Abstract:
According to embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a slide bar for slidably linking a split mold insert to a first mold half of an injection mold for forming a preform capable of being blow-molded into a container. The slide bar comprises a base structure defining a first slide interface for linking the base structure to an actuating bar of the injection mold; a second slide interface for receiving the split mold insert; a third slide interface for cooperating with a locking structure of the first mold half of the injection mold; the second slide interface and the third slide interface formed on opposing extremes of the base structure.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to, but is not limited to, molding systems, and more specifically the present invention relates to, but is not limited to, a slide assembly for a molding system. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Molding is a process by virtue of which a molded article can be formed from molding material by using a molding system. Various molded articles can be formed by using the molding process, such as an injection molding process. One example of a molded article that can be formed, for example, from polyethelene terephalate (PET) material is a preform that is capable of being subsequently blown into a beverage container, such as, a bottle and the like. 
         [0003]    As an illustration, injection molding of PET material involves heating the PET material (ex. PET pellets, PEN powder, PLA, etc.) to a homogeneous molten state and injecting, under pressure, the so-melted PET material is injected into a molding cavity defined, at least in part, by a female cavity piece and a male core piece mounted respectively on a cavity plate and a core plate of the mold. The cavity plate and the core plate are urged together and are held together by clamp force, the clamp force being sufficient enough to keep the cavity and the core pieces together against the pressure of the injected PET material. The molding cavity has a shape that substantially corresponds to a final cold-state shape of the molded article to be molded. The so-injected PET material is then cooled to a temperature sufficient to enable ejection of the so-formed molded article from the mold. When cooled, the molded article shrinks inside of the molding cavity and, as such, when the cavity and core plates are urged apart, the molded article tends to remain associated with the core piece. Accordingly, by urging the core plate away from the cavity plate, the molded article can be demolded, i.e. ejected off of the core piece. Ejection structures are known to assist in removing the molded articles from the core halves. Examples of the ejection structures include stripper plates, stripper rings and neck rings, ejector pins, etc. 
         [0004]    When dealing with molding a preform that is capable of being blown into a beverage container, one consideration that needs to be addressed is forming a so-called “neck region”. Typically and as an example, the neck region includes (i) threads (or other suitable structure) for accepting and retaining a closure assembly (ex. a bottle cap), and (ii) an anti-pilferage assembly to cooperate, for example, with the closure assembly to indicate whether the end product (i.e. the beverage container that has been filled with a beverage and shipped to a store) has been tampered with in any way. The neck region may comprise other additional elements used for various purposes, for example, to cooperate with parts of the molding system (ex. a support ledge, etc.). As is appreciated in the art, the neck region can not be easily formed by using the cavity and core halves. Traditionally, split mold inserts (sometimes referred to by those skilled in the art as “neck rings”) have been used to form the neck region. 
         [0005]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , a section along a portion of an injection mold  50  illustrates a typical molding insert stack assembly  60  that is arranged within a molding system (not depicted). The description of  FIG. 1  that will be presented herein below will be greatly simplified, as it is expected that one skilled in the art will appreciate configuration of other components of the injection mold  50  that will not be discussed in the following description. 
         [0006]    The molding insert stack assembly  60  includes a neck ring insert pair  52  that together with a mold cavity insert  54 , a gate insert (not shown) and a core insert  61  define a molding cavity  61  where molding material can be injected to form a molded article. In order to facilitate forming of the neck region of the molded article and subsequent removal of the molded article, the neck ring insert pair  52  comprises a pair of complementary neck ring inserts that are mounted on adjacent slides of a slide pair  68 . The slide pair  68  is slidably mounted on a top surface of a stripper plate  66 . As commonly known, and as, for example, generally described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,799,962 to Mai et al (granted on Oct. 5, 2004), the stripper plate  66  is configured to be movable relative to a cavity plate assembly  74  and a core plate assembly (not depicted), when the mold in arranged in an open configuration, whereby the slide pair  68 , and the complementary neck ring inserts mounted thereon, can be laterally driven, via a cam arrangement (not shown), for the release of the molded article from the molding cavity  61 . 
