초록

A method and apparatus for vacuum thermoforming disposable drink cups lids including the step of imparting printing to the lids while they are in contact with the vacuum thermoforming platen.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method of manufacturing vacuum thermoformed thin plastic drink cup lids having a printable area within the boundaries thereof and formed by a die defining said lids and area comprising the steps of:hot melt extruding a thin web of plastic material; contacting the web with a vacuum thermoforming

1. A method of manufacturing vacuum thermoformed thin plastic drink cup lids having a printable area within the boundaries thereof and formed by a die defining said lids and area comprising the steps of:hot melt extruding a thin web of plastic material; contacting the web with a vacuum thermoforming die configured to form said lids and said area within said lids; applying ink to said area after formation thereof but while said lids remains in contact with said die; and separating said web and lids from said die. 2. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein a portion of the printable area is raised relative to said web.3. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said die rotates as it is contacted by said web and as said lids are formed.4. A method as defined in claim 3 wherein the die is metal and is mounted on a drum.5. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein the step of applying ink is carried out by contacting the formed lids with an ink pad.6. A method as defined in claim 5 wherein the die is disposed on a rotating drum and said ink pad rotates in synchronization with said drum.7. A method as defined in claim 1 comprising the further step of die cutting said lids from said web.8. A method defined in claim 1 wherein the plastic material is polystyrene.9. The method defined in claim 1 wherein the ink is applied by means of a pad having indicia formed thereon.