Method of forming an overmolded vial

Abstract

A method of forming a vial, preferably for use in a level, is disclosed. The method comprises providing a cylinder formed from a first material having an inner surface defining a cavity and an outer surface, molding a second material around and onto the outer surface to form an overmolded body, and machining the inner surface of the body formed to arrive at a cavity having a desired shape. A bubble can then be positioned in the cavity by partially filling it with a liquid. In certain embodiments, the method includes positioning at least one marker ring or indicia on the outer surface prior to the molding step so that the ring/indicia is enclosed between the cylinder and second material. The marker ring or the indicia so positioned will preferably not penetrate the inner surface so that movement of the bubble within the cavity is unimpeded. In another aspect, the method includes providing a molded body of a first material having a sidewall that extends between an inner surface defining a cavity and an outer surface, the sidewall being sufficiently thin to have been molded to form the cavity to have a desired shape, and molding a second material around and onto the outer surface of the body such that it reinforces the sidewall against breakage.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.