         [0007]    A typical neck ring insert has a body that includes a pair of projecting portions  70  that extend from a top and a bottom face of a flange portion  72  (i.e. a top projecting portion and a bottom projecting portion). Typically, the bottom face of the flange portion  72  abuts, in use, a top surface of the slide pair  68 . Even though not depicted in  FIG. 1 , one skilled in the art will appreciate that the neck ring insert pair  52  comprises suitable fasteners for connecting to a respective one of the slide pair  68 . In use, during certain portions of a molding cycle, the top projecting portion cooperates with a female receptacle disposed on the cavity plate assembly  74 . 
         [0008]    It is worthwhile noting that the top projecting portion traditionally performs two functions, which can be broadly categorized as an alignment function and a locking function. Generally speaking, the alignment function involves assisting, at least partially, in aligning the neck ring vis a vis the cavity plate  74 . The locking function involves assisting, at least partially, in locking the neck rings in a locked position, for example, during an injection portion and in-mold cooling portion of a molding cycle, etc. It is known in the art to arrange the top projecting portion of the neck ring and the corresponding female receptacle of the cavity plate  74  in a preloaded arrangement. This pre-loading of the top projecting portion of the neck ring and the corresponding female receptacle can lead to premature fatigue and contributes to increased costs of operating the molding system due to a need to replace neck rings more often. 
         [0009]    As is depicted in  FIG. 1 , the molding insert stack assembly  60  can be said to be associated with a stack height generally depicted in  FIG. 1  at H 1 . As can be further seen in  FIG. 1 , a portion of the stack height H 1  is contributed to by a height of the neck ring insert pair  52 , depicted in  FIG. 1  at H 2 . Put another way, it can be said that the height H 2  of the neck ring insert pair contributes to an increased stack height H 1 . The increased stack height H 1  results in several disadvantages associated with the molding insert stack assembly  60 . Firstly, due to the increased stack height H 1 , there is a need to increase a length of the core insert  61 . The increased length of the core insert  61  can lead to several problems, including increased potential for so-called “core shift” of the core insert  61 . Secondly, the increased stack height H 1  requires a molding system (not depicted) having a larger footprint. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    According to a first broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a slide bar for slidably linking a split mold insert to a first mold half of an injection mold for forming a preform capable of being blow-molded into a container. The slide bar comprises a base structure defining a first slide interface for linking the base structure to an actuating bar of the injection mold; a second slide interface for receiving the split mold insert; a third slide interface for cooperating with a locking structure of the first mold half of the injection mold; the second slide interface and the third slide interface formed on opposing extremes of the base structure. 
         [0011]    According to a second broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a split mold assembly. The split mold assembly comprises a split mold insert; a slide bar for slidably linking the split mold insert to a first mold half of an injection mold for forming a preform capable of being blow-molded into a container, the slide bar comprising: a base structure defining a first slide interface for linking the base structure to an actuating bar of the injection mold; a second slide interface for receiving the split mold insert; a third slide interface for cooperating with a locking structure of the first mold half of the injection mold; the second slide interface and the third slide interface formed on opposing extremes of the base structure. 
         [0012]    According to other broad aspects of the present invention, there is provided a mold incorporating the split mold assembly and an injection molding system incorporating the mold. 
         [0013]    According to another broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a slide bar for slidably linking a split mold insert to a first mold half of an injection mold for forming a part. The slide bar comprises a base structure defining a first slide interface for linking the base structure to an actuating bar of the injection mold; a second slide interface for receiving the split mold insert; a third slide interface for cooperating with a locking structure of the first mold half of the injection mold; said second slide interface and said third slide interface formed on opposing extremes of said base structure. 
