Abstract:
A form, fill and seal packaging machine is configured to mold a closure directly onto a carton. The machine includes a carton erection station to receive and erect a carton and a direct injection molding station. The molding station has an internal mold tool for receipt of the carton, and an external mold tool set. The internal tool and external tool set are configured to receive and secure a portion of the carton therebetween and define a mold cavity with the portion of the carton disposed therein. The external mold tool set defines an opening for receiving a polymer injection system to inject polymer into the mold cavity. A closure is directly molded in place on the carton, with the polymer encapsulating the inner peripheral edge of the carton opening that is disposed within the mold cavity. The packaging machine also includes a filling station for filling the carton and a sealing station for forming a seal on the carton.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention pertains to a molding unit for molding closures onto containers. More particularly, this invention pertains to a molding unit for directly injection molding a closure onto a paperboard container. Consumers have come to recognize and appreciate resealable closures for containers to store, for example, liquid food products and the like. These resealable closures permit ready access to the product while providing the ability to reseal the container to prolong the life and freshness of the product. Typically, the containers or cartons are formed from a composite of paperboard material having one or more polymer coatings or layers to establish a liquid impervious structure. 
   In known containers having such closures, the closures, which are formed in a separate process and transported to the packaging process, are conventionally affixed to the containers as part of the overall form, fill and seal operation. Typically, the closures are affixed to the partially erected carton prior to filling the carton with product. One known method for affixing the closure to the carton uses an ultrasonic welding process. In this process, the carton is partially erected and the closure is brought into contact with the carton, overlying an opening in the carton. Subsequently, an anvil is placed against the carton material and an ultrasonic horn is brought into contact with a flange of the closure. The ultrasonic horn is actuated which ultrasonically welds the flange to the carton material. 
   Another method for affixing closures to cartons uses an induction heating process. In this process, again, an anvil is placed on the carton material and an induction sealing head is brought into contact with the flange. A current is induced in the induction sealing head which, again, results in welding the flange to the carton. 
   In still another method for incorporating such closures onto paperboard cartons, a mold tool is closed over the carton (having an open area around which the closure is formed). The tool includes internal and external tool portions that are positioned at the interior and exterior regions of the carton, respectively. 
   Such an arrangement is disclosed in Lees et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,467,238 and 6,536,187, which patents are commonly assigned with the present application and are incorporated herein by reference. In the Lees et al. patent, internal and external tools form inner and outer surfaces of the mold cavity. The internal tool is stationary and is rigidly mounted to a mandrel for supporting the carton during the molding process. The internal tool further includes a bore for receiving a sprue bushing (or injecting the plastic) and a gate through which the liquefied plastic flows into the cavity. 
   A pair of external tools compress the carton against the internal tool. The external tools are mounted to a press mechanism to provide two-directional movement of the external tools. One direction of movement is toward and way from the internal tool and the other direction of movement moves the external tool halves toward and away from one another. When the external tools are pressed against one another and pressed against the internal tool, the tools collectively form the mold cavity into which the polymer is injected. 
   While this arrangement functions well, it has been found that it is quite cumbersome and requires a configuration, at angles, of parts to insert into the carton interior for introducing the molten plastic (at the carton interior) for injection into the mold. It has also been found that with the internally-injected arrangement, the carton must move in a direction that is perpendicular to the surface onto which the closure is molded. This tends to reduce carton handling reliability. Moreover, it has been observed that this can limit the size and type or configuration of the closure that can be molded onto the carton. As such, standing alone such a system configuration is quite acceptable. However, in that the closure molding process and system must be integrated into an overall form, fill and seal process and machine, the injection molding system in which plastic is introduced into the mold from the interior of the carton, adversely impacts overall system integration and the final carton/closure product. 
   Accordingly, there exists a need for a molding system for directly molding resealable closures onto cartons. Such a system includes a plastic injection site that is at an exterior region of the carton. Desirably, such a system is configured for integration into existing form, fill and seal packaging machine systems. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A form, fill and seal packaging machine is configured to mold a closure directly onto a carton. The machine includes a carton erection station to receive and erect a carton and a direct injection molding station. 
