the displacement means towards the orifice to compress the melt material further and raise the pressure in the runner to a level greater than the residual pressure, and sufficiently elevated that, when the orifice is unblocked, flow of the prepressurized polymer melt material commences substantially simultaneously from all points in the orifice into the central channel.

Claim 297

Independent Claim 250 words

A method of injection molding characterised by the use of a multi-polymer injection molding machine for forming multi-layer articles, the machine having means to displace polymer melt materials from sources thereof along runners to passageways and associated orifices of co-injection nozzle means, for delivery to a central channel in the nozzle means, the method being further characterised by the steps of blocking an orifice physically to prevent polymer melt material in the passageway leading to that orifice from flowing into the central channel and, while so blocking the orifice, retracting the displacement means for the said polymer melt material to accommodate fresh polymer melt material from the source thereof. u pstream of the displacement means and external to the runner system, the pressure of the fresh melt generating in the runner therefor a residual pressure sufficient to increase the rate of time response of the polymer melt material in the runner to subsequent movements of the displacement means, and the amount of retraction and the pressure cooperatively providing for a sufficient quantity of fresh melt for the corresponding layer of the article to be injection molded; and then, prior to unblocking the orifice, actuating the displacement means towards the orifice to compress the melt material further and raise the pressure in the runner to a level greater than the residual pressure, and sufficiently elevated that, when the orifice is unblocked, flow of the prepressurized polymer melt material commences substantially simultaneously from all points in the orifice into the central channel.

Claim 298

Dependent Claim 64 words

The method according to claim 264, characterised in that the elevated pressure is sufficient to establish an onset of flow whereby the melt material has a leading edge thickness of a magnitude at every point about its periphery such that in a marginal end portion of the article, the said layer is at least 1% of the total thickness of the marginal end portion.

Claim 299

Dependent Claim 49 words

The method according to claim 264 or 265, further characterised, after unblocking the orifice, by continuing to subject the material to a pressure sufficient to maintain a substantially uniformly thick flow thereof at a continuing steady rate of flow from all points around the orifice into the central channel.

Claim 300

Independent Claim 202 words

A method of injection molding characterised by the use of a muiti-polymer injection molding machine, which has a runner system extending from displacement means for at least one polymer melt material to co-injection nozzle means having a corresponding passageway for said polymer melt material and an orifice which in turn communicates the passageway with a central channel in the nozzle, the method being further characterised by the steps, for the at least one polymer material, of blocking the orifice physically to prevent the polymer melt material in the passageway from flowing into the central channel and, while so blocking the orifice, moving polymer melt material into that portion of the runner system extending to said blocked orifice, discerning the level of residual pressure of polymer melt material moved into said portion of the runner system, and displacing the polymer melt material in the runner system towards the orifice to compress the material and elevate the pressure in the runner system to a level greater than the first-mentioned pressure and which is sufficiently elevated that, upon unblocking the orifice, onset of flow of the prepressurized polymer melt material occurs substantially simultaneously and uniformly from all points of the orifice into the central channel.

Claim 301

Independent Claim 202 words

A method of injection molding characterised by the use of a muiti-polymer injection molding machine, which has a runner system extending from displacement means for at least one polymer melt material to co-injection nozzle means having a corresponding passageway for said polymer melt material and an orifice which in turn communicates the passageway with a central channel in the nozzle, the method being further characterised by the steps, for the at least one polymer material, of blocking the orifice physically to prevent the polymer melt material in the passageway from flowing into the central channel and, while so blocking the orifice, moving polymer melt material into that portion of the runner system extending to said blocked orifice, discerning the level of residual pressure of polymer melt material moved into said portion of the runner system, and displacing the polymer melt material in the runner system towards the orifice to compress the material and elevate the pressure in the runner system to a level greater than the first-mentioned pressure and which is sufficiently elevated that, upon unblocking the orifice, onset of flow of the prepressurized polymer melt material occurs substantially simultaneously and uniformly from all points of the orifice into the central channel.

Claim 302

Dependent Claim 17 words

A method according to claim 267 characterised by establishing an onset of flow which is uniformly thick.

Claim 303

Independent Claim 399 words

A method of forming a multi-layer plastics article having a marginal edge portion, first and second surface layers, and at least one internal layer therebetween by injection in an injection cavity of an injection molding machine, characterised by the use of an injection molding machine having a runner system to convey polymer melt materials to co-injection nozzle means having a flow passageway for each mett material to form a layer of the article, a central channel, and an orifice for each . passageway in communication with the central channel, means for displacing each of the melt materials to the orifices and into the nozzle central channel, means for supplying the melt materials into the runner system, and means for physically blocking and unblocking the orifices, the method being further characterised by the steps of blocking at least the orifice for the material to form the internal layer to prevent flow thereof into the central channel, moving polymer melt materials into the runner system, discerning the level of residual pressure of the polymer melt materials that have been moved into the runner system, displacing the internal layer melt material in its passageway towards its orifice to compress the material and raise the pressure of that material to a level greater than the first discerned pressure, flowing the first surface layer material into and along the central channel while preventing flow of the internal layer material into the central channel, flowing the second surface layer material into and along the central channel as an annular stream about the flowing first surface layer material, unblocking the orifice of the prepressurized internal layer material to admit it into the central channel and into the interface between the flowing inner and outer surface materials, the level of pressure of the internal layer material upon unblocking its orifice being such that its onset of flow occurs rapidly and substantially simultaneously and uniformly, e.g. uni formly thickly from all points of its orifice into the central channel to form an annular layer between the flowing first and second surface layer materials and such that the leading edge of the flowing internal layer material lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the central channel whereby, injection of the combined flow stream into the injection cavity, results in the internal layer material extending substantially uniformly into and about the marginal edge portion of the article.

Claim 304

Independent Claim 399 words

A method of forming a multi-layer plastics article having a marginal edge portion, first and second surface layers, and at least one internal layer therebetween by injection in an injection cavity of an injection molding machine, characterised by the use of an injection molding machine having a runner system to convey polymer melt materials to co-injection nozzle means having a flow passageway for each mett material to form a layer of the article, a central channel, and an orifice for each . passageway in communication with the central channel, means for displacing each of the melt materials to the orifices and into the nozzle central channel, means for supplying the melt materials into the runner system, and means for physically blocking and unblocking the orifices, the method being further characterised by the steps of blocking at least the orifice for the material to form the internal layer to prevent flow thereof into the central channel, moving polymer melt materials into the runner system, discerning the level of residual pressure of the polymer melt materials that have been moved into the runner system, displacing the internal layer melt material in its passageway towards its orifice to compress the material and raise the pressure of that material to a level greater than the first discerned pressure, flowing the first surface layer material into and along the central channel while preventing flow of the internal layer material into the central channel, flowing the second surface layer material into and along the central channel as an annular stream about the flowing first surface layer material, unblocking the orifice of the prepressurized internal layer material to admit it into the central channel and into the interface between the flowing inner and outer surface materials, the level of pressure of the internal layer material upon unblocking its orifice being such that its onset of flow occurs rapidly and substantially simultaneously and uniformly, e.g. uni formly thickly from all points of its orifice into the central channel to form an annular layer between the flowing first and second surface layer materials and such that the leading edge of the flowing internal layer material lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the central channel whereby, injection of the combined flow stream into the injection cavity, results in the internal layer material extending substantially uniformly into and about the marginal edge portion of the article.

Claim 305

Dependent Claim 302 words

A method according to claim 269, for forming an open-ended, five layer plastics article having between the said surface layers, one internal layer, and two intermediate layers respectively between the internal layer and each surface layer, wherein the injection molding machine has co-injection nozzle means having a polymer melt material flow passageway for each of said materials and associated orifices opening to the central channel, means for displacing each of the polymer melt materials fed into the runner system to the orifices and into the central channel of the co-injection nozzle, there being means for each material which is to form a layer of the article, means for providing polymeric melt materials into means for physically blocking and unblocking at least the orifices for the materials to form the internal and intermediate layers, the method being characterised by these orifices to prevent the internal and intermediate materials from flowing into the central channel, moving polymer melt materials into the runner system and discerning the level of residual pressure of the polymer melt materials that have been moved into the runner system, thereafter displacing the polymer melt materials for the internal and intermediate layers towards their blocked orifices to compress the materials and raise the pressure in the system for those materials to a level greater than the first discerned level such that upon unblocking the orifices of the prepressurized internal and intermediate layer materials, the onset of flow of each of the internal layer and intermediate layer materials occurs, preferably annularly, substantially simultaneously and uniformly from their respective orifices into the central channel and, upon injection, the internal layer material and the intermediate layer materials terminate substantially uniformly in and about the terminal portion of the article and each terminates in a plane substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the article.

Claim 306

Dependent Claim 59 words

The method according to claim 269 or 270, further characterised by the step of increasing the rate of displacement of the or any selected number of melt materials to form a layer or layers between the surface layers as the orifice therefor is unblocked, to approach and maintain substantially steady flow rate of the said material(s) into the channel.

Claim 307

Independent Claim 487 words

A method of injection molding a multi-layer plastics article having an outer surface layer, an inner surface layer and one or more internal layers therebetween, which is characterised by the use of a molding machine furnished with co-injection nozzle means having an open end with a gate, an axially-extending cylindrical central channel in communication with the gate, a passageway for each polymeric material stream to form a layer of the article, the passageway for the or an internal layer stream communicating via an annular orifice with the central channel, the said annular orifice having a center line substantially perpendicular to the axis of the central channel, and the passageway for the outer surface layer stream also having an annular orifice in communication with the central channel at a location between the gate and the orifice or orifices for the internal layer stream or streams, the outer layer orifice having its center line substantially perpendicular to the axis of the central channel, and the machine including means for providing a flow of the material to form the inner surface layer into the central channel from a location more remote from the gate than any of the aforesaid orifices, the method being further characterised by the steps of: utilizing one or more condensed phase polymeric materials as the or an internal layer melt stream, flowing the inner layer melt stream into the central channel as a core stream past the or each internal melt stream orifice, flowing the outer layer melt stream into the central channel to surround the core stream flowing therein, providing the combined flowing streams for the outer and inner layers with a selected ambient pressure in the central channel, supplying the or an internal layer melt stream into the passageway, therefor, imparting a selected first pressure to the or an internal layer melt stream at the orifice therefor, the said first pressure being below that pressure which, relative to the ambient pressure, would cause the said internal layer material to. flow into the central-channel, adjusting the first pressure to a level equal to or just below the said ambient pressure to compress the said internal layer melt stream to provide said stream with an enhanced flow response when onset of flow into the central channel is activated and to prevent back flow of the already flowing materials into the said internal layer orifice, and activating rapid onset flow of the said internal layer melt stream through the orifice therefor into the central channel by creating a sudden change in the relative pressures between the said internal layer material at the said orifice and the ambient pressure in the central channel, whereby the pressure of the said internal layer material is rapidly changed to a level sufficiently high relative to the ambient pressure that its onset of flow as an annular stream into the central channel occurs substantially simultaneously from all points around the said orifice.

