Abstract: A composition containing thermoplastic elastomer and elastic fine particles is extruded into a sheet-like shape from an extruder. Then, by expanding this sheet-like shape member, a covering sheet having minute unevenness attributable to the elastic fine particles formed on the surface is produced. The covering sheet may have an adhesive layer, a substrate layer, a foamed resin layer, etc., on the opposite side to the surface having a matt feeling. Such covering sheet can be produced with good productivity without creating environmental problems such as a problem related to solvent, etc. By molding using the covering sheet, a molding having matt feeling can be obtained.

Abstract: A method of producing a laminated molding, such as an air current control valve used in an air conditioner for a vehicle, is made to be united with an facing material having the flexible surface of a basic plate made of resin. When the above laminated molding is produced, a used mold should be split into a stationary mold portion and a movable mold portion. Also, a compression core is provided in the movable mold portion. The facing material is temporarily fixed on a mold-face of the stationary mold portion and a mold-face of the compressive core of the movable mold portion opposite the mold-face of the stationary mold portion, during the aforementioned state, a melting synthetic resin is fed into a mold and then the fed melting synthetic resin is compressed by moving the compression core toward the stationary mold portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a decorated molded product includes a first clamping device for pressing an insert film to a parting face of a fixed mold to enclose a cavity and an injection gate. The fixed mold has a vacuum suction port and the injection gate for a molten resin. A movable mold has a runner facing the injection gate and communicating with the cavity. The insert film is held between the fixed mold and movable mold, so that a pattern of the insert film is formed to a molded product simultaneously when the product is injection-molded. The insert film after being pressed to a surface of the fixed mold by the first clamping device is brought into tight contact with the fixed mold by vacuum suction, and the molten resin is injected from the injection gate to pass through the runner of the movable mold from a hole formed in the insert film to finally reach the cavity and fill a gap between the insert film and movable mold.

Abstract: A wheel cover having resin main body obtained by injecting a molten resin into a closed mold consisting of at least two dies, curing the resin, and then separating the dies. Openings are formed through the wheel cover, and inclined decorative faces are formed around each opening. A transfer layer is transferred onto the front face of the main body simultaneously when the resin main body is molded by means of in-mold transferring. The boundary between the decorative faces of the wheel cover and the openings is the parting line where the dies are separated from each other. The inner diameters of the openings are tapered to facilitate die separation and removal.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a film-coated article by the following steps. A pre-molded film having a backing surface and a decorative surface is formed in the shape of the molded article. The film includes an opening that allows the molted plastic to pass through the film. The film is placed within a mold press having a mold with a cavity surface and a movable core. The mold includes an resin inlet with an inlet surface. The film is placed on the mold with the decorative surface juxtaposed the mold. The opening on the film overlies the resin inlet. The mold is closed and the film held securely in place against the inlet surface. A molten plastic material is injected through the resin inlet. The plastic material passes through the film and fuses to the backing surface. After the article has cooled, the press is opened. The molded article is retained on the core and removed from the press.

Abstract: A plastic article and method of molding same is provided where the plastic article includes a plastic member having a first ridge and a second ridge. The plastic member is partially absorbed into and is in bonded engagement with at least a portion of a first laminate and the first laminate has an edge imbedded in the first ridge of the plastic member. Also, the plastic member is partially absorbed into and is in bonded engagement with at least a portion of a second laminate and the second laminate has a first edge imbedded in the first ridge of the plastic member and a second edge imbedded in the second ridge of the plastic member. The plastic member is also partially absorbed into and is in bonded engagement with at least a portion of a third laminate and the third laminate has an edge imbedded in the second ridge of the plastic member.

Abstract: Methods for pre-shaping paint film laminates and co-molding processes using such laminates are disclosed. The methods comprise the steps of providing (e.g., forming or procuring) a plastic paint film laminate, softening the paint film laminate with heat such that one or more localized portions of the member absorb more heat than the remainder, and deforming the plastic film member to form a pre-shaped article. The formation of different heat absorption areas on the paint film laminate is referred to as the provision of heat sink areas. These heat sink areas can be provided for example by surface coating of heat retention means such as black paint or ink pigments on localized areas of the surface of the laminate followed by uniform heating of the laminate in an oven or the like or the sheet can be heated in localized areas to a greater extent (i.e. time and/or temperature) than in remainder portions by the means of heat guns or the like.