   The molding station has an internal mold tool for receipt in the carton, and an external mold tool set. The internal tool and external tool set are configured to receive and secure a portion of the carton therebetween and define a mold cavity with the portion of the carton disposed therein. The external mold tool set defines an opening for receiving a polymer injection system to inject polymer into the mold cavity. 
   A closure is directly molded in place on the carton, with the polymer encapsulating the inner peripheral edge of the carton opening that is disposed within the mold cavity. The packaging machine also includes a filling station for filling the carton and a sealing station for forming a seal on the carton. 
   Such a system includes a plastic injection site that is at an exterior region of the carton. A preferred system is configured for integration into existing form, fill and seal packaging machine systems. 
   In a preferred system, the external tool set is formed having first and second portions configured to move toward and engage one another in a closed position and away from one another in an open position, such that the internal tool moves toward the external tool set and engages the external tool set to define the mold cavity. 
   In one embodiment, the molding station includes a frame to which a mandrel is mounted onto which the carton is mounted during molding of the closure. The internal mold tool is mounted to the mandrel, and the mandrel is moved toward and away from the external tool set by a drive. A clamp assembly engages the external tool set to maintain the tool set portions engaged with one another during molding of the closure. 
   A preferred molding system includes a carton stop surface located to properly longitudinally position the carton between the internal tool and the external tool set and to properly position the inner peripheral edge of the carton opening in the mold cavity. In such an arrangement, the carton stop surface is formed on the internal tool. The external tool set includes a recess for mating with the carton stop surface. 
   In a present molding system, a carton centering element is located to properly laterally position the carton between the internal tool and the external tool set and to properly position the inner peripheral edge of the carton opening in the mold cavity. The centering element is disposed on the internal tool and is received in the external tool recess. 
   The tool set (that is, the internal or external tool) includes a stop wall that is adapted to engage the other of the tools. The stop wall is configured to space the internal and external tools from one another a precise and predetermined distance to properly define the mold cavity. 
   The internal mold tool includes a plug portion extending outwardly therefrom. A plurality of carton gripping elements are formed in the tool with that gripping elements being disposed adjacent the plug and within the mold cavity. In a present tool, the carton gripping elements are disposed in a shallow well, peripherally around the plug, and oriented generally radially relative to the plug. 
   Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The benefits and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of a form, fill and seal packaging machine and a carton magazine/erector with a closure forming device (molding unit) embodying the principles of the present invention disposed between the magazine and the packaging machine and further illustrating an associated carton transfer unit positioned above the molding unit; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the molding unit and transfer unit, the molding unit being positioned on a cart within a frame (that supports the transfer unit), the frame and molding unit cart being positioned between the magazine and the packaging machine; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the molding unit as supported on the cart within the frame; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective side view of the molding unit shown removed from the cart and frame for ease of illustration; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective side view of the molding unit shown from the opposite side of that of  FIG. 4  and which, similar to  FIG. 4 , is shown removed from the cart and frame for ease of illustration; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective illustration of the molding unit showing one of the molding stations and illustrating a carton as it is inserted onto the molding unit mandrel, the molding unit being shown with the external tools separated; 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the carton inserted onto the mandrel and the external tools closed for molding the closure; 
       FIG. 8  is a top view illustrating the internal tool moved forward into engagement with the external tools and the external tools closed; 
       FIG. 9  is a top view illustrating the internal tool moved rearward (for loading the carton onto or removing the carton from the mandrel) and with the external tool clamp disengaged from the external tools; 
       FIG. 10  is a top view of the molding unit showing the external tools in the closed position and showing the clamp in the engaged position; 
       FIG. 11  is a top view of the molding unit showing the external tools in the closed position but with the clamp in the disengaged position; 
       FIG. 12  is a partial cross-sectional view of the molding components showing the needle positioned within the sprue bushing and the sprue bushing positioned within the internal mold tool; 
       FIG. 13  is an enlarged partial view showing the internal tool engaged with one of the external tool portions; 
       FIG. 14A  is a perspective view of the external tools engaged with one another; 
       FIG. 14B  is a perspective view of the internal tool for use with the external tools of  FIG. 14A ; 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  illustrate alternate embodiments of the internal tool; 
       FIG. 17  is a schematic illustration of the mold tools engaged with one another to form the mold cavity; 
       FIG. 18  illustrates an exemplary closure molded to a carton (shown in part); and 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a portion of an exemplary carton having a single, central centering notch for use with the present molding unit. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated. 