Claim 308

Independent Claim 487 words

A method of injection molding a multi-layer plastics article having an outer surface layer, an inner surface layer and one or more internal layers therebetween, which is characterised by the use of a molding machine furnished with co-injection nozzle means having an open end with a gate, an axially-extending cylindrical central channel in communication with the gate, a passageway for each polymeric material stream to form a layer of the article, the passageway for the or an internal layer stream communicating via an annular orifice with the central channel, the said annular orifice having a center line substantially perpendicular to the axis of the central channel, and the passageway for the outer surface layer stream also having an annular orifice in communication with the central channel at a location between the gate and the orifice or orifices for the internal layer stream or streams, the outer layer orifice having its center line substantially perpendicular to the axis of the central channel, and the machine including means for providing a flow of the material to form the inner surface layer into the central channel from a location more remote from the gate than any of the aforesaid orifices, the method being further characterised by the steps of: utilizing one or more condensed phase polymeric materials as the or an internal layer melt stream, flowing the inner layer melt stream into the central channel as a core stream past the or each internal melt stream orifice, flowing the outer layer melt stream into the central channel to surround the core stream flowing therein, providing the combined flowing streams for the outer and inner layers with a selected ambient pressure in the central channel, supplying the or an internal layer melt stream into the passageway, therefor, imparting a selected first pressure to the or an internal layer melt stream at the orifice therefor, the said first pressure being below that pressure which, relative to the ambient pressure, would cause the said internal layer material to. flow into the central-channel, adjusting the first pressure to a level equal to or just below the said ambient pressure to compress the said internal layer melt stream to provide said stream with an enhanced flow response when onset of flow into the central channel is activated and to prevent back flow of the already flowing materials into the said internal layer orifice, and activating rapid onset flow of the said internal layer melt stream through the orifice therefor into the central channel by creating a sudden change in the relative pressures between the said internal layer material at the said orifice and the ambient pressure in the central channel, whereby the pressure of the said internal layer material is rapidly changed to a level sufficiently high relative to the ambient pressure that its onset of flow as an annular stream into the central channel occurs substantially simultaneously from all points around the said orifice.

Claim 309

Dependent Claim 52 words

The method according to claim 272, characterised in that the relative pressure change is effected either by rapidly increasing the pressure of the said internal layer material or by decreasing the ambient pressure of the streams already flowing in the central channel or by a combination of the pressure-increasing and pressure-decreasing expedients.

Claim 310

Dependent Claim 63 words

The method according to claim 272 or 273, characterised by injecting three i nternal layer materials for each of which there is a passageway with its own annular orifice comnunicating with the central channel, the orifices being located axially closely adjacent each other, and the method involves flowing each internal layer material as an independent stream into the central channel of the nozzle.

Claim 311

Dependent Claim 63 words

The method according to claim 272 or 273, characterised by injecting three internal layer materials for each of which there is a passageway, and the passageways communicate with the at least one annular orifice, and the method involves pressurizing each of the internal materials and causing them to flow simultaneously through the orifice into the central channel as a combined internal layer stream.

Claim 312

Independent Claim 185 words

A method of injection molding wherein a melt stream of polymeric material is admitted via an annular orifice into the central channel of multi-material co-injection nozzle means, the method being characterised by the use of co-injection nozzle means having an open end with a gate thereat, an axially extending, e.g. cylindrical central channel in communication with the gate, and a passageway opening via an annular orifice to the nozzle central channel, the orifice having a center line substantially perpendicular to the central channel axis, and the method being further characterised by the steps of (a) providing a melt stream of a preferably condensed phase polymeric material in the passageway while preventing it from flowing through the orifice, (b) while continuing to prevent it from flowing through the orifice, subjecting the melt material in the passageway to an initial pressure which is at least sufficient to cause the material to flow into the central channel, and (c) permitting the pressurized material to flow through the orifice whereby its initial flow occurs substantially uniformly and simultaneously from all portions of the annular passageway into the central channel.

Claim 313

Independent Claim 185 words

A method of injection molding wherein a melt stream of polymeric material is admitted via an annular orifice into the central channel of multi-material co-injection nozzle means, the method being characterised by the use of co-injection nozzle means having an open end with a gate thereat, an axially extending, e.g. cylindrical central channel in communication with the gate, and a passageway opening via an annular orifice to the nozzle central channel, the orifice having a center line substantially perpendicular to the central channel axis, and the method being further characterised by the steps of (a) providing a melt stream of a preferably condensed phase polymeric material in the passageway while preventing it from flowing through the orifice, (b) while continuing to prevent it from flowing through the orifice, subjecting the melt material in the passageway to an initial pressure which is at least sufficient to cause the material to flow into the central channel, and (c) permitting the pressurized material to flow through the orifice whereby its initial flow occurs substantially uniformly and simultaneously from all portions of the annular passageway into the central channel.

Claim 314

Dependent Claim 37 words

The method according to claim 276, characterised in that the polymeric material is subjected to the initial pressure which is at least 20% greater than the minimum necessary for the material to flow into the central channel.

Claim 315

Dependent Claim 40 words

The method according to claim 276 or 277, characterised in that the initial pressure is sufficient to densify the material in the passageway adjacent the orifice to a density of 2 to 5% or more greater than its atmospheric density.

Claim 316

Independent Claim 48 words

The method according to any of claims 276 to 278, characterised in that step (c) invelves maintaining a pressure on the material sufficient to establish and maintain a substantially uniform initial and continuing steady rate of flow simultaneously from all points of the orifice into the central channel.

Claim 317

Independent Claim 166 words

A method according to any of claims 271 to 279, for introducing the material from the said annular internal passageway orifice into the central channel of the nozzle means so as to surround a stream of another melt material already flowing in the central channel, characterised by flowing the other melt material through the nozzle central channel from a location upstream of the annular orifice while preventing flow of the first material into the central channel from the orifice, pressurizing the first material in the passageway, while continuing to prevent its flow, to raise the first material to a pressure sufficiently greater than the ambient pressure in the nozzle central channel and sufficiently greater than the pressure imparted to the said other flowing material, as to densify the first material in the passageway adjacent the orifice and ensure that the initial flow of the first material occurs simultaneously and uniformly from all points around the passageway orifice therefor when the material is permitted to flow therethrough.

Claim 318

Dependent Claim 206 words

The method according to claim 280, characterised in that the first material is fed into the nozzle from a first passageway and associated annular orifice, the said other material is fed into the nozzle via a second, internal passageway orifice located more remote from the gate than the first orifice, and a further melt material is fed into the nozzle via a third passageway and associated annular orifice which is positioned upstream from the said internal passageway orifice and remote from the gate, and, prior to allowing flow of the first material through the first orifice, the further melt material is flowed through the third passageway and orifice so as to surround the already flowing stream of the said other material which has passed through the second orifice, and the pressurized first material from the first orifice is admitted to the nozzle at a pressure sufficient to cause the first material to flow and distribute itself annularly about the already flowing other material thereby to provide a substantially concentric combined stream comprising a radially uniform core of material from the second orifice, an intervening uniform layer surrounding the core of material from the first orifice, and an encompassing uniform layer of material from the third orifice.

Claim 319

Dependent Claim 32 words

The method according to claim 281, characterised in that the pressure imparted to the first material is at least 20% higher than the pressure of the already flowing other and further materials.

Claim 320

Independent Claim 52 words

The method according to any of claims 276 to 282, characterised by imparting an additional pressure upon the internal material once it is allowed to flow to maintain an effective total pressure sufficient to approach and maintain a substantially steady flow rate of said material through the second orifice into said channel.

Claim 321

Dependent Claim 235 words

The method according to claim 276 or 281, characterised in that the nozzle means has passageways and orifices for conveying a plurality of melt materials into the central passage thereof, and the method is further characterised in that a polymeric melt stream preferably of condensed phase polymeric material is fed to each passageway while the materials are prevented from flowing through the orifices and, while continuing to prevent the materials from flowing through the orifices, subjecting the materials in their passageways to first pressures which are insufficient to cause leakage of the materials through their orifices into the central channel or from one orifice into another orifice, yet which would be sufficient to cause the materials to flow into the central channel if their flows were not prevented, and prior to allowing the materials to flow through their - orifices, separately and independently raising the materials in the passageways to second pressures greater than the first pressures and sufficient to create, when their orifices are unblocked, a surge of the material and uniform onset annular flows thereof into the central channel when leading edges of the respective flow streams are considered relative to planes perpendicular to the axis of the central channel, the second pressures being of sufficient magnitude and being imparted for a duration of time sufficient to ensure the uniform onset flows of the materials occur simultaneously from all points of their orifices.

Claim 322

Dependent Claim 49 words

The method according to claim 284, characterised by imparting a subsequent pressure on the polymeric materials as each flows through its orifice to maintain an effective driving force thereon sufficient for it to approach and maintain a substantially steady rate of flow through the orifice and into said channel.

Claim 323

Independent Claim 563 words

A method of injection molding a multi-layer plastics article by creating a multi-layer substantially concentric combined stream of at least three polymer materials and injecting the combined stream into a cavity to form the muiti-layer article, the combined stream having an outer structural material layer for forming the outer layer of the article, a core of structural material for forming the inner layer of the article, and one or more intermediate layer(s) for forming one or more internal layer(s) of the article, the method being characterised by the use of a co-injection nozzle means having a gate at one end, and a cylindrical central channel opening to the gate, the nozzle means further including at least three polymer passageways communicating with the central channel, of which at least the first and second passageways open to the channel via annular orifices whose center line lie substantially perpendicular to the axis of the central channel, the first orifice being located 'closer to the gate than the other orifices for routing the outer structural material into the channel, the third orifice being farther from the gate than said first and second orifices for routing the core material into the channel, and the second orifice being positioned adjacent close to the first orifice for routing intermediate layer material into the channel, there being in the nozzle central channel valve means operative adjacent the orifices and adapted to block and unblock the second orifice for controlling flow of the intermediate polymer material therethrough and for independently controlling flow or non-flow of the core material through the third orifice, and the method being further characterised by the steps of (1) preventing flow of polymer material from all of the orifices, (2) continuing to prevent flow of polymer material through the second orifice while allowing flow of structural material through one or both of the first and third orifices, (3) prior to unblocking the second orifice, subjecting the material in the second passageway to a pressure sufficient to cause the material to flow into the central channel if its orifice was unblocked, yet less than that which would cause leakage of the material through the second orifice past the blocking valve means, the pressure being sufficient, upon unblocking the second orifice, to create a surge of the polymer material through the orifice so that the onset of flow into the central channel is established as an annular flow stream which is uniform when considered relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the central channel, (4) after unblocking the second orifice, increasing the rate of movement of the material to obtain a substantially steady rate of flow thereof through the second orifice, (5) preventing flow of polymer material through the third orifice while allowing the pressurized material to flow through the second orifice, to knit the pressurized intermediate layer material with itself through the core material, and (6) preventing the flow through the second orifice while allowing flow through the first orifice and, either moving the valve means forward to push the knit intermediate layer forward and substantially encapsulate the knit internal layer with material from the first orifice, or accumulating material that has flowed from the third orifice at a forward end of the valve means, and moving the valve means forward to substantially encapsulate the knit intermediate layer material with the accumulated material from the third orifice.

