Abstract: An improved apparatus and method are disclosed for forming molded plastic articles, such as support devices, having wooden or otherwise fibrous backing members bonded thereto. The apparatus includes an injection molding machine within which the molded plastic articles are formed. Continuous strips of backing material are provided, and are drawn through the apparatus by a novel feed roller mechanism which is intermittently operated in synchronization with the cyclical operation of the injection molding machine. A punch and die mechanism associated with the molding die assembly of the injection molding machine severs discrete backing members from the continuous strip of material, and thereafter advances the severed backing members to a portion of the periphery of the one or more molding cavities defined by the molding die assembly of the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a support device, typically of synthetic plastic material, in which fibrous backing members are concurrently cut, positioned, and bonded to the support device as it is formed. In an injection molding machine, a punch and die assembly cuts the backing members from a strip of fibrous material and automatically positions the members adjacent one side of the mold cavity. Molten plastic material is injected into the mold cavity and forms the support device while simultaneously adhering to the fibrous backing members. The completed support device has a body portion with load carrying members projecting from the forward surface thereof. The fibrous backing members are molded directly onto the rear surface of the body portion and a coating of adhesive material is placed on the outer surface of the fibrous backing members for securing the completed support device to a surface such as a wall or door.