   It should be further understood that the title of this section of this specification, namely, “Detailed Description Of The Invention”, relates to a requirement of the United States Patent Office, and does not imply, nor should be inferred to limit the subject matter disclosed herein. 
   In the present disclosure, the words “a” or “an” are to be taken to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference to plural items shall, where appropriate, include the singular. 
   Referring now to the figures in particular to  FIG. 1  there is shown an exemplary form, fill and seal packaging machine  10  having a molding unit  12  embodying the principles of the present invention interposed between a carton magazine/erector  14  and a carton bottom sealing station machine turret  16 . A transfer unit  18  is positioned over the molding unit  12 . 
   The transfer unit  18  and molding unit  12  are mounted at a transfer unit frame  20  (with the molding unit  12  mounted to a cart  22  residing within the frame  20 ), that is disposed between the magazine/erector  14  and the form, fill and seal machine  10 . An exemplary form, fill and seal machine  10  can be such as that disclosed in Katsumata, U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,267, which patent is commonly assigned with the present application and is incorporated herein by reference. 
   A carton C is transferred from the carton magazine/erector  14  and is delivered to the molding unit  12  by the transfer unit  18 . Following molding of the closure S, the carton C is removed from the molding unit  12  and is transferred, again by the transfer unit  18 , to the carton mandrels  24  on the machine turret  16  for bottom forming and sealing. The transfer unit  18  is disclosed in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/763,893 to Breidenbach et al., which application is commonly assigned with the present application, and which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
   It was found that although the molding device disclosed in the aforementioned Lees et al. patents functions well, the carton has to move in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction (plane) of the carton surface onto which the closure is molded. This tends to reduce carton handling reliability. Moreover, it has been found that this can limit the size and type or configuration of the closure that can be molded onto the carton. 
   As seen in  FIG. 1 , a molding unit  12  embodying the principles of the present invention includes a frame  26  and carries a plurality of mandrels  28  onto which cartons C are positioned for molding of the closures S. The illustrated molding unit  12  includes four molding stations  30 , each having a mandrel  28 , onto which cartons C are loaded for simultaneous closure S molding. It will be appreciated that the number of stations  30  can vary depending upon the desired arrangement. 
   The station  30  is mounted to the frame  26 . The station  30  includes a polymer injection system  32  having a needle  34 , and a sprue bushing  36 , as disclosed in the aforementioned patent to Lees et al. The station  30  further includes an internal tool or mold  38 , the mandrel  28 , and a mandrel cap  40  mounted to the mandrel  28 . The internal tool  38  is mounted to the mandrel  28  for insertion into the carton C (e.g., for positioning the carton C on the mandrel  28  over the tool  38 ) for closure S molding. The station  30  also includes an external tool or mold  42  that is formed from mating external tool portions  42   a,b  (or halves) that mate with one another and with the internal tool  38  (with the carton C between the internal and external tools  38 ,  42 ). 
   The frame  26  is provided for structure and for mounting the system components. The frame  26  supports the mandrels  28  on which the cartons C reside for molding. 
   The mandrel  28  is mounted to the frame  26  by a reciprocating element  44 , such as the illustrated hydraulic cylinder. A shaft assembly  46  is mounted to the frame  26 , extending parallel to the cylinder  44  extension, to assure straight, even movement of the mandrel  28 . To this end, the mandrel  28  “slides” along the shaft assembly  46 . Guide rollers (not shown) are operably mounted to the frame  26  for contact with the mandrel  28  to prevent rotational movement of the mandrel  28 . The mandrel  28  is moved by the cylinder  44  toward and away from a rigid, fixed chassis plate  50 . The chassis plate  50  is rigidly mounted to the frame  26 . The pressure generated by the cylinder  44  holds the mandrels  28  in place during molding. 
