A method and a mould assembly

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a solid formulation product comprising steps of: positioning a platform into a cup comprising an open end comprising a skirt, such that the platform is at least partially received by the cup; then filing the cup with liquid formulation to a predetermined level such that the platform is at least partially submerged in the liquid formulation; solidifying the liquid formulation in the cup to form a solid formulation; once the solid formulation is formed, deforming then releasing the skirt.

1 . A method of manufacturing a solid formulation product comprising steps of:
 positioning a platform into a cup comprising an open end comprising a skirt, such that the platform is at least partially received by the cup; then   filing the cup with liquid formulation to a predetermined level such that the platform is at least partially submerged in the liquid formulation;   solidifying the liquid formulation in the cup to form a solid formulation;   once the solid formulation is formed, deforming then releasing the skirt, wherein deforming the skirt comprises compression of the skirt along a compressible axis of the skirt which causes expansion of the skirt along an expandible axis of the skirt which is substantially normal to the compressible axis of the skirt.   
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein:
 the skirt is oval-shaped or obround-shaped in cross-section; and 
 the step of compressing the skirt along a compressible axis comprises radially compressing the skirt such that a maximum diameter of the cross-sectional shape is reduced. 
 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein:
 the platform comprises a retaining structure; and 
 the step of filing the cup with liquid formulation to a predetermined level comprises filling the cup such that the retaining structure is fully submerged in the liquid formulation. 
 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein:
 the platform comprises an attachment element; and 
 the step of filing the cup with liquid formulation to a predetermined level comprises filling the cup such that the attachment element is not submerged in the liquid formulation. 
 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 4  comprising a subsequent step of attaching a reusable holder to the attachment element. 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the liquid formulation is molten and is solidified by cooling to below its melting point. 
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 1  comprising a subsequent step of attaching a lid to the cup. 
     
     
         8 . A mould assembly comprising a cup, which cup comprises an open end comprising a skirt, and a platform receivable within the cup; wherein the skirt is shaped such that when the platform is received within the cup a space is defined between the platform and the skirt. 
     
     
         9 . A mould assembly according to  claim 8  wherein the cup is resiliently deformable. 
     
     
         10 . A mould assembly according to  claim 8  wherein the cup is oval-shaped or obround-shaped in cross-section. 
     
     
         11 . A mould assembly according to  claim 10  wherein the platform is oval-shaped or obround-shaped in cross-section. 
     
     
         12 . A mould assembly according to  claim 8  wherein the platform comprises a retaining structure. 
     
     
         13 . A mould assembly according to  claim 8  wherein the platform comprises an attachment element. 
     
     
         14 . A mould assembly according to  claim 8  comprising a lid removably attachable to the open end of the cup.