Claim 324

Independent Claim 563 words

A method of injection molding a multi-layer plastics article by creating a multi-layer substantially concentric combined stream of at least three polymer materials and injecting the combined stream into a cavity to form the muiti-layer article, the combined stream having an outer structural material layer for forming the outer layer of the article, a core of structural material for forming the inner layer of the article, and one or more intermediate layer(s) for forming one or more internal layer(s) of the article, the method being characterised by the use of a co-injection nozzle means having a gate at one end, and a cylindrical central channel opening to the gate, the nozzle means further including at least three polymer passageways communicating with the central channel, of which at least the first and second passageways open to the channel via annular orifices whose center line lie substantially perpendicular to the axis of the central channel, the first orifice being located 'closer to the gate than the other orifices for routing the outer structural material into the channel, the third orifice being farther from the gate than said first and second orifices for routing the core material into the channel, and the second orifice being positioned adjacent close to the first orifice for routing intermediate layer material into the channel, there being in the nozzle central channel valve means operative adjacent the orifices and adapted to block and unblock the second orifice for controlling flow of the intermediate polymer material therethrough and for independently controlling flow or non-flow of the core material through the third orifice, and the method being further characterised by the steps of (1) preventing flow of polymer material from all of the orifices, (2) continuing to prevent flow of polymer material through the second orifice while allowing flow of structural material through one or both of the first and third orifices, (3) prior to unblocking the second orifice, subjecting the material in the second passageway to a pressure sufficient to cause the material to flow into the central channel if its orifice was unblocked, yet less than that which would cause leakage of the material through the second orifice past the blocking valve means, the pressure being sufficient, upon unblocking the second orifice, to create a surge of the polymer material through the orifice so that the onset of flow into the central channel is established as an annular flow stream which is uniform when considered relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the central channel, (4) after unblocking the second orifice, increasing the rate of movement of the material to obtain a substantially steady rate of flow thereof through the second orifice, (5) preventing flow of polymer material through the third orifice while allowing the pressurized material to flow through the second orifice, to knit the pressurized intermediate layer material with itself through the core material, and (6) preventing the flow through the second orifice while allowing flow through the first orifice and, either moving the valve means forward to push the knit intermediate layer forward and substantially encapsulate the knit internal layer with material from the first orifice, or accumulating material that has flowed from the third orifice at a forward end of the valve means, and moving the valve means forward to substantially encapsulate the knit intermediate layer material with the accumulated material from the third orifice.

Claim 325

Dependent Claim 135 words

Apparatus according to claim 286, characterised by subjecting the polymer material in the second passageway to a first pressure which would be sufficient to cause the material to flow into the central channel if its orifice was unblocked, and prior to a lowing flow through the second passageway, subjecting said material in the second passageway to a second pressure greater than the first pressure yet less than that which wov * .d cause leakage of the material through the orifice past tt blocking valve means, the said second pressure being sufficient to create when said orifice is unblocked, a surge of the polymer material and a uniform onset annular flow of polymer material into the central channel when the i'ow stream is considered relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the central channel.

Claim 326

Dependent Claim 73 words

The methal according to claim 286 or 287, characterised by subjerting the intermediate layer material in the second passageway to a first pressure sufficient to cause it to flow if t'ii second orifice were unblocked and thereafter subjecting the said material to an increased pressure which is lessthan that which would cause the said leakage, the said material when so pressurized being caused to surge through the econd orifice into the central channel.

Claim 327

Dependent Claim 142 words

The method according to claim 286, 287 or 288 further characterise, prior to allowing flow through the first orifice, by the steps of subjecting the material in the first passageway to a pressure greater than the first pressure and sufficient when its orifice is unblocked to create a surge of the material through the orifice so that the onset of its flow into the central channel is uniform when the resulting flow stream is considered relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the central channel, the said pressure being less than that which would cause leakage of the material through the first orifice past the blocking valve means into the channel, and after allowing the flow of material through the first orifice, increasing the rate of flow therethrough to obtain a substantially steady rate of flow through the first orifice.

Claim 328

Dependent Claim 134 words

The method according to claim 286, 287, 288 or 289 further characterised, prior to allowing the flow of core structural material through the third orifice, by the steps of subjecting the core material in the third passageway to a pressure greater than the first pressure and sufficient to prevent any detrimental pressure drop when its orifice is unblocked, and upon unblocking of the orifice, to create an immediate flow response of the core material into the central channel, the pressure being less than that which would cause leakage of the core material through the third orifice past the blocking valve means into the channe'7, and after allowing the flow of core material through the third orifice, modifying the rate of flow therethrough to obtain a substantially steady rate of flow through the third orifice.

Claim 329

Independent Claim 481 words

A method of injection molding a multi-layer plastics article by creating a multi-layer substantially concentric combined stream of at least three polymeric materials and injecting the stream into a cavity to form the article, the combined stream having an outer structural material layer for forming the outer layer of the article, a core of structural material for forming the inner layer of the article, and one or more intermediate layers of material for forming an internal layer(s) of the article, characterised by the use of a co-injection nozzle means having a gate at one end and a cylindrical central channel opening to the gate, the nozzle means further including at least three polymer passageways communicating with the central channel, of which at least the first and second passageways open via an annular orifice to the central channel and each orifice having a center line in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the central channel, the first orifice being located closer to the gate than the other orifices for routing the outer layer structural material into the channel, the third orifice being farther than said first or second orifices from the gate for routing the core material into the channel, and the second orifice being positioned adjacent to the first orifice for routing intermediate layer material into the channel, the nozzle means further including valve means operative in the nozzle central channel adjacent the orifices to prevent and allow flow of polymer materials through the first, second and third orifices, the method being further characterised by the steps of: utilizing the valve means for blocking the first and second orifices, subjecting the polymer materials in the passageways blocked by said valve means to a first pressure which would be sufficient to cause the blocked materials to flow into the central channel if the valve means were not blocking the first and second orifices, just before moving the valve means to unblock said first and second orifices, subjecting the materials in the said passageways to a second pressure greater than the first pressure, the second pressure being sufficient to establish a uniform onset annular flow of the said materials into the central channel when the valve means is moved, each flow having an onset or leading edge in a plane substantiaily perpendicular to the axis of the central channel, after subjecting the materials in the said passageways to the second pressure, unblocking the first and second orifices by moving the valve means to provide the uniform onset annular flows, into the central channel, and maintaining a pressure on the said materials at least for 10 to 80 centiseconds so as to obtain a steady flow of said materials through said first and second orifices and thereby maintain uniform thickness about the annular material flows from the first and second orifice, the materials subjected to pressurization preferably being condensed phase polymeric materials.

Claim 330

Independent Claim 481 words

A method of injection molding a multi-layer plastics article by creating a multi-layer substantially concentric combined stream of at least three polymeric materials and injecting the stream into a cavity to form the article, the combined stream having an outer structural material layer for forming the outer layer of the article, a core of structural material for forming the inner layer of the article, and one or more intermediate layers of material for forming an internal layer(s) of the article, characterised by the use of a co-injection nozzle means having a gate at one end and a cylindrical central channel opening to the gate, the nozzle means further including at least three polymer passageways communicating with the central channel, of which at least the first and second passageways open via an annular orifice to the central channel and each orifice having a center line in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the central channel, the first orifice being located closer to the gate than the other orifices for routing the outer layer structural material into the channel, the third orifice being farther than said first or second orifices from the gate for routing the core material into the channel, and the second orifice being positioned adjacent to the first orifice for routing intermediate layer material into the channel, the nozzle means further including valve means operative in the nozzle central channel adjacent the orifices to prevent and allow flow of polymer materials through the first, second and third orifices, the method being further characterised by the steps of: utilizing the valve means for blocking the first and second orifices, subjecting the polymer materials in the passageways blocked by said valve means to a first pressure which would be sufficient to cause the blocked materials to flow into the central channel if the valve means were not blocking the first and second orifices, just before moving the valve means to unblock said first and second orifices, subjecting the materials in the said passageways to a second pressure greater than the first pressure, the second pressure being sufficient to establish a uniform onset annular flow of the said materials into the central channel when the valve means is moved, each flow having an onset or leading edge in a plane substantiaily perpendicular to the axis of the central channel, after subjecting the materials in the said passageways to the second pressure, unblocking the first and second orifices by moving the valve means to provide the uniform onset annular flows, into the central channel, and maintaining a pressure on the said materials at least for 10 to 80 centiseconds so as to obtain a steady flow of said materials through said first and second orifices and thereby maintain uniform thickness about the annular material flows from the first and second orifice, the materials subjected to pressurization preferably being condensed phase polymeric materials.

Claim 331

Independent Claim 209 words

A method of injection molding to produce a multi-layer article such as a parison the wall of which has an inside layer, an outside layer and at least one internal layer between said inside and outside layers, the method being characterised by the use of co-injection nozzle means having a central channel and means in the nozzle means moveable to selected positions to prevent and to permit flow into said channel of at least the material to comprise said internal layer, and further characterised by the steps of moving the said means to a first position preventing flow into said channel of the material to comprise said internal layer, commencing the flow into said channel of the material to comprise said outside layer while maintaining the flow of the material to comprise said inside layer, raising the pressure of said internal layer material to a level greater than the pressure in said channel of either of the materials to comprise said inside layer and said outside layer, and moving the said means to a second position to permit flow into the channel of the material to comprise said internal layer, the materials preferably being caused to enter the channel so as flow therealong concentrically with respect to one another.

Claim 332

Independent Claim 209 words

A method of injection molding to produce a multi-layer article such as a parison the wall of which has an inside layer, an outside layer and at least one internal layer between said inside and outside layers, the method being characterised by the use of co-injection nozzle means having a central channel and means in the nozzle means moveable to selected positions to prevent and to permit flow into said channel of at least the material to comprise said internal layer, and further characterised by the steps of moving the said means to a first position preventing flow into said channel of the material to comprise said internal layer, commencing the flow into said channel of the material to comprise said outside layer while maintaining the flow of the material to comprise said inside layer, raising the pressure of said internal layer material to a level greater than the pressure in said channel of either of the materials to comprise said inside layer and said outside layer, and moving the said means to a second position to permit flow into the channel of the material to comprise said internal layer, the materials preferably being caused to enter the channel so as flow therealong concentrically with respect to one another.

Claim 333

Independent Claim 103 words

A method according to any of claims 251 to 292, further characterised by introducing outer structural material to the central channel at an angle relative to the central channel and introducing innermost structural material axially as a solid stream into central channel, wherein the method also including the steps of physically blocking the orifices of the outer and internal layer materials and prepressurizing these layers in their passageways while their orifices are blocked, thereby to minimize the transient times required to reach the desired design flows and to control the volumetric flows of the outer and internal structural materials into the combining area.

Claim 334

Independent Claim 103 words

The method according to any of claims 251 to 292, characterised by introducing the outer structural material to the central channel at an angle relative to the central channel, and by introducing the inner structural material axially as a solid stream into the combining area, the method including the steps of pressurizing the polymer melt material for the outer layer in its passageway while blocking its orifice, then unblocking said orifice, and then as part of a displacing step, effecting a uniform onset of the flow of the outer structural material from all points of its passageway orifice into the nozzle central channel.

Claim 335

Dependent Claim 49 words

- The method according to claims 293 or 294, characterised in that the displacing step includes leaving the orifice for the outer material unblocked for a time --sufficient:-to effect and maintain a continuous, uniform rate and volume of flow of the outer material during 90% of the injection cycle.

Claim 336

Dependent Claim 83 words

--The method according to any of claims 293 to 295, further characterised by the steps of pressurizing the internal layer materials or this material and an inner layer material while the orifice therefor is blocked, and then unblocking the orifice and effecting a uniform initial flow rate of the said material across its passageway orifice at the start of the injection cycle, and maintaining a continuous flow in terms of velocity and volumetric rate of all materials during most of the injection cycle.

Claim 337

Independent Claim 215 words

The method according to any of claims 293 to 296, characterised in that the pressurizing step is effected during a displacing step to subject the polymer melt material for the outer layer while it is in its passageway and its orifice is blocked to a first pressure which would be sufficient to cause the material to flow into the central channel if its orifice was unblocked, and, prior to allowing flow of the outer layer material through its orifice, operating means to displace the said outer layer material in its passageway and thereby raise it to a second pressure greater than the first pressure and sufficient to create, when its orifice is unblocked, a surge of said material as an onset annular flow from all points of its orifice into the , central channel, the resulting flow stream being uniform when considered relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the central channel, the said second pressure being less than that which would cause leakage of the outer layer material past the flow-blocking means into the channel, and, during and after the unblocking of the outer orifice layer, increasing the rate of polymer displacement to a desired, design substantially steady flow rate of the said material through the orifice therefor into the central channel.