   The internal mold tool  38  is mounted to the mandrel  28  and the external mold tool  42  is operably and movably mounted to the chassis plate  50 . The internal mold tool  38  includes a plug portion  52  that defines the inside of the closure S spout. Conversely, the external tool  42  defines the outer bounds of a cavity  54  that defines the outside of the closure S spout. When the internal and external tools  38 ,  42  are mated with one another, they define the cavity  54  that spatially defines the closure S. 
   The polymer injection system  32  is that portion of the molding unit  12  that receives the polymer (e.g., in a solid, such as pellet form), liquefies the polymer and transports (injects) it to the closure mold tools  38 ,  42 . A contemplated polymer injection system can be such as that disclosed in the aforementioned patents to Lees et al. 
   Referring again to  FIGS. 6-9 , the mandrels  28  move longitudinally toward and away from the external mold tools  42  by action of the cylinder  44 . The external tools  42  are split tools, that is, each of the external tools  42  is formed from first and second tool portions  42   a  and  42   b  (or halves) that move toward and away from each other. The external tools  42  move laterally or transverse to the direction that the mandrels  28  move. Thus, when the external tool portions  42   a,b  separate and the mandrel  28  moves away from the external tools  42 , the mold is fully open. 
   Each of the first external tool portions  42   a  move by action of a single drive element, such as the exemplary pneumatic cylinder  56  and reciprocating drive rod  60  that are mounted to each of the first tool portions  42   a  and each of the second tool portions  42   b  move by action of a single drive element, such as the exemplary pneumatic cylinder  58 . The cylinder  56  rod (not shown) is mounted to the frame  26  and the cylinder body  56  is mounted to a yoke  57 . The yoke  57  is attached to a pair of drive rods  60  (one shown) that traverse through a side of the frame  26  and through each of the first and second tool portions,  42   a  and  42   b  but is affixed or mounted to only the first tool portions  42   a.    
   The second tool portions  42   b  are mounted to one another by a connecting flange  62  that extends from each of the second tool portions  42   b  and mounts to adjacent second tool portions. The second tool portions  42   b  are also driven such that actuation of the second cylinder  58  moves each of the second tool portions  42   b . In this manner, the first and second tool portions  42   a  and  42   b  move between the open and closed positions in a coordinated manner. 
   In the open position, the tool portions  42   a,b  are separated from one another. In the closed position, the tool portions  42   a,b  are engaged with one another to form the outer part of the mold cavity. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the pressure at which the plastic is injected into the mold can be quite high, on the order of 10,000 to 12,000 pounds per square inch. As such, in order to maintain the tool portions  42   a,b  engaged with one another to define the mold cavity  54 , a clamp assembly  64  (two associated with each of the mold assemblies  30 ) moves longitudinally into engagement with the external tools  42   a,b  to assure that the tools  42  are secured together to maintain the mold closed and the cavity  54  defined. 
   In addition, in order to maintain the external tool portions  42   a,b  engaged with one another and flush against the chassis plate  50  when the clamp assemblies  64  are actuated, as seen in FIGS,  6 - 7 , a pair of securing posts  65  engage locking flanges  67  on each of the tools  42   a,b . The posts  65  are fixedly mounted to the chassis plate  50 , and are thus quite rigidly supported. As the tools  42   a,b  move together, the flanges  67  (which are rigidly mounted to the external tool portions  42   a,b ) engage heads  69  on the posts  65  and prevent the tools  42   a,b  from pulling forward (toward the mandrel  28 ) and rotating away (from the mandrel  28 ). 
