Simultaneously Shaping Material And Reshaping Preform Patents (Class 264/266)
  • Patent number: 6280678
    Abstract: A multilayer molded article with good appearance is produced by supplying a skin material and a melt of a thermoplastic resin between unclosed upper and lower molds and simultaneously molding the thermoplastic resin to form a molded article and laminating the skin material on a part of a surface of the molded article by pressing and cooling the thermoplastic resin in the molds, in which the lower mold has a protruding part at a position where an edge of the skin material is located, the upper mold has a depressed part at a position corresponding to the protruding part of the lower mold, and, during molding, the edge of the skin material is fixed to the lower mold by sucking it through a gap which opens at the root of the protruding part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignees: Sumitomo Chemical Company Limited, Nissen Chemitec Corporation
    Inventors: Takahisa Hara, Masahito Matsumoto, Hiromu Fujita, Yuji Kamiji, Hiromasa Nakatsuka
  • Patent number: 6274076
    Abstract: A shaped cord (2) is postformed in the shape of a frame extruded onto a glass (1) and is slightly curved in the direction of the length of shaped cord (2). A forming mold (4) is used in a postforming operation, with lateral edges (11, 12) that are slightly above the surface of shaped cord (2). This avoids the creation of imprints in the form of lines or edges on the shaped cord, and a smooth transition is achieved between the postformed length of the shaped cord that attaches thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage
    Inventors: Florez Kittel, Helmut Krumm
  • Patent number: 6270609
    Abstract: There is provided a method of forming a shaped sorbent filter preferably having a three dimensional shape. The method generally entails: a) providing porous flexible tubular web structure having two open ends; b) sealing a first end of the tubular web structure; c) filling the sealed tubular web structure with flowable filter material of sorbent material and binder; d) sealing the opposite open end of the tubular web material; and e) heating the tubular web structure to active the binder and form a shaped sorbent filter. The tubular web structure preferably is deformed while it is heated so that there is provided at least one permanently deformed bending portion. The invention method provides a simple effective process for forming complex overwrapped shaped small sorbent filters for use in the electronics industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Craig G. Markell, David J. Andrews
  • Patent number: 6261489
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing cellular molded article in mold pattern of synthetic resin having surface skin which is used, for example, as an automobile interior trim material or the like and a mold pattern for producing thereof. This invention aims to provide a method for producing cellular molded article of synthetic resin having surface skin which has good production efficiency and which comprises that cellular molded article of synthetic resin obtained by cellular molding of expanded beads in which poor melt bonding does not occur and thermoplastic resin skin material united with this cellular molded article of synthetic resin which has excellent appearance without residing beads pattern on its surface, and a mold used for producing thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Kaneka Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Matsuki, Yoriki Kakimoto
  • Publication number: 20010007378
    Abstract: A surface lining system wherein an ultra low density polyethylene film is used as a lining material for cups, containers, caps and other plastic parts, the film having the property to elongate in a substantially uniform fashion in all directions at the same time and in relatively the same proportion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Publication date: July 12, 2001
    Inventors: WILLIAM D. EWING, THOMAS P. HAMBLETON
  • Patent number: 6254968
    Abstract: Conventional plastic mouldings with several fields of which at least one is laminated with a covering material are produced in a single operation. In order to prevent the covering material from becoming warped in the laminated region, the plastic substrate of the known plastic part is injected into all fields under a low pressure, to the detriment under certain conditions of the quality of the blank fields. The invention therefore proposes to produce during one step the plastic substrate of the blank field from plastics injected under high pressure, and to produce the plastic substrate of the laminated field during another step from plastics injected under a relatively low pressure. Also disclosed is a corresponding moulding tool for producing the disclosed plastic moulding in a conventional press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Otto Deuschle Modell-Und Formenbau GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Alfred Scharrenberg
  • Patent number: 6251325
    Abstract: A method of injection molding a plastics material opening device in a hole provided in a packaging sheet material including mutually arranging a first mold tool and a second mold tool so as to form a mold cavity in which the hole edge is arranged in so as to biased a sheet portion of the packaging sheet material arranged adjacent the hole edge away from the second mold tool, and injecting heated thermoplastics material into the mold cavity so as to form the plastics material opening device. The biasing of the sheet portion away from the second mold tool aids in the formation of plastics material on the side of the sheet portion disposed towards the second mold tool, for providing a controlled placement of the opening device at the sheet hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Magne Karlsson
