Patent attributes
A pick-up plug for supporting and transporting preforms of thermoplastic resin, includes a central body, and an engagement mechanism adapted to slip into the neck portion of the preform, in which elastic members are provided on the engagement mechanism so as to press them against the wall of the neck portion, wherein a central body is provided with at least three groove-like recesses opening towards the exterior and the engagement mechanism is constituted by individual and independent gripping members that are housed in respective ones of the groove-like recesses. The elastic members are constituted by respective preloaded springs acting between the inner wall of each groove-like recess and the inner wall of the respective individual gripping member. The groove-like recesses are provided with a respective niche adapted to be engaged by a terminal portion of a respective one of the individual and independent gripping members, so that the latter are capable of rotating with the respective terminal portion pivotally retained in the respective one of the niches.