PRECISION MOLDING APPARATUS FOR CUP PRODUCTION

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present invention relates to a precision molding apparatus for cup production comprising a body 100 with an orifice 102 featuring an inner surface with plurality of primary ridges 104, a die head 106, a tapered cavity 108 with plurality of secondary ridges 110 for receiving raw media, a first insert 500 overlays the tapered cavity 108 equipped with one or more primary threaded holes 502 and an insert aperture 504 with tertiary ridges 506, primary tapered teeth 600 engage with the secondary ridges 110 forming a pattern on the raw media, a second insert 900 fitted into the secondary teeth 902 that mate with the primary ridges 104 and tertiary ridges 506 creating an additional pattern and a fastening plate 1000 with one or more secondary threaded holes 1002 secures the assembly by aligning with the primary holes for locking the inserts in place to manufacture a cup effectively. Refer to Figure 1

Specification

Description:"PRECISION MOLDING APPARATUS FOR CUP PRODUCTION"
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a precision molding apparatus for cup production that is capable of manufacturing cups automatically with different shapes, sizes and pattern, thereby preventing any human intervention during manufacturing of the cups.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Cups are essential in the baking and food service industries, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. They provide a convenient and hygienic way to handle foods, beverages and other baked goods, while also offering a means of uniform shaping, ensuring consistency in product size and appearance. Moreover, cups prevent the foods, beverages and baked goods from sticking to the baking trays, making clean-up easier and enhancing product presentation.

[0003] Traditional methods of manufacturing cups often involve simple pressing or stamping techniques where raw materials such as paper or foil are mechanically shaped into cups. Such methods, however has limited ability to produce different designs or patterns, which are increasingly in demand for aesthetic appeal. The lack of customization options with traditional machinery also means that producing cups of varying dimensions requires significant changes to the equipment setup or even entirely different machines. The rigidity in manufacturing processes leads to inefficiencies and higher costs, especially for manufacturers who cater to a diverse range of products.

[0004] Another key problem with traditional manufacturing methods is the inability to achieve precise, consistent results. The machinery used for manufacturing cups often lacks a fine control necessary to adjust parameters like depth and width, leading to variability in the final product (i.e. the cups). This results in cups that are either too thin or too thick, compromising the structural integrity of the cup. Additionally, such traditional methods often do not account for the need to accommodate different raw materials, limiting the versatility of the process.

[0005] Furthermore, in conventional manufacturing, the withdrawal of the final product from the machine is often involves a manual or semi-automatic process, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors. This slows down production and increases the risk of damaging the finished product during removal. The lack of a withdrawal mechanism reduces overall efficiency and increases labour costs. Manufacturers also face challenges with wear and tear on machine components due to the repetitive nature of the process, leading to frequent maintenance or replacements, further increasing downtime. To overcome the aforementioned drawbacks there is a need to develop a device that counters the aforementioned drawbacks in order to overcome them.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a cup manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing cups in different shapes and sizes and patterns to include all advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent in the prior art.
[0007] An objective of the present disclosure is to develop an apparatus that is capable of manufacturing cups of different sizes and patterns in automated manner, thereby eliminating a need of human intervention.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to develop an apparatus that is capable of working with a variety of raw materials for manufacturing different types of cups.
[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to develop an apparatus that automatically ejects the final product from the apparatus once the desired patterns are formed, enhancing efficiency in the production process.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to develop a system that is cost effective in means of manufacturing the cups.
[0011] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to develop an apparatus that produce a range of products, such as different types of cups, expanding its applicability to various industries, including food packaging.
[0012] Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[0013] The present invention relates to a precision molding apparatus for cup production that includes a body constructed using materials like mild steel. The body includes an orifice. The orifice comprises an inner surface that features a plurality of primary ridges. The orifice is adjustable in terms of depth, width, and taper angle, allowing for different cup sizes and shapes.

[0014] Furthermore, a die head is detachably connected to the body. The die head comprises a tapered cavity inside the die head, that is designed with a plurality of secondary ridges. The tapered cavity is adapted for allowing placement of the raw material, such as paper or foil to be shaped into a cup. The die head further comprises a plurality of head apertures, allowing the die head to be attached to a fixed surface or press, ensuring stability during operation.

