Abstract: A blow molded structure comprising a body made out of a first polymeric material and an integrally molded, coextruded living hinge made out of a second, more flexible polymeric material. A method of making a blow molded article having a coextruded living hinge.

Abstract: A mold assembly for forming a multi-shot molded part includes a mold system defining a mold cavity, and a retracting member disposed in the mold system selectively movable between extended and retracted positions in the mold cavity. A first molding material is injected in the mold cavity when the mold system is in a configuration with the retracting member in the extended position, forming a first portion of a molded part including a thin wall portion. A second molding material is injected in the mold cavity when the mold system is in another configuration with the retracting member in the retracted position, forming a second portion of the molded part and providing open cavity portions adjacent both surfaces of the thin wall portion. The second material penetrates the thin wall portion, filling the open cavity portions and forming a connection between the first and second portions of the molded part.

Abstract: A mold and molding machine having a sensor and a control circuit for monitoring operation of the molding machine during a molding operation. The molding machine may be a blow molding machine that is used in an insert molding operation wherein a preformed insert is placed in the mold and the sensor is used to detect the condition within the mold such as the location of the insert. The insert sensor may be a microswitch, proximity sensor, or ultrasonic sensor. Other sensors such as temperature sensors or pressure sensors may also be incorporated in the mold.

Abstract: A blow molded structure comprising a body made out of a first polymeric material and an integrally molded, coextruded living hinge made out of a second, more flexible polymeric material. A method of making a blow molded article having a coextruded living hinge.

Abstract: A mold and molding machine having a sensor and a control circuit for monitoring operation of the molding machine during a molding operation. The molding machine may be a blow molding machine that is used in an insert molding operation wherein a preformed insert is placed in the mold and the sensor is used to detect the condition within the mold such as the location of the insert. The insert sensor may be a microswitch, proximity sensor, or ultrasonic sensor. Other sensors such as temperature sensors or pressure sensors may also be incorporated in the mold.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a seat back includes placing a steel support structure within a mold and blow-molding a hollow plastic body onto the steel support structure to form a seat back with the steel support structure integrally supported within the body. The steel support structure may be a hollow, U-shaped steel tube having first and second attachment features at distal ends thereof for attachment to a lower seat structure.

Abstract: A blow molded structure comprising a body made out of a first polymeric material and an integrally molded, coextruded living hinge made out of a second, more flexible polymeric material. A method of making a blow molded article having a coextruded living hinge.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a seat back includes placing a steel support structure within a mold and blow-molding a hollow plastic body onto the steel support structure to form a seat back with the steel support structure integrally supported within the body. The steel support structure may be a hollow, U-shaped steel tube having first and second attachment features at distal ends thereof for attachment to a lower seat structure.

Abstract: An underseat storage bin is used with a pivotable vehicle bench seat in a vehicle having a floor surface. The bench seat is pivotable between a horizontal seating position and an upright stowed position for providing access beneath the seat. The bench seat is supported on seat support members at opposing ends. The storage bin includes a blow-molded bin structure having first and second ends removably attachable to the seat support members. The bin structure includes a plurality of generally vertical compartment walls arranged to form a plurality of storage compartments. At least one of the storage compartments extends substantially the entire length of the bench seat for storing long items. The compartment walls form open bottoms therebetween, such that the vehicle floor surface forms the bottom of each storage compartment for supporting items stored in the storage bin.

Abstract: A rotary blade retention system comprises a rotor hub rotatable about a central axis and a retention assembly coupling at least one blade to the rotor hub. The blade extends generally radially from the hub and rotates with the hub about its central axis. The retention assembly includes a frictionless thrust bearing and an elastomeric thrust bearing connected together in series. The two bearings are mounted relative to the blade and the rotor hub such that when a centrifugal load is imposed on the blade, the bearings are loaded in compression and cooperate to restrain the blade against the centrifugal load. The frictionless bearing permits free pivotal movement of the blade about its longitudinal axis so as to effect variations in the pitch of the blade. The elastomeric thrust bearing includes at least one laminated bearing having a plurality of layers of rigid and elastomeric material which alternate lengthwise of the blade.