  • Publication number: 20010000736
    Abstract: The invention relates first of all to a decorative component (1), in particular designed to constitute a piece of trim or to be integrated in a piece of internal trim of a vehicle, constituted by at least a sheet of material (2), provided with stiffening means (3) and having, at least locally, on at least one of its faces, referred to as an aspect conferring face (4), an aesthetic and/or comfortable aspect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Publication date: May 3, 2001
    Applicant: Visteon Systemes Interieurs Societe par Actions Simplifiee
    Inventors: Emmanuel Piec, Jean-Yves Delattre
  • Patent number: 6210621
    Abstract: A plural-chambered dispensing tube is made by a method involving molding a molten resin material into a tube head while a pre-finished tube body having a partition disposed therein is disposed within the molten resin material. Thus, the pre-finished tube body and partition become connected to the tube head as the latter is being molded. In this way, the tube body and the partition are molded into the tube head to form a uniform seal between the partition and the tube head and to improve the separation of the stored components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Enamelon, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman Usen, Thomas J. Duncan
  • Patent number: 6207090
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a film-covered article. A moveable press having first and second mold surfaces is moved to an open position. The first mold surface has a sealing surface, and the second mold surface has a cutting surface. A thin flexible film having an offal portion is placed between the first and second mold surfaces. The offal portion is positioned between the sealing and cutting surfaces and acts as a seal between the mold halves. The press is moved to the closed position. The cutting surface contacts the film and partially cuts the offal portion along a perimeter of the film. The offal portion remains positioned between the cutting and sealing surfaces and seals the space between the first and second mold surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Charles Knisely, Dale Paul Moore, Zinoviy Chernyak
  • Patent number: 6203744
    Abstract: A molded article of a thermoplastic resin with good apperance which may have a skin material is produced by providing upper and lower molds having a product part-molding section and a non-product part-molding section, supplying a melt of a thermoplastic resin in a cavity of the molds or a space between the skin material and either one of the upper and lower molds through a resin melt passage which is formed in a wall of one of the molds and has an opening for supplying the melt in the non-product part-molding section when a clearance of the cavity is larger than a thickness of a finally produced article, closing the molds to effect press molding, cooling the molds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited
    Inventors: Takahisa Hara, Masahito Matsumoto, Nobuhiro Usui, Shigeyoshi Matubara, Kazuo Hieda
  • Patent number: 6193924
    Abstract: A method of making a container assembly comprises the step of molding a container body over a portion of a plastic fixture. A plastic fixture is disposed in the mold. The mold has an inner surface defining an outer surface of a container. The fixture includes an opening and a portion having at least one ridge on a surface which is to be embedded in the body of the container. The fluid plastic material is disposed in the mold. The plastic material is then molded over the mold inner surface and the fixture surface thereby forming the container body. The plastic material contacts the ridge and melts or softens the ridge. The ridge is then deformed forming a locking engagement between the container body and the fixture. As the plastic material cools and hardens, the plastic container body partially engulfs the fixture to provide a secure seal between the fixture and container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Moeller Marine Products
    Inventor: O. C. Huse
  • Patent number: 6183680
    Abstract: A multilayer molded article having a core layer and a skin material laminated on the core layer is produced by providing a skin material between a pair of upper and lower molds, supplying a thermoplastic resin melt between the skin material and one of the molds, closing the molds to press and form the resin melt while holding edges of the skin material with pins provided on a skin material-fixing frame which moves along an outer peripheral wall of one of the upper and lower molds, and cooling the molds and removing the multilayer molded article from the molds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited
    Inventors: Takahisa Hara, Masahito Matsumoto, Nobuhiro Usui, Sigeyoshi Mathubara
  • Patent number: 6183674
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of diaphragms for use in electroacoustic transducers simultaneously joins an edge and a diaphragm body upon molding the diaphragm body through an injection molding with a set of mating molds for forming the diaphragm body, with the edge of a cell-structure disposed on one of the mating molds, the edge being preliminarily molded and cut into a predetermined shape, and with the other mold mated with the one mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Foster Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiro Nonogaki
