Abstract: A mold for producing a product with internal flutes is provided. The mold includes a mold body that defines a cavity and a shaft in proximity to the cavity. A pin assembly is receivably engaged in the shaft of the mold body. The pin assembly includes a pin with a grooved portion that has at least one helically shaped groove, a sleeve surroundingly disposed about a portion of the pin, and means to allow rotation of the pin. A gap is defined in between a portion of the walls of the shaft of the mold body and the grooved portion of the pin and the gap is partially terminated by a portion of the sleeve. A method of molding is also provided.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for securing a first molded component to a second molded component is provided. The fastener assembly includes a stud that is a molded part of the first component and extends outward from the first component and a cylindrical wall that is a molded part of the second component. A longitudinal bore is defined by the cylindrical wall and at least one flute extends radially from the cylindrical wall into the bore and longitudinally along the cylindrical wall in a helical manner. The flute secures the stud in the bore of the cylindrical wall upon insertion of the stud into the bore. A method of fastening a first component to a second component is also provided.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for securing a first molded component to a second molded component is provided. The fastener assembly includes a stud that is a molded part of the first component and extends outward from the first component and a cylindrical wall that is a molded part of the second component. A longitudinal bore is defined by the cylindrical wall and at least one flute extends radially from the cylindrical wall into the bore and longitudinally along the cylindrical wall in a helical manner. The flute secures the stud in the bore of the cylindrical wall upon insertion of the stud into the bore. A method of fastening a first component to a second component is also provided.

Abstract: A mold for producing a product with internal flutes is provided. The mold includes a mold body that defines a cavity and a shaft in proximity to the cavity. A pin assembly is receivably engaged in the shaft of the mold body. The pin assembly includes a pin with a grooved portion that has at least one helically shaped groove, a sleeve surroundingly disposed about a portion of the pin, and means to allow rotation of the pin. A gap is defined in between a portion of the walls of the shaft of the mold body and the grooved portion of the pin and the gap is partially terminated by a portion of the sleeve. A method of molding is also provided.

Abstract: A fastener assembly formed of molded plastic components and comprising helically grooved studs interference fitted into smooth walled cylindrical bores.

Abstract: A mold construction for allowing molding of parts having elements with a helical configuration. The helically configured portion is formed by a portion of the mold that is freely rotatable relative to the rest of the mold about the axis of the helically configured portion. The extraction of the molded component from the mold along a path coextensive with the axis of the helically configured portion produces driven rotation of the rotatable mold portion thereby releasing the molded component.