WO2014176399A2

WO2014176399A2 - Double fabric faced injection molded fixture

Info

Publication number: WO2014176399A2
Application number: PCT/US2014/035249
Authority: WO
Inventors: William M. DEJESUS; Peter Nielsen; Larry Meyers
Original assignee: United States Gypsum Co
Current assignee: United States Gypsum Co
Priority date: 2013-04-26
Filing date: 2014-04-24
Publication date: 2014-10-30
Anticipated expiration: 2015-10-26
Also published as: CN105307832A; US20170050354A1; WO2014176399A3; WO2014176399A4; CA2849601C; US9731441B2; US20170050353A1; CN105307832B; CA2849601A1; US20140319833A1; MX356393B; MX2014005032A

Abstract

A method of forming a drain fixture is disclosed along with the resulting structure. The method includes the steps of aligning two preformed fabrics on top of each other, with connecting elements positioned between the fabrics and bonded to each of the two fabrics, positioning the connected two fabrics in a mold and centering the connected, fabrics inside the mold by means of the connecting elements, injecting a plastic material through openings in the connecting elements, and filling the space between the two fabrics with the plastic material

Description

DOUBLE FABRIC FACED INJECTION MOLDED FIXTURE

Background

[OOlj The present invention relates to the construction of waterproof systems in the mortar-bonded, environment Surh environments typically include tiled floors and walls and associated fixtures and drains (e.g., in. showers),

[002] Conventional methods of installing ceramic tile shower floors have typically included several steps. First, a sloped mortar bed is installed, t at slopes from an edge (e.g., a wa ll, a curb, or some other border) to the position of a drain in a subfioor. This mortar bed is typically referred to as s loped fill, or "pre- slope¹'. A waterproof barrier, commonly referred to as a shower pan liner, is subsequently positioned over the sloped mortar bed and fixed to t e drain. Conventional shower pan liners are not designed to bond to a substrate or to ceramic or stone tile and thus a second non- bonded ("floating^") mortar bed must he overlaid to provide a load distribution layer and bonding surface for the tile. To have sufficient strength and mass. such, non- bonded mortar beds for shower floors should, have a minimum thickness of at least about: 1.5CHneb.es and. should be reinforced with galvanized wire mesh to comply with industry standard guidelines. This method of shower floor ^instruct on has proven over time to be reliable when properly built, but requires a high degree of trade knowledge and skill and takes considerable time to construct.

[003] More recently, changing consumer preferences, designer influences, and in some cases the unavailability of craft smen skilled in these t echn iques have driven changes in consumer preferences, and in. the manner in which such showers (or equivalent structu res) are constructed. In particular, the trends point, toward simplified shower installation methods and systems.

[004] To facilitate these trends, integrated, systems have recently been developed thai, use lighter materials, and that can be installed using quicker, simplified methods. Much of this progress has been made possible with the advent of a new generation of materials that allow each layer to be bonded to the previous. Many of these materials that have been developed in recent years have incorporated fabric faces which are integrally molded onto component feces. In particular, because the relevant mortar materials mechanically lock to the open three dimensional, structu e of the fabric face, the fabric faces enable waterproofing membranes, drains and other components to be mortar bon.da.ble . In some cases these systems re firmed of a prefabricated shower tray (typically formed of polymer (bam) which is mortar bonded to i he suhfloor, in some typical systems, a waterproofing membrane, referred to as a load bearing, bonded waterproof membrane, is fixed to the ( am tray with thin set mortar. The tile is then bonded over the membrane, again using thin s t mortar. Thus, a typical integrated s stem could include (in order) substrate/in itial mortar layer/shower tray/second mortar layer/membrane/third mortar layer/tile.

[005] As a further convenience, a pre-mamifactured flanged drain fixture can be positioned on the mort ar on the tray to provide a structural location for the drain grate, to provide ample surface adhesion for the waterproofing membrane, and to connect the drain to the remainder of the plumbing, in many circumstances, the Hanged drain fixture is formed to include a circular, square or rectangular flange with the drain opening in the desired location (typically the center). This flange is typically pressed against the thin set mortar on the tray and provides the necessary surface for adhering and bonding the waterproofing membrane. The flange also helps provide structural support for the final drain fixture and its grate. In a. typical construction, after the flanged drain fixture is positioned on the foam, tray (and mortar), another layer of thin set mortar is applied over the e tire surface, following which a load hearing, bonded waterproof membrane is added. The final tile surface is added over the membrane, again using thin set mortar.

