+

US20020056944A1 - Molding process for manufacturing a molded article - Google Patents

Molding process for manufacturing a molded article Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20020056944A1
US20020056944A1 US10/046,693 US4669302A US2002056944A1 US 20020056944 A1 US20020056944 A1 US 20020056944A1 US 4669302 A US4669302 A US 4669302A US 2002056944 A1 US2002056944 A1 US 2002056944A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
hollow member
tube
molded part
molding process
mold cavity
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/046,693
Inventor
Yeou-Ching Lee
Ming-Cheng Wang
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Lee Alvin Jewelry Inc
Chin Chun Hsing Decoration Inc
Original Assignee
Lee Alvin Jewelry Inc
Chin Chun Hsing Decoration Inc
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 Lee Alvin Jewelry Inc, Chin Chun Hsing Decoration Inc filed Critical Lee Alvin Jewelry Inc
Priority to US10/046,693 priority Critical patent/US20020056944A1/en
Assigned to CHIN CHUN HSING DECORATION INC., ALVIN LEE JEWELRY, INC. reassignment CHIN CHUN HSING DECORATION INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: LEE, YEOU-CHING, WANG, MING-CHENG
Publication of US20020056944A1 publication Critical patent/US20020056944A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C33/00Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor
    • B29C33/76Cores
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22CFOUNDRY MOULDING
    • B22C9/00Moulds or cores; Moulding processes
    • B22C9/10Cores; Manufacture or installation of cores
    • B22C9/106Vented or reinforced cores
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22DCASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D29/00Removing castings from moulds, not restricted to casting processes covered by a single main group; Removing cores; Handling ingots
    • B22D29/001Removing cores
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C33/00Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor
    • B29C33/44Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor with means for, or specially constructed to facilitate, the removal of articles, e.g. of undercut articles
    • B29C33/48Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor with means for, or specially constructed to facilitate, the removal of articles, e.g. of undercut articles with means for collapsing or disassembling
    • B29C33/485Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor with means for, or specially constructed to facilitate, the removal of articles, e.g. of undercut articles with means for collapsing or disassembling cores or mandrels