  • Patent number: 6174482
    Abstract: The method of the present invention is performed by providing a glass sheet having first and second opposite surfaces merging with each other along a peripheral ground angled surface setting-off with the glass sheet first surface an included angle substantially greater than normal. The glass sheet is placed in a mold having opposing cavity portions which collectively define a cavity including a peripheral edge cavity portion defined in part by a cavity defining surface which lies in the plane of the glass sheet first surface when the mold is closed. The mold is then closed such that the cavity defining surface and the glass sheet round angled surface set-off and angled complementary to the included angle and with the glass sheet per surface abutting the cavity defining surface inboard of the glass sheet ground angled surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Gemtron Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Reames, Bob Herrmann, Howard Daley
  • Patent number: 6174488
    Abstract: In a method and device for molding a laminated molded assembly by simultaneously forming a resin core member and integrally joining a surface skin member in a die assembly for mold press forming comprising an upper die and a lower die, the moldability of the surface skin member is improved by softening the surface skin member by blowing hot air against the surface skin member from air holes provided in the upper die which is associated with the surface skin member. As a result, the surface skin member can favorably conform to the surface contour of the die surface and the resin core member. Optionally, vacuum suction may be applied to the surface skin member to draw it against the corresponding die surface so as to eliminate the possibility of creating localized gaps between the surface skin member and the corresponding die surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Kasai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nubuo Usui, Junichi Suzuki, Hiroyuki Shirozuka
  • Patent number: 6171091
    Abstract: A replaceable mold cavity for use in the production of golf balls is disclosed herein. The mold cavity has a plastic insert with an inverse dimple pattern thereon that is formed from a plastic molding material, and a support cup in which the plastic insert is placed for the golf ball molding operation. The plastic insert may have a metal layer thereon that has an identical inverse dimple pattern. The entire replaceable mold cavity may also be composed of a plastic material. The use of plastic molding materials to form the plastic insert, or the entire mold cavity, allows for rapid production of golf balls having different dimple patterns which allows for expedited testing and introduction of new golf balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventor: Alan C. Bettencourt
  • Patent number: 6168742
    Abstract: A paint film laminate is co-molded over a desired plastic substrate to produce an automobile bumper member, chin spoiler or rocker panel part. Along a desired surface of the part, such as, for example, a border between a part surface having one segment covered by paint film and a second segment comprising the exposed substrate, the edge of the paint film is embedded in the plastic substrate along a surface discontinuity such as a recess or ridge so that an aesthetically pleasing sight edge having a desired contour exists along this surface portion. The sight edge is formed during the co-molding process via the provision of an incline or ramp along a desired mold cavity surface. When the co-molded part is installed in its intended application, the paint film edge is substantially hidden from view by the surface discontinuity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Green Tokai, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6165404
    Abstract: A method of producing self-supporting stratiform articles having a substrate layer formed of a thermoplastic polymer composition and at least one surface portion formed by a layer made of a cover material, such as a textile; the method comprises: providing a mould cavity in conformity with the article that is to be produced and having a female cavity portion and a male cavity portion; the female cavity portion has at least one surface in conformity with the covered surface portion; the method according to the invention is characterized by providing, for each covered surface portion, a preformed laminate comprising the cover layer and a thermoplastic shielding layer; the shielding layer acts as a permeation barrier protecting the cover layer against the hot polymer composition that will be injected for forming the substrate; the shielding layer may also act as a shrinkage buffer; the preformed laminate is substantially self-supporting and provides for safe positioning of its cover layer at a desired portion of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Andrea Savonuzzi
  • Patent number: 6162385
    Abstract: Composite comprising a polyamide-based molding composition and vulcanized fluoroelastomers. Composite articles comprising at least two subcomponents which are firmly joined to one another which comprise i) a vulcanizate and ii) a polyamide containing thermoplastic whereina) said polyamide containing thermoplastic comprises at least 30% by weight of polyamide and in said polyamide at least 30% of the end groups are amino end groups andb) said vulcanizate is produced by vulcanization of a fluororubber compound while in contact with said polyamide containing thermoplastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Huels Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Grosse-Puppendahl, Friedrich Georg Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6159409
