Patent ID: 6544457
Filing Date: 2003-04-08
Classification: A61C,B29C

Abstract:
In an injection molding machine operable with a mold, a supply of moldable plastic and at least one continuous strand of dental floss, successive portions of which strand are periodically directed to a location within said mold for each injection cycle thereof, whereby said injection molding machine produces successive shots, each shot including dental floss holders molded in situ onto said strand and where every two adjacent shots comprises a set of a first shot downstream of said mold, and a second shot downstream of said mold but upstream of said first shot with a segment of said strand extending between said shots, the improvement in combination therewith comprising first tensioning means upstream of said mold constantly applying tension to said strand in said upstream direction, take-off means comprising a first part for releasably engaging said first shot, a second part spaced from said first part for releasably engaging said second shot, and drive means periodically moving said first and second parts while they engage said first and second shots respectively away from said mold and periodically stopping said movement, thus applying and maintaining tension in said strand in said downstream direction, and severing means for severing said segment of said strand between said first and second shots while said second part temporarily maintains its engagement with said second shot.