A pressing apparatus for producing a food service paperboard container from a paperboard blank so that the paperboard container possesses an overturned rim provided with folds includes a first die and a second die that are movable relative to one another. The first die includes a first base and a first platform that is movable with respect to the first base, with the first base having a curved surface for engaging the outer periphery of the paperboard blank. The second die is positioned in opposing relation to the first die and includes a second base and a second platform that is movable with respect to the second base. The second die is movable with respect to the first die and the second base has a curved surface for engaging the outer periphery of the paperboard blank so that the outer periphery of the paperboard blank is pressed between the curved surface of the first base and the curved surface of the second base. A first cast-in heater is mounted within a recess in the first die and includes a resistor wire embedded within a thermally conductive cast-in material. A second cast-in heater is mounted within a recess in the second die and includes a resistor wire embedded within a thermally conductive cast-in material.
This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) with respect to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/111,568 filed on Dec. 9, 1998.
A tool for forming articles from sheets of conformable material comprises a base and a handle. The base includes a circular-shaped groove formed in a face thereof whereby the circular-shaped groove defines a circular-shaped protrusion encompassed thereby. The handle includes a circular-shaped annular extension engagable within the circular-shaped groove for enabling an engaged portion of a sheet of conformable material positioned between the base and the handle to be conformed within the circular-shaped groove by forcibly engaging the circular-shaped annular extension within the circular-shaped groove.
