Method for forming smooth handle
US5230855A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 19, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jul 27, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 19, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2013/0287
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for forming a 360 degree integral skin handle in a thermoplastic part for use in automotive trim products includes the steps of forming a mold with a partial recess with raised side ribs joined to a removable plug with raised side ribs and thereafter selectively directing heat from a first source through the mold and from a second source through the plug to form a completely closed, curved, heated tube surface and thereafter casting thermoplastic material against the curved, heated tube surface to fuse and cure a layer of material thereon in the form of a tube skin segment which is releasable from the mold when the plug is removed. Apparatus for practicing the method includes a mold with a recess therein and a plug is supported on the mold for movement into a position for closing the tube surface and into a demolding position for releasing the molded part. The raised side ribs combine to form spaced parallel recesses in the tube to form an inner surface on a 360.degree. with a smooth feel. The article formed by the method and apparatus includes a shell of thermoplastic material which is fused and cured and which includes a generally planar segment having an integrally form…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.