Method for continuous vacuum forming shaped polymeric articles
US6319456A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 12, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 20, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 12, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24438
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This invention relates to methods and apparatus for manufacturing shaped polymeric articles by substantially continuous vacuum forming. The method includes providing a sheet of hot polymeric material which is disposed onto a rotating belt having a mold impression. Vacuum pressure is applied to the polymeric material through the belt so as to draw the hot polymeric material into intimate contact with the mold impression to form a patterned sheet portion and a remaining sheet portion. This method thereafter cools at least the patterned sheet portion below a heat deflection temperature of the polymeric material, forms the remaining sheet portion, and then cools the remaining sheet portion below the heat deflection temperature so that features other than the central pattern, such as nail and butt edges, can be mechanically worked into the polymeric sheet.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.