    Abstract: A method of molding soft member constituting the main portion, and a rigid member. The soft member at least partially embedded in a soft member to form a semi-rigid grommet member has a loop rib integral therewith, and the rigid member has a loop base element almost entirely embedded in the rib. The base element has load pads spaced therealong for lockingly engaging the panel in which the grommet is positioned. The base member is molded in the bottom part of the mold, and then it is lifted out of its original molding position to expose it for injecting the soft material in surrounding position around the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Rolco, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Benda
  • Patent number: 6159402
    Abstract: A color coated article is formed by applying a color coated material to an injection mold having mold halves, a mold cavity edge and a mold cavity therein for the formation of an injection molded article, and injecting molten plastic into the mold cavity to form a laminated article with the color coated material bonded to the injected plastic. The process uses a color coated blank having a roughened surface, said blank adapted to be placed into at least one mold half and transferring the blank into registry with at least one of the mold halves. The molten plastic is injected against the roughened surface of the blank to enhance bonding of the blank to the injected plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Emery I. Valyi
  • Patent number: 6149853
    Abstract: An automotive interior door panel having a decorative covering displayed to the interior compartment of a vehicle and a rigid substrate having a backing surface. The backing surface includes a plurality of energy absorbers integrally molded thereon. The method utilizing the following steps. A low-pressure or high pressure injection mold operable between open and closed positions is moved to the open position. The mold has a covering receiving surface and an energy absorber producing surface. A flexible covering is positioned juxtaposed the covering receiving surface. The mold is moved to the closed position to create a space between the covering and the energy absorber producing surface. A molten plastic material is injected into the space to form the door substrate. The substrate has a nominal cross-sectional thickness between said energy absorbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Junior Luckett, Ravi Thyagarajan, Leon Bruce Liu, Dale O. Cramer, Dave Joseph Bauer
  • Patent number: 6149852
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a shoe, which includes the steps of:arranging an upper-insole assembly about a last;coupling an intermediate member comprising a toe portion and a heel portion to a lower region of the upper-insole assembly arranged about the last; andarranging the intermediate member in a mold and introducing plastic material into the mold so as to form an injected plastic material member which surrounds the intermediate member and which is integrally connected with both the intermediate member and the upper-insole assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Benetton Sportsystem S.p.A.
    Inventors: Mariarosa Romanato, Franco Priarollo, Riccardo Perotto, Alessandro Pozzobon
  • Patent number: 6132669
    Abstract: A film is placed over a mold cavity and molten plastic deposited thereon to form a combination of a film with molten plastic thereon. The film-molten plastic combination is then formed in said mold cavity into a molded article in the shape of the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: The Elizabeth and Sandor Valyi Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Emery I. Valyi, deceased, Arthur K. Delusky, Thomas M. Ellison, Herbert Rees
  • Patent number: 6132663
    Abstract: A method for mass producing midsoles for articles of footwear includes the following steps: forming first midsole portions of an article of footwear in predetermined sizes with a hollow area for receiving an insert and an aperture in at least one side of the first midsole portion for viewing the insert; forming inserts in predetermined sizes and shapes for placement in the hollow area of the first midsole portions; matching the predetermined size of the inserts to one or more predetermined sizes of first midsole portions; forming the size and shape of the hollow area and aperture for a given size first midsole portion to accommodate the predetermined size and shape of the insert; placing inserts into the hollow area of size matched first midsole portions; adjusting the position of the at least one aperture gasket along the side of the mold to align with the aperture in the first midsole portion; inserting the aperture gasket into the aperture of the first midsole portion to completely seal the aperture; pouri
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Johnson, Chang Dong Fong
  • Patent number: 6125539
    Abstract: A process for producing a vibration isolator. The process involves steps of forming an intermediate product including an axial member, an outside member having a cylinder-shaped portion and a rubber elastic member, and drawing the cylinder-shaped portion with a drawing apparatus provided with a drawing hole at least by pressing the cylinder-shaped portion into the drawing hole. The drawing hole has a predetermined dimensional diameter being smaller than an outer peripheral diameter of the cylinder-shaped portion. Thus, the cylinder-shaped portion is reduced diametrically to plastically deform. The production process can obviate the conventional pressed-in construction in which metallic members contact with each other, can make the manufacture of the vibration isolator easy, and can reduce the manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignees: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd., Showa Aluminum Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Ogawa, Rentaro Kato, Naoki Nishikawa, Masatoshi Enomoto, Shoichi Satoh