[0015] Moreover, a first insert is placed over the tapered cavity of the die head. The first insert includes one or more primary threaded holes and an insert aperture featuring a plurality of tertiary ridges. The first insert also has a plurality of primary tapered teeth that match with the plurality of secondary ridges in the die head when the first insert is placed over the tapered cavity. The interaction between the plurality of secondary ridges and teeth creates a pattern on the upper part of the raw material.

[0016] Further, a second insert is placed inside the insert aperture of the first insert. The outer surface of the second insert has secondary teeth. When the second insert is placed towards the orifice of the body, the secondary teeth engage with both the plurality of primary ridges of the orifice and the tertiary ridges of the first insert. The process results in the formation of another pattern on the raw material's upper surface.

[0017] Furthermore, both the first and second inserts are configured to be replaced with similar inserts, allowing for changes in the dimensions of the cups being manufactured. The feature creates different types of cups, such as paper cups or muffin cups. Moreover, the fastening plate is placed over both inserts. The fastening plate has one or more secondary threaded holes that align with the one or more primary threaded holes of the first insert. By inserting fasteners, the fastening plate locks the inserts in place, which completes the cup manufacturing process.

[0018] Finally, the orifice of the body includes an ejection mechanism that, after the pattern and additional pattern have been formed on the raw material, pushes the second insert out of the orifice to eject the finished cup. The ejection mechanism ensures that the cup is removed efficiently after manufacturing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING
[0019] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of various embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the drawings provided herein. For the purposes of illustration, there are shown in the drawings exemplary embodiments; however, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed.
[0020] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a body detachably coupled with a die head associated with a precision molding apparatus for cup production as disclosed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0021] Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the die head as disclosed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0022] Figure 3 illustrates a bottom view of the die head as disclosed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0023] Figure 4 illustrates a front view of the body detachably coupled with a die head as disclosed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0024] Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of a first insert as disclosed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0025] Figure 6 illustrates a top view of the first insert as disclosed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0026] Figure 7 illustrates a bottom view of the first insert as disclosed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0027] Figure 8 illustrates a front view of the first insert as disclosed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0028] Figure 9 illustrates an isometric view of a second insert configured with a plurality of secondary teeth as disclosed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0029] Figure 10 illustrates an isometric view of fastening plate comprising one or more secondary threaded holes as disclosed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0030] Figure 11 illustrates a top view of the die head as disclosed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0031] Figure 12 illustrates a top view of the precision molding apparatus for cup production as disclosed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0032] Figure 13 illustrates a bottom view of the precision molding apparatus for cup production as disclosed in an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0033] Figure 14 illustrates a front view of the precision molding apparatus for cup production as disclosed in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0034] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well- known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
[0036] The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
[0037] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which similar elements in different drawings are identified with the same reference numbers. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.
[0038] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural, the word "a" or "an" means "at least one", and the use of "or" means "and/or", unless specifically stated otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the term "including", as well as other forms, such as "includes" and "included", is not limiting. Also, terms such as "element" or "component" encompass both elements and components comprising one unit and elements or components that comprise more than one unit unless specifically stated otherwise.
[0039] Referring to figure 1, an isometric view of a precision molding apparatus for cup production is illustrated, comprising a body 100 defining an orifice 102, a plurality of primary ridges 104, a die head 106, a tapered cavity 108 defining a plurality of secondary ridges 110, plurality of head apertures 112.
[0040] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the precision molding apparatus for cup production includes a body 100 that is developed to be installed on a fixed surface (e.g., a bench, an induction board of a press, etc.). The body 100 is constructed with different durable materials which provides longevity to the body 100. The material of the body 100 includes but not limited to mild steel. The body 100 is constructed with different shapes that includes but not limited to hemi-spherical, cuboidal, cubical, conical, etc. The body 100 having a first and second end where the first and second end corresponds to a top and bottom portion of the body 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the body 100 is installed with a pressure applying apparatus or machine that includes but not limited to a hydraulic press.
[0041] The top portion of the body 100 defines an orifice 102. The orifice 102 is constructed at a location within the body 100. The location of the orifice 102 includes but not limited to center, sides, corners etc. The orifice 102 defined herein is constructed by different means that includes but not limited to drilling, hammering etc. The orifice 102 of the body 100 defines one or more adjustable parameters that includes but not limited to depth, width and taper angle. Further, the orifice 102 having an inner surface. Further, the inner surface of the orifice 102 defines a predefined radius of curvature. Further, the inner surface of the orifice 102 is engraved with a plurality of primary ridges 104. The plurality of primary ridges 104 of the orifice 102 comprises multiple primary protruded sections and multiple secondary depressed sections. Further, each of the multiple primary protruded sections is alternatively constructed adjacent to each of the multiple depressed sections along the inner surface of the orifice 102. The plurality of primary ridges 104 is engraved across the inner circumference of the orifice 102 throughout the length of the plurality of primary ridges 104.
[0042] Further the body 100 is detachably coupled with a die head 106. Further, the die head 106 is constructed with different shapes that includes but not limited to circular, rectangular, square etc. The die head 106 is made of a material that is selected from a group of materials that may include but not limited to mild steel. The materials of the die head 106 is selected to make the die head 106 durable and increases life of the die head 106. The die head 106 includes a tapered cavity 108 (as illustrated in FIG. 2 & 3). Further, the tapered cavity 108 is fabricated over an upper surface of the die head 106 (as illustrated in FIG. 4). The tapered cavity 108 may be constructed over the die head 106 through different processes that may include but not limited to a drilling process, cutting process, molding process, casting process, etc. The tapered cavity 108 is constructed with different shapes that includes but not limited to a conical, circular, rectangular, oval, square and triangular etc. The tapered cavity 108 having a plurality of secondary ridges 110. The plurality of secondary ridges 110 includes multiple secondary protruded sections and multiple secondary depressed sections. The die head 106 is coupled with the body 100 through multiple fastening means that includes but not limited to one or more fastening member, rivet joints, nut and bolt etc. Herein, the tapered cavity 108 is configured to receive a raw media that includes but not limited to a paper, foil, reinforced fabric etc. The raw media herein is placed over the tapered cavity 108 by one or more means that includes but not limited to human intervention or an automated process.
