摘要 |
A method of making a preform assembly includes providing an integrally molded preform having a neck with an external surface, an external flange at one end of the neck and a preform body at an opposing end of the neck. The flange and the body both have outside diameters that are greater than the outside diameter of the external surface of the neck. A split annular molded plastic finish ring is assembled to the preform by expanding the ring, moving the ring to a position encircling the neck, and then closing the ring around the neck. In one presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the split annular finish ring is of resilient construction. The ring is resiliently expanded and assembled to the preform by moving the ring over the body or the flange to a position encircling the neck, and then releasing the ring so that the ring resiliently contracts around the neck and engages the outer surface of the neck. In other embodiments of the invention, the split annular ring is provided with a hinge at which the ring may be expanded and contracted with respect to the preform neck, or the ring is provided in multiple pieces that are assembled around the neck of the preform.
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