Appeal No. 1997-1285 Page 2
Application No. 08/307,153
BACKGROUND
The appellant's invention relates to a method of forming a container closure to be subsequently
attached to the flange of a separately formed container. The closure includes an annular frame member
which is compatible in shape with the rim of the container and designed for attachment to the container.
Within the frame, there is a disk portion formed from sheet material. Appellant calls the disk portion an
end panel. This end panel is designed with a pull tab. During use, the tab is pulled to remove the end
panel from the closure to allow access to the contents of the container. At its broadest level, the
method of making the closure involves forming the end panel, inserting it into an injection mold and
injecting plastic into the mold to both form the frame and attach the frame to the end panel. This
process is generally referred to in the art as insert injection molding. Claims 20 and 26 are
representative of the subject matter on appeal and are reproduced below:
20. A method of forming a container closure for subsequent attachment to a separate
preformed container having a flange for securing the closure thereto, said method including the steps of:
a) forming an end panel in the shape of a planar disk;
b) inserting said disk into a mold having a mold cavity for forming a frame member shaped to be
secured to the flange of a container;
c) injecting plastic material into said mold cavity for forming said frame member and for
attaching said end panel to said frame member,
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Last modified: November 3, 2007