Abstract: A mold apparatus for forming a molded part includes a mold body, a mold cavity formed in said mold body, a plurality of valve gates associated with said mold body, and a controller in communication with said plurality of valve gates. The controller is programmed to time opening of each valve gate based on a selected flow rate required to eliminate weld lines in the product.

Abstract: A mold apparatus for forming a molded part includes a mold body, a mold cavity formed in said mold body, a plurality of valve gates associated with said mold body, and a controller in communication with said plurality of valve gates. The controller is programmed to time opening of each valve gate based on a selected flow rate required to eliminate weld lines in the product.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for eliminating mold lines when molding a part having ferromagnetic pigments is provided. A mold assembly having a mold with a cavity and valve gates is formed. Pucks are fitted at the gates to collect residual cold plastic. The calculation of a specific sequence and timing of the opening of the valve gates is determined based on a calculation of the total number of valve gates needed to fill a part while maintaining acceptable injection molding pressure. Once calculated, the gates are positioned around the mold cavity to balance flow length ratio. A primary gate is chosen for initial injection. The time for the material to flow from the first to the second gate is established. The second gate is opened after the flow front reaches the second gate. This pattern continues until all valve gates are opened.

Abstract: A method for molding a part includes forming a mold having a part cavity and an associated electromagnet, placing resin in the part cavity, the resin including a ferromagnetic pigment, energizing the electromagnet and moving the ferromagnetic pigment towards an A-surface area of the part, and curing the resin with the ferromagnetic pigment concentrated at the A-surface area of the part. The A-surface of the part is free of flow marks and dark spots. Also, the ferromagnetic pigment is introduced into the resin before the resin is placed in the part cavity, or in the alternative, the ferromagnetic pigment is introduced into the resin after the resin is placed in the part cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for eliminating mold lines when molding a part having ferromagnetic pigments is provided. A mold assembly having a mold with a cavity and valve gates is formed. Pucks are fitted at the gates to collect residual cold plastic. The calculation of a specific sequence and timing of the opening of the valve gates is determined based on a calculation of the total number of valve gates needed to fill a part while maintaining acceptable injection molding pressure. Once calculated, the gates are positioned around the mold cavity to balance flow length ratio. A primary gate is chosen for initial injection. The time for the material to flow from the first to the second gate is established. The second gate is opened after the flow front reaches the second gate. This pattern continues until all valve gates are opened.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding a part having ferromagnetic pigments is provided by the present disclosure. A magnetic field, generated by an electromagnet, is set up adjacent a wall of the part cavity that will define an A-surface of the part. A ferromagnetic pigment is combined with the resin. When the electromagnet is activated, the magnetic field attracts the ferromagnetic pigment to collect near the cavity wall that will define the A-surface. The apparatus of the present disclosure includes a mold, a part cavity formed in the mold, and an electromagnet positioned adjacent the part cavity whereby a magnetic field can be exerted on the part cavity. The electromagnet may be of any of several types, including a coil or a wire grid. The electromagnet may be embedded in the mold or may be placed adjacent to the mold.

Abstract: An injection-molding tool includes a first die having a first surface, and a second die having a second surface. The first and second surfaces cooperate to define a part cavity when the tool is closed. The tool also includes at least one jet disposed on the first surface for blowing gas toward the second surface to remove debris from the second surface.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus and method are provided. The method includes a molded cavity coupled to a resin injection apparatus which injects molten resin under pressure with a gas such that the resin foams within the mold cavity. An electrical heater is in contact with a first cavity surface, and a cooling medium cools the mold. The resin may include metallic flakes.

Abstract: A storage bin attached to the upper wall of a vehicle trunk. The storage bin is movable between a stowed position in which the bin is moved upward and is locked against the upper wall of the trunk and a deployed position in which the bin is moved downward and is open for storage of one or more items. When moving between a stowed position and a deployed position, the bin might pivot or sides of the bin might collapse.