         [0014]    A technical effect, amongst others, of the aspects of the present invention may include reduced molding insert stack height. Another technical effect of some of the aspects of the present invention, is a shorter core assembly required, resulting in savings in material required to produce the core assembly. Yet another technical effect of some aspects of the present invention is a potential reduction in wear of various components of the molding insert stack due to improved force distribution. Yet another technical effect of some aspects of the present invention is more efficient cooling due to a particular arrangement of the split mold inserts and the associated slides. It should be expressly understood that not all of the technical effects, in their entirety, need be realized in each and every embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    A better understanding of the embodiments of the present invention (including alternatives and/or variations thereof) may be obtained with reference to the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments along with the following drawings, in which: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view along a portion of an injection mold  50  with a neck ring insert pair  52  according to a prior art solution. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a stripper assembly  102  according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a schematic view of a preform  302  that can be produced using an injection molding system that includes the stripper assembly  102  of  FIG. 2 , according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a portion of the stripper assembly  102  of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a slide bar and a split mold insert of  FIG. 2 , according to a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the slide bar and the split mold insert of  FIG. 5 , showing a slide alignment member and an insert alignment member (both in ghost lines) according to a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a slide bar and a split mold insert of  FIG. 2 , according to a second non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the slide bar and the split mold insert of  FIG. 7 , showing a slide alignment member and an insert alignment member (both in ghost lines) according to a second non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a cross section view of a slide bar and a split mold insert of  FIG. 2 , showing a slide alignment member and an insert alignment member according to a third non-limiting embodiment of the present invention 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a cross section view of a slide bar and a split mold insert of  FIG. 2 , showing a slide alignment member and an insert alignment member according to a fourth non-limiting embodiment of the present invention 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a schematic side view of the slide bar, a split mold insert and a taper lock of  FIG. 1  and partial view of a cavity plate assembly of a molding system, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0027]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , a stripper assembly  102  according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The stripper assembly  102  is capable of being configured to implement a split mold insert according to various embodiments of the present invention. The stripper assembly  102  can be used within an injection molding system (not depicted), which can be, for example, an injection molding system for producing a preform, capable of being subsequently blow-molded into a container, such as a beverage container and the like. An example of such a preform is shown in  FIG. 3 , which depicts a non-limiting embodiment of a preform  302 . The preform  302  generally comprises three regions—a neck region  304 , an end region  306  disposed at an opposite extreme of the preform  302  and a body region  308  extending between the end region  306  and the neck region  304 . The neck region  304  includes, without limitation and as an example only, a thread portion  304   a  and a support ledge portion  304   b . The preform  302  is capable of being blow-molded into a container, such as a beverage container and the like. It should be expressly understood that the preform  302  can have any other known configuration, such as, for example, a bell-shaped configuration and the like. Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate the invention is applicable to other injected molded articles. 
         [0028]    Returning to the description of  FIG. 2 , the stripper assembly  102  comprises a base  104 . Generally speaking, the purposes of the base  104  is to be mounted, in use, onto a component of the molding system (not depicted), such as, for example, onto a mold half (not depicted) for movement, in use, at least partially therewith along an operational axis of the molding system (not depicted). To that extent, the base  104  can comprise a plurality of mounting structures, only two of which, a first mounting structure  106   a  and a second mounting structure  106   b  are depicted in  FIG. 2 . It should be appreciated that the stripper assembly  102  can be configured for at least partially independent movement along the operational axis of the molding system (not depicted) relative to the mold half (not depicted). Such independent movement is known in the art and can be actuated by any suitable means, such as, for example, a hydraulic actuator and the like. 
         [0029]    The stripper assembly  102  further comprises a first slide bar  108   a  and a second slide bar  108   b , jointly referred to herein below as a pair of slide bars  108 . It should be noted that the stripper assembly  102  can comprise a plurality of pairs of slide bars  108 , however only a single instance of the pair of slide bars  108  has been depicted in  FIG. 2  for the sake of simplicity. The stripper assembly  102  further comprises a plurality of first actuating bars  110  and a plurality of second actuating bars  112 . The plurality of the first actuating bars  110  is coupled to the first slide bar  108   a  (as well as other first slide bars  108   a  potentially present within the stripper assembly  102 , but omitted from  FIG. 2  for the sake of simplicity) for effecting lateral movement of the first slide bar  108   a  to and away relative to the second slide bar  108   b . The plurality of the second actuating bars  112  is coupled to the second slide bar  108   b  (as well as other second slide bars  108   b  potentially present within the stripper assembly  102 , but omitted from  FIG. 2  for the sake of simplicity) for effecting lateral movement of the second slide bar  108   b  to and away relative to the first slide bar  108   a.    