  • Patent number: 6123889
    Abstract: There is provided a multi-layer molding method by which a molding product of multi-layers, in which a second layer is locally formed on a base layer, is produced, and the multi-layer molding method comprises the steps of: forming locally a cavity for forming the second layer between the first mold and the second mold; injecting a second resin into the cavity for forming the second layer so as to mold the second layer; separating relatively the first mold and the second mold from each other so as to form a cavity for molding a base layer continuously between the first and the second molds and also between the second layer and a mold surface opposing to the second layer; and injecting resin for the base layer into the cavity for molding the base layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katuhiro Katagiri, Akiyoshi Nagano
  • Patent number: 6117384
    Abstract: An improved process for the manufacture of plastic articles such as light assemblies, and the articles made by said process, are disclosed. The disclosed process includes a step wherein one or more colors are decorated onto a single film which is then incorporated with other components in an in-mold decorating process to yield the improved articles of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Michael N. Laurin, Brian A. Nourse, David P. Reis, Karen D. Riding, Blair Souder, Gary A. Soutier
  • Patent number: 6103169
    Abstract: Microplates and methods for manufacturing microplates. The microplate is designed to allow UV radiation to pass through the bottom wells of the microplate so that the microplate can be used for assaying samples by use of UV absorbance. In one embodiment, the microplate comprises at least first and second wells, each well having a UV permeable bottom. In another embodiment, the microplate comprises a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion contiguous with the upper portion and a sheet disposed between the upper portion and the lower portion and defining the bottom of at least one well of the microplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory Mathus, Paul M. Szlosek, William J. Lacey
  • Patent number: 6099782
    Abstract: A molded article with a pattern laminated thereon is formed in a single process step using a compression mold which has a mold ring element which is independently moveable of the top and bottom mold plate, but which can engage the periphery of the bottom surface of the top mold plate, and therein form a flat groove of appropriate depth to slidably retain the pattern layer which is to be molded to the finished article. When the mold plates close to form the molded article, the oversized groove in the mold ring allows the pattern layer to slide and conform to the surface of the molded part without ripping or wrinkling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: CRX Limited
    Inventor: Stewart M. Holmes
  • Patent number: 6096251
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a multilayered object by molding having the steps of placing a lining sheet in a mould, injecting a thermoplastic resin material beneath the lining sheet, distributing the thermoplastic resin material beneath the lining sheet to form at least one thermoplastic resin based inner layer by creating a reserve of the thermoplastic resin material in a peripheral portion of the object, holding the extending portion of the sheet in place on the mold during the step of injecting and after the step of injecting so as to retain peripheral tightness of the thermoplastic resin material on a sliding holding point on the punch during movement of the die, pressing the extending portion of the lining sheet against the mold, and sandwiching the reserve in a liquid state between the lining sheet and a portion of the mold until the injected resin material sets to thereby form the multilayered object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Plastic Omnium Auto Interieur
    Inventor: Jean-Jacques D'Hooren
  • Patent number: 6094818
    Abstract: A process for producing a vibration isolator includes the steps of preparing an axial member, an outside member, the outside member including a cylinder-shaped portion and a bracket having a hollow, and a cylinder-shaped rubber elastic member, and drawing the cylinder-shaped portion by inserting a stationary mold, with which a drawing apparatus is provided, into the hollow of the outside member so that an outer peripheral surface of the cylinder-shaped portion contacts with the stationary mold, by disposing the rubber elastic member and the axial member inside the cylinder-shaped portion, and by pressing the cylinder-shaped portion onto the stationary mold and simultaneously diametrically reducing the cylinder-shaped portion to plastically deform the same. The production process can obviate the conventional pressed-in construction in which metallic members contact with each other, can make the manufacture of the vibration isolator easy, and can reduce the manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignees: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd., Showa Aluminum Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Ogawa, Rentaro Kato, Naoki Nishikawa, Masatoshi Enomoto, Shoichi Sato
