WO2005123361A2 - In-mold movable parts assembly - Google Patents

In-mold movable parts assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005123361A2
WO2005123361A2 PCT/US2005/020586 US2005020586W WO2005123361A2 WO 2005123361 A2 WO2005123361 A2 WO 2005123361A2 US 2005020586 W US2005020586 W US 2005020586W WO 2005123361 A2 WO2005123361 A2 WO 2005123361A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
movable
cavity
injecting
mold
mold portion
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2005/020586
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2005123361A3 (en
Inventor
Keith E. Fecteau
Original Assignee
Cabot Safety Intermediate Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Cabot Safety Intermediate Corporation filed Critical Cabot Safety Intermediate Corporation
Publication of WO2005123361A2 publication Critical patent/WO2005123361A2/en
Publication of WO2005123361A3 publication Critical patent/WO2005123361A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/0017—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor moulding interconnected elements which are movable with respect to one another, e.g. chains or hinges
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29D—PRODUCING PARTICULAR ARTICLES FROM PLASTICS OR FROM SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE
    • B29D12/00—Producing frames
    • B29D12/02—Spectacle frames

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus and method for providing an in-mold movable parts assembly. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to providing an in-mold assembly of inter- fitting pieces.
  • An eyewear hinge may comprise a portion of a molded frame, a portion of a molded temple, and a screw or other fastener.
  • a first, previously manufactured element is placed in a mold, and an additional element is molded therein.
  • United States Patent 4,890,356 the entire contents of which are specifically incorporated by reference, describes such a process, where a previously manufactured part is placed in a mold for further processing.
  • the presently described apparatus and method alleviates and overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art by providing a method for creating an in-mold movable parts assembly, including: positioning a top mold portion and a bottom mold portion to create a cavity that defines a first element of a movable part and a second element of a moveable part; injecting a first material into a first cavity portion, defining the first element of the movable part; and injecting a second material into a second cavity portion, defining the second element of the movable part, wherein the second material molds around the first material without bonding to the first material and forms the moveable part comprising the first element and the second element.
  • an injection mold for constructing in-mold moveable parts assembly including a top mold portion and a bottom mold portion wherein positioning said top mold portion and said bottom mold creates a cavity that defines a first element of a moveable part and a second element of a moveable part.
  • FIGURE 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a in-mold hinge for eyewear
  • FIGURE 2 illustrates a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for creating an in-mold movable parts assembly.
  • the presently described in-mold assembly provides molded moving parts, such as hinges, pantascopic and temple length adjustments, moving components for respirators, or any moving or adjustable part that may be molded.
  • molded moving parts are constructed in a multi-shot molding process by injecting a first material, e.g., a polypropylene or polycarbonate, for a first component into a mold, and injecting a second material into the mold, e.g. a polyester or nylon, in spaced relationship with the first material.
  • the second material may be any moldable material that will not bond to the first material, but which engages and cooperates with the first material to create a moving part.
  • a third material is introduced to create additional moving parts in a similar manner.
  • the illustrated injection mold 10 includes a top mold portion 12 and a bottom mold portion 14. When the top mold portion 12 and the bottom mold portion 14 are placed together, an injection inlet 16 and an injection outlet 18 are formed.
  • the top mold portion 12 and the bottom mold portion 14 when placed together also define a relief in the shape of a first element of an eyewear frame 20 and a relief in the shape of a second element of an eyewear frame 22. Interrelation of the first element of an eyewear frame 20 and the second element of an eyewear frame 22 construct the molded moving parts.
  • a first material and a second material are used in a multi-shot molding process by injecting the first material into the injection mold 10, e.g., a polypropylene or polycarbonate, for the first element of an eyewear frame 20, and injecting a second material into the injection mold 10, e.g. a polyester or nylon, for the second element of an eyewear frame 22 in spaced relationship with the first element of an eyewear frame 20.
  • the second material may be any suitable moldable material that will not bond to the first material, but which will engage and cooperates with the first material to create a moving part.
  • the incompatibility and differences in cooling rates of the first material and the second material prevent them from mixing together.
  • FIGURE 2 a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for creating an in-mold movable parts assembly is shown generally at 30.
  • the first step in creating an in-mold movable parts assembly shown at step 32, is to position a top mold portion and a bottom mold portion such that a cavity is created that defines a first element of a movable part and a second element of a moveable part.
  • a first material is injected into a portion of the cavity created by the top mold portion and the bottom mold portion that corresponds to the first element of a moveable part.
  • a second material is injected into the cavity created by the top mold portion, the bottom mold portion, and the first material, which corresponds to the second element of a moveable part.
  • the second material will mold around the first material without bonding to the first material and form a moveable part including both the first element and the second element.
  • the top mold portion and the bottom mold portion are removed, leaving the in-mold moveable parts assembly including the first and second elements, as shown at step 38.
  • the method for creating in-mold moveable parts assembly is preformed within a single molding cycle.
  • the method for creating an in-mold moveable parts includes using a fugitive material inside the cavity created by the top mold portion and the bottom mold portion to prevent the first material from contacting and bonding with the second material.
  • the second material may be injected into the injection mold before the first material cools.
  • additional materials tailored to resist bonding to the first material and the second material may be introduced to create additional moving parts. These additional materials may be added to the injection mold in a manner similar to the second material described above.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Injection Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Moulds For Moulding Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

Injection molding of first and second materials is performed to create molded moving parts, such as hinges, pantascopic and temple length adjustments, moving components for respirators or indeed, any moving or adjustable part that may be molded. Such molded moving parts are constructed in a multi-shot molding process by injecting a first material (34), e.g., a polypropylene or polycarbonate, for a first component, and injecting a second material (36), e.g. a polyester or nylon, in spaced relationship with the first material. The second material is selected from a moldable material that will not bond to the first material, but which engages and cooperates with the first material to create a moving part. In another embodiment, a third material is introduced to create additional moving parts in a like manner.

Description

IN-MOLD MOVABLE PARTS ASSEMBLY AND METHOD
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to co-pending United States
Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/578,638, filed June 10, 2004, the entire contents of which are specifically incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus and method for providing an in-mold movable parts assembly. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to providing an in-mold assembly of inter- fitting pieces.
[0003] Current assembly procedures for constructing moving parts require separate molding or other construction of inter-fitting pieces. An eyewear hinge may comprise a portion of a molded frame, a portion of a molded temple, and a screw or other fastener. For example, a first, previously manufactured element is placed in a mold, and an additional element is molded therein. Thus, multiple molding or manufacturing steps are required. United States Patent 4,890,356, the entire contents of which are specifically incorporated by reference, describes such a process, where a previously manufactured part is placed in a mold for further processing.
[0004] What is needed in the art is an efficient manner of constructing movable parts without excess assembly steps and excessive numbers of parts.
SUMMARY
[0005] The presently described apparatus and method alleviates and overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art by providing a method for creating an in-mold movable parts assembly, including: positioning a top mold portion and a bottom mold portion to create a cavity that defines a first element of a movable part and a second element of a moveable part; injecting a first material into a first cavity portion, defining the first element of the movable part; and injecting a second material into a second cavity portion, defining the second element of the movable part, wherein the second material molds around the first material without bonding to the first material and forms the moveable part comprising the first element and the second element.
[0006] Also disclosed herein is an injection mold for constructing in-mold moveable parts assembly including a top mold portion and a bottom mold portion wherein positioning said top mold portion and said bottom mold creates a cavity that defines a first element of a moveable part and a second element of a moveable part.
[0007] The above-discussed and other features and advantages of the apparatus and method will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following drawings and detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like elements are numbered alike in the several FIGURES:
[0009] FIGURE 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a in-mold hinge for eyewear; and
[0010] FIGURE 2 illustrates a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for creating an in-mold movable parts assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0011] The presently described in-mold assembly provides molded moving parts, such as hinges, pantascopic and temple length adjustments, moving components for respirators, or any moving or adjustable part that may be molded. In an exemplary embodiment, such molded moving parts are constructed in a multi-shot molding process by injecting a first material, e.g., a polypropylene or polycarbonate, for a first component into a mold, and injecting a second material into the mold, e.g. a polyester or nylon, in spaced relationship with the first material. The second material may be any moldable material that will not bond to the first material, but which engages and cooperates with the first material to create a moving part. In another exemplary embodiment, a third material is introduced to create additional moving parts in a similar manner. [0012] Referring now to FIGURE 1 , the presently described injection molding of moving parts is illustrated generally at 10. The illustrated injection mold 10 includes a top mold portion 12 and a bottom mold portion 14. When the top mold portion 12 and the bottom mold portion 14 are placed together, an injection inlet 16 and an injection outlet 18 are formed. The top mold portion 12 and the bottom mold portion 14 when placed together also define a relief in the shape of a first element of an eyewear frame 20 and a relief in the shape of a second element of an eyewear frame 22. Interrelation of the first element of an eyewear frame 20 and the second element of an eyewear frame 22 construct the molded moving parts.
[0013] A first material and a second material are used in a multi-shot molding process by injecting the first material into the injection mold 10, e.g., a polypropylene or polycarbonate, for the first element of an eyewear frame 20, and injecting a second material into the injection mold 10, e.g. a polyester or nylon, for the second element of an eyewear frame 22 in spaced relationship with the first element of an eyewear frame 20. The second material may be any suitable moldable material that will not bond to the first material, but which will engage and cooperates with the first material to create a moving part. In an exemplary embodiment the incompatibility and differences in cooling rates of the first material and the second material prevent them from mixing together.
[0014] With reference now to FIGURE 2, a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for creating an in-mold movable parts assembly is shown generally at 30. The first step in creating an in-mold movable parts assembly, shown at step 32, is to position a top mold portion and a bottom mold portion such that a cavity is created that defines a first element of a movable part and a second element of a moveable part. Next, shown at step 34, a first material is injected into a portion of the cavity created by the top mold portion and the bottom mold portion that corresponds to the first element of a moveable part. Then at step 36, after the first material cools to a suitable temperature, a second material is injected into the cavity created by the top mold portion, the bottom mold portion, and the first material, which corresponds to the second element of a moveable part. The second material will mold around the first material without bonding to the first material and form a moveable part including both the first element and the second element. After the second material cools to a suitable temperature, the top mold portion and the bottom mold portion are removed, leaving the in-mold moveable parts assembly including the first and second elements, as shown at step 38. In an exemplary embodiment, the method for creating in-mold moveable parts assembly is preformed within a single molding cycle.
[0015] In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the method for creating an in-mold moveable parts includes using a fugitive material inside the cavity created by the top mold portion and the bottom mold portion to prevent the first material from contacting and bonding with the second material. In this case, the second material may be injected into the injection mold before the first material cools.
[0016] h another embodiment, where multiple movable parts are desired, additional materials tailored to resist bonding to the first material and the second material may be introduced to create additional moving parts. These additional materials may be added to the injection mold in a manner similar to the second material described above.
[0017] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best or only mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:
1. A method for creating an in-mold movable parts assembly comprising: positioning a top mold portion and a bottom mold portion to create a cavity that defines a first element of a movable part and a second element of a moveable part; injecting a first material into a first cavity portion, defining said first element of said movable part; and injecting a second material into a second cavity portion, defining said second element of said movable part, wherein said second material molds around said first material without bonding to said first material and fomis said moveable part comprising said first element and said second element.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising removing said top mold portion and said bottom mold portion.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein said positioning said top mold portion and said bottom mold portion creates a injection inlet and an injection outlet.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein said injecting said first material and injecting said second material are performed within a single molding cycle.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein said injection said second material is performed while said first material is cooling.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein said inj ection of said first and second materials is performed simultaneously, but wherein said second material does not contact said first material until said first material has begun to cool.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein said cavity further defines a third element of a movable part, further comprising injecting a third material into a third cavity portion, defining said third element of said movable part, wherein said third material molds around said first or said second material without bonding to said first or said second material and forms a portion of said moveable part.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein wherein said cavity further defines a second movable part operatively associated with either said first or said second material, further comprising injecting a third material into a third cavity portion, defining said said second movable part, wherein said third material molds around said first or said second material without bonding to said first or said second material and forms a portion of said second moveable part.
9. A method for creating an in-mold movable component for eyewear, comprising: positioning a top mold portion and a bottom mold portion to create a cavity that defines a temple side portion of a movable eyewear hinge or pantascopic or temple length adjustment and a frame or lens side of a moveable eyewear hinge or pantascopic or temple length adjustment; injecting a first material into a first cavity portion, defining one of said temple side portion and said frame or lens side portion of said movable eyewear hinge or pantascopic or temple length adjustment; and injecting a second material into a second cavity portion, defining the other of said temple side portion and said frame or lens side portion of said movable eyewear hinge or pantascopic or temple length adjustment, wherein said second material molds around said first material without bonding to said first material and forms said moveable part comprising said temple side portion and said frame or lens side portion of said movable eyewear hinge or pantascopic or temple length adjustment.
10. A method for creating an in-mold movable respirator component, comprising: positioning a top mold portion and a bottom mold portion to create a cavity that defines a first portion of a movable respirator component and a second portion of a moveable respirator component; injecting a first material into a first cavity portion, defining one of said first and second portions of said movable respirator component; and injecting a second material into a second cavity portion, defining the other of said first and second portions of said movable respirator component, wherein said second material molds around said first material without bonding to said first material and forms said moveable part comprising said first and second portions of said movable respirator component.
11. An injection mold for constructing a in-mold moveable parts assembly comprising a top mold portion and a bottom mold portion, wherein positioning said top mold portion and said bottom mold creates a cavity that defines a first element of a moveable part and a second element of a moveable part.
12. The injection mold of claim 11 , wherein positioning said top mold portion and said bottom mold portion further creates a injection inlet and an injection outlet.
PCT/US2005/020586 2004-06-10 2005-06-10 In-mold movable parts assembly WO2005123361A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US57863804P 2004-06-10 2004-06-10
US60/578,638 2004-06-10

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005123361A2 true WO2005123361A2 (en) 2005-12-29
WO2005123361A3 WO2005123361A3 (en) 2006-03-16

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20140001674A1 (en) * 2012-06-28 2014-01-02 Lee-Yeh Lu Manufacturing method for a hinge

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH246047A (en) * 1945-07-18 1946-12-15 Limited Plasco Method of manufacturing a chain from injection molding.
GB1511157A (en) * 1974-07-09 1978-05-17 Anvar Manufacture of composite articles from thermoplastics materials
US4890356A (en) * 1987-08-20 1990-01-02 Eyemetrics-Systems Ag Hinge for the connection of the shaft of a temple with a hinge piece of spectacle frames as well as a process for the production of such a hinge
FR2844605A1 (en) * 2002-09-18 2004-03-19 Finasse Spectacle frame hinge with position fixing stud provides two stable positions for injection-moulded plastic hinges

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS6268713A (en) * 1985-09-20 1987-03-28 Bandai Co Manufacture of toy

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH246047A (en) * 1945-07-18 1946-12-15 Limited Plasco Method of manufacturing a chain from injection molding.
GB1511157A (en) * 1974-07-09 1978-05-17 Anvar Manufacture of composite articles from thermoplastics materials
US4890356A (en) * 1987-08-20 1990-01-02 Eyemetrics-Systems Ag Hinge for the connection of the shaft of a temple with a hinge piece of spectacle frames as well as a process for the production of such a hinge
FR2844605A1 (en) * 2002-09-18 2004-03-19 Finasse Spectacle frame hinge with position fixing stud provides two stable positions for injection-moulded plastic hinges

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
JAROSCHEK C: "DER EISKALTE DREH THE ICE-COLD TRICK" KUNSTSTOFFE, CARL HANSER VERLAG, MUNCHEN, DE, vol. 85, no. 9, 1 September 1995 (1995-09-01), pages 1274-1276, XP000522515 ISSN: 0023-5563 *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 011, no. 266 (M-620), 28 August 1987 (1987-08-28) -& JP 62 068713 A (BANDAI CO), 28 March 1987 (1987-03-28) *

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20140001674A1 (en) * 2012-06-28 2014-01-02 Lee-Yeh Lu Manufacturing method for a hinge

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