[0043] The die head 106 herein further includes a plurality of head apertures 112. Further, the plurality of head apertures 112 is carved over the die head 106 for allowing one or more fastening means to pass through the plurality of head apertures 112. The plurality of head apertures 112 is focused towards enabling coupling of the body 100 with a fixed surface or the hydraulic press, through the die head 106 thereby eliminating the unnecessary movement of the body 100 during a process of manufacturing of cup.
[0044] After successful placing of the raw media, a first insert 500 (as illustrated in FIG. 5) that is configured to be placed over the tapered cavity 108 is positioned by the user over the tapered cavity 108. The first insert 500 is designed to be fitted over the tapered cavity 108. The first insert 500 having a one or more dimensions in accordance to the depth of the tapered cavity 108 for ensuring proper fitting of the first insert 500 with the tapered cavity 108. The first insert 500 configured with one or more primary threaded holes 502 (as illustrated in FIG. 7) that is constructed with multiple different ways that includes but not limited to drilling and hammering. The one or more primary threaded holes 502 comprises a plurality of internal threads that are manufactured through at least from a tapered tool.
[0045] The first insert 500 comprises an insert aperture 504. Further, the insert aperture 504 having an inner surface. Furthermore, the inner surface is engraved with a plurality of tertiary ridges 506 (as illustrated in FIG. 8). The insert aperture 504 is hollow in nature and the plurality of tertiary ridges 506 are engraved within the inner surface of the insert aperture 504 of the first insert 500. The plurality of tertiary ridges 506 includes a tertiary protruded part and a tertiary depressed part arranged in an alternate manner.
[0046] Further the first insert 500 defines an outer surface. Further, the outer surface of the first insert 500 is engraved with a plurality of primary tapered teeth 600(as illustrated in FIG. 6). The plurality of primary tapered teeth 600 include one or multiple teeth having a pointed end at an apex end of the teeth. The apex end of the teeth comes in contact with the plurality of secondary ridges 110 to mate with the plurality of secondary ridges 110. The plurality of primary tapered teeth 600 is designed in a manner so that the plurality of primary tapered teeth 600 gets properly aligned with secondary protruded and depressed part to ensure proper fixation of the first insert 500 with the plurality of secondary ridges 110. Upon successful placement of the first insert 500 over the tapered cavity 108 and due to the pressure applied over the raw media via the first insert 500 a pattern that includes but not limited to a sinusoidal pattern, spiral pattern etc. on an upper portion of the raw media is formed.
[0047] As the first insert 500 gets successfully placed over the tapered cavity 108, a second insert 900 (as illustrated in FIG. 9) is required to be placed into the insert aperture 504 of the first insert 500 and towards the orifice 102. The second insert 900 is made up of material that includes but not limited to mild steel. The second insert 900 is constructed with multiple different shapes that includes but not limited to cylindrical and cubical etc. The second insert 900 comprises an outer surface that is engraved with a plurality of secondary teeth 902. The plurality of secondary teeth 902 having one or multiple number of teeth that are pin pointed from the apex portion of the plurality of secondary teeth 902. The teeth of the plurality of secondary teeth 902 gets aligned with the plurality of primary ridges 104 and the plurality of tertiary ridges 506.
[0048] After successful placement of the first insert 500, the second insert 900 is placed into the insert aperture 504 of the first insert 500 and towards the orifice 102. After placement of second insert 900 into the insert aperture 504 of the first insert 500, a pressure is externally applied over the second insert 900 to move the second insert 900 within the insert aperture 504 and towards the orifice 102 that leads in applying a pressure over the raw media. Initially, the plurality of secondary teeth 902 are properly aligned with the plurality of primary ridges 104 and plurality of tertiary ridges 506 along the primary and tertiary protruded and depressed part to ensure proper insertion of the second insert 900 within the insert aperture 504 towards the orifice 102. The insertion of second insert 900 enables mating of the plurality of secondary teeth 902 with the plurality of primary ridges 104 and the plurality of tertiary ridges 506.
[0049] As a result of mating, the gap in between the plurality of secondary teeth 902 with the plurality of primary ridges 104 and the plurality of tertiary ridges 506 reduces, that exerts a pressure over the raw media which leads in formation of an another pattern that include but not limited to a sinusoidal pattern, spiral pattern etc. on an upper portion of the raw media. Herein, the first insert 500 and the second insert 900 are configured to be replaced with similar inserts having different sizes and patterns engraved over the similar inserts to change dimension and patterns of the cup. The other patterns mentioned here may include but not limited to a sinusoidal pattern, spiral pattern etc.
[0050] After successful insertion of the plurality of secondary teeth 902 with the insert aperture 504, a fastening process is required. The apparatus further comprises a fastening plate 1000 (as illustrated in FIG. 10) that is detachably coupled with the body 100 is placed collectively over the first insert 500 and the second insert 900. The fastening plate 1000 includes one or more secondary threaded holes 1002 that are configured with the plate 1000 for allowing passage for a one or more fastener that includes but not limited to a nut and bolt fastener, rivet joints. The fastening of the fastener is performed by one or more means that includes but not limited to a spanner, a plier or any other hand held operated fastening tool etc. The fastening plate 1000 is placed in a manner so that the one or more primary threaded holes 502 of the first insert 500 gets aligned with the one or more secondary threaded holes 1002 of the second insert 900. The successful alignment of the one or more primary threaded holes 502 with the one or more secondary threaded holes 1002 enables locking of the fastening plate 1000 with the first insert 500 through the one or more fasteners, thereby manufacturing a cup. The manufactured cup corresponds to at least one of a paper cup, muffin cup, etc. (as illustrated in FIGS. 11-14).
[0051] After successful manufacturing of the cup, the one or more fasteners are required to be opened by one or more means that includes but not limited to a spanner, a plier or any other hand held operated fastening tool etc. in order to free up the fastening plate 1000. Further, after separation of fastening plate 1000 from the body 100, an ejection mechanism comes in action. The ejection mechanism is configured within the orifice 102 of the body 100 and includes but not limited to a spring arrangement, pneumatic rod, and a hydraulic rod. The ejection mechanism is configured to push out the second insert 900 out of the orifice 102. After pushing out of the second insert 900, the user is required to access the body 100 in order to enable the ejection of the manufactured cup from the body 100.
[0052] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the material used for the apparatus includes but not limited to mild steel which provides strength to the apparatus in a cost effective manner.
[0053] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the specific features of the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that many additional features can be added and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiment without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
[0054] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements.
[0055] The embodiments described above are intended only to illustrate and teach one or more ways of practicing or implementing the present invention, not to restrict its breadth or scope. The actual scope of the invention, which embraces all ways of practicing or implementing the teachings of the invention, is defined only by the following claims and their equivalents.
[0056] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements.
[0057] The embodiments described above are intended only to illustrate and teach one or more ways of practicing or implementing the present invention, not to restrict its breadth or scope. The actual scope of the invention, which embraces all ways of practicing or implementing the teachings of the invention, is defined only by the following claims and their equivalents.