         [0030]    To this extent, the plurality of first actuating bars  110  is coupled to a first pair of sliding actuators  114 . In the specific non-limiting embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 2 , the first pair of sliding actuators  114  comprises a respective cam follower that cooperates with a respective cam (not depicted) to effect lateral movement of the plurality of first actuating bars  110 . However, it should be understood that in alternative non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, the first pair of sliding actuators  114  can have other configurations and can be embodied, for example, in a servo motor or another type of an actuator. Similarly, the plurality of second actuating bars  112  can be coupled to a second pair of sliding actuators (not depicted), which can be substantially similar to the first pair of sliding actuators  114 . 
         [0031]    Continuing with description of  FIG. 2 , the stripper assembly  102  further comprises a plurality of first split mold inserts  116  coupled to the first slide bar  108   a  for movement therewith and a plurality of second split mold inserts  118  coupled to the second slide bar  108   b  for movement there with. As will be appreciated, the movement of the plurality of first split mold inserts  116  and the plurality of second split mold inserts  118  towards each other into a closed position (as is depicted in  FIG. 2 ) and away from each other into an open position (not depicted) allows for (i) first forming and (ii) subsequent removing of molded articles, such as the preform  302 . More specifically, when the plurality of first split mold inserts  116  and the plurality of second split mold inserts  118  are urged together and held in the closed position, they cooperate to define at least in part a respective neck region  304  of a respective preform  302 . When the plurality of first split mold inserts  116  and the plurality of second split mold inserts  118  are urged apart into the open position, the plurality of first split mold inserts  116  and the plurality of second split mold inserts  118  clear the neck region  304 , including the thread portion  304   a  and the support ledge portion  304   b  thereof, effectively allowing for the preform  302  to be removed. How the preform  302  is removed is known in the art and, as such, need not be discussed here at any length. 
         [0032]    Using the second slide bar  108   b  as an example, the second slide bar  108   b  comprises a slide base  109   a . The slide base  109   a  comprises a first slide portion  109   b  for connecting, in use, to the plurality of second actuating bars  112 . Configuration of the first slide portion  109   b  is known to those of skill in the art and, as such, need not be discussed here at any length. Suffice it to say, that the first slide portion  109   b  can be associated with any suitable fastener, such as, a bolt and the like. The slide base  109   a  comprises a second slide portion  109   c  for connecting, in use and as will be described in greater detail herein below, the slide base  109   a  to the plurality of second split mold inserts  118 . The second slide portion  109   c  can also be thought as a face slide portion of the second slide bar  108   b . The slide base  109   a  further comprises a third slide portion  109   d , the third slide portion  109   d  disposed at an opposite extreme vis a vis the second slide portion  109   c . Accordingly, the third slide portion  109   d  can also be thought as a back slide portion of the second slide bar  108   b . Function associated with the third slide portion  109   d  will be described in greater detail herein below. 
         [0033]    With continued reference to  FIG. 2  and with further reference to  FIG. 4 , a given one of the plurality of second split mold inserts  118  will now be described. For the sake of clarity, the given one of the plurality of second split mold inserts  118  will be referred to as a “split mold insert  118   a ”. It should be noted that others of the plurality of second split mold inserts  118  can be substantially similar to the split mold insert  118   a . Similarly, each of the plurality of first split mold inserts  116  can be substantially similar to the split mold insert  118   a.    
         [0034]    The split mold insert  118   a  comprises a top portion  402  and a bottom portion  404 , opposite the top portion  402 . The split mold insert  118   a  further comprises a face portion  406  and a back portion  408 . The face portion  406  and the back portion  408  are disposed opposite each other and depend from the top portion  402  towards the bottom portion  404 . The face portion  406  comprises a molding surface defining portion  410 , which defines, in part, a portion of an external surface of the preform  302 . More specifically, the molding surface defining portion  410  defines, in part, a portion of the neck region  304 . Even more specifically, the molding surface defining portion  410  defines, in part, a portion of the thread portion  304   a  and the support ledge portion  304   b . The split mold insert  118   a  further comprises a taper portion  412 , which generally protrudes above the top portion  402 . Generally speaking and as is known, the taper portion  412  cooperates with other elements of the molding system (not depicted), such as, for example, a taper portion of a cavity mold insert (not depicted), for example, to position the split mold insert  118   a  within the mold cavity insert (not depicted). 