Claim 338

Dependent Claim 79 words

A multi-layer molded plastics container whose side and bottom walls (26, 27) are comprised of an outside surface layer (B), an inside surface layer (A), and an intervening internal layer (C), characterised in that the ratio of the internal layer thickness in at least a portion of the bottom wall (27) to the total bottom wall thickness is greater than the ratio of the internal layer thickness in the side wall (26) relative to the total side wall thickness.

Claim 339

Dependent Claim 79 words

A multi-layer molded plastics container whose side and bottom walls (26, 27) are comprised of an outside surface layer (B), an inside surface layer (A), and an intervening internal layer (C), characterised in that the ratio of the internal layer thickness in at least a portion of the bottom wall (27) to the total bottom wall thickness is greater than the ratio of the internal layer thickness in the side wall (26) relative to the total side wall thickness.

Claim 340

Dependent Claim 86 words

A container according to claim 298, characterised in that the bottom wall average thickness is less than the side wall average thickness and in that in a portion, e.g. the central portion (40) of the bottom wall (27) the internal layer thickness is at least equal to the average thickness of said layer in said side wall (26), and the thickness of the internal layer (C) in a portion of the bottom wall is, for example, greater than the thickness thereof anywhere in the side wall.

Claim 341

Dependent Claim 20 words

A container according to claim 298 or 299, characterised in that the internal layer (C) is an oxygen barrier material.

Claim 342

Dependent Claim 21 words

A container according to claim 300, characterised in . that the oxygen barrier material is a polymer of ethylene vinyl alcohol.

Claim 343

Dependent Claim 19 words

A container according to any of claims 298 to 301, characterised by being an injection or injection blow molding.

Claim 344

Dependent Claim 25 words

A container according to any of claims 298 to 302, characterised by an adherent layer (D, E) on both sides of said internal layer (C).

Claim 345

Dependent Claim 94 words

An injection molded plastics article such as a container comprised of at least five layers of plastics material, namely an outside surface layer (B), an inside surface layer (A), an internal layer (C), a first intermediate layer (E) between the outside surface layer and the internal layer; and a second intermediate layer (D) between the inside surface layer and the internal layer, characterised in that the internal layer (C) has a terminal end (33) encapsulated by at least one of the intermediate layer materials, for example, primarily by the first intermediate layer material (E).

Claim 346

Dependent Claim 94 words

An injection molded plastics article such as a container comprised of at least five layers of plastics material, namely an outside surface layer (B), an inside surface layer (A), an internal layer (C), a first intermediate layer (E) between the outside surface layer and the internal layer; and a second intermediate layer (D) between the inside surface layer and the internal layer, characterised in that the internal layer (C) has a terminal end (33) encapsulated by at least one of the intermediate layer materials, for example, primarily by the first intermediate layer material (E).

Claim 347

Dependent Claim 43 words

The article according to claim 304, which is a container (10) having bottom and side walls (27, 26) and a marginal end portion (28), characterised by the terminal end of the internal layer being in a portion of the marginal end portion (28).

Claim 348

Dependent Claim 28 words

The article according to claim 305, wherein the marginal end portion (28) includes a flange (29), characterised by the encapsulated terminal end (33) being within the flange (29).

Claim 349

Dependent Claim 41 words

The article according to claim 305 or claim 306, characterised in that the marginal end portion of the internal layer (C) is folded over and the folded-over portion (46) is in the marginal end portion of the container side wall (26).

Claim 350

Dependent Claim 27 words

The article according to claim 305, characterised by the folded over portion (46) of the internal layer being folded toward the inside of the container (Fig. 7).

Claim 351

Dependent Claim 41 words

The article according to any of claims 305 to 308, wherein an end closure (52) such as a flexible lid (64), is secured to a portion such as a flange portion of the marginal end portion, e.g. by a double seam.

Claim 352

Dependent Claim 56 words

The article according to any of claims 304 to 309, . characterised in that the inside and outside surface layers (A, B) are each comprised of polyolefin, the internal layer (C) is an oxygen barrier material and the intermediate layers (D, E) are comprised of material suitable for adhering the surface layers to the internal layer.

Claim 353

Dependent Claim 54 words

An article according to claim 305 or any claim dependent thereon, characterised in that the total wall thickness is in the range 0.010 to 0.035 inch (0.25 to 0.89 mm) and in that its internal layer (C) is an oxygen barrier preferably having a thickness of 0.0004 to 0.008 inch (0.01 to 0.20 mm).

Claim 354

Independent Claim 171 words

A method of injection molding, involving injecting a multi-layer flow stream comprising three layers into an injection cavity characterised in that the speed of flow of the layered stream is highest on a fast flow streamline positioned intermediate the boundaries of said layered stream, and characterised by: establishing flows of materials for a first layer and a second layer of the flow stream and forming an interface between the flowing first and second layers, positioning the interface at a first location which i s not coincident wi th sai d fast flow streaml i ne, interposing flow of material for a third layer of the flow stream between said first and second layers, the third layer being at a position which is not coincident with said fast flow streamline, and either (i) moving the third layer to a second location which is closer to, or substantially coincident with, or proximate said fast flow streamline, or (ii) moving the third layer across the fast flow streamline to a second location.not coincident therewith.

Claim 355

Independent Claim 171 words

A method of injection molding, involving injecting a multi-layer flow stream comprising three layers into an injection cavity characterised in that the speed of flow of the layered stream is highest on a fast flow streamline positioned intermediate the boundaries of said layered stream, and characterised by: establishing flows of materials for a first layer and a second layer of the flow stream and forming an interface between the flowing first and second layers, positioning the interface at a first location which i s not coincident wi th sai d fast flow streaml i ne, interposing flow of material for a third layer of the flow stream between said first and second layers, the third layer being at a position which is not coincident with said fast flow streamline, and either (i) moving the third layer to a second location which is closer to, or substantially coincident with, or proximate said fast flow streamline, or (ii) moving the third layer across the fast flow streamline to a second location.not coincident therewith.

Claim 356

Dependent Claim 27 words

The method according to claim 312, characterised by moving the flow of said third layer material substantially immediately upon interposing it between said first and second layers.

Claim 357

Dependent Claim 55 words

The method according to claim 313, characterised by moving the third layer to said second location when or shortly after the flow of said third layer material has been interposed between said first and second layers at substantially all places across the breadth of or at all places around the annulus of the layered stream.

Claim 358

Dependent Claim 33 words

The method according to claim 312, 313 or 314, characterised by adjusting the relative rates of flow of said first and second layer materials to move the location of said third layer. '

Claim 359

Dependent Claim 47 words

The method according to claim 312, 313, 314 or 315, characterised by selecting the rate of flow of the first layer material and the rate of flow of the second layer material to position said interface at the first location not coincident with the fast flow streamline.

Claim 360

Independent Claim 179 words

The method according to any of claims 312 to 316, characterised in that the layered flow stream is formed in a nozzle having an injection channel, e.g. centrally located, and then is injected into the injection cavity, the flow stream formed in said channel having a flow streamline which corresponds to the fast flow streamline in the injection cavity, and the first location of the interface in said channel is not coincident with the flow streamline in said channel that corresponds to the fast flow streamline in the injection cavity, the third layer being interposed between said first and second layers at a position which is not coincident with the said flow streamline in the channel that corresponds to the fast flow streamline in the injection cavity, and the third layer either is moved to a second location in said channel which is closer to or substantially coincident with the flow streamline in said channel that corresponds to the fast flow streamline in the injection cavity, or is moved across the said flow streamline to the non-coincident second location..

Claim 361

Independent Claim 96 words

The method according to any of claims 312 to 317, characterised by forming the multi-layer flow stream comprising three layers for injection into an injection cavity into an annular or tubular layered stream, in which the second layer material is formed around the first layer material to establish an annular or tubular interface between the flowing materials of said first and second layers, the interface being positioned between the flowing materials of said first and second layers at the first location which is not coincident with said fast flow streamline, the latter being annular for preference.

Claim 362

Independent Claim 35 words

The method according to any of claims 312 to 318, characterised by forming the third layer for interposition between the first and second layers as a plural layer composite from a plurality of constituent materials.

Claim 363

Independent Claim 46 words

A method of overcoming bias of a portion of the terminal end of the internal layer of a multi-layer injection blow molded container which comprises folding over the biased terminal end portion to provide the internal layer with a substantially unbiased overall leading or terminal edge.

Claim 364

Independent Claim 46 words

A method of overcoming bias of a portion of the terminal end of the internal layer of a multi-layer injection blow molded container which comprises folding over the biased terminal end portion to provide the internal layer with a substantially unbiased overall leading or terminal edge.

Claim 365

Independent Claim 90 words

A method of forming an injection molded multi-layer rigid plastic parison for forming a blow molded container wherein the parison side wall has an internal layer therein, characterised by injecting a multi-layer stream into an injection cavity, and during the injection step, causing a portion of the marginal end portion of the internal layer to fold over as the said portion moves into the cavity, to form a parison in said cavity having a portion of the internal layer folded over within the marginal end portion of the side wall.

Claim 366

Independent Claim 90 words

A method of forming an injection molded multi-layer rigid plastic parison for forming a blow molded container wherein the parison side wall has an internal layer therein, characterised by injecting a multi-layer stream into an injection cavity, and during the injection step, causing a portion of the marginal end portion of the internal layer to fold over as the said portion moves into the cavity, to form a parison in said cavity having a portion of the internal layer folded over within the marginal end portion of the side wall.

Claim 367

Dependent Claim 49 words

The method according to claim 321, further characterised by the step of causing the folded over portion and the terminal end and unfolded portion of the marginal end portion of the internal layer to be finally positioned in a substantially unbiased plane relative to the axis of the container.

Claim 368

Dependent Claim 48 words

An injection molded, multi-layer plastics article, e.g. a parison for blow molding, the article having a side wall (26) with an internal layer (C), and being characterised by the latter having a portion, e.g. a terminal end portion, (33) which is folded over within the side wall (26).

Claim 369

Dependent Claim 48 words

An injection molded, multi-layer plastics article, e.g. a parison for blow molding, the article having a side wall (26) with an internal layer (C), and being characterised by the latter having a portion, e.g. a terminal end portion, (33) which is folded over within the side wall (26).

Claim 370

Dependent Claim 40 words

The-article according to claim 323, after blow molding to form an injection blow molded article having an internal layer (C) with a portion thereof folded over within the side wall (26), said article for instance being a blow molded container.

Claim 371

Dependent Claim 30 words

The article according to claim 323 or claim 324, characterised in that the folded over portion (46) is within a marginal end portion (28, 29) of the side wall (26).

Claim 372

Dependent Claim 28 words

The article according to any of claims 323 to 325, characterised in that the folded over portion (46) is folded towards the inside of the article (Fig. 7).

Claim 373

Dependent Claim 110 words

The article according to any of claims 323 to 326, characterised by the side wall (26) comprising an outside surface layer (B), an inside surface layer (A), and the internal layer (C) therebetween, by the side wall having a terminal end portion (28, 29) and the internal layer having a terminal end (33), and by a portion (46) of the terminal end of the internal layer (c) being folded over within the side wall (26), whereby the terminal end (33) of an unfolded portion of the internal layer (C) and the fold line.(44) of the folded over portion (46) are located in the terminal end portion of the side wall.