[006] In order to provide adequate adhesion and form a water tight seal between the membrane, thin set mortar, and the Hanged drain assembly, the top surface of the drain assembly has typically included an incorporated fabric layer. For a number of reasons, including conventional manufactu rin techniques, the bottom of the flanged drain fixture, which likewise must be set with thin set mortar, has not included such an integrated fabric face. As a result, such drain, flanges lack an adequate bonding surface bet ween the bottom of the drain flange and to the thin set: mortar that, supports the drain flange assembly. Providing and maintaining support beneath the drain is nevertheless quite important because the drain area tends to experience much of ill e loading forces in this type of structure.

[007] Accordingly, a need exists for a drain flange fixture that includes an integrated fabric on ail surfaces (typically upper and lower) that receive or contact thin set mortar. Summary

[008] In one aspect the method of the invention includes the steps of aligning two preformed fabrics on top of each other, with connecting elements positioned between the fabrics and bonded to each of die two fabrics, positioning die connected two fabrics in a mold and centering the connected fabrics inside the mold by means of the connecting elements, injecting a plastic materia.? through openings in the connecting elements, and filling i.he space between the two fabrics with the plastic material [009] in another aspect the inven tion is a method, of forming a double fabric faced injection molded fixture. The method includes the steps of superimposing a first temperature resistant fabric on a rigid temperature resistan fixiure plate, positioning a temperature resistant spacer on the first fabric opposite the fixiure plate, placing an alignment pin in the spacer on the fabric overlying the fixture plate, superimposing a second fabric over the first fabric and spaced from the first fabric by the spacer while aligning the second fabric on the alignment, pin, removing the alignment pins and adding a melted thermoplastic or thermosetting resin into the spacer, and through the spacer and between the fabrics while i.he fabrics and plate are clamped in a mold.

[0010] in another aspect the invention is a. double fabric faced plumbing fixture. The fixture includes two planar fabric layers separated by a. planar thermoplastic or thermoset, core layer with each planar fabric layer fused to the plastic core layer,

[0011] in another aspect the invention is a spacer for injection molding. The spacer includes a support plate, a plurality of spacing uprights on the support plate for definin the spacing characteristics of the spacer, and with the spacing uprights defining an injectio open ing there between, and a pi cylinder depending from the support, plate opposite i.he spacing uprights.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a gate button spacer according to the invention.

[00133 Figure 2 is a perspective view of the aluminum fixture plate used in the met hod of the invention.

[0014] Figure ij is a perspective view¹ of the fixture plate w ith the bottom face fabric positioned upon it. [00153 Figure 4 is a perspective view of the fixture plate with the bottom face fabric and t e gate button spacers.

[00183 Figure 5 is a perspective view of the fixture plate with the bottom face fabric and the gate along with the spacers and the alignment pins.

[00173 Figure 6 is a perspective view of the fixture plate w ith the bottom face fabric, the gate spacer buttons, the alignment pins, and the top face fabric.

[00183 Figure 7 is the same view as Figure 6 hut showing the alignment: pins removed after the top face fabric is positioned.

[0019] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the completed fabric sandwich structure, [00203 Figure 9 is a partial perspective view of the top and bottom face fabric separated by the gate button space r

[00 1.3 Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 9.

[00223 Figure 11 is a part ial perspecti ve, partial cross-sectional view of stacked gate spacer buttons.

[0023] Figure 12 is a partial perspective view of the top and bottom face fabrics, a gate spacer, and an injected plastic.

[0024] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a finished flange.

[00253 Figure 14 is another perspective view of a finished flange and a. cutaway portion illustrating the fabric sandwich.

[0026] Figure 1 is a cross sectional view- of the g te button spacer and the top face fabric.

[0027] Figure 10 is a cross sectional view of the gate button, spacer and fabric in an injection moid

[0028] Figure 17 is another cross .sectional view of the gate button, spacer and fabric in an injection mold.

[00293 Figure 18 is a perspective view of a drain alignment: fixture.

[00303 Figure 19 is a perspective view of the fabric layers for the drain alignment fi tu re.

[0031] Figure 20 is a perspective view of a niche fixture.