   The clamp assembly  64  moves longitudinally in toward the mold portions  42   ab , to interfere with lateral movement (opening) of the portions  42   a,b . In a present molding unit  12 , the clamp  64  includes a body  66  that moves over and engages a locking stub  68  extending from each of the tool portions  42   a ,  42   b . The body  66  moves toward and away from the tool portions  42   a,b , i.e., is driven, by actuation of a drive  70 , such as the illustrated pneumatic cylinder. Other drives, including electric actuators, pneumatic actuators and the like are also contemplated. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 12-14 , the internal tool  38  (which includes the outwardly extending plug  52 ) and the external tool  42 , when engaged with one another, define the cavity  54  which defines the closure S (when plastic is injected into the cavity  54 ). Each of the tools  38 ,  42  also serves to assure that it is properly positioned relative to the other so that the cavity  54  is of the proper size for plastic to fill the cavity  54 . This assures that the dimensions of the closure S are as designed and that the closure S properly forms. To this end, the tools  38 ,  42  include a stop wall  72  that serves to space the internal tool  38  from the external tool  42  to properly define the space between the tools  38 ,  42  (and thus define the mold cavity  54 ). In this manner, the space or gap between the tools  38 ,  42  (or the cavity  54 ), when the tools are closed, is a measured, gauged distance that is dependent upon the distance d 72  (see  FIGS. 14A and 14B ) that the wall  72  extends from the tool  38  surface in conjunction with the depth d 78  of the external tool recess  78 . 
   Control of the distance between the tools  38 ,  42  facilitates controlling the thickness of the closure and in particular the thickness of the tear membrane that is (in this closure S) formed as part of the closure S. The internal tool  38  also includes a physical carton stop surface, as indicated at  73 , for engaging the carton C to prevent over-insertion as the carton C is moved onto the mandrel  28  and as the tools  38 ,  42  engage one another. The carton stop surface  73  essentially provides for longitudinal positioning of the carton C, i.e., positioning along the length of the mandrel  28  as indicated by the arrow  74  in  FIG. 7 , by stopping inward movement of the carton C. In a current embodiment, the carton stop surface  73  is formed as part of the stop wall  72 , thus integrating the two structures (and functions) into a single element. The surface  73  (as part of the wall  72 ) extends out farther from the face  39  of the tool  38  than the plug  52  extends out from the face  39  of the tool  38 . 
   The tools  38 ,  42  also include a centering or aligning projection  76 . In the illustrated embodiment, the aligning projection  76  is also formed with, or as part of, the stop wall  72  and the carton stop surface  73 . The centering projection  76  has a predetermined, particular shape such that the projection  76  mates with a portion  76 ′ of the carton C (see  FIG. 21 ) to properly laterally position the carton between the mold tools  38 ,  42 . Thus, with the stop surface  73  and the centering projection  76 , the carton C is properly positioned between the mold tools  38 ,  42  by virtue of moving the carton C into the space between until the carton C stops, and the tools  38 ,  42  are properly spaced from one another by the stop wall  72 . 
   In the illustrated embodiment, the stop wall  72 , stop surface  73  and centering projection  76  are positioned on the internal tool  38 . The external tool  42  recess  78  receives the stop wall  72  and centering projection  76 . As set forth briefly above, dimensionally, the stop wall  72  extends outwardly a distance d 72  (see  FIGS. 14A and 14B ), that spaces the internal and external tools  38 ,  42  from one another a predetermined amount to accommodate the carton C material thickness without over-compressing the material or leaving it “loose” within the mold, between the tools  38 ,  42 . Although the stop wall  72 , stop surface  73  and aligning projection  76  are shown integrated into a single structural element in the present tool set  38 ,  42 , those skilled in the art will recognize that these integrated elements  72 ,  73  and  76  can be formed as separate structural and functional elements. In addition, although the stop wall  72 , stop surface  73  and aligning projection  76  are shown projecting outwardly from the internal tool  38 , and the cooperating recess  78  is are formed in the external tool set  42   a,b , those skilled in the art will recognize that the projecting elements  72 ,  73  and  76  can be formed on the external tool set  42   a,b  and the receiving element or recess  78  formed in the internal tool  38 . 
   In a present embodiment, the centering projection  76  is formed having a triangle or wedge shape and the carton C has a like triangle or wedge cut-out portion  76 ′ such that as the carton C is moved between the mold tools  38 ,  42 , the sides of the cut-out  76 ′ contact the sides of the projection  76 , and laterally shift the carton C, as needed, to position the carton C in the mold unit  12 . It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other shapes, such as semicircles  176  ( FIG. 15 ), truncated pyramidal shapes  276  ( FIG. 16 ) and the like, as well as plural or other shapes, e.g., pairs of spaced apart projections, can be used, as can cut-out or recess(es) formed in the tool, mating with a tab or projection in the carton, which shapes and configurations, as well as other shapes and configurations, are within the scope and spirit of the present invention. It will also be appreciated that mating carton C cut-outs (or projections or tabs) will be used with such other shapes and configurations. 