         [0035]    With continued reference to  FIG. 4  and with reference to  FIG. 5 , the split mold insert  118   a  comprises a slide alignment member  502 . As is best seen in  FIG. 5 , the second slide bar  108   b  comprises an insert alignment member  504 . Within the specific non-limiting embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the shape of the slide alignment member  502  is complementary to the shape of the insert alignment member  504  in what is commonly referred to as a “key and keyway” arrangement. More specifically, the slide alignment member  502  comprises a generally trapezoidal male member, which extends outwardly from the back portion  408 . The insert alignment member  504  comprises a generally trapezoidal female member, which extends inwardly into the second slide bar  108   b  and, more specifically, into the second slide portion  109   c . It should be noted that the slide alignment member  502  can be slid within the insert alignment member  504  in a direction depicted in  FIG. 5  at “A”. It should be further noted that the arrangement of the slide alignment member  502  and the insert alignment member  504  substantially prevents movement of the split mold insert  118   a  in a direction depicted in  FIG. 5  at “B”, as well as in a direction depicted at “C”. 
         [0036]    With continued reference to  FIG. 5  and with further reference to  FIG. 6 , the split mold insert  118   a  comprises a slide coupling member  602 . As is best seen in  FIG. 6 , the second slide bar  108   b  comprises an insert coupling member  604 . The insert coupling member  604  comprises at least one bore, each of the at least one bore for accepting a fastener (such as a bolt, etc), as is best seen in  FIG. 2 . Continuing with the description of  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 , the slide coupling member  602  comprises at least one bore, each of the at least one bore for accepting the fastener (such as a bolt, etc.). In some embodiments of the present invention, which are particularly applicable where the fastener comprises a bolt, the at least one bore can be threaded, however other configurations are also possible. It will be noted that the slide coupling member  602  and the insert coupling member  604  are generally complementary to each other in the sense that a given pair of the slide coupling member  602  and the insert coupling member  604  are configured to receive the same fastener (for example, the same bolt, etc.). This does not, however, mean that the slide coupling member  602  and the insert coupling member  604  need to be of the same shape. Quite on the contrary, a diameter of the slide coupling member  602  and a diameter the insert coupling member  604  can, for example, differ as long as they can both accept the same fastener. 
         [0037]    In use, when the slide coupling member  602  and the insert coupling member  604  are aligned therebetween and when a fastener (not depicted) is applied through the insert coupling member  604  and through the slide coupling member  602  to engage the slide coupling member  602 , the arrangement of slide coupling member  602 , the insert coupling member  604  and the fastener (not depicted) prevents the split mold insert  118   a  from moving in the direction depicted in  FIG. 5  at “A” and at “C”. Recalling that the slide alignment member  502  and the insert alignment member  504  substantially prevent movement of the split mold insert  118   a  in a direction depicted in  FIG. 5  at “B”, in use, the split mold insert  118   a  is prevented from substantially moving in the directions “A”, “B” and “C”. 
         [0038]    An additional technical effect of this embodiment of the present invention may include ability to use a single instance of the slide coupling member  602  and the insert coupling member  604  (and a corresponding fastener), as the slide alignment member  502  and the insert alignment member  504  substantially prevent movement of the split mold insert  118   a  in a direction depicted in  FIG. 5  at “B”. However, it should be expressly understood that in alternative non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, two (or more) instances of the slide coupling member  602  and the insert coupling member  604  can be used as well. 
         [0039]    The second slide bar  118   b  and the split mold insert  108   a  can be jointly thought of as a “split mold insert assembly”. 
         [0040]    Now, as is clearly seen in  FIG. 5 , the top portion  402  of the split mold insert  118   a  is substantially co-planar with a top portion of the second slide bar  108   b  and the bottom portion  404  is substantially co-planar with a bottom portion of the second slide bar  108   b . A technical effect of this embodiment of the present invention may include that the split mold insert  118   a  does not substantially add to the stack height contributed to by the second slide bar  108   b . In other words, when the arrangement of the split mold insert  118   a  and the second slide bar  108   b  as described herein is employed, the total stack height (similar to that depicted at H 1  in  FIG. 1 ) can be decreased. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, that one technical effect of this embodiment is a potentially shorter core assembly. Another technical effect of this embodiment is potential cost savings on the overall cost of the molding system, for example, due to less material required for the core assembly, tie bars and other components of the molding system (such, as for example, an injection molding system). 
