Co-injection molded dispensing components

Abstract

A present application relates to a dispensing component for use with an urn liner. The dispensing component includes a spout formed of a polyethylene material and a flexible tube formed of a thermoplastic elastomer material. The spout and tube are formed together as a single component in a mold by co-injection of the polyethylene material and the thermoplastic elastomer material.

1 . A method for making a dispensing component for use with an urn liner, comprising:
 providing a mold that defines a cavity for forming a spout and a cavity for forming a tube;   injecting molten polyethylene into the cavity for forming a spout;   injecting molten thermoplastic elastomer into the cavity for forming a tube; and   forming a single interconnected component in the mold that includes a polyethylene spout and a thermoplastic elastomeric tube.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further including the step of forming the spout to have a protrusion and forming a portion of the tube around the protrusion such that the protrusion secures the tube to the spout. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further including the step of forming the tube to have an inner layer made of thermoplastic elastomer and an outer layer made of polyethylene. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of injecting molten thermoplastic elastomer occurs after the polyethylene solidifies. 
     
     
         5 . A method for making a dispensing component for use with an urn liner, comprising:
 providing a mold that defines a cavity for forming a spout adapter and a cavity for forming a tube;   injecting molten polyethylene into the cavity for forming a spout adapter;   injecting molten thermoplastic elastomer into the cavity for forming a tube; and   forming a single component in the mold that includes a polyethylene spout adapter and a thermoplastic elastomeric tube.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , further including the step of forming the spout adapter to have a protrusion and forming a portion of the tube around the protrusion such that the protrusion secures the tube to the adapter.