Claim 374

Dependent Claim 44 words

The article according to any of claims 323 to 327, characterised by an outwardly disposed terminai flange (29) for attachment of a closure, and at least a part of the folded over portion (46) of the internal layer (C) is in the flange (29).

Claim 375

Dependent Claim 24 words

The article according to any of claims 323 to 328, characterised i n that the i nternal layer (C) i an oxygen barrier material.

Claim 376

Dependent Claim 56 words

The article according to claim 329, characterised in that the side wall (26) includes inside and outside surface layers (A, B) each comprised of a polyolefin, and in that a layer of adherent material (54) is adhered on each face of the internal barrier layer (C) which, for instance, is an ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer layer.

Claim 377

Dependent Claim 39 words

The article according to claim 330, characterised in that the layers of adherent material (54) are comprised of a blend of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer and a graft copolymer of polyethylene and an unsaturated fused ring carboxylic acid anhydride.

Claim 378

Dependent Claim 32 words

The article according to claim 330, characterised in that the adherent material is selected from a blend of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer and a graft copolymer, and a maleic anhydride grafted polyolefin.

Claim 379

Dependent Claim 45 words

The article according to claim 330, 331 or 332, characterised in that the polyolefin is selected from polyethylene, polypropylene, blends of polyethylene and polypropylene, and copolymers of propylene and ethylene, and the inside and outside surface layers (A, B) have the same or different constitutions.

Claim 380

Dependent Claim 45 words

The article according to any of claims 323 to 333, characterised in that the side wall (26) has a terminal end, and the internal layer (C) has a terminal edge (33) which is substantially unbiased relative to the terminal end (48) of the side wall.

Claim 381

Dependent Claim 47 words

The article according to claim 324 or any claim dependent thereon, characterised : that the side waii has a terminal end (48), and the internal layer (C) has a terminal edge (33) lying in a plane which is substantially unbiased relative to the axis of the container.

Claim 382

Dependent Claim 75 words

An injected molded multi-layer container wherein the container has a side wall (26) having an internal layer (C) and having a marginal end portion, characterised by the internal layer (C) having in said marginal end portion a leading edge whose plane is substantially unbiased relative to the axis of the container, said leading edge being comprised at least in part of the fold line (44) of a folded over portion (46) of said internal layer.

Claim 383

Dependent Claim 75 words

An injected molded multi-layer container wherein the container has a side wall (26) having an internal layer (C) and having a marginal end portion, characterised by the internal layer (C) having in said marginal end portion a leading edge whose plane is substantially unbiased relative to the axis of the container, said leading edge being comprised at least in part of the fold line (44) of a folded over portion (46) of said internal layer.

Claim 384

Dependent Claim 50 words

An injection molded multi-layer plastics article having a side wall (26) with an internal layer (C), characterised in that the latter has a tenuinal end portion (33) farther from the terminal end (48) of the container than is another adjacent, directionally related marginal end portion (44) of the internal layer.

Claim 385

Dependent Claim 50 words

An injection molded multi-layer plastics article having a side wall (26) with an internal layer (C), characterised in that the latter has a tenuinal end portion (33) farther from the terminal end (48) of the container than is another adjacent, directionally related marginal end portion (44) of the internal layer.

Claim 386

Dependent Claim 61 words

An injection molded multi-layer plastics article having a side wall (26) with a terminal end (48) and an internal layer (C), characterised by the latter having a fold line (44) from which extends a folded over portion (46), and a terminal end (33) of the folded over portion is farther from the terminal end of the article than the fold line.

Claim 387

Dependent Claim 61 words

An injection molded multi-layer plastics article having a side wall (26) with a terminal end (48) and an internal layer (C), characterised by the latter having a fold line (44) from which extends a folded over portion (46), and a terminal end (33) of the folded over portion is farther from the terminal end of the article than the fold line.

Claim 388

Dependent Claim 69 words

An injection molded multi-layer plastics article having a terminal end (48) and a side wall (26) with an internal layer (C), characterised by the latter having a fold line (44) and a terminal end (33), wherein there is less variation in distance from the fold line to the terminal end of the article than from the terminal end of the internal layer to the terminal end of the article.

Claim 389

Dependent Claim 69 words

An injection molded multi-layer plastics article having a terminal end (48) and a side wall (26) with an internal layer (C), characterised by the latter having a fold line (44) and a terminal end (33), wherein there is less variation in distance from the fold line to the terminal end of the article than from the terminal end of the internal layer to the terminal end of the article.

Claim 390

Dependent Claim 88 words

An injection molded multi-layer plastics article having a terminal end (48) and a side wall (26) with an internal layer (C), characterised by the latter having a marginal end portion and a terminal end (33), part of the marginal end portion being folded over along a fold line (44) such that the folded over part (46) is located adjacent another portion of the internal layer (C), and the terminal end (33) of the internal layer is farther from the terminal end of the container than the fold line.

Claim 391

Dependent Claim 88 words

An injection molded multi-layer plastics article having a terminal end (48) and a side wall (26) with an internal layer (C), characterised by the latter having a marginal end portion and a terminal end (33), part of the marginal end portion being folded over along a fold line (44) such that the folded over part (46) is located adjacent another portion of the internal layer (C), and the terminal end (33) of the internal layer is farther from the terminal end of the container than the fold line.

Claim 392

Dependent Claim 43 words

The article according to any of claims 337 to 340, characterised in that the article is a container having a marginal end portion (28), for example which includes a flange (29), wherein the terminal end (33) of the internal layer (C) is located.

Claim 393

Dependent Claim 39 words

The article according to any of claims 338 to 341, characterised in that the article is a container having a marginal end portion (28), for example which includes a flange (29), and wherein the fold line (44) is located.

Claim 394

Dependent Claim 77 words

A multi-nozzle injection molding apparatus for an injection molding machine, characterised by runner means (276, 288) having a forward end with a plurality of co-injection nozzle means (296) mounted therein, means (950, 282) for supporting the runner means, and means (956, 951; 974, 982) mounting the runner means on the support means to allow the runner means (276, 288) to float axially, or both axially and radially, on the support means while the apparatus is in operation.

Claim 395

Dependent Claim 77 words

A multi-nozzle injection molding apparatus for an injection molding machine, characterised by runner means (276, 288) having a forward end with a plurality of co-injection nozzle means (296) mounted therein, means (950, 282) for supporting the runner means, and means (956, 951; 974, 982) mounting the runner means on the support means to allow the runner means (276, 288) to float axially, or both axially and radially, on the support means while the apparatus is in operation.

Claim 396

Dependent Claim 23 words

The apparatus according to claim 343, characterised in that the runner means (276, 288) is mounted and supported on its axial center line.

Claim 397

Dependent Claim 53 words

The apparatus according to claim 343 or claim 344, further characterised by compensating means (340, 341, 986) for providing to the runner means (276, 288) a forward force sufficient to offset-any rearward force from axial floatation of the runner means, resulting for example from injection back pressure and/or to thermal expansion during operation.

Claim 398

Dependent Claim 58 words

The apparatus according to claim 345, characterised -- i n that the force compensating means includes at least one hydraulic cylinder (340, 341, 986) positioned such that the forward force is applied through and along the axial center line of the runner means, which axial center is, for example, coincident with the axial center line of the machine.

Claim 399

Dependent Claim 93 words

The apparatus according to claim 345 or claim 346, characterised in that the co-injection nozzle means (296) have exposed sprue faces adjacent the runner means (276, 288) forward end, and that there is a juxtaposed cavity member (104) having a plurality of injection cavities (102) each having a sprue face (439) for coaction with an associated juxtaposed nozzle sprue face, and wherein the force compensating means is operative to exert sufficient force to provide and maintain an effective pressure contact seal between the nozzle sprue faces and the cavity sprue faces during operation.

Claim 400

Independent Claim 57 words

The apparatus according to any of claims 343 to 347, characterised in that portions of the runner means (276, 288) are mounted within structure of the apparatus with a clearance (G) between the runner means and the said structure to ensure freedom of the runner means to float axially, or both axially and radially, within the structure.

Claim 401

Dependent Claim 202 words

The apparatus according to claim 347 or claim 348, further characterised by a moveable platen (114), support means in the form of a first fixed support means (282) spaced from the moveable platen and second support means, the runner means (276, 288) having the nozzle means (296) mounted therein being positioned between the moveable platen (114) and the fixed support means (282) and the second support means including the cavity (104) member positioned adjacent the forward face of the runner means for juxtaposition of the injection cavities (102) each with an associated nozzle means (296), the second support means being positioned between the first support means and the moveable platen, and serving to maintain the injection cavities (102) substantially in a common plane parallel to the nozzle faces (439) and to protect the runner means (288) against damage due to a clamping force exerted by the moveable platen (114) relative to the fixed support means (282), the runner means, fixed support means and second support means each being adapted to allow the runner means (276, 288) to float axially or both axially and radially relative to the support means due to injection back pressure and/or thermal expansion of the runner means (288).

Claim 402

Dependent Claim 32 words

The apparatus according to claim 349, characterised in that the cavity member (104) is an injection cavity bolster plate (950, 106) positioned adjacent the runner, between it and the moveable platen (114).

Claim 403

Dependent Claim 29 words

The apparatus according to claim 350, characterised in that the support means includes standoffs (122, 962, 963) extending from the bolster plate (950, 106) to the second support means.

Claim 404

Dependent Claim 33 words

The apparatus according to claim 351, characterised in that the support means (282) includes a bore (982) which extends therethrough for allowing the runner means (276) to float axially through the support means.

Claim 405

Independent Claim 112 words

The apparatus according to any of claims 343 to 351, characterised in that the support means includes axial supporting bores (945, 982), one adjacent each of the forward and rearward ends of the runner means (288, 276), and the runner means includes axially extending elongated members (951, 276) mounted on the axial center line of the runner means, one at the forward end and one at its rearward end, each member being adapted to be seated in one of the respective axial supporting bores (945, 982) for supporting the runner means at each end, each member and associated bore being configured to allow the runner means to float within the support means.

Claim 406

Dependent Claim 42 words

The apparatus according to claim 353 when dependent on claim 350, characterised i n that the forward axial supporting bore (945) is in the injection cavity bolster plate (950) and the rearward axial supporting bore is in the fixed support means (282).

Claim 407

Independent Claim 136 words

A method of injection molding characterised by juxtaposing a plurality of co-injection nozzle means (296) and a plurality of injection cavities (104) are juxtaposed and a plurality of polymer material streams are fed along a runner means (276, 288) to each of the nozzle means, mounting the runner means (276, 288) on an axial center line thereof to allow it to float axially, radially or both axially and radially, due to thermal expansion and injection back pressure, and compensating for the rearward force exerted through the runner means during said axial floatation, by exerting on the runner means through and along its axial center line a forward force sufficient to compensate for the rearward force and sufficient to provide an effective pressure contact seal between the nozzles and the cavities during operation of the machine. -

Claim 408

Independent Claim 136 words

A method of injection molding characterised by juxtaposing a plurality of co-injection nozzle means (296) and a plurality of injection cavities (104) are juxtaposed and a plurality of polymer material streams are fed along a runner means (276, 288) to each of the nozzle means, mounting the runner means (276, 288) on an axial center line thereof to allow it to float axially, radially or both axially and radially, due to thermal expansion and injection back pressure, and compensating for the rearward force exerted through the runner means during said axial floatation, by exerting on the runner means through and along its axial center line a forward force sufficient to compensate for the rearward force and sufficient to provide an effective pressure contact seal between the nozzles and the cavities during operation of the machine. -

Claim 409

Dependent Claim 207 words

An elongated feeding device for redirecting and feeding polymer flow streams from a runner block to an injection nozzle in an injection molding machine, characterised in that the device (294) is designed to receive a plurality of separate polymer flow streams from the runner block and, while maintaining the flow streams separate, to redirect them so as to flow axially out of a forward end of the device for entry into a multi-polymer co-injection nozzle, the device having a plurality of inlets (392 to 396) cut radially into its periphery, each for receiving one of the plurality of separate polymer flow streams from the runner block, a plurality of separate feed channels, each communicating with a respective inlet and having an inwardly directed portion (404, 408, 412) leading toward the central axis of the device and an axial portion (406, 412, 416, 414) leading axially forwards through the device-to an associated exit hole (407, 411, 417, 415) in a forward end portion (388) of the device, the plurality of exit holes being disposed in the forward end portion, preferably in a circumferentially and radially staggered pattern for feeding the polymers as separate flow streams into the rear of the co-injection nozzle of a multi-polymer injection molding machine.