  • Patent number: 6096256
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Buffalo Molded Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Aretz
  • Patent number: 6090336
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing an injection-molded article having an outer film on an exposed surface. The method includes securing the film about its periphery within a mold cavity prior to injection of molten material into the cavity. One way of securing the film is by applying vacuum pressure through peripheral holes in a frame surrounding the mold cavity. Molten material is injected into the cavity, behind the film and the film slips from its initial position to be forced against a wall of the cavity by molten material being injected into the cavity. The apparatus includes a frame for a molding apparatus, adapted to initially secure the film in place prior to movement of the core block into place and to permit the film to slip from its initial position to be forced against the cavity wall as molten material fills the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Decoma International Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhard Hirmer, Rudolph Allan Schrempf
  • Patent number: 6086810
    Abstract: A method of strongly affixing a molding resin to a synthetic resin film in direct fashion includes preparing a synthetic resin film and a molding resin each of which consists of a thermoplastic material, stretching a prescribed surface of the synthetic resin film, simultaneously bringing the molten, high-temperature molding resin into contact with the surface of the synthetic resin film, while stretching of the surface thereof is in progress, in such a manner that the molding resin presses directly against this surface in a state of high pressure, and subsequently cooling a surface of contact between the synthetic resin film and molding resin to a temperature at which the molten molding resin solidifies. As a result, the surfaces of contact between the synthetic resin film and molding resin are directly and strongly fused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Teikoku Tsushin Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiro Inagaki, Takashi Shinoki
  • Patent number: 6083433
    Abstract: There is provided a cleaning blade which is used for cleaning an image-forming body in an electrophotographic apparatus, and which has excellent performances in that the cleaning blade is minimized in the deflection of its tip part, never contaminates an image-forming body and so forth. The cleaning blade equipped with unevenness on at least part of a plate member excluding the portion of the plate member in direct contact with the image-forming body, is obtained by arranging a support member in a mold which is equipped with unevenness on at least part of the inside surface thereof in contact with a molding material for the plate member; then casting the molding material for the plate member in the mold; and curing the molding material to integrate the plate member and the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Hirofumi Kikuchi, Kunio Machida
  • Patent number: 6080349
    Abstract: A masking tool (60) for use in combination with a shaped-workpiece (30.sub.S) in the manufacture of a precision gear (10), which shaped workpiece (30.sub.S) defines a plurality of gear teeth (12) and tooth space surfaces (68) defined by and between adjacent gear teeth (12). The masking tool (60) is, furthermore, operative to mask the tooth space surfaces (68) during surface deposition of a masking material (28) while facilitating deposition of the masking material (28) upon the top lands (14) of the gear teeth (12). The masking tool includes a flexible back-plate (64) and a plurality of compliant masking segments (62) bonded to and integrated by the flexible back-plate (64). Each of the compliant masking segments (62) define a surface geometry (66) which is substantially complementary to the respective tooth space surface (68). Furthermore, adjacent compliant masking segments (62) define an open-ended channel (70) therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: Edward H. Bittner, Walter S. Koscomb, III, George D. Mitchell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6071454
    Abstract: A method for producing a composite molded article, includes providing a molded product of a thermoplastic elastomer; and then molding a thermoplastic rigid resin on the molded thermoplastic elastomer, to provide a composite molded article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignees: Chisso Corporation, Shimizu Industry Co., Ltd., Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tadashi Shimizu, Takehiko Enomoto, Masahiro Ito, Kenji Ogura
  • Patent number: 6065197
    Abstract: The present invention realizes spreading a sheet on a frame member by a simple structure and a simple process, and prevents uneven tension charged against the sheet. In the sheet spreading method of the invention, a core member for a backrest of a chair which is heated to around 200.degree. C. in a furnace is put into a flow dipping tank filled with powder resin. As a result, a resin coating is formed on the surface of the pipe constituting the core member. Also, a mesh is placed on a metal mold and clamped. Since a recess corresponding to the shape of the core member is formed in the top side of the metal mold, the mesh is spread on the core member with a tension charged against when the core member having the above-mentioned coating is pressed into the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignees: Aichi Co., Ltd., Asahi Gomu Kako K.K.
