Method for casting multicolored parts for automotive interior applications

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus/method for making a joint line in a plastic article comprising the steps of providing a mold having a mold surface, providing a gasket in the mold wherein the gasket defines first and second mold spaces, and molding a layer of a plastic material within one of the mold first and second mold spaces. In addition, during molding, the gasket is laterally moved relative to the mold surface in a direction towards that mold space containing the plastic material to therein form a distinct joint line. In alternative embodiment, a method is disclosed herein for making a molded two-colored article comprising the steps of providing a mold having a mold surface, providing a gasket in the mold wherein the gasket defines first and second mold spaces, followed by the molding a layer of a first colored material within one of the mold first and second mold spaces, wherein the first colored material comprises a charge of plastic microspheres having an outside diameter in the range of 0.007″ to 0.040″, and removing the gasket and molding a layer of a second colored material.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.