Abstract: A system for making blow molded receptacles is disclosed generally comprising two mold portions that, when positioned adjacent each other, at least partially enclose a cavity defined by a molding surface, against which the walls of a blow molded receptacle are blown. One of the portions is a mold core, which has a base surface and a raised portion extending out from the base surface into the cavity. The raised portion has an outer surface and a side surface, which results in a corresponding, inner sidewall on the blow-molded receptacle. The raised portion houses a punch partly disposed in an opening in the side surface for punching a hole in the sidewall. In some embodiments, the side surface is substantially perpendicular to the seal between the two mold portions, and an actuator displaces the punch in a direction substantially parallel to the seam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for blow molding a case for housing an object, such as a tool, is disclosed generally comprising first and second mold portions located adjacent each other to create separate cavities for forming base and lid portions of a case and a punch for each portion corresponding to the outline of an object. In certain embodiments, the punch protrudes into the cavity during blow molding to create a sidewall to facilitate a press fit. In some embodiments, additional punches and/or recesses are provided to produce additional apertures or flanges in the walls of the tool case.

Abstract: A blow molded case is disclosed generally comprising a double wall, blow molded base portion having inner and outer case walls, and a lid portion connected to the base portion such that the lid, when in a closed position, at least partly covers the inner case wall of the base portion, which accommodates a first object. The outer wall of the base portion has a hole for receiving a second object, such as a drawer or other receptacle. In certain embodiments, the hole is a punched hole, created by extending a punch through a sidewall of the base portion substantially perpendicular to the parting line thereof. In certain embodiments, the sidewall is non-planar, and in some embodiments, the sidewall includes a recess adjacent the hole for easily gripping the second object.

Abstract: A blow molded case is disclosed generally comprising a double wall, blow molded base portion having inner and outer case walls, and a lid portion connected to the base portion such that the lid, when in a closed position, at least partly covers the inner case wall of the base portion, which accommodates a first object. The outer wall of the base portion has a hole for receiving a second object, such as a drawer or other receptacle. In certain embodiments, the hole is a punched hole, created by extending a punch through a sidewall of the base portion substantially perpendicular to the parting line thereof. In certain embodiments, the sidewall is non-planar, and in some embodiments, the sidewall includes a recess adjacent the hole for easily gripping the second object.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for creating blow-molded components are disclosed. More particularly, the present invention concerns methods and apparatuses for creating double-wall blow-molded components with one or more protuberances not abutting a parting line of a mold. Generally, the protuberances are created by a method comprising the steps of blowing blow-molding material against a molding surface with a cavity of a predetermined shape, so that the blow-molding material enters the cavity at a first end, and urging the blow-molding back toward the first end of the cavity by moving a piston of a predetermined shape. The invention also concerns apparatuses to employ such methods, and the resulting blow-molded objects.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a blow-molded article including a mold assembly at least partially defining a mold surface against which a blow-molded article is conformed during blow molding, and at least one dynamic device including an insert at least partially defining the mold surface, the insert movable from an extended position to a retracted position, wherein the insert is maintained in the extended position during the blow molding and the insert is moved to the retracted position following the blow molding to enable extraction of the article.

Abstract: A level case includes a tubular body having a series of walls that define an internal cavity, and a cap that selectively closes the internal cavity. A series of indentations are formed in the walls, and are configured to receive and engage the corners of a level received within the internal cavity. The internal cavity defines spaces between the level surfaces and the facing surfaces of the walls, to protect the level surfaces in the event the walls of the tubular body are subjected to forces that cause inward deformation of the walls. The cap is configured similarly to the tubular body, including indentations that receive the corners of the level. The cap is engaged over the opening of the tubular body so as to enclose a portion of the level that extends outwardly of the tubular body. The indentations in the tubular body are continuous throughout a majority of the length of the tubular body.