         [0041]    With continued reference to  FIG. 5 , the second slide bar  108   b  comprises a cooling channel  520 . The cooling channel  520  extends substantially along a length of the second slide bar  108   b  and connects, in use, to a source of coolant (such as water, etc), which has been omitted for the sake of simplicity, but which is known to those of skill in the art. A coolant (such as water, etc.) flowing through the cooling channel  520 , effectively, cools the second slide bar  108   b . As is depicted in  FIG. 5 , a contact area between the second slide bar  108   b  and the split mold insert  118   a  substantially equals to an area of the back portion  408 . Within such a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, another technical effect may be achieved, whereby cooling of the split mold insert  118   a  can be achieved substantially through conductivity due to the increased contact area as compared to traditional split mold inserts (for example, the neck ring insert pair  52  depicted in  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0042]    Furthermore, as is also seen in  FIG. 5 , a portion of the molding surface defining portion  410  is located, in use (i.e. when assembled) substantially within an area defined between the top portion and the bottom portion of the second slide bar  108   b . More specifically, a portion  410 ′ of the molding surface defining portion  410  is located, in use, within an area defined between the top portion and the bottom portion of the second slide bar  108   b . Within the specific non limiting embodiment of the present invention, the portion  410 ′ can be said to comprise a substantial portion of the molding surface defining portion  410 . However, in alternative non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the portion  410 ′ may comprise more or less of the total area of the molding surface defining portion  410 . 
         [0043]    As a result of this arrangement, the molding surface defining portion  410  is substantially proximate to the cooling channel  520 . As such, another technical effect may be achieved, whereby cooling of the neck region  304  can be implemented in a more effective manner due to the arrangement of the split mold insert  118   a  to the second slide bar  108   a  by means of the back portion  408  of the split mold insert  118   a.    
         [0044]    It should be expressly understood that the configuration of the split mold insert  118   a  and the second slide bar  108   b  may have a number of other alternatives. With reference to  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8 , another non-limiting embodiment of a split mold insert  118   a ′ and a second slide bar  108   b ′ is depicted. The split mold insert  118   a ′ and the second slide bar  108   b ′ can be substantially similar to the split mold insert  118   a  and the second slide bar  108   b  (but for the specific differences noted herein below) and, as such, like elements are depicted with like numerals. The split mold insert  118   a ′ comprises a slide alignment member  502 ′. The second slide bar  108   b ′ comprises an insert alignment member  504 ′. Within the specific non-limiting embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the shape of the slide alignment member  502 ′ is complementary to the shape of the insert alignment member  504 ′ in what is commonly referred to as a “key and keyway” arrangement. More specifically, the slide alignment member  502 ′ comprises a generally “T-shape” male member, which extends outwardly from the back portion  408 . The insert alignment member  504 ′ comprises a generally “T-shaped” female member, which extends inwardly into the second slide bar  108   b . It should be noted that the slide alignment member  502 ′ can be slid within the insert alignment member  504 ′ in a direction depicted in  FIG. 7  at “A′”. It should be further noted that the arrangement of the slide alignment member  502 ′ and the insert alignment member  504 ′ substantially prevents movement of the split mold insert  118   a ′ in a direction depicted in  FIG. 7  at “B′” and “C′”. 