[00323 Figure 2.1 is a perspective view of the fabric layers for the niche fixture. D e tai le d D e sc ri ps i on

[0033] Figure 1 i a perspective view of a gate button spacer or connecting element 20 according to the present invention, in order to accommodate the method of the invention s described herein, the gate button spacer is formed of a material that will w ithstand the temperature required for the injection, molding .step, In representative embodiments, the gate button spacer is molded from a thermoplastic or

thermosetting resin that has a higher melting point than the melting point of the plastic injected to make the entire flange. The resin for the spacer can be any polymer resin that can withstand the structural stress of the mold and the temperature of the injection moided plastic for the flange. The selection is well understood by the skilled person, but (for example) thermoplastics with relatively high melting points can include iluoropolymers, liquid crystal polymers, polyamide, po.lyimi.de, polyarylate, polyether keytone, polyether imide and polysulfones.

[0034] n detail, the illustrated button spacer concludes a support disk 21 which carries a plurality (four are illustrated) of spacing cylinders 22 on its upper side. The spacing cylinders 22 each have an upper cylinder surface 23 and an inclined edge 24. As illustrated in Figure 10, the height of the spacing cylinders 22 defines the thickness of the eventual flange, and thus can be selected or designed for that purpose.

[0035] Λ pin 25 depends from the support disk 21 and terminates in a pin frustum 26. The frustum 26 eases the alignment of the gate button spacer with the alignment openings (Figure 4) and helps make the spacers stac.kab.le (Figure 1 1). The geometry and positions of the spacing cylinders 22 define an injection opening 27 centered in the support disk 2 1, and that permits the melted resin to be added (Figure 12).

[0036] n some embodiments the pin 25 is cylindrical and in. other embodiments the pin 25 has square cross section. When a square cross section is used, the gate button spacer can be more easily oriented (or "clocked") to position the spacing cylinders 22 in a predetermined position. This in turn fixes the flow path of the melted resin as it is injected between the spacing cylinders (e.g.. Figure 12).

[0037] Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of a fixture plate broadly designated at 30. A illustrated, the plate i generally s uare with rounded corners, but it will be understood that the purpose of the plate is to define the eventual molded fixture. Thus, a different shape fixture plate can be used to produce a different shape of flange and the invention (method or structu re) is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. The plate 30 is typically formed of aluminum, although any materia l thai has the necessary structural strength, can be formed into the desired shape, and can withstand molding temperatures, will be appropriate,

[0038] The plate 30 includes; a plurality of corner positioning holes 31 our of which are shown in the illustrated embodiment. The corner posit ioning holes 3 I. receive the gate spacer buttons 20 (Figure 4).

[00393 The plate 30 includes an incline 28 leading to a lower top surface 33 from the upper top surface 32. The lower top surfo.ee 33 includes a tooling opening 34 illustrated in the center of the lower top surface 33 and in the center of the overall plate 30. This position is exemplary rather than limiting, however, as is the circular shape of the tool ing opening,

[0040] Figure 3 is a perspective view similar to Figure 2, but illustrating the bottom face fabric 35 superimposed on the upper top surface 32 and the incline 28 of the fixture plate 30. In order to leave an opening for the eventual, drain, the fabric does not need to cover most of the lower top surface 33 of the plate fixture 30,

Alternatively, if the fabric covers the lower surface .initially, the fabric can be trimmed later.

[0041,] Figure 4 shows the fixture plate 30 in the next progressive step of the method in which the gate button spacers; 20 have been inserted through the bottom face fabric 35 and into the corner positioning holes 31.

[0042] Figure 5 is a view identical to Figure 4 with the additional illustration of the alignment pins 36. The alignment pins 36 serve to position the top face fabric 37 in a desired orientation (Figure 6).

[0043] .Figure 6 is the next step in the progression of the method. Figure 8 accordingly shows the fixture plate 30 in the same orientation as Figures 2-5, but also illustrates the top face fabric 37. As wi.ll. be seen, with respect to Figures 12- 1.4, the top and bottom, face fabrics 37, 35 are named based upon their eventual position in the finished flange. In the view- of Figure 6, the bottom face fabric 35 is positioned underneath and spaced apart irons the top face fabric 37 by a distance defined by the spacing cylinders 22 of the gate button spacers 20, Additionally, the alignment pins help position the top face fabric 37 in the desired superimposed relationship over both the bottom face fabric 35 and the fixture plate 30.

