Abstract: A preheat assisted injection/compression molding system for producing thin wall, high fiber content, high flex modulus thermoplastic composites at high temperature includes a press, an injection mold operably coupled to the press and including a first mold portion having a first inner mold surface, and a second mold portion with a second inner mold surface, and a resin injection system configured to inject a molten, free flowing resin into the injection mold. A mold surface pre-heating system includes a heating element configured to selectively heat at least one of the first and second inner mold surfaces to a predetermined temperature at a predetermined depth before the resin is injected into the mold. A cooling system is configured to selectively cool at least one of the first and second inner mold surfaces to rapidly cool a molded part formed by compressing the resin with the press.

Abstract: A vehicle door handle apparatus is disclosed that generally includes a structural core and an outer layer. The structural core has an outer surface, a base portion, and a handle portion that extends from the base portion. The outer layer extends about and covers the outer surface of at least the handle portion of the structural core. The structural core is made of a first material that contains an engineering thermoplastic and glass fibers for reinforcement. The outer layer is made of a second material that contains the engineering thermoplastic and a milled material to give the outer layer a metallic surface finish. Non-limiting examples of the engineering thermoplastic are polyoxymethylene and polybutylene terephthalate. A method is also disclosed for producing an injection molded component having a metallic surface finish such as the disclosed vehicle door handle apparatus.

Abstract: A vehicle door handle apparatus is disclosed that generally includes a structural core and an outer layer. The structural core has an outer surface, a base portion, and a handle portion that extends from the base portion. The outer layer extends about and covers the outer surface of at least the handle portion of the structural core. The structural core is made of a first material that contains an engineering thermoplastic and glass fibers for reinforcement. The outer layer is made of a second material that contains the engineering thermoplastic and a milled material to give the outer layer a metallic surface finish. Non-limiting examples of the engineering thermoplastic are polyoxymethylene and polybutylene terephthalate. A method is also disclosed for producing an injection molded component having a metallic surface finish such as the disclosed vehicle door handle apparatus.

Abstract: A vehicle door handle apparatus is disclosed that generally includes a structural core and an outer layer. The structural core has an outer surface, a base portion, and a handle portion that extends from the base portion. The outer layer extends about and covers the outer surface of at least the handle portion of the structural core. The structural core is made of a first material that contains an engineering thermoplastic and glass fibers for reinforcement. The outer layer is made of a second material that contains the engineering thermoplastic and a milled material to give the outer layer a metallic surface finish. Non-limiting examples of the engineering thermoplastic are polyoxymethylene and polybutylene terephthalate. A method is also disclosed for producing an injection molded component having a metallic surface finish such as the disclosed vehicle door handle apparatus.

Abstract: An adjustable hand grip is provided that can slide along the vertical supports of an orthopedic crutch. The hand grip can be easily fixed to the supports at different vertical elevations to accommodate the user by using a locking member that includes a pin that is biased inwardly into apertures provided on the vertical supports.