Abstract: In a mold press forming process for integrally molding a resin core member and a surface skin member, prior to the step of forming the resin core member, a surface skin member is retained between an upper die half and a lower die half by a surface skin retaining frame which consists of a fixed segment and a moveable segment. The moveable segment is moved vertically relatively to the fixed segment to better adapt the surface skin member to a three-dimensional parting line between the upper and lower half dies. When mounting the surface skin member onto the surface skin retaining frame presents a planar mounting surface, the mounting work is facilitated, and automated mounting devices can be used without any problem.

Abstract: Automobile body parts having contoured, decorative outer surfaces are molded. The automobile body parts include a molded polymer substrate and a decorative surfacing film adhered to one side of the substrate. The decorative surfacing film includes a substantially molecularly unoriented cast polymer film formed from a weatherable polymer. Also a method for making sets of such automobile body parts for assembly into automobile bodies is taught.

Abstract: A method of over-molding used to produce a three-dimensional hollow molded article employs a core made of resin having a hollow portion. The core is placed in a cavity of a mold. Molten resin is injected into a space formed by the core and a cavity wall of the mold through a resin injection portion. In this way at least part of the outer surface of the core is covered with resin. Deformation of the core due to the pressure of the resin during injection is prevented in one of a number of different ways. The over-molding method is optimized by calculating a temperature distribution and a pressure distribution of the molten resin in the step of injecting the molten resin into the space by numerical analysis. The displacement distribution and for the stress distribution of the core caused by pressure applied to the core by flow of the molten resin is calculated by a numerical analysis on the basis of the calculated temperature distribution and pressure distribution.

Abstract: Continuous, filament reinforced, wound poles, and the method of making, where the poles are formed by winding a base mandrel with continuous, resin-impregnated filament reinforcement, coaxially abutting an incremental mandrel and winding both the incremental mandrel and the wound first mandrel with a second layer of continuous, resin-impregnated filament reinforcement. The base mandrel is thus wound with two layers of reinforcement. Additional incremental mandrels and additional layers of continuous, resin-impregnated filament reinforcement are successively wound as desired. Preferably all windings occurs prior to the curing of any previous winding. The ends of the mandrels and any cross winding across these ends form stabilizing members within the poles to counteract against compressive forces. The pole has a smooth outer surface when the additional mandrels are properly sized to mate with the wound ends of the previous adjacent mandrel.

Abstract: A non-disassembling partition assembly for insertion into a container for dividing the space inside the container into separated cells. The assembly comprises a plurality of first slotted partitions intersecting with a plurality of second slotted partitions to form a matrix. The matrix is held together in a non-disassembling collapsible relationship by a plurality of weldments at a plurality of intersections. Each weldment is formed by injection of molten plastic between opposed face plies of intersecting partitions at an intersection at a sufficiently high temperature, to at least partially melt the spacers betweeen the face plies of the intersecting partitions to create a weldment therebetween. The weldments are formed of a plastic which is preferably the same type of plastic as that from which the partitions are made in order to aid in the recyclability of the partition assembly.

Abstract: A process for producing a radiator support, disposed between a radiator and a vehicle-side installation member, includes the steps of molding a rubber-elastic member, disposing the resulting rubber-elastic member in a mold, and completing a radiator support by injecting a resinous material into the mold. In the rubber-elastic member molding step, a rubber-elastic member is molded to include a rubber flange which has a top surface and a bottom surface. In the radiator support completing step, a rigid inner tube member and a rigid outer tube member are molded integrally with the rubber-elastic member, wherein the rigid outer tube member is molded so as to include a flange which has a top surface superimposed on the bottom surface of the rubber flange of the rubber-elastic member, a bottom surface, and a cut-off. The cut-off downwardly exposes a portion of the bottom surface of the rubber flange of the rubber elastic-member in a completed radiator support.