, Claims:CLAIMS:
1. A precision molding apparatus for cup production, comprises:
a body 100 defining an orifice 102,
wherein the orifice 102 having an inner surface configured with a plurality of primary ridges 104;
a die head 106 detachably coupled with the body 100, wherein the die head 106 comprises:
a tapered cavity 108 defining a plurality of secondary ridges 110,
wherein the tapered cavity 108 is configured to receive a raw media;
a first insert 500 configured to be placed over the tapered cavity 108, wherein the first insert 500 comprising:
one or more primary threaded holes 502;
an insert aperture 504 configured with a plurality of tertiary ridges 506,
a plurality of primary tapered teeth 600 configured to mate with the plurality of secondary ridges 110, upon placement of the first insert 500 over the tapered cavity 108 to form a pattern on an upper portion of the raw media;
a second insert 900 having an outer surface configured with a plurality of secondary teeth 902,
wherein the second insert 900 is configured to be placed into the insert aperture 504 of the first insert 500 and towards the orifice 102 to enable mating of the plurality of secondary teeth 902 with the plurality of primary ridges 104 and the plurality of tertiary ridges 506
wherein mating of the plurality of secondary teeth 902 with the plurality of primary ridges 104 and the plurality of tertiary ridges 506 to form an another pattern on an upper portion of the raw media; and
a fastening plate 1000 comprises one or more secondary threaded holes 1002,
wherein the fastening plate 1000 is configured to be placed collectively over the first insert 500 and the second insert 900 such that the one or more primary threaded holes 502 aligns with the one or more secondary threaded holes 1002 enable locking of the fastening plate 1000 with the first insert 500 through one or more fasteners thereby manufacturing a cup.