[0044] Figure 7 illustrates the next step in the progression of the method in which the alignment pins 36 have been removed. This, together with the exposed injection openings 27 in the respective gate button spacers 20 provide a path to the volume between the fabric sheets 35. 37 for the injected melted plastic (Figure 12).

[00453 Figure 8 illustrates the overlying relationship of the fabric layers 35, 37 with the combination bei ng broadly designated at 40. The portion of the fixture plate thai was not covered by fabric (e.g., Figures 3-7) defines a drain, plate opening 42

surrounded by a drain perimeter 43, The gate spacer buttons 20 remain as a pari, of the illust rated combination.

[0046] Figure 9 is a partial perspective view showing the relationship between, and among the top face fabric 37, the bottom face fabric 35, the gate button spacers 20 and their pin cylinders 25, the stepped incline 28, the drain plate opening 42, and the drai perimeter 13

[0047] Figure 10 dlusfrates the same elements as Figure 9, but in cross sectional orientation .

[0048] in the illustrated embodiment, the invention is show n as two fabric layers with one plastic layer in between. The gate spacer pins 20 are stae.kab.te in the manner illustrated in Figure .1 .1 so tha t fabric assemblies can be (optionally) stacked together prior to molding.

[0049] Figure 12 is a partial perspective view illustrating in more detail the relationship between the top face fabric 37, the bottom face fabric 35, the gate spacer button 20 and the molded plastic 41. As Figure 12 illustrates, the melted plastic resin for the aire is injected into the opening 27 in the gate spacer 20 in the direction illustrated by the arrow 44. This perm its the molten plastic to flow between the spacing cylinders 22 and then between the top and bottom face fabrics 37. 35, In general sufficient molded, plastic 1 is added to fill the entire volume between, the fabric laces 35, 37 as defined by the fixture plate 30. Nevertheless, it will be

understood tha t this is a step of efficiency and avoids waste rather than an absolute necessity. In. some cases, it may be advantageous to inject slightly less resin 41 and. trim excess fabric while in other cases it might be advantageous to inject surplus resin and trim it r ther than the fabric.

[0050] The plastic core can be formed of any resin that lias the appropriate struct ural strength (or can be molded to such strength and that does not otherwise adversely affect other materials in the overall structure (tile, mortar, membranes, etc). Eased upon the method, the resin for the core has melting point lower than the melting point of the spacers 20 so that the spacers 20 maintain their structural integri ty as the melted core resin is added, in exemplary embodiments, the core resin is selected from the group consisting of acrylic, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride. PTFE. polyester, polycarbonate, polyurethaoe and aerylordfrile butadiene styrene (^"ABS ).

[0051] Figure 1.3 is a perspective view of a com leted fixture broadly designated at 45. In the illustrated embodimen t, the fixture 45 includes the top face fabric 37, the bottom lace fabric 35, and the molded core 1. A pan 46 is molded to the drain open ing 42 and includes a threaded n ipple 47. The pan and nipple are exemplary rather than limiting, however, of the overall structure and method. A comparison of Figure 13 with Figure 10 illustrates that in most, circumstances the pin 25 is removed (typically sheared or clipped) from the finished fixtu re.

[0052] Figure 14 is a slightly different perspective view of these same elements with an enlarged cut out portion more clearly ill ustrating the top fabric surface 37, the bottom 35 and the core 4 1. .Figure 14 also shows the interior of the pan 46 and the interio of the threaded n ipple I T

[0053] The invention also in.cl.udes a method of form ing a drain fixture. In th is aspect , the method includes the steps of positioning two aligned, preformed fabrics on top of each other, with connecting elements positioned between the fa brics and bonded to each of the two fabrics in a mold and cen tering the connected fabrics inside the mold by means of the connecting elements, and injecting a plastic material through openings in the connecting elements to fil l the space between the two fabrics with the plastic material.

[0054] In somewhat more detail, the invention inclnd.es the steps of superimposing a first temperature resistant fabric on a rigid temperatu re resistant fixtu re plate, positioning a temperatu re resistant spacer on. the first fabric opposite the fixture plat e, placing an alignment pin in the spacer on the fabric overlying the fixture plate, superimposing a second fabric over i.he first fabric and spaced, from the first fabric by the spacer while aligning the second fabric on the alignment pin , removing the alignment pins and adding a melted polymer resin into the spacer, and through the spacer and between the fabrics while the fabrics and plate are clamped in a moid.

[0055] The releva t materials used in the method steps are, of course, those described with respect to .Figures 1 1 1

[0056] Figure .15 is a cross-sectional view of the gate button spacer 20 i n. relationship to the top face fabric 37. in particular, Figure .15 illustrates that the preformed fabric

S 37 covers the inclined edges 24 around the injection opening 27. This helps provide additional sea ling in the moid so that when melted thermoplastic plastic is injected into the mold, the pressure that tlie plastic exerts will not dislodge the fabric and the fabric will remain sealed against the gate button spacer 20.

[0057] Figure 1.6 is another cross-sectional, view illustrating the gate button spacer 20 in. the mold 50. A. feed opening 51 (also referred to as a "sprue") is positioned in. alignment over the injection opening 27. After injection, the thermoplastic core 41 is positioned in tbe mold. 50 between the bottom face fabric 35 and the top face fabric 37. Figu e 16 also illustrates thai the pin 25 of the gate button spacer 20 is positioned in an appropriate opening 52 in the lower portion of the mold 50.

[0058] Figure 17 is a part ial cross-sectional, part ial perspecti ve view of the fabric layers 35. 37 and the gates spacer in the context of the injection mold 50. Most of the elements illustrated in Figure 17 are the same as those in Figure ifi, with the difference being that .Figure 17 illustrates that in exemplary embodiments, enough fabric is included to form a fabric lip 53 that extends laterally between the upper and lower portions of the mold 50. The fabric lip serves to enclose melted resin in. the mold within the fabrics 35, 37. but also provides a. channel through which gas can escape from tbe mold (while blocking melted plastic) as the liquid plastic is injected from the sprue 51. into tbe gate spacer button 20.

[0059] Although tbe invention has been described in terms of the double faced bonding flange for a shower drain, the method and resulting structural advantages are helpful for any plastic part that w uld normally not adhere well to mortar, but, that is convenient in the mortar bond environment..

[0060] Accordingly. Figure 18 illustrates a drain alignment flange broadly designated at 54. Such an alignment flange is typically used near the drain opening to provide an aligned position for a drain grate. Figure IS shows a current conventional flange body 55 wi th a plurality of morta r openings 56. The combination of the flange body 55 and. the openings 56 define an overal l drain open ing 57.

[0061] Figure 19 illustrates a fabric sandwich entirely analogous to that illustrated in Figures 8- .10, but in the form that will mold the drain alignment flange 51

Accordingly, the bottom face fabric 35 and the top face fabric 37 are both illustrated along with the gate button spacers 20.

[0062] As illustrated, the drain alignment: flange 54 has a plurality of openings that permit: mortar to set: within and around the remainder of the structure, because otherwise the mortar tends not to adhere to the flange. Using the invention, however, the fabric present on both faces provides an advantageous improved adhesion to the thin set mortar. As a result, fewer openings are necessary, so that in torn the overall fixture is stronger,

[0083] Figures 20 and 21. are corresponding illustrations of a niche fixture broadly designated at 60. Th niche fixture 00 is exemplary of the type used to provide an indented, shelf or similar opening in a tile and mortar surface. The niche 60 can be covered with fabric on both sides in the same manner as the previously illustrated, drain and flange fixtures. Figure 20 illustrates that the niche fixture 60 includes a plurali y of wails 61 and a floor 62, The illustrated embodiment is typical of niche fixtures that has a width that conveniently fits between normal 16 inch center on center stud construction, in a similar manner the depth of the niche fixture (i.e., the w idi h of the wails) is typical of the depth available between wails in stud based construction. As illustrated, the niche fixtu re 60 includes a. flange 63 to help secure it in. position .

[0064] Figure 21. illustrates the preformed fabric components for molding that form the "sandwich'' broadly designated at 64. This is again formed, of a lower fabric face 37, a top fabric face 35, the gate button spacers 20, and the positioning holes 31.

[00853 in the drawings and specific ion there has been set forth a preferred embodiment of the invention, and although specific terms have been employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in the claims.