         [0045]    With reference to  FIG. 9 , another non-limiting embodiment of a split mold insert  118   a ″ and a second slide bar  108   b ″ is depicted. The split mold insert  118   a ″ and the second slide bar  108   b ″ can be substantially similar to the split mold insert  118   a  and the second slide bar  108   b  (but for the specific differences noted herein below) and, as such, like elements are depicted with like numerals. The split mold insert  118   a ″ comprises a slide alignment member  502 ″ and the second slide bar  108   b ″ comprises an insert alignment member  504 ″. Each of the slide alignment member  502 ″ and the insert alignment member  504 ″ comprises a respective receptacle, configured to receive a portion of a positioning member  902 . Within the specific non-limiting embodiment of  FIG. 9 , the positioning member  902  comprises a dowel, and the slide alignment member  502 ″ and the insert alignment member  504 ″ comprises a respective bore configured to receive a portion of the dowel. In the specific non-limiting embodiment being described herein, the each of the slide alignment member  502 ″ and the insert alignment member  504 ″ comprises two instances of a respective receptacle, configured to receive a portion of the positioning member  902 . In some embodiments of the present invention, the slide alignment member  502 ″, the insert alignment member  504 ″ and the positioning member  902  are configured in a tight tolerance arrangement. 
         [0046]    In use, when the slide alignment member  502 ″ and the insert alignment member  504 ″ are in substantial alignment therebetween and when the positioning member  902  is installed, the arrangement of the slide alignment member  502 ″, the insert alignment member  504 ″ and the positioning member  902  substantially prevents any movement of the split mold insert  118   a ″ in a direction depicted in  FIG. 9  at “B″”. 
         [0047]    With reference to  FIG. 10 , another non-limiting embodiment of a split mold insert  118   a ′″ and a second slide bar  108   b ′″ is depicted. The split mold insert  118   a ′″ and the second slide bar  108   b ′″ can be substantially similar to the split mold insert  118   a  and the second slide bar  108   b  (but for the specific differences noted herein below) and, as such, like elements are depicted with like numerals. The split mold insert  118   a ′″ comprises a slide alignment member  502 ′″ and the second slide bar  108   b ′″ comprises an insert alignment member  504 ′″. Each of the slide alignment member  502 ′″ and the insert alignment member  504 ′″ comprises a respective receptacle, configured to receive a portion of a positioning member  1002 . Within the specific non-limiting embodiment of  FIG. 10 , the positioning member  1002  comprises a tubular dowel, and the slide alignment member  502 ′″ and the insert alignment member  504 ′″ comprises a respective bore configured to receive a portion of the tubular dowel. In use, when the slide alignment member  502 ′″ and the insert alignment member  504 ′″ are in substantial alignment therebetween and when the positioning member  1002  is installed, the arrangement of the slide alignment member  502 ′″, the insert alignment member  504 ′″ and the positioning member  1002  substantially prevents any movement of the split mold insert  118   a ′″ in a direction depicted in  FIG. 10  at “B′″”. 
         [0048]    It should be noted that similarly to the embodiment depicted with reference to  FIG. 6 , the split mold insert  118   a ′″ of  FIG. 10  comprises a slide coupling member  602 ′″. The second slide bar  108   b  comprises an insert coupling member  604 ′″. The insert coupling member  604 ′″ comprises two bores each for accepting a fastener (such as a bolt, etc). The slide coupling member  602 ′″ comprises at least one bore, each for accepting the fastener (such as a bolt, etc.). In some embodiments of the present invention, which are particularly applicable where the fastener comprises a bolt, the at least one bore can be threaded, however other configurations are also possible. It should be noted that only a single instance of the insert coupling member  604 ′″ and the slide coupling member  602 ′″ need to be associated with the slide alignment member  502 ′″, the insert alignment member  504 ′″ and the positioning member  1002  (i.e. the tubular dowel). However, in alternative embodiments of the present invention, both instances of the insert coupling member  604 ′″ and the slide coupling member  602 ′″ can be associated with the slide alignment member  502 ′″, the insert alignment member  504 ′″ and the positioning member  1002  (i.e. the tubular dowel). 
         [0049]    In some of these embodiments of the present invention that use a dowel or a tubular dowel, an additional technical effect may include ability to remove a given split mold insert  118   a ″,  118   a ′″ without necessarily having to remove one or more other given split mold insert(s)  118   a ″,  118   a ′″ located next to the given split mold insert  118   a ″,  118   a′″.    