Abstract: The present method includes an apparatus and method for forming articles having compression molding means and injection molding means. Simultaneous activation of the injection molding means and compression molding means produces an integral article having a compression molded portion and an injection molded portion.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a recyclable plastic container component with an integral preform. A preform is placed within a mold recess. The mold is closed to capture the preform, thereby forming a flow passage with a shape corresponding to contours of the container component. Plastic is injected into the flow passage under pressure. The injected plastic bonds to an edge portion of the preform. The molded component is then cooled and removed from the mold.

Abstract: A method and a semi-finished article for producing plastic material objects, in particular smart cards, are disclosed. At least two surfaces of the object are constituted by films, preferably by labels. The labels are applied to surfaces of a cavity in a mold of a plastic material injection molding machine. The cavity is then filled by injecting molten plastic material. The labels are connected one to the other prior to being introduced into the cavity.

Abstract: An improved process for molding parts such as gaskets using an injection molding machine including upper and lower mold plates which are transparent to UV light and have pattern recesses of differing sizes and spaced apart locations, a UV light source, and a low pressure injection system for delivering elastomers to the mold plates. The elastomers are cured by exposure to UV light. An optional carrier plate may be inserted between the mold plates and provides a rigid surface for attachment of the elastomer. The carrier plate selectively covers the pattern recesses located in the mold plates.

Abstract: Biaxially oriented polymeric films consisting of a core layer of pigmented, non-voided propylene homopolymer with a layer of voided propylene homopolymer on one surface of the core layer and a printable layer, for example of a polymer containing units derived from at least two of propylene, ethylene and but-1-ene, on the other surface of the core layer. Films of the present invention have been successfully used for in-mold labelling without the production of a leathery effect as has been observed with prior art films for in-mold labelling.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for making a preform which is a rigid shaped item formed of glass fibers rigidly joined to each other where adjacent fibers touch. The interstices between the fibers are unfilled for the use of matrix resin to subsequently form a molded article. The preform is formed by shaping fibers into the preform shape, applying a binder to the fibers so that they are coated at the locations where they touch. The binder is sensitive or responds to the application of electromagnetic energy. In completing the preform after the application of the binder, the preform is subjected to electromagnetic energy so that the binder hardens to form a rigid preform. In one species form, the electromagnetic energy is applied in the form of microwave energy. The application of electromagnetic energy causes a reaction in the binder without requiring heating of the glass fibers so that the preforms can be rigidified rapidly and efficiently.

Abstract: A molded article containing an outer decorative film and a support, and a method and composition for making the same are disclosed. The outer film has a decorative layer and a protective layer, the protective layer being formed from a photopolymerizable resin composition. In an uncured state, the composition includes (a) an acrylic copolymer containing a backbone and at least one side chain linked to the backbone, the at least one side group having at least one (meth)acryloyl group, the backbone having a glass transition temperature of about 40.degree. C. to about 120.degree. C. and a weight-average molecular weight of about 10,000 to about 200,000; (b) a compound other than the copolymer (a), the compound having at least three (meth)acryloyl groups; and a photopolymerization initiator. The at least one (meth)acryloyl group is preferably linked to the backbone by a reacted glycidyl group.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed which includes a mechanical connection between the strain relief thereof and the hub. The strain relief operates both to secure the catheter tube to the hub and to provide strain relief for the catheter tube. The strain relief connection is assisted in gripping the catheter tube by intentional overstressing of the catheter hub during manufacture thereof to expand the hub wall and generate residual hoop stresses therein which assist in securing the catheter tube within the hub.

Abstract: A multilayer molded article comprising a skin and a substrate consisting of a polypropylene resin composition having a crystallization rate of 45 second or less, said skin being integrally adhered to the substrate. Said multilayer molded article can be produced by feeding a skin material and a molten polypropylene resin composition having a crystallization rate of 45 second or less between a pair of upper and lower molds, molding the molten polypropylene resin composition in the molds with simultaneous adhering of the skin material to the surface of the molded resin composition and then cooling the molten resin composition to solidify the same. Said multilayer molded article has a small deformation degree without the soft feeling of the skin material being impaired.

Abstract: A method for producing a multilayer molded article by facing a preheating panel on which a preheated skin material is placed towards one of upper and lower molds, forming a closed space by the mold and the preheating panel, evacuating the closed space to suck the skin material onto a surface of the mold, removing the preheating panel, supplying a resin through a resin conduit with closing the molds or temporarily stopping mold closing, and finishing the mold closing. By this method, a multilayer molded article having a resin body which is made by deep drawing or has a complicated shape and a skin material laminated on a surface of the resin body can be produced.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for key tops includes the steps of molding a light-shielding film on a to-be-peeled shield by a plane printing, effecting colored printing to provide a readout part at a predetermined position on it in the state of a plane sheet prior to the 3-D molding, then sucking a printed light-shield film sheet on a metal mold with an evacuation system, adsorbing said light-shield film sheet onto the wall face in the metal mold. A push mold may be used with a suction system so as to be positioned in the female mold. Materials such as silicone are put into this metal mold for one-piece molding. A laser processing is effected on the surface of a key top prepared in a 3-D shape to form a desired pattern.

Abstract: A molded plastic garment hanger constituted from two materials which are fused and mechanically bonded to form a composite hanger. Also disclosed is a method and apparatus for the two-step or co-injection molding of plastic materials for the formation of the plastic garment hanger construction. The plastic garment hanger incorporates an insert consisting of a second plastic material adapted to have indicia, logo or non-slip means molded therein, and which insert may be fused to the hanger structure so as to form a mechanical bond with the first plastic material constituting the basic garment hanger.

Abstract: In a method for molding a laminated assembly comprising a resin core member, and a surface skin member either partly or entirely placed over the surface of the resin core member, the dimensional precision of a part of the surface skin member involving a high rate of extension is improved, and the cushioning property and the surface quality of this part are avoided from being impaired. An approximately molded portion is defined in a part of the surface skin member involving a relatively high rate of extension during the vacuum molding process using a vacuum molding die assembly, and the thus molded surface skin member is mounted on the upper die for mold press forming with a gap defined between the approximately molded portion or an unmolded portion and the associated die surface.

Abstract: A process for producing a multilayer molded article in which a skin material is laminated to the surface of a thermoplastic resin core material which comprises feeding the skin material to the cavity of a pair of female and male molds which are not closed, subsequently feeding the molten thermoplastic resin to the cavity of the molds through a resin passageway provided in the molds, clamping both molds to shape the molten resin in the cavity of the molds and then cooling the resin under pressure, characterized in that the cooling under pressure is conducted so that the temperature for feeding the molten thermoplastic resin to the cavity of the molds is in the range of from 175.degree. to 195.degree. C., the clamping pressure at completion of the shaping is in the range of from 30 to 95 kg/cm.sup.2 and the product of the clamping pressure and the pressing time is in the range of from 100 to 1,500 kg/cm.sup.2.sec.

Abstract: A multilayer molded article made of a first member having a first core layer and a first skin material laminated on the first core layer, and a second member having a second core layer and a second skin material layer laminated on the second core layer, in which the first member is insert laminated in a part of the surface of the second skin material, and which is beautifully finished at a boundary between the first and second skin materials.

Abstract: A simultaneous injection molding and patterning method, including the steps of providing a first mold and a mutually opposed second mold; interposing a decorative pattern sheet between the molds; moving a heating body from a non-heating position to a heating position so as to heat and soften a portion of the decorative pattern sheet positioned between the opposing molds. The heating position is arranged such that a heating surface of the heating body confronts the decorative pattern sheet while the sheet is positioned between the opposed molds, and the non-heating position is arranged such that the heating surface of the heating body is not parallel to the heating surface of the heating body when in the heating position. The first mold is then evacuated to bring the heated and softened decorative pattern sheet into contact with a cavity of the first mold, the molds are closed, and then molten resin is injected into the mold to form a patterned product including the decorative pattern sheet.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing multi-layer molded-products, including the steps of supplying molten thermoplastic resin between an upper mold and a lower mold, and applying pressure to a forming cavity by clamping in a forming process. With this method, it is possible to easily produce a multi-layer molded-product wherein the covering material, such as a woven fabric, is entangledly fused to and integrally formed on the surface of a base plate with at least one hole that is made of thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A process for making a hinged plastic article wherein a hinge formed from a deformable lamina is integrated with first and second thermoplastic members during injection of the plastic material. The deformable lamina is placed between the first mold section and the second mold section of an injection mold unit before the first mold section and the second mold section are clamped together to form injection mold cavities for the first and second thermoplastic members. A mold cavity dividing member separates the mold cavities for the first and second thermoplastic members. The deformable lamina at least partially extends into the mold cavity for the first thermoplastic member and the mold cavity for the second thermoplastic member as well as therebetween to form a hinge. The first mold section and the second mold section are then clamped together and a plastic material is injected into the mold cavities and in bonding securement of the deformable lamina.

Abstract: Improved methods of superposing a film laminate over a plastic substrate and fused film-plastic parts made thereby. Improvement in traditional techniques is provided by preforming the film laminate proportionately relative to the size and shape of the underlying plastic substrate whereby improved gloss consistency of the fused film-plastic part is observed. The film laminate is preformed by shaping it over a pattern block wherein the film laminate is provided with an inner height and inner face width. The inner height of the film laminate is less than the height of the plastic substrate while the inner face width of the film laminate is greater than the face width of the plastic substrate. The film laminate is next positioned in a mold cavity wherein a molten resin is injected thereby forming the plastic substrate and fusing the film laminate thereover.

Abstract: A method of processing plastic material, wherein the plastic material is pressure-lessly distributed over the lower mold half of a mold divided in a horizontal plane, then the mold is closed and the mold cavity is entirely filled with molten material whereupon a fluid is injected into the molten material and a portion of the molten material is displaced into a secondary cavity by the fluid.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing multilayer moldings using a mold including a pair of male and female mold pieces for manufacturing a multilayer molding in which a part of its thermoplastic resin substrate surface is partially laminated with a shin material. Either the male or the female mold piece has a mold surface provided with a molten resin feeding path opening inside an area where the skin material is placed and at least one dent into which a part of or the whole skin material fringing end can be inserted, at a part of or the whole position corresponding to a fringe of the skin material to be laminated and a block to be fitted into the dent. The block is fitted into the dent so that the skin material fringing end inserted into the dent is sandwiched and fixed between an inner wall of the dent and the block and at the same time an upper surface of the block can form an even mold surface with the mold surface surrounding the dent.

Abstract: In a mold press forming process for integrally molding a resin core member and a surface skin member, prior to the step of forming the resin core member, a surface skin member is retained between an upper die half and a lower die half by a surface skin retaining frame which consists of a fixed segment and a moveable segment. The moveable segment is moved vertically relatively to the fixed segment to better adapt the surface skin member to a three-dimensional parting line between the upper and lower half dies. When mounting the surface skin member onto the surface skin retaining frame presents a planar mounting surface, the mounting work is facilitated, and automated mounting devices can be used without any problem.

Abstract: A console lid comprises a base having a predetermined rigidity and a skin layer member having an inner layer and an outer layer, which covers the base. A cushioning layer made of foamed polyurethane having a thickness that decreases toward the ends thereof is provided between the top of the base and the skin layer member. The skin layer member which has been trimmed is positioned in a mold and the cushioning layer is positioned so that it is in contact with the skin layer member. A plasticized resin is charged into a mold cavity from a gate to form a base. Excellent soft touch and feel is provided by the resulting composite structure since the cushioning layer, made of a soft material, is provided between the base and the skin layer member in a position where such a soft touch or cushioning is most desirable.

Abstract: Improved methods of insert molding a laminated film or the like over a plastic substrate and fused film--plastic parts made thereby are disclosed. Improvement in traditional insert molding techniques is provided by use of a specific mold cavity structure which facilitates overlaying of the paint film over the desired edge portion of the plastic part. In the mold cavity portion corresponding to the part edge for which overlapping is desired, a special extension or pocket portion of the mold cavity is constructed. The pocket portion is bounded by a wall surface that extends or slopes from the female mold side (cavity side) of the mold to the male mold side. The painted side of the paint film laminate is inserted against this wall with the paint side of the paint film laminate facing the wall. During the injection molding process, the pressurized resin injected into the mold impinges upon the backing sheet side of the film forcing the film to extend along the wall.

Abstract: The present invention improves the durability of a plastic sleeve formed integrally with a bush on the inner circumference of the bush. A method of fabricating a chain link assembly deforms a bush (1) set in a mold (2) into the same barrel-like shape as that of the bush (1) in the chain link assembly, injects a molten plastic into the mold to form a plastic sleeve (8) on the inner surface of the bush (1), and unites the bushes (1) respectively provided with the plastic sleeves (8) with chain link plates so that the internal stress induced in the sleeves (8) is removed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a co-molding process for producing co-molded, chemical bonded, canned refractory articles which eliminates the costly and problematic firing or sintering steps and which eliminates the time consuming separate canning and sizing of the refractory articles as required by conventional methods. The co-molding process of the present invention comprises the steps of:(a) mixing a refractory aggregate with a chemical binder to form a pressable refractory composition;(b) placing a metal can into a press cavity die;(c) charging said refractory composition into said metal can and press cavity die;(d) subjecting said refractory composition to high pressures while in said press cavity die to shape and size said refractory article; and(e) drying said refractory article at temperatures sufficient to cure said chemical binder.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing patterned molded articles includes an injection mold composed of a first mold and a second mold, an unwind roll for unwinding a continuity of pattern film, a film introducing device for introducing the pattern film unwound from the unwind roll to between the first mold and the second mold, and a main clamp for pressing the pattern film against a surface of the first mold. A cutting device is provided on the upstream side of the surface of the first mold and serving for cutting off the pattern film, and a sub-clamp provided on the downstream side of the surface of the first mold and serving for fixing a cut-off end portion of the pattern film. The film introducing device has a pinch device for grasping the cut-off end portion of the pattern film and a driving device for reciprocatingly moving the pinch device.

Abstract: An improved method for making a breast enhancer comprises placing a first and second film of thermoplastic material adjacent one another and forming a temporary adhesion seal therebetween. The temporary seal is in the form of a band that defines a parameter of a bag formed between the two films. A sufficient volume of liquid silicone composition to form the breast enhancer is introduced into the bag, and the air-bubble free filled bag is placed between a top mold and a bottom mold. The top and bottom molds are compressively engaged to encase the filled bag within a mold cavity formed between the mold surfaces. At least a portion of the sealed band is disposed within the mold cavity, and at least a portion of the band is compressed between a seal surface of the top mold and a rim of the bottom mold. The temporary seal is opened to allow the liquid silicone composition to migrate between the films and fill the mold cavity.