Claims

Claim

1 . A method of forming a drain fi ture comp risin :

positioning two aligned preformed fabrics on top of each other, wi th connecting elements positioned between the fabrics and bonded to each of the two fabrics in a mold and cen tering the connected fabrics inside the mold by means of the connecting elements; and

injecting a plast ic material, through openings in. the connecting elements to fill the space between the two fabrics with the plast ic material.

2. A method according to Claim 1. comprising superimposing non woven fabrics selected irons the group consisting of acrylic, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride. PTFE . polyester, polycarbonate and polynrethane.

3. A method according to Claim 1 wherein said con nectin elements are formed of a polymer resin that has a h igher melt ing temperature than, said plastic material that is i njected between said fabrics

4. A method according to Claim 1 comprising injecting a plastic materia l selected from the group consisting of acrylic, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, PTFE , polyester, polycarbonate, polyurethane, and acr lonitrile bu ad iene st rene (A S).

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5. A method of form ing a double fabric faced injection molded flange comprising:

superimposing a .first temperature resistant fabric on a rigid temperatu e resistant fixture plate!

positioning a temperature resistant spacer on the first fabric opposite the fixture plate;

placing a alignment pin in the spacer on the fabric overlying the fixture plate;

superimposing a second fabric over the first fabric and spaced from the first fabric b the spacer while aligning the second fabric on the a lignment pin- and

removing the alignment pins and adding a melted plastic resin into the spacer, and through die spacer and between the fabrics while the fabrics and plate are clamped in a mold.

6. A method accordin to Claim 5 comprising superimposing non woven fabrics.

7. A method according to Claim 5 comprising positioning a plurality of spacers and respective alignment pins on the first fabric.

8. A method according to Claim 5 further comprising connecting a drain pan and a pan nipple to said injection molded flange.

9. A method accordin to Claim 8 comprising molding said pan and pan nipple with said injection molded flange.

.

10. A method according to Claim 5 comprising adding the melted

thermoplastic resin into the spacer between a plurality of spacing cylinders and thereafter over a support disk and into the space between said first and second fabrics defined by said spacer.

1 1. A method according to Claim 5 wherein said temperature resistant spacer is formed of a plastic thai: has a higher melting temperature than said plastic resin that is injected, between said, fabrics.

12. A method according to Claim 5 comprising injecting a thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of acrylic_., nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene_.. polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, PTFE, polyester, polycarbonate, polyurethane, and acrylonitrii.e butadiene .styrene CABS).

13. A flanged plumbing fixture comprising: two planar fabric layers separated by a planar plastic core layer with each planar fabric layer fused to said

thermoplastic core layer,

14. A flanged plumbing fixture accordin to claim 13 further comprising a depending pan beneath said flange; and a depending threaded nipple beneath said pan .

1.5. A flanged plumbing fixture according to Claim 1.3 wherein said fabric layer is nouwoven.

16. A flanged plumbing fixture according to (..'laim 13 wherein said fabric layer is selected from the group consisting of acrylic, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl ch loride, PTFE, polyester, polycarbonate and polyurethane.

17. A flanged plumbing fixture according to Claim 13 wherein said plastic core is selected from, the group consisting of acrylic, nylon, polyethylene,

polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, PTFE, polyester, polycarbonate, polyurethane, and aery Ion if rile butadiene styrene (ABS).

1.8, A spacer for injection molding comprising:

a support plate:

a plurality of spacing uprights on said support plate for defining the spacing characteristics of said spacer:

said spacing uprights defining an injection opening there between: and a p n cylinder depending from said support plate opposite said spacing uprigh i s.

19. A spacer according to Claim 18 wherein said depending pin cylinder terminates in a pin frustum.

20. A spacer according to Claim 18 wherein said depending pin has a circular cro s section .

21. A spacer according to Claim 18 wherein said depending pi has a square cross section,

22. A spacer according to ('latin 18 formed from a high melting temperature th e rmop I a s i: i e re si .

23. A spacer according to Claim 18 formed from, a resin selected from the group consisting of fluorapo!ymers, liquid crystal polymers, poiyamide. poi.yimide, polya.rylate. polyether keyi.one, polyether im.ide and po.iysidfon.es.

24. A spacer according to Claim 18 wherein said support plate is round.

25. A spacer according to Claim 18 wherein said spacing uprights comprise cylinders.