Abstract: A stowage retainer is provided for retaining an object, such as a portable electronic device, in a vehicle. The retainer includes a body having at least a bottom wall and side walls. The retainer also includes one or more flexible retention arms extending from the body for retaining a device in the retainer. The flexible retention arms each comprise a flexible inner wire and a soft outer covering material. The flexible retention arms are bendable to reform into a desired configuration to retain a device in the retainer.

Abstract: A lockable latch system includes an anchor bar rigidly connected to a vehicle and a rigid hook operably engaged with the anchor bar. A springboard is disposed on the rigid hook. The springboard is operable between an obstructing position, wherein the springboard prevents disengagement of the rigid hook from the bar and an unobstructing position, wherein the springboard does not prevent disengagement of the rigid hook from the bar. A lock assembly includes a cam operable between an interference position, wherein the cam prevents the springboard from entering the unobstructing position and a non-interference position, wherein the cam does not prevent the springboard from entering the unobstructing position.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus and method are provided. The method includes a molded cavity coupled to a resin injection apparatus which injects molten resin under pressure with a gas such that the resin foams within the mold cavity. An electrical heater is in contact with a first cavity surface, and a cooling medium cools the mold. The resin may include metallic flakes.

Abstract: A storage bin pivotably attached to the upper wall of a vehicle trunk. The storage bin is movable between a stowed position in which the bin is pivotably moved upward and is locked against the upper wall of the trunk and a deployed position in which the bin is pivotably moved downward and is open for storage of one or more items. When in its stowed position the storage bin is locked against downward movement by a latch. As an alternative arrangement, the storage bin may comprise a top wall, a bottom wall and a pair of opposed flexible walls which allow the bottom wall to be moved upward to its stowed position and fastened to the top wall when not in use. In addition to the trunk area of the vehicle, the storage bin of the disclosed invention may be fitted to any upper surface of a storage area of the vehicle including, for example, the roof of the rear area of a sport utility vehicle.

Abstract: An instrument panel assembly for a passenger vehicle is provided with a protective film. The protective film has only one unfolded layer. The film layer is sized to cover an opening in an instrument panel. The opening is sized for an airbag to deploy through. The film layer is provided with a slit for separating into portions. The portions extend through the instrument panel as the airbag deploys. The protective film prevents the airbag from being damaged. The film layer also prevents the airbag from damaging the instrument panel. The instrument panel may be provided with a door for selectively covering the opening. The instrument panel assembly may include a hinge for pivotally connecting the door to the instrument panel.

Abstract: A stowage retainer is provided for retaining an object, such as a portable electronic device, in a vehicle. The retainer includes a body having at least a bottom wall and side walls. The retainer also includes one or more flexible retention arms extending from the body for retaining a device in the retainer. The flexible retention arms each comprise a flexible inner wire and a soft outer covering material. The flexible retention arms are bendable to reform into a desired configuration to retain a device in the retainer.

Abstract: A lockable latch system includes an anchor bar rigidly connected to a vehicle and a rigid hook operably engaged with the anchor bar. A springboard is disposed on the rigid hook. The springboard is operable between an obstructing position, wherein the springboard prevents disengagement of the rigid hook from the bar and an unobstructing position, wherein the springboard does not prevent disengagement of the rigid hook from the bar. A lock assembly includes a cam operable between an interference position, wherein the cam prevents the springboard from entering the unobstructing position and a non-interference position, wherein the cam does not prevent the springboard from entering the unobstructing position.

Abstract: An instrument panel assembly for a passenger vehicle is provided with a protective film. The protective film has only one unfolded layer. The film layer is sized to cover an opening in an instrument panel. The opening is sized for an airbag to deploy through. The film layer is provided with a slit for separating into portions. The portions extend through the instrument panel as the airbag deploys. The protective film prevents the airbag from being damaged. The film layer also prevents the airbag from damaging the instrument panel. The instrument panel may be provided with a door for selectively covering the opening. The instrument panel assembly may include a hinge for pivotally connecting the door to the instrument panel.