2. The precision molding apparatus for cup production as claimed in claim 1, wherein the orifice 102 of the body 100 defines one or more adjustable parameters that may include but not limited to depth, width, and taper angle.
3. The precision molding apparatus for cup production as claimed in claim 1, the body 100 is constructed with materials that may include but are not limited to mild steel.
4. The precision molding apparatus for cup production as claimed in claim 1, wherein the die head 106 further comprises a plurality of head apertures 112.
5. The precision molding apparatus for cup production as claimed in claim 4, wherein the plurality of head apertures 112 are configured to enable coupling of the body 100 with a fixed surface or a press.
6. The precision molding apparatus for cup production as claimed in claim 1, wherein the orifice 102 of the body 100 further comprises an ejection mechanism.
7. The precision molding apparatus for cup production as claimed in claim 6, wherein upon formation of the pattern and another pattern on the raw media, the ejection mechanism is configured to push the second insert 900 out of the orifice 102 to eject the cup.
8. The precision molding apparatus for cup production as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first insert 500 and the second insert 900 are configured to be replaced with similar inserts to change dimensions of the cup.
9. The precision molding apparatus for cup production as claimed in claim 7, wherein the cup corresponds to at least one of a paper cup, muffin cup, etc.
10. The precision molding apparatus for cup production as claimed in claim 1, wherein the raw media includes but not limited to a paper, foil, reinforced fabric etc.

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