Patent ID: 6406069
Filing Date: 2002-06-18
Classification: B29C,B29K

Abstract:
An apparatus for releasably coupling a container of colorant to a feeder structure for a polymer processing machine, the container having an orifice, said coupling apparatus comprising:a tubular structure for defining a closed passage through which the colorant can flow by gravity from the container to the feeder structure, said tubular structure comprising (a) an outlet portion configured to sealingly engage the feeder structure, (b) an inlet portion configured to sealingly engage said container through the orifice thereof, said inlet portion configured to receive and adjustably support the container in an overturned orientation above said outlet portion, and (c) a central portion disposed between said inlet and outlet portion and in sealing engagement with each, said inlet portion being engageable with said central portion so as to allow relative rotational movement between said inlet and central portions, said central portion further comprising a joint that allows movement of the inlet portion from a downwardly extending orientation in which the container can be mounted to the inlet portion while said container is in a substantially upright orientation, to an upwardly extending orientation in which the container is in an overturned orientation, to permit gravity flow of the colorant from the container through said inlet portion, into said central portion, and through said outlet portion into the feeder structure.