METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING A NOTCHED HINGE CONNECTION IN A THERMOFORMED CONTAINER

摘要

Method and apparatus for forming a hinge in a thermoformed container, such as an egg carton, and the resulting container. The hinge is formed in the mold, by severing a thermoformed container along the length of a hinge line, with the exception of plurality of spaced connecting membranes that are not severed. The alternating severed portions and connecting membranes are referred to herein as a notched hinge connection. The width, depth, and location of the connecting membranes can be adjusted so the hinge area is strong enough to withstand multiple openings during use.

主权项

1. A method of thermoforming a hinged plastic container comprising:
thermoforming a hinged container from a sheet of thermoformable material in a mold, the mold including a top molding surface having:
a first molding surface for forming a first portion of the container;a second molding surface for forming a second portion of the container; anda hinge molding surface between the first and second molding surfaces for forming a flat planar hinge connection area between the first and second portions of the container; providing a knife positioned above the hinge molding surface, the knife having a cutting blade movable against the hinge molding surface; clamping the flat planar hinge connection area against the hinge molding surface cutting a notched hinge line in the clamped hinge connection area of the thermoformed container in the mold, the notched hinge line including severed portions separated by connecting membranes joining the adjacent portions of the container.