Abstract: Molded plastic parts having inserts associated therewith and a method for their production. The method of the invention consists in providing a mold and positioning an insert in the mold cavity. The insert may comprise part of a latch or nut structure which will ultimately be used for attaching the part to be molded to another part. A pre-molded plastic part is associated with the insert when the latter is placed in the mold. This pre-molded plastic part will be in the form of a cap or other shape which is adapted to at least partially envelope the insert. The plastic to be molded is then introduced to the mold cavity and brought into contact with the pre-molded plastic part. Heat applied to the plastic to be molded, and/or pressure as normally applied during molding, will cause the pre-molded plastic part to deform and take a shape conforming at least in part to the exterior shape of the insert.

Abstract: Polyolefin and polyphenyloxide products such as products made using expanded polystyrene (EPS) or expanded polypropylene (EPP). A "foil" or "skin" of vinyl or other suitable decorative material is associated with the product to achieve a pleasing appearance and an otherwise satisfactory exterior surface. To make the product, the skin is positioned over the cavity of a female mold part. The mold is closed and, with or without vacuum assistance, the skin is brought into contact with the female mold surfaces during introduction of the plastic. This plastic is introduced in the form of small beads selected from the group consisting of polyolefin and polyphenyloxide beads which have been pre-expanded to a density reduction in the order of 75%. Air pressure is used to feed the beads into the mold cavity and steam is injected to soften the beads and to cause bonding thereof into an integral mass. In addition, the outer layer of beads is bonded to the foil whereby a one-piece part is removed from the mold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recycling pure which is disgorged from a plastic injection molding machine. The apparatus has a hopper which is placed below the injection nozzle of an injection molding machine. Purge is released from the injection nozzle and falls into a hopper located on the apparatus. From the hopper the purge is drawn downward by two coacting compression rollers which have the dual function of compressing and forming the purge into a recyclable form. After compression and forming the purge is available for storage or reuse.