Abstract: The invention provides an article, a method and an apparatus of forming expanded plastic materials in a steam chest mold having out of die draw features. This is achieved by means of a cavity pull system. The cavity pull system allows for the provision of molded features outside the die draw and is designed to operate on a cam type system using two stainless steel rods running at a right angle to one another. A gear mechanism allows molded features, e.g. holes, to be formed at any angle on any part design where enough part geometry exists to accommodate the forming features and in the tool for mechanism components. The invention is advantageously employed in the formation of holes outside the die draw in vertically stacked injection tools for energy absorbers used in vehicle bumper fascias. The provision of out of die draw molded features is useful for fascia component locating or attachment.

Abstract: A traditional steam chest molding apparatus for the manufacture of products from expanded plastic materials requires excessive amounts of steam to properly expand and fuse pellets of plastic together A molding apparatus is provided wherein a pair of complementary molds (100, 300) are provided with a steam manifold (110) to introduce steam into the mold cavity by way of steam lines (160, 162, 164, 166) The steam manifold (110) allows for direct injection of steam into the manifold and hence a reduction in the total steam required for a molding operation The amount of steam necessary for the production of a particular article is predetermined in dependence upon a geometry and a size of the article to be produced Thus if desired, the amount of steam provided to the mold cavity is measured prior to injection

Abstract: The invention provides an automotive vehicle plastic panel including a show surface and a hidden surface opposite the show surface. A molded fastener is foldably joined to the plastic panel by a living hinge. The molded fastener, the plastic panel and the living hinge are integrally formed. The molded fastener has a base and a clip member supported on the base. The molded fastener can be fastened to the plastic panel by folding the molded fastener about the living hinge so that the molded fastener engages the hidden surface of the plastic panel in an install position. The clip member is used to fasten the automotive vehicle molding, such as a rocker panel, to a vehicle.