Claim 410

Dependent Claim 207 words

An elongated feeding device for redirecting and feeding polymer flow streams from a runner block to an injection nozzle in an injection molding machine, characterised in that the device (294) is designed to receive a plurality of separate polymer flow streams from the runner block and, while maintaining the flow streams separate, to redirect them so as to flow axially out of a forward end of the device for entry into a multi-polymer co-injection nozzle, the device having a plurality of inlets (392 to 396) cut radially into its periphery, each for receiving one of the plurality of separate polymer flow streams from the runner block, a plurality of separate feed channels, each communicating with a respective inlet and having an inwardly directed portion (404, 408, 412) leading toward the central axis of the device and an axial portion (406, 412, 416, 414) leading axially forwards through the device-to an associated exit hole (407, 411, 417, 415) in a forward end portion (388) of the device, the plurality of exit holes being disposed in the forward end portion, preferably in a circumferentially and radially staggered pattern for feeding the polymers as separate flow streams into the rear of the co-injection nozzle of a multi-polymer injection molding machine.

Claim 411

Dependent Claim 205 words

A feeding device according to claim 356, characterised by a plurality of first inlets (392 to 395) and a second inlet (396) each cut radially into the periphery of the device, the first and second inlets being axially-spaced and aligned along the device, a plurality of first feed throats (398-401) and a second feed throat (402) each cut radially into the periphery of the device, each first feed throat being in communication with a respective first inlet, running about a portion of the periphery of the device and having a terminal end portion, the second feed throat being in communication with the second inlet, and running axially along a portion of the periphery of the device, the terminal end portion of each first feed throat opening to an associated first feed channel having a radial portion extending inwards toward the central axis of the device and an axial portion in communication with the radial portion and running axially forwards through the device, a forward end portion of the device having a plurality of first exit holes (407, 411, 415, 417) communicating with the axial portion of the respective first feed channels, and a second exit hole (418) in communication with the second feed throat (402).

Claim 412

Dependent Claim 22 words

The feeding device according to claim 356 or claim 357, characterised by a central feed channel (379) extending along its central axis.

Claim 413

Dependent Claim 54 words

The feeding device according to claim 357, characterised in that a central flow channel (390) extends along its central axis and the axial portion of one of the first feed channels (404) communicates along a portion of its axial length with, and its first exit hole (407) communicates with, the central feed channel (390).

Claim 414

Dependent Claim 47 words

The feeding device according to claim 359, characterised in that the second inlet is the inlet (396) most proximate to the forward end, and the first inlet which communicates with the central feed channel, is the inlet (392) least proximate to the forward end of the device.

Claim 415

Dependent Claim 22 words

The feeding device according to claim 356 or 357, characterised by a co-injection nozzle receiving chamber (380) formed in its forward end.

Claim 416

Dependent Claim 56 words

The feeding device according to claim 357, 359 or 360, characterised in that formed in its forward end is a stepped chamber (380) adapted to receive a co-injection nozzle, the chamber having axially-spaced first (382), second (384), and third shelves (386), each extending transaxially and having a first exit hole (407, 411, 415, 417) therein. -

Claim 417

Dependent Claim 49 words

The feeding device according to claim 362, characterised by a first exit hole (407), which communicates with a central feed channel, being located in the axially innermost exit shelf (382), and the second exit hole (418) of the device being located in the front face (388) of the device.

Claim 418

Dependent Claim 47 words

The feeding device according to any of claims 356 to 363, characterised in that the exit holes are radially spaced from each other and there is an arc of 60° between most of the exit holes and an arc of 120° between two of the exit holes.

Claim 419

Dependent Claim 69 words

The feeding device according to any of preceding claims 356 to 364, characterised by isolation means (424) for maintaining the polymer flow streams directed radially at the device isolated from one another, wherein the isolation means preferably includes a plurality of annular grooves (425) cut into the periphery of the device, each one being located between two inlets, and an expandable piston ring (424) seated in each annular groove.

Claim 420

Dependent Claim 55 words

A runner block (288) having a support such as a bore for feeding the device according to claim 365, characterised by sealing means (424) positioned upstream of the inlet (392) least proximate the front face and cooperative with the runner block support for preventing polymer material from flowing axially upstream of the sealing means (424).

Claim 421

Dependent Claim 36 words

The runner block according to claim 366, characterised in that the sealing means includes an annular groove (425) cut into the periphery of the feeding device and an expandable piston ring (424) seated in the groove.

Claim 422

Dependent Claim 166 words

An elongated flow stream splitter device (e.g. 276) for use in a runner block of a multi-nozzle, injection molding machine, characterised by a polymer flow stream entrance zone (278), a plurality of flow stream exit zones (344, 346), a plurality of spaced flow channels (220, 222, 250, 257, 258) extending through a portion of the device, and a plurality of spaced entrance ports at the entrance zone (278) communicating with the flow channels (220, 222, 250, 275, 258), each of the flow channels having a portion (715 to 720) which branches at a branch point (342) within the device whereat it splits into first and second exit branches (e.g. 700, 701) of substantially equal length which lead to respective first and second exit ports, the plurality of the first exit ports (344) and the plurality of second exit ports (346) being arranged as longitudinally-aligned rows of spaced exit ports, for communication with corresponding flow channel entrances of a runner block (288) of the injection molding machine.

Claim 423

Dependent Claim 166 words

An elongated flow stream splitter device (e.g. 276) for use in a runner block of a multi-nozzle, injection molding machine, characterised by a polymer flow stream entrance zone (278), a plurality of flow stream exit zones (344, 346), a plurality of spaced flow channels (220, 222, 250, 257, 258) extending through a portion of the device, and a plurality of spaced entrance ports at the entrance zone (278) communicating with the flow channels (220, 222, 250, 275, 258), each of the flow channels having a portion (715 to 720) which branches at a branch point (342) within the device whereat it splits into first and second exit branches (e.g. 700, 701) of substantially equal length which lead to respective first and second exit ports, the plurality of the first exit ports (344) and the plurality of second exit ports (346) being arranged as longitudinally-aligned rows of spaced exit ports, for communication with corresponding flow channel entrances of a runner block (288) of the injection molding machine.

Claim 424

Dependent Claim 44 words

The splitter device according to claim 368, characterised in that the entrance zone (278) is at one end thereof and the flow channels (220, 222, 250, 257, 258) communicating with the entrance zone extend generally longitudinally therefrom to their branch points (342A to E).

Claim 425

Dependent Claim 49 words

The splitter device according to claim 368, characterised in that the entrance and exit zones are longitudinally-extending portions of the surface of the device (290 or 292), and in each of said portions the ports (364, 366, 366'; 371, 372, 372') thereof are spaced apart in a longitudinally-extending row.

Claim 426

Dependent Claim 70 words

The splitter device according to claim 368, 369 or 370, characterised in that the peripheral arc extending from the axial center line of each entrance port (e.g. 364) to the axial center line of each of its associated exit ports (e.g. 366, 366') is about 90° or greater, e.g. 90' to 120', and the branch point of the first and second exit branches is configured to prevent flow stagnation thereat.

Claim 427

Dependent Claim 58 words

The splitter device according to any of claims 368 to 371, characterised in that the axial center line of the entrance flow channel (e.g. 250; 367; 373) intersects the axial center line of each of its associated branched exit flow channels (704, 705; 368, 368'; 374, 374') at a point on the axial center line of the device.

Claim 428

Dependent Claim 35 words

The splitter device according to claim 368 or claim 370, characterised in that the device (290, 292) is cylindrical and the flow channels (367, 373) entering the device are directed towards the axis, e.g. radially.

Claim 429

Dependent Claim 55 words

The splitter device according to any of claims 368 to 373, characterised in that the first and second exit branches (e.g. 374, 374') extend in opposite directions, at an angle of less than 90° relative to each other, and at angles of greater than 90° relative to the flow channel (373) from which they branch.

Claim 430

Dependent Claim 42 words

The splitter device according to claim 369, characterised in that each flow channel (e.g. 222) has an axial portion (715), and a connecting channel portion (710, 710") connected between the axial portion of the flow channel and its branch point (342B', 342B").

Claim 431

Dependent Claim 34 words

The splitter device according to any of claims 368 to 375, characterised in that each branch point (e.g. 342) and its associated first and second exit ports (344, 346) are in a common plane.

Claim 432

Dependent Claim 47 words

The splitter device according to any of claims 368 to 375, characterised in that each flow channel (e.g. 250), its branch point (342C) and its first and second exit branches (704, 705) and the associated first and second exit ports (344, 346) are in a common plane.

Claim 433

Dependent Claim 34 words

The splitter device according to any of claims 368 to 377, characterised in that the first and second exit branches (700", 701") lie in planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device (276").

Claim 434

Dependent Claim 33 words

The splitter device according to any of claims 368 to 378, characterised in that the respective first and second exit ports are on opposed surface portions of the splitter device (276, 290, 292).

Claim 435

Dependent Claim 66 words

The splitter device according to any of claims 368 to 379, further characterised by means for isolating the - respective polymer flow streams which exit the device through the first and second branched exit ports (344, 346) having a common branch point (e.g. 342C), from the other flow streams which exit the device through other first and second branched exit ports having other common branch points.

Claim 436

Dependent Claim 27 words

The splitter device according to claim 380, characterised by means for isolating from one another the respective flow streams directed at the entrance ports (e.g. 364, 371).

Claim 437

Dependent Claim 63 words

The splitter device according to claim 380, further characterised in that the respective isolation means include a plurality of annular grooves (349, 370, 376) cut into the periphery of the device (276, 290, 292) and housing sealing rings (348, 369, 376), a groove and sealing rings positioned to isolate ports having a common branch point from other ports having other common branch points.

Claim 438

Dependent Claim 102 words

The splitter device according to claim 381, further characterised in that the device (276, 290 or 292) is adapted to be seated within a bore (e.g. 286) in a runner block (288), and includes sealing means (348, 369, 375) downstream of a foremost entrance port and of the first and second branched exit ports, and upstream of the rearmost of the entrance port and of the first and second exit ports, for preventing polymer material which enters and exits the ports from leaking axially in the bore (286) respectively downstream of the foremost sealing means and upstream of the rearmost sealing means.