         [0050]    How the stripper assembly  102  of  FIG. 2  is assembled will now be described in more detail in the context of the split mold insert  118   a  and the second slide bar  108   b  of  FIG. 5 . Firstly, the split mold insert  118   a  is slid along the second slide bar  108   b  to a desired position. More specifically, by using the slide alignment member  502  and the insert alignment member  504 , the split mold insert  118   a  is slid in the direction depicted in  FIG. 5  at “A” to a desired position. As will be appreciated, the desired position can include an extreme position along the second slide bar  108   b  depicted in  FIG. 2  at “E” or a position in a substantial abutment to another instance of the split mold insert  118   a . Once the split mold insert  118   a  is positioned at the desired position, two fasteners (such as, for example, two bolts, etc.) are applied through the insert coupling member  604  and the slide coupling member  602 . Effectively, the split mold insert  118   a  can be said to have been secured to the second slide bar  108   b  by means of a connecting interface disposed at the back portion  408  of the split mold insert  108   a . In the context of the description presented herein, the connecting interface comprises the above-described slide alignment member  502  and the slide coupling member  602 , as well as other embodiments thereof depicted with reference to  FIGS. 7-10 , as well as other variants as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. 
         [0051]    The process is repeated for every instance of the split mold insert  118   a . Those of ordinary skilled in the art will appreciate how the assembly process can be modified in the context of embodiments depicted in  FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10 . Once the plurality of first split mold inserts  116  and the plurality of second split mold inserts  118  have been so assembled to a respective the first slide bar  108   a  and the second slide bar  108   b ; the first slide bar  108   a  and the second slide bar  108   b  are coupled to a respective one of the plurality of first actuating bars  110  and the plurality of second actuating bars  112 . This process is repeated for each instance of the first slide bar  108   a  and the second slide bar  108   b.    
         [0052]    With reference to  FIG. 11 , the first slide bar  108   a  may comprise a first slide tapered portion  1100 , which is disposed along at least a portion the third slide portion  109   d . In use, the first slide tapered portion  1100  cooperates with a first mold tapered portion  1102  of a first taper lock  1004  disposed, for example, on a cavity plate assembly  1106 . Similarly, the second slide bar  108   b  may comprise a second slide tapered portion (not depicted), which cooperates, in use, with a second mold tapered portion (not depicted) of a second taper lock (not depicted) disposed, for example, on the cavity plate assembly  1106 . The second slide tapered portion may be substantially similar to the first slide tapered portion  1100  and the second taper lock may be substantially similar to the first taper lock  1104 . In use, during an appropriate portion of a molding cycle (i.e. in a mold closed position), the first taper lock  1104  cooperates with the first taper lock  1104  and, effectively, applies force in a direction depicted in  FIG. 11  at “F” to substantially prevent any movement of the first slide bar  108   a  in a direction depicted in  FIG. 11  at “O”. 
         [0053]    Recalling that the split mold insert  118   a  comprises a taper portion  412 , another technical effect of this embodiment of the present invention may be achieved whereby the taper portion  412  performs exclusively an alignment function and does not perform a locking function. The locking function, traditionally performed by the top projecting portion of the neck ring of  FIG. 1 , is effectively shifted to the first slide tapered portion  1100  and the first mold tapered portion  1102 . As a result of this arrangement, a technical effect of this embodiment may include not pre-loading the taper portion  412 . Another technical effect of this embodiment may include reduced wear of the taper portion  412  and, as a result, better longevity associated with the split mold insert  118   a.    
         [0054]    It should be noted that even though the slide alignment member  502  of  FIG. 5  has been depicted as a male member and the insert alignment member  504  of  FIG. 5  has been depicted as a female member, this need not be so in every embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, in an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the slide alignment member  502  can comprise a female member and the insert alignment member  504  can comprise a male member. Naturally, similar considerations apply to the slide alignment member  502 ′ and the insert alignment member  504 ′ of  FIG. 7 . 
         [0055]    The description of the embodiments of the present inventions provides examples of the present invention, and these examples do not limit the scope of the present invention. It is to be expressly understood that the scope of the present invention is limited by the claims only. The concepts described above may be adapted for specific conditions and/or functions, and may be further extended to a variety of other applications that are within the scope of the present invention. Having thus described the embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent that modifications and enhancements are possible without departing from the concepts as described. Therefore, what is to be protected by way of letters patent are limited only by the scope of the following claims: