US 12,157,255 B1 · System and method for molding stock shapes

Abstract

A mold assembly comprises a mold sidewall surrounding a mold cavity. A material inlet passageway, through which plasticized material may be introduced into the mold cavity, is formed in an inlet end wall of the mold. A sliding core is mounted within the mold and advanceable between a seated position covering the inlet passageway and a retracted position spaced away from the inlet passageway to allow plasticized material to flow into the mold cavity. An annular plunger is slidably mounted on the sliding core and within the mold sidewall for applying a downward force on plasticized material introduced into the mold cavity. Fiber reinforcing inserts may be inserted into the mold prior to filling it with plasticized material and a source of Nitrogen gas is connected to an extruder for purging ambient air from the plastic material in the extruder prior to injection into the mold cavity.

Claims10

Dependent claims

A method of forming a molded item comprising the steps of:

providing a mold having a mold sidewall surrounding a mold cavity and an open end opening into the mold cavity
inserting into the mold cavity through the open end thereof a first sleeve formed from a material adapted to increase the tensile strength of the molded part, wherein the first sleeve has a shape corresponding to the shape of an inner surface of the mold sidewall;
after inserting the first sleeve into the mold cavity, introducing plasticized material into the mold cavity until the mold cavity is filled with plasticized material to an extent extending proximate the open end of the mold;
covering the contents of the mold cavity with a cover extending at least substantially across the open end of the mold cavity;
applying a force to the cover to press the cover against the contents of the mold cavity to form the molded item with the first sleeve integrated into the molded item.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

System and method for molding stock shapes

Life of this patent

System and method for molding stock shapes

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10