Claim 439

Dependent Claim 239 words

The splitter device according to claim 368, characterised in that the flow channels (220, 222, 250, 257, 258) extend in directions generally lengthwise of the device (276) to their branch points in a forward end portion (284) of the device, the flow channels being arranged in an overall pattern which, when viewed on transverse planes through the device, and by virtue of redirection of the channels as they extend forward through the device, changes from a radial pattern at the rearward end of the device where each channel passes through a common plane, to an axially and . substantially horizontally spaced pattern of branch points (342A to E) in said forward end portion where the branch points are located in different transverse planes, and each flow channel being split into equal length first and second exit branches (700, 701, etc.) which are inclined at an angle relative to the flow channel and which terminates at the respective first and second exit ports (344A to E, 346A to E) in different portions of the periphery of the forward end portion (278), each of the first exit ports being in a transverse plane different from the others and the second exit ports likewise being in different transverse planes, and the plurality of first exit ports and the plurality of second exit ports being arranged as a longitudinally extending pattern of exit ports in the respective peripheral surface portions of the device.

Claim 440

Dependent Claim 337 words

The flow splitter according to claim 368, characterised in that the separate flow channels comprise a central axial flow channel (250), and a plurality of other flow channels (220, 222, 257, 258), all extending generally longitudinally through a portion of the device, the axial flow channel (250) having an end portion (717) with a branch point (342C') which splits the axial flow channel into first and second exit branches (704', 705') in a forward end portion of the device, each of the other flow channels having an end portion, a branch point which splits the flow channel into first and second exit branches (e.g. 700', 701'), and a substantially transverse connecting channel portion (e.g. 710, 711) between the end portion and the branch point, the end portions, connecting channel portions and branch points for all said flow channels being located in the forward end , portion (284') of the device (276'), and the flow channels being arranged in an overall pattern which, when viewed on transverse planes through the device, and by virtue of redirection of the flow channels as they extend forward through the device, changes from a radial pattern at the rearward end (278') of the device where each channel passes through a common transverse plane, to a substantially coplanar arrangement including axi ally-spaced connecting channel portions and a substantially coplanar arrangement of axially-spaced branch points, and wherein the first and second exit branches (e.g. 700', 701') split from the same flow channel (e.g. 703') are substantially equal in length and terminate at the respective first and second exit ports (344, 346) which are located in different portions of the periphery of the forward end portion, each of the first exit ports being in a different transverse plane from the others and the second exit ports likewise being in different transverse planes, and wherein the plurality of the first exit ports (344) and the plurality of second exit ports (346) are arranged in respective longitudinally-aligned rows of spaced exit ports in the respective peripheral portions.

Claim 441

Dependent Claim 62 words

The splitter device according to claim 385, characterised in that the connecting channel portion (e.g. 710), branch point (342) and first and second exit ports (344, 346) are in the same transverse plane for each of the said other flow channels, and the first and second exit ports (344C', 346C') for the axial flow channel (250) are in the same transverse plane.

Claim 442

Dependent Claim 269 words

A splitter device according to claim 368, characterised in that the flow channels (220, 222, 250, 257, 258) are substantially aligned and extend axially through a portion of the device (276"), the flow channels each having an end portion (715 to 720), a branch point (342A" to E") which splits the flow channel into first and second exit branches (e.g. 704", 705") and a substantially transversely-directed connecting channel portion (e.g. 713") between its end portion and branch point, the end portions, connecting channel portions and branch points for all the flow channels being located in a forward end portion of the device, and the flow channels being arranged in an overall pattern which, when viewed on transverse planes through the device, and by virtue of the redirection of the channels as they extend axially forward through the device, changes from an aligned pattern at the rearward end of the device wherein each channel passes through a common transverse plane, to an axially and transversely spaced pattern of connecting points between the connecting channels and their flow channels, an axially-spaced pattern of connecting channels and an axially-spaced pattern of branch points, and the first and second exit branches (e.g. 704", 705") split from the same axial flow channels are substantially equal in length and terminate at respective first and second exit ports (344, 346) located on a common transverse plane in different portions of the periphery of the forward end portion, the plurality of first exit ports (344) and the plurality of second exit ports (346) being arranged in respective axially-aligned patterns of exit ports in the different peripheral portions.

Claim 443

Dependent Claim 164 words

A splitter device according to claim 368, characterised in having a plurality of spaced, substantially radially or transaxially-directed flow channels (367, 373) extending through a portion of the device (290, 292), and a plurality of spaced, axially-aligned entrance ports (364, 371) positioned along the entrance zone, communicating with the flow channels, and being in different transverse planes, each of the flow channels (367, 373) having a branch point within the device whereat the flow channel is split into first and second exit branches (368, 368'; 374, 374') of substantially equal length and which communicate with and terminate at the respective first and second exit ports (366, 366'; 372, 372') positioned in the different exit zones, and the plurality of first exit ports (366, 372) and the plurality q f second exit ports (366', 372') are arranged in respective arrays of spaced exit ports in the respective exit zones, each entrance port and its associated exit port for example lying in a common transverse plane.

Claim 444

Dependent Claim 40 words

The splitter device according to any of claims 384 to 388, characterised in that the forward end portion of the device includes isolation means for maintaining flow streams which exit from the exit ports (344, 346) isolated from one another.

Claim 445

Dependent Claim 50 words

The splitter device according to claim 389, characterised in that the isolation means includes a plurality of grooves cut into the periphery of the device (276"), each located between two exit ports (344, 346), and each for receiving a sealing means preferably in the form of an expandable piston ring.

Claim 446

Dependent Claim 22 words

The splitter device according to claim 390, characterised in that the isolation means also includes a metal strip seated in each groove.

Claim 447

Dependent Claim 100 words

The splitter device according to any of claims 384 to 391, characterised in that the forward end portion is adapted to be seated within a conformingly-shaped hole (e.g. 286) in a runner block (288), and includes sealing means adjacent to and downstream of the foremost pair of first and second exit ports (344, 346-B) and adjacent to and upstream of the rearmost pair of first and second exit ports (344, 346-A), for substantially preventing flow streams which exit the exit ports from flowing axially in said hole downstream past the foremost sealing means and upstream past the rearmost sealing means.

Claim 448

Dependent Claim 64 words

The splitter device according to claim 388, characterised in that the axial center line of each flow channel (e.g. 367) intersects the axial center line of each of its associated exit branches (368, 368') at a point offset from the axial center line of the device in the direction of the entrance port, and at an angle of from 100° to 110°, e.g. 105°.

Claim 449

Dependent Claim 35 words

The splitter device according to claims 388 or 393, characterised in that the peripheral arc from the center of each entrance port to the center of each of its associated exit ports is about 90°.

Claim 450

Dependent Claim 41 words

The splitter device according to any of claims 388, 393, or 394, characterised in that each flow channel and the branch point, first and second exit branches, and first and second exit ports associated therewith are in the same transverse plane.

Claim 451

Dependent Claim 57 words

The splitter device according to any of claims 388 and 393 to 395, characterised in that the first and second exit branches (374, 374') of a flow channel (373) extend in opposite directions at an angle of less than 90° relative to each other and each is at an angle greater than 90° to the flow channel.

Claim 452

Dependent Claim 58 words

The splitter device according to claim 388, characterised in that the peripheral arc from the center of each entrance port (364, 371) to the center of each of its associated exit ports (366, 366'; 372, 372') is 90° or greater, e.g. 90° to 120°, and each branch point is configured to prevent flow stagnation at the branch point.

Claim 453

Dependent Claim 83 words

The splitter device according to any of claims 388 and 393 to 397, characterised by isolation means for isolating from one another flow streams which are directed at and enter through the entrance ports (364, 371), and for isolating the flow streams which leave the device through the first and second exit ports (366, 366'; 372, 372') having a common branch point, from the other flow streams which leave the device through their respective first and second exit ports having other branch points.

Claim 454

Dependent Claim 59 words

The splitter device according to claim 398, characterised in that the isolation means includes a plurality of annular grooves cut into the periphery of the device (290, 292), there being grooves positioned to isolate the ports having one common branch point from other ports having other branch points, and an expandable piston ring is seated in each annular groove.

Claim 455

Dependent Claim 81 words

The splitter device according to claim 398, characterised by sealing means adjacent to and downstream of the foremost of the entrance port and of its first and second exit ports, and sealing means adj acent to and upstream of the rearmost of the entrance port and its first and second exit ports, for substantially preventing flows which enter and exit the ports from flowing axially along a bore, in which the device is to be installed, past the said sealing means.

Claim 456

Dependent Claim 133 words

Apparatus for simultaneously injection molding a plurality of structures having a plurality of layers and formed from streams of at least two molding materials having different compositions, said apparatus being characterised by a plurality of molding nozzles (296) and a plurality of supply duct means (220, 222, 250, 257, 258) corresponding to the number of layers in the structures, and further characterised by means (e.g. 276, 290, 292) connecting said supply duct means with said nozzles, said means comprising a series of branched channels (e.g. 700, 701; 368, 368'; 374, 374') extending from each of the supply duct means, the length and branch angles of the channels connecting with any one supply duct means being substantially equal, thereby to insure identical treatment of each molding material being delivered to the several molding nozzles.

Claim 457

Dependent Claim 133 words

Apparatus for simultaneously injection molding a plurality of structures having a plurality of layers and formed from streams of at least two molding materials having different compositions, said apparatus being characterised by a plurality of molding nozzles (296) and a plurality of supply duct means (220, 222, 250, 257, 258) corresponding to the number of layers in the structures, and further characterised by means (e.g. 276, 290, 292) connecting said supply duct means with said nozzles, said means comprising a series of branched channels (e.g. 700, 701; 368, 368'; 374, 374') extending from each of the supply duct means, the length and branch angles of the channels connecting with any one supply duct means being substantially equal, thereby to insure identical treatment of each molding material being delivered to the several molding nozzles.

Claim 458

Dependent Claim 124 words

Apparatus according to claim 401, characterised by first splitting means (290) connecting with each of said ducts for receiving a stream of molding material therefrom and dividing said stream into a plurality of branches, and second splitting means (292) connecting with each of said branches for receiving a stream of molding material therefrom and dividing it into sub-branches, the angle between each branch and its associated duct being substantially the same at any first splitting means (290), the angle between each sub-branch and its associated branch at any second splitting means (292) being substantially the same, and the length of each branch of each splitting means (290) and of each the second splitting means (292) being equal, thereby to promote the said equal treatment.

Claim 459

Dependent Claim 190 words

Apparatus for simultaneously injection molding a plurality of structures each having a plurality of layers formed from streams of molding materials having compositions corresponding to the layers of said structure, characterised by said apparatus comprising a plurality of molding nozzles (296), a plurality of essentially parallel supply duct means (220, 250, 222, 257, 258) for directing the flow of said molding materials, and means connecting said nozzles with said duct means, and further characterised by the connecting means comprising runner extension means (276) for dividing the stream of molding material from each of said ducts and reorienting said divided streams for further division, said runner extension means comprising an elongated, e.g. cylindrical, block having a plurality of primary channels (220, 222, 250, 257, 258) each connecting with a respective supply duct means, said channels having portions extending generally axially of the block and being of different lengths, and the channels connecting to a plurality of _ branches (e.g. 700, 701) extending therefrom to the surface of the block, the branches extending from each channel being of the same length and each making substantially the same angle with the channel. -

Claim 460

Dependent Claim 190 words

Apparatus for simultaneously injection molding a plurality of structures each having a plurality of layers formed from streams of molding materials having compositions corresponding to the layers of said structure, characterised by said apparatus comprising a plurality of molding nozzles (296), a plurality of essentially parallel supply duct means (220, 250, 222, 257, 258) for directing the flow of said molding materials, and means connecting said nozzles with said duct means, and further characterised by the connecting means comprising runner extension means (276) for dividing the stream of molding material from each of said ducts and reorienting said divided streams for further division, said runner extension means comprising an elongated, e.g. cylindrical, block having a plurality of primary channels (220, 222, 250, 257, 258) each connecting with a respective supply duct means, said channels having portions extending generally axially of the block and being of different lengths, and the channels connecting to a plurality of _ branches (e.g. 700, 701) extending therefrom to the surface of the block, the branches extending from each channel being of the same length and each making substantially the same angle with the channel. -

Claim 461

Dependent Claim 31 words

The apparatus according to claim 403, characterised by the branches from the said channels meeting the surface of the block along a line approximately parallel to the axis of the block.

