Toner refilling cartridge and attachment flange, for powder supply to photocopier

摘要

The cartridge vessel (12) stores powder, and includes an opening. A rigid flange (14) has a collar section permanently bonded to it, which is attached permanently into the cartridge opening. This design facilitates insertion and removal of the cartridge from the equipment. An Independent claim is included for the method of manufacture. The cartridge is blow-molded with an opening. The stiff flange and collar are formed and welded into the cartridge opening. Preferred features: The cartridge has characteristics facilitating handling. These include recesses (16a-b) assisting insertion and removal. The cartridge has front and rear walls (12f, 12r) with the recesses formed in them, opposite each other. The cartridge has a throat (12a) around the opening, with a out-turned collar on the flange. Dimensions of the collar and flange form a narrow seat between them. The flange has a welded, sealing bead, bonding it to the container. The flange includes a reinforcing edge running around it. An edge feature of the flange assists positioning with respect to the consumer equipment.