    Inventors: Toru Iseki, Takehiko Kawashima
  • Patent number: 6054087
    Abstract: A decorative sheet including a decoration and a process for forming the sheet are disclosed. This process comprises the following steps:using a mold consisting of at least two parts, at least one part of which is formed of at least two elements, at least one element (5) corresponding to the medallion and at least one other element (6) corresponding to the periphery of the piece, around the medallion;placing the decorative sheet (20) on the element corresponding to the medallion and closing the mold;within the cavity of the mold, isolating the space (23) located below the decorative sheet from the peripheral space (21);injecting plastic material in succession into the spaces thus isolated; andejecting the piece obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Centre d'Etudes et Recherche pour l'Automobile (Cera)
    Inventors: Daniel Noirot, Olivier Vitrant
  • Patent number: 6045738
    Abstract: A sheet-decorating injection molding method using a sheet clamper for fixedly holding a decorative sheet on a parting surface of a movable mold of an injection mold. At least the inner edges of the surfaces facing the movable mold of the sheet clamper are finished in smooth, convexly curved surfaces, respectively, and a groove for receiving the sheet clamper therein is formed in a fixed mold at a position corresponding to the sheet clamper in a depth sufficient to permit the movement of the sheet clamper between a position to hold the decorative sheet fixedly on the parting surface of the movable mold and a position to be separated from the decorative sheet in state where the injection mold is clamped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Atake
  • Patent number: 6036902
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a slip-resistance mat includes the following steps: (1). providing a sheet of textile having patterns on one side thereof and then treating the other side of the sheet of textile so as to be provided with woolen yarns; (2). providing a rubber plate; (3). placing the sheet of textile and the rubber plate into a mold in a manner that the side of the sheet of textile having woolen yarns is corresponding to the rubber plate, the surface of the mold in contact with the sheet of textile being formed with pattern-shaped hollows and the surface of the mold in contact with the rubber plate being formed with sucking-disk-shaped hollows; (4). pressing the mold under high temperature so that the rubber plate is melted and the melted rubber is infiltrated into the woolen yarns and the fibers of the sheet of textile so that the sheet of textile is coupled securely to the rubber plate to form a slip-resistance mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Pai-Yen Wang
  • Patent number: 6027678
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for manufacturing thin-walled moldings with a ground layer (4) made of thermoplastic materials and a covering layer (5) made of prefabricated flat covering materials pressed together with the ground layer by a back pressing technique in a form tool (8) having a top die (6) and a bottom die (7). The object of the process is to produce thin-walled moldings having laminated and non-laminated areas in a simple manner, with no danger of damaging sensitive covering layer materials and with non-laminated areas having a high quality surface. For that purpose, during or after back pressure lamination, while or after the two dies are closed, besides at least one molding area (2) laminated with a covering layer by a back pressing technique, at least another area (3) of the molding is produced by injection molding thermoplastic material in the part of the molding cavity (17) in which the area of the molding which is not laminated with a covering layer (5) is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Krauss-Maffei AG
    Inventors: Guido Rehm, Konrad Zweig
  • Patent number: 6019923
    Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention is a process for producing decorable moulded parts made of plastic materials, whereby an extrudable thermoplastic material is injected or pressed behind a non-dried or non-cured flat decorative layer or paint layer.In a preferred embodiment, the decorative layer or paint layer is powder coated, whereby the support film, the paint layer and the thermoplastic material are coextruded together.This process allows decorable moulded parts having complex geometrical shapes to be manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: HP-Chemie Pelzer Research & Development Ltd.