Claim 462

Dependent Claim 55 words

The apparatus according to claim 403 or claim 404, characterised by the runner extension means (276) being located within a runner block means (288) having channels therein, at least one runner block channel being connected to a branch of the runner extension means by an arcuate conduit in the surface of said runner extension means.

Claim 463

Dependent Claim 97 words

The apparatus according to claim 403, 404 or 405, characterised by the block (276) fitting within a bore (286) in a runner block means (288) which has channels (e.g. 350, 351) connecting with each branch of the runner extensions means, and each of said runner block channels terminating in a first dividing means (290) for dividing the stream of molding material in that runner block channel into a plurality of sub-streams, and preferably each of the sub-streams terminates in a second dividing means (292) for splitting the sub-streams into a plurality of end streams (e.g. 356A, 357A).

Claim 464

Independent Claim 134 words

A method for simultaneously injection moiding by means of molding nozzles, a plurality of multi-layered structures, which method is characterised in that it comprises estabiishing a plurality of streams, e.g. parallel streams, of molding material of compositions corresponding to the layers of said structure, for delivery to the moving nozzles (296), dividing each of said streams into a plurality of branches a plurality of times, the angle between each branch and the stream prior to branching, at any point of branching (e.g. 342), being substantially the same for each branch, and the distance between points of branching after the first branching, being substantially the same for each branch, whereby each given molding Material in its travel to a molding nozzle (296) follows a path substantially identical to the path foliowed to every other nozzle.

Claim 465

Independent Claim 134 words

A method for simultaneously injection moiding by means of molding nozzles, a plurality of multi-layered structures, which method is characterised in that it comprises estabiishing a plurality of streams, e.g. parallel streams, of molding material of compositions corresponding to the layers of said structure, for delivery to the moving nozzles (296), dividing each of said streams into a plurality of branches a plurality of times, the angle between each branch and the stream prior to branching, at any point of branching (e.g. 342), being substantially the same for each branch, and the distance between points of branching after the first branching, being substantially the same for each branch, whereby each given molding Material in its travel to a molding nozzle (296) follows a path substantially identical to the path foliowed to every other nozzle.

Claim 466

Independent Claim 246 words

A method for simultaneously injection molding multi-layered structures by means of molding nozzles which method is characterised in that it comprises establishing a plurality of substantially parallel streams of molding material of compositions corresponding to the layers of said structure, angularly directing each of said streams to first division points (e.g. 342A), splitting each of said streams at said first division points into two branches (708, 709), each of the branches at any division point making substantially the same angle with the stream from which it originated as any other branch, conveying each of said branches to second division points (290), splitting each of said branches into two sub-branches (352A, 353A), each of said sub-branches being at approximately a right angle to the branch (350A, 351A) from which it originated, conveying each of said sub-branches to third division points (292), splitting each of said sub-branches into two end lines (356A, 357A), each of the end lines at a third division point making the same angle with the sub-branch (352A) from which it originated as any other end line, and conveying each of the end lines to a nozzle (296), to a nozzle feed block means (294) located between the end line and the nozzle, or to a fourth division point, the length of each branch, sub-branch and end line for the molding material of a layer of the multi-layered structure being substantially the same as every other respective branch, sub-branch and end line for that material.

Claim 467

Independent Claim 246 words

A method for simultaneously injection molding multi-layered structures by means of molding nozzles which method is characterised in that it comprises establishing a plurality of substantially parallel streams of molding material of compositions corresponding to the layers of said structure, angularly directing each of said streams to first division points (e.g. 342A), splitting each of said streams at said first division points into two branches (708, 709), each of the branches at any division point making substantially the same angle with the stream from which it originated as any other branch, conveying each of said branches to second division points (290), splitting each of said branches into two sub-branches (352A, 353A), each of said sub-branches being at approximately a right angle to the branch (350A, 351A) from which it originated, conveying each of said sub-branches to third division points (292), splitting each of said sub-branches into two end lines (356A, 357A), each of the end lines at a third division point making the same angle with the sub-branch (352A) from which it originated as any other end line, and conveying each of the end lines to a nozzle (296), to a nozzle feed block means (294) located between the end line and the nozzle, or to a fourth division point, the length of each branch, sub-branch and end line for the molding material of a layer of the multi-layered structure being substantially the same as every other respective branch, sub-branch and end line for that material.

Claim 468

Dependent Claim 160 words

A multi-polymer injection molding machine, characterised by a plurality of co-injection nozzle means (296); a plurality of identical valve means (e.g. 800) one in each nozzle means (296) for identically initiating, regulating and terminating the flow of polymer materials through the respective nozzles; drive means adapted for simultaneously and identically driving the plurality of valve means, and including common moving means (e.g. 856) to which each of the valve means (e.g. 800) is cooperatively associated in a manner that simultaneously provides identical movements of all the valve means within the co-injection nozzle means within which they operate to provide simultaneous and identical control over the initiation, regulation and termination of the flows of polymer materials through all the co-injection nozzle means (296); and control means (2040) connected to the common moving means (e.g. 856), for moving the common moving means in a desired mode to provide the identical simultaneous movements of the valve means and said identical simultaneous flow controls.

Claim 469

Dependent Claim 160 words

A multi-polymer injection molding machine, characterised by a plurality of co-injection nozzle means (296); a plurality of identical valve means (e.g. 800) one in each nozzle means (296) for identically initiating, regulating and terminating the flow of polymer materials through the respective nozzles; drive means adapted for simultaneously and identically driving the plurality of valve means, and including common moving means (e.g. 856) to which each of the valve means (e.g. 800) is cooperatively associated in a manner that simultaneously provides identical movements of all the valve means within the co-injection nozzle means within which they operate to provide simultaneous and identical control over the initiation, regulation and termination of the flows of polymer materials through all the co-injection nozzle means (296); and control means (2040) connected to the common moving means (e.g. 856), for moving the common moving means in a desired mode to provide the identical simultaneous movements of the valve means and said identical simultaneous flow controls.

Claim 470

Dependent Claim 103 words

The apparatus according to claim 409, characterised in that the drive means includes a plurality of shuttles (e.g. 860), each moveably connected to the common moving means (e.g. 856), and each of the valve means includes an elongated member (800) having a forward end portion operable within its co-injection nozzle means (296) and a back end connected to a shuttle (860), each shuttle having means (e.g. 868, 878) in association and cooperative with the moving means such that the movement of the common moving means identically and simultaneously moves each of the shuttles (e.g. 860) and each of the valve means connected thereto.

Claim 471

Dependent Claim 30 words

The apparatus according to claim 410, characterised in that the valve means includes an elongated pin (834) and the common moving means includes an elongated pin shuttle cam bar (850).

Claim 472

Dependent Claim 33 words

The apparatus according to claim 410 or claim 411, characterised in that the valve means includes an elongated sleeve (800) and the common moving means includes an elongated sleeve shuttle cam bar (856).

Claim 473

Dependent Claim 353 words

Apparatus according to claim 409, wherein each nozzle means (296) has a central channel receiving the valve means, characterised in that the valve means (800, 834) comprises: a plurality of identical first valve means (800), one for each of the co-injection nozzle means (296) and communicating with the central channel (540) thereof, and each adapted to operate therewithin to identically initiate, regulate, and terminate the flow of polymer materials therethrough, and a plurality of identical second valve means (834), each reciprocally mounted within a respective one of the first valve means (800) and each adapted to operate therewithin to identically initiate, regulate and terminate the flow of a polymer material through the first valve means; the apparatus further including: first drive means (860) seated within a housing (902) for movement therein for simultaneously and identically driving the first valve means (800), said first drive means including first common moving means (856) to which each of the first valve means is cooperatively associated in a manner that simultaneously provides identical movements of each first valve means (800) within the co-injection nozzle means (296) within which it operates, and including second drive means (844) seated within the housing for movement therein, for simultaneously and identically driving the plurality of second valve means (834), said second valve means including common moving means (850) to which each of the second valve means is connected in a manner that simultaneously provides identical movements of each second valve means within the co-injection nozzle means within which it operates, and said drive means provides, in each co-injection nozzle means, simultaneous, identical control over the initiation, regulation, and termination of the flow of polymer materials through each of the co-injection nozzle means, first control means (918, 2040) connected to the first common moving means for moving the first common means in a desired mode which provides said identical simultaneous movements and said identical simultaneous flow controls, second control means (906, 2040) connected to the second common moving means (850) for moving the second common means in a desired mode which provides said identical, simultaneous movements and said identical simultaneous flow controls.

Claim 474

Dependent Claim 60 words

The apparatus according to claim 413, further characterised by common control means (2040) connected to each of the first control means (918, 2040) and the second control means (906, 2040) for moving the respective first and second comnon moving means in a common desired mode which provides independent, simultaneous and non-simultaneous movements of said first and second common moving means.

Claim 475

Dependent Claim 112 words

The apparatus according to claim 413 or claim 414, characterised in that the first drive means also includes a plurality of first shuttles (860), each moveably connected to the first common moving means (856), and each of the first valve means includes an elongated member (800) having a forward end portion operable within its associated nozzle means and a back end connected to an associated first shuttle, each first shuttle (856) having means (868) in cooperative association with the first moving means (856) such that the movement of the first common moving means (918) identically and simultaneously moves each of the shuttles and each of the first valve means (800) connected thereto.

Claim 476

Dependent Claim 109 words

The apparatus according to claim 414 or 415, further characterised in that the second drive means also includes a plurality of second shuttles (844), each-moveably connected to the second common moving means (850), and each of the second valve means includes an elongated member (834) having a forward end portion operable within its associated nozzle means (296) and a back end connected to an associated second shuttle, each second shuttle having means (846) in cooperative association with the second moving means (850) such that the movement of the second common moving means identically and simultaneously moves each of the shuttles and each of the second valve means connected thereto.

Claim 477

Dependent Claim 34 words

The apparatus according to claim 415 or 416, characterised in that each second valve means includes an elongated pin (834), and the first common moving means includes an elongated pin shuttle cam bar (850).

Claim 478

Dependent Claim 37 words

The apparatus according to claim 415, 416 or 417, characterised ' in that each first valve means (800) includes an elongated ported sleeve and the second common moving means includes an elongated sleeve shuttle cam bar (856).

Claim 479

Independent Claim 71 words

The apparatus according to any of claims 409 to 418, characterised in that the drive means includes compensating means associated with the valve means, e.g. each of the first valve means, to compensate for axial play in the drive means, the valve means or both, and for dimensional deviations in associated structures, the compensating means e.g. including a compression spring (888) mounted between the valve means and the common moving means.

Claim 480

Dependent Claim 72 words

The apparatus according to claim 415 or claim 419, characterised in that the compensating means (888) is associated with each first valve means (800) and each first shuttle (860) for compensating for axial play in the drive means and/or the first valve means and for any dimensional deviations in associated structures, the compensating means e.g. including a compression spring (888) mounted between each first valve means (800) and each first shuttle (856).

Injection molding methods, injection molding apparatus and injection nozzle devices for use in molding multiple-layer articles, and multiple-layer injection molded articles

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