Abstract: A process for the production of a plastic material part with a wear-resistant surface, having a predetermined nonplanar shape, comprising heating a blank of plastic material on a first side thereof opposite a second side on which it is desired to produce the wear-resistant surface, to adjacent the melting temperature of the plastic material, such that the temperature of the second side is substantially lower than the temperature of the first side. The blank thus heated on only the first side is introduced into a mold cavity, and is subjected to elevated pressure in the mold cavity with a surface of the mold cavity in contact with the second surface of the blank having a nonplanar shape complementary to the desired predetermined nonplanar shape of the second surface, thereby to impart to the second surface that predetermined shape while the second surface is at that substantially lower temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manufacturing method for a damper which is effective when used for a car air conditioner as a air flow switching door.A resin damper body to which surfaces foaming resin seal materials are joined is formed by setting the foaming resin seal materials within mold spaces beforehand and then injecting the resin thereinto, and during which process the damper body and the seal materials are joined together. Particularly, the structure of the metal molds, the structure of an injection nozzle, and the shape of the seal materials are improved in order to improve the shape of the seal materials and the shape of the damper body during the injection molding.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of hermetically sealed filter units and a product made thereby. The process comprises aligning a porous filter element between two housing parts and a thermoplastic skirt that overlaps the edge of at least one housing part to shield the edge of the filter element disposed adjacent to the skirt, pressing the housing parts together and then injection molding a thermoplastic overmold band around the outer portions of the housing parts to form a hermetic seal at the edge of the filter element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for molding a multilayered automotive trim component (12) having a covered edge portion (60). A flexible covering (32) is positioned between opposable molds (14, 16) that are continuously operable between an open position and a closed position. First and second article shaping surfaces (18, 20) on the molds (14, 16) form the article surfaces. An extendable slide (22, 23) having a cover receiving surface (24, 25) is positioned between the molds (14, 16) such that the cover receiving surface (24, 25) is positioned inwardly of a perimeter portion (26) of the first article shaping surface (18). The slide (22, 23) is extended and a polymeric resin (48) is injected onto the second article-shaping surface (20). The molds (14, 16) are closed such that the first and second article-shaping surfaces (18, 20) and the cover-receiving surface (24, 25) together define a cavity (52).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a panel button includes providing a molding die including a transferable molding die defining a cavity, a core molding die having a runner, a sprue and a gate and a stationary molding die having a sprue. A hollow space is provided in a bottom of the cavity wherein a push button is formed. A projecting portion is inserted into the cavity and is formed on the underside of the core molding die. Two hollow coaxial spaces are connected to each other, one to form a boss, the other to form an elastic arm. A plastic sheet is introduced into the cavity and is sandwiched between the transferable molding die and the core molding die. The plastic sheet has an unbonding portion at a position where the push button is to be formed. A molten resin material is injected into the cavity through the runner, sprue and gate. The thus formed panel button includes the push button on the plastic sheet.

Abstract: A method for making air bag covers includes enclosing leather or other covering material in a mold, advancing a projection on a mold portion against a covering material to form a tear seam, and injecting moldable material behind the covering material to form a backing layer bonded to the material while forming an aligned groove in the backing layer. Embossing a desired pattern in the leather or covering material with a design in the mold cavity is also disclosed. A method for molding leather covered, resinous articles using a preformed, preshrunk leather piece, which articles optionally have designs, indicia or enhanced leather graining embossed during molding, is also disclosed.

Abstract: An in-mold molded product includes a molded plastic member having projections and recesses on a surface thereof and a transfer layer provided on such surface. The outer surface of the transfer layer has a contour corresponding to the projections and recesses of the plastic member and additionally has projections and recesses that are finer than those on the surface of the plastic molded member. Thus, the finished product has a matte surface with good wear characteristics. The product is molded by arranging a mat transfer member at a predetermined region of a cavity of a mold unit, the mat transfer member having the fine projections and recesses on one surface thereof, and a portion of the mold unit defining the cavity having, at the predetermined region, projections and recesses which are larger in size than those of the mat transfer member.

Abstract: The plastic substrate portion of the part is formed by a first injection of plastic into a mold, so as to adhere to an overlying sheet of coverstock material. A portion of the coverstock is not initially adhered to the substrate. A second injection of plastic forms the undecorated portion of the part, and bonds to the substrate portion to form a unitary plastic panel. In the course of contacting the substrate portion, the plastic from the second injection folds and hides the non-adhered portion of the cover stock, thereby forming a neat, clean split line.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a skin-integrated laminate using a mold assembly in which a female mold 1 is arranged above and facing a male mold 2 so as to be freely brought close to and away from the male mold, wherein the female mold 1 and the male mold 2 are arranged so as to form an end opening at the peripheral end of a cavity 11 when they are clamped, a plate mold 4 having an end-forming pointed end part 5 which can enter the above end opening is also provided, and the end of the skin material allowed to exist between the male mold 2 and the female mold 1 is clamped with a clamping mechanism 3 which can be freely opened and closed, whereby the skin material is adhered integratedly in layer to the molded synthetic resin substrate from its one side to the other end surface simultaneously with the forming of the substrate and whereby a skin-integrated laminate exhibiting a good appearance, whose skin material does not shrink even after the molding, can be produced in a good efficiency, and a mold ass