    Inventor: Helmut Pelzer
  • Patent number: 6017407
    Abstract: A cushion article, such as a wrist support or the like, and a method of manufacturing same are provided. The cushion article includes a multiple density, cushioned surface bonded to a molded foam shell. The saddle includes a contoured fabric surface with an underlying layer of soft gel. The gel may be molded to form embossment or imprinting in the fabric surface. A method of the invention includes the steps of disposing the saddle shell having a fabric sealed thereto, into a mold having a molding surface defining a desired contour and/or a desired pattern of embossment to be formed in the fabric. A thermoplastic gelable liquid is injected between the shell and the fabric. The fabric is contoured and or embossed by allowing the gelable liquid to cool while the shell is disposed in mold. The shell may be made of a foam material which is compressed into a desired shape and heat treated to form a shell having firmer, more dense portions and softer, less dense portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Inventor: Paul M. Yates
  • Patent number: 6009690
    Abstract: A process for the production of divisible tablets by melt calendering in which two molding rolls are combined together, at least one of which has depressions with at least one bar which extends up to the surface line of the molding roll and forms a score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joerg Rosenberg, Werner Maier, Helmut Fricke, Jorg Breitenbach
  • Patent number: 6007748
    Abstract: In methods and apparatus for the production of molded laminated articles a thin layer of a first moldable heat curable material is placed in the mold cavity of a heated mold and thereafter a second polymerisable material is injected to fill the remainder of the cavity, so that the materials are in intimate contact and form the laminate. The polymerisation of the second material is exothermic and the curing of the first material is facilitated by heat from this reaction. Preferably the second material is also foamable and the foaming generates pressure that molds the first material against the mold surface while it is being cured. Preferably the layer of first material is brought in contact with the mold surface, and air that would otherwise be trapped between them, is removed by drawing a vacuum between the layer and the surface. A preferred first material is epoxidised bondable uncured vulcanisable rubber and a preferred second material is foamable polymerisable polyurethane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: Dezi Anthony Krajcir
  • Patent number: 6004498
    Abstract: A resin part such as an instrument panel, a console box or door trim has a substrate body made of hard resin and a skin mounted on a surface of the substrate. To produce the resin part, a preformed elastic sheet is set within a mold cavity. Then, a molten resin is injected into the cavity through gates. The molten resin is first injected into the cavity through gates that are opposed to the skin and after the passage of a predetermined time, the resin is injected through gates that are not opposed to the skin, thereby forming a substrate that has the skin thermally fused to a surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Fujii, Toshihiko Mori, Kenichi Furuta, Atsuo Kikuchi, Yasuo Mouri, Tadamasa Kidera, Tetsuaki Inaba, Akihiko Suzuki, Akiyoshi Nagano, Tatsuo Yamada, Katsuhiro Katagiri
  • Patent number: 6004497
    Abstract: A process for substantially covering with at least one non-rigid decorative foil a visible face of a support part of plastic material, so as to obtain a finished part including a decorative inset, including the steps of a) inserting into the mould the foil having a decorative area with the foil having a decorative area, intended to form the inset, and a further area, b) closing the mould at least partially by moving the two mould parts together such that the foil creates a continuous separation of the moulding cavity into a first space and a second space, c) inside the moulding cavity, cutting at least one aperture in the foil at the location of the further area, such that the first and second spaces of the cavity are placed in fluid communication by the at least one aperture which henceforth interrupts the separation between these two spaces so as to enable the plastic material to pass through the at least one aperture, leaving a cut end of the foil in the moulding cavity, d) before and/or after steps b) and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Allibert Industrie (societe en nom collectif)
    Inventors: Julien Bisognin, Ivan Baudouin, Sebastien Trillat