   In order to minimize deflection of the carton C material once it is in the mold and as plastic is injected into the mold cavity  54 , paper control ribs  82  extend generally radially from about the base of the plug  52 . In a present embodiment, a shallow well or channel  84  is formed around the base of the plug  52  in which the ribs  82  are formed. The ribs  82  support the paper to prevent localized deflection of the carton C. The ribs  82  also tend to improve contact between the flowing polymer and the carton (paper) material which enhances bonding. As seen in  FIGS. 13 and 14B , a paper compression ring  85  is formed on the external tool  42  for engaging and compressing the paperboard against the internal tool  38 , outside of the well  84 . This forms the boundary to which the polymer flows during closure S molding. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that (even though not shown) the paper compression ring can alternately be formed on the internal tool. When the internal and external tools  38 ,  42  are closed and secured, the paper compression ring  85  is about 0.35 mm from the internal tool to compress the paper to about 0.35 mm from about 0.5 mm. 
   As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, in conventional closure application techniques, the carton C is provided with a pre-punched or pre-formed opening into which the closure is fitted and subsequently sealed to the carton. The edges around the this area are uncoated in that the opening is formed after manufacture of the composite or laminate structure of the carton material. 
   Although it is anticipated that cartons with such pre-formed openings will be used with the molding unit  12 , it is also anticipated that non-pre-formed material may also be used and that the opening can be formed as part of or integrated with the direct injection molding process. 
   In operation, the transfer unit  18  rotates to position the cartons C above the molding unit  12 . The cartons C are transferred onto the four molding station mandrels  28  simultaneously. The carton molding panel P (that is, that panel of the carton C onto which the closure is molded) is moved between the internal tool plug  52  and the external tool  42 . To minimize the amount of movement required within the molding unit, the distance (space) between the plug  52  and the external tool  42  is maintained relatively small, about 4.0 millimeters, or 3.5 mm larger than the thickness of the carton panel P, when the molding unit  12  is in the open position. 
   As the carton C is moved onto the mandrel  28 , between the plug  54  and external tool  42 , the edge E of the carton C contacts the stop surface  72  on the internal tool  38 . This longitudinally positions the carton C in the mold. In addition, the movement of the carton C into the mold and mating of the internal tool centering projection  76  with the carton cut-out  76 ′ laterally positions the carton C in the mold. In this manner, the carton C is longitudinally and laterally positioned in the molding assembly  30 . The mold tools  38 ,  42  then close, as by inward movement of the external tool portions  42   a ,  42   b  and movement of the mandrel  28  (with the internal tool  38 ) toward the external tools  42 . The compression ring  85  grips the carton C material while the control ribs  82  prevent deflection, to facilitate maintaining the position of the carton C between the tools  38 ,  42  and within the mold cavity  54 . The carton C is now positioned between the mold tools  38 ,  42 , the clamp  64  moves into position to secure the external tool portions  42   a  and  42   b , and polymer is injected into the mold cavity  54 . It will be appreciated that the external tool portions  42   a,b  can be closed and the clamps  64  engaged, prior to engaging the internal tool  38  with the external tool  42 . 
   Following a period of time to cool, the mold is opened by releasing the clamp  64 , separating the external tool portions  42   a ,  42   b  and withdrawing the mandrel  28  (alternately, the mandrel  28  can be withdrawn prior to or contemporaneous with separating the external tool portions  42   a,b ). The carton C is then removed (pulled) from the mandrel  28  back on to the transfer unit  18 . It will be appreciated that because the external tools  42   a,b  separate from one another, and the internal tool  38  (on the mandrel  28 ) withdraws, there is sufficient space for the carton C with the closure S molded thereon to move passed the tools  38 ,  42  without damage to the closure S. 
   All patents referred to herein, are hereby incorporated herein by reference, whether or not specifically done so within the text of this disclosure. 
   From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.