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a molding process for manufacturing a molded article, more particularly to a molding process for manufacturing a molded article formed with an channel.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a letter opener 1 including a blade 11 and a handle 2 with a channel 10 for insertion of the blade 11 .
  • FIGS. 2 to 4 illustrate how a channel 132 is formed in a molded decoration 14 made of a metal.
  • the decoration 14 is prepared by molding the metal in a mold 12 which includes upper and lower mold halves 120 , 121 confining a mold cavity therebetween. Two pairs of opposite positioning grooves 122 are respectively formed in confronting surfaces of the upper and lower mold halves 120 , 121 at two opposite sides of the mold cavity, and are communicated with the mold cavity.
  • a rigid hollow rod 13 is placed in the mold cavity with two opposite ends of the rod 13 being placed and positioned in the grooves 122 .
  • Metal in a molten state is then introduced into the mold cavity and is molded over the rod 13 to form a molded part.
  • the two opposite ends of the rod 13 that protrude outwardly from the thus formed molded part are subsequently cut off (see FIG. 3) or the rod 13 is completely withdrawn from the thus formed molded part to form the channel 132 in the decoration 14 (see FIG. 4).
  • the rod 13 can be solid instead of being hollow.
  • the manufacture of the decoration 14 is disadvantageous in that since a portion of the rod 13 remains in the decoration 14 and since the protruding portions of the rod 13 are cut off and will become waste products, the manufacturing cost will be increased and disposal of the waste products will be troublesome. Moreover, since the rod 13 is tightly surrounded by the molded part, it is difficult to withdraw the same from the molded part. There is thus a tendency for the molded part and/or the rod 13 to be damaged during the withdrawing action.
  • the mold 12 described above can only produce a channel having a simple shape, and requires the grooves 122 to be formed in the confronting surfaces of the upper and lower mold halves 120 , 121 .
  • a channel (indicated as reference number 133 ′ in FIG. 6) having a complex shape, such as a curved shape or a bent shape, is to be formed in a molded part 14 ′′, or when a plurality of channels 132 , 132 ′, 133 , 133 ′ extending in different directions are to be formed in molded parts 14 ′, 14 ′′ (see FIGS. 5 and 6), a multi-piece mold (i.e. more than two pieces) is required for manufacturing the molded part.
  • the manufacture of the molded part becomes very complex and costly. While the channels 132 , 133 in the molded part 14 ′ can be formed by drilling, the drilling process is time consuming and can result in an enormous increase in production cost. Furthermore, it is impossible to form the curves channel 133 ′ of the molded part 14 ′′ by drilling. On the other hand, the channels 132 , 132 ′, 133 , 133 ′′ in the molded parts 14 ′, 14 ′′ are formed by separating the molded parts into different pieces. At least two mold pieces have to be combined with each other by welding or gluing to form each of channels 132 , 132 ′ 133 , 133 ′.
  • the welding process or the gluing process is also time consuming, and there is a tendency for the molded parts 14 ′, 14 ′′ to break at locations where the welding or the gluing is applied.
  • the molded parts 14 ′, 14 ′′ break at locations where the welding or the gluing is applied.
  • the liquid when two channels in two pieces are connected to form a single channel in the assembled piece, and when the single channel is to be used for storing liquid, there is a tendency for the liquid to leak at locations where the welding or the gluing is applied.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a molding process for manufacturing a molded article that is capable of overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art.
  • a molding process for manufacturing a molded article comprises the steps of: (a) preparing a mold having a mold cavity that has a shape conforming to that of the molded article; (b) preparing a flexible hollow member and a supporting member, the hollow member having an open end and defining an inner passage that extends from the open end; (c) inserting the supporting member into the flexible hollow member in a manner that the supporting member extends through the open end and into the inner passage in a direction along the inner passage so as to prevent the hollow member from collapsing during a subsequent molding step; (d) placing assembly of the hollow member and the supporting member in the mold cavity; (e) closing the mold and introducing a molding raw material into the mold cavity around the hollow member to form a molded part around the hollow member in a manner that the open end of the hollow member is exposed from the molded part; (f) removing the molded part together with the hollow member and the supporting member from the mold cavity; and (g) withdrawing the supporting member and
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a letter opener including a handle provided with a channel;
  • FIG. 2 illustrates how a decoration with a channel is prepared in a mold by a conventional molding process
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate different ways of forming the channel in the decoration
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 respectively illustrate decorations provided with different channel configurations
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a mold and a molded article molded in the mold according to a molding process embodying this invention
  • FIG. 8 illustrates how a bent channel is formed in the molded article of FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a modified flexible tube for forming the bent channel in the molded article of FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 10 illustrates another molded article provided with two channels in two different directions and prepared according to the molding process of this invention
  • FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate another molded article provided with a channel and a patterned inner face and prepared in an open mold according to the molding process of this invention
  • FIG. 13 illustrates another molded article similar to that of FIG. 12 but prepared in a closed mold according to the molding process of this invention
  • FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate another molded article provided with a channel and a patterned inner face and prepared in an open mold according to the molding process of this invention.
  • FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate another molded article provided with a channel and a patterned inner face and prepared in a closed mold according to the molding process of this invention.
  • FIGS. 8, 12, 15 , and 17 illustrate different configurations of molded articles 6 prepared according to a molding process embodying this invention.
  • Each of the molded articles 6 is formed with a channel 61 therein.
  • the molding process includes the steps of: (a) preparing a mold 2 having a mold cavity 23 that has a shape conforming to that of the molded article 6 ; (b) preparing a flexible hollow member 3 and a supporting member 4 , the hollow member 3 having an open end 32 and defining an inner passage 33 that extends from the open end 32 ; (c) inserting the supporting member 4 into the flexible hollow member 3 in a manner that the supporting member 4 extends through the open end 32 and into the inner passage 33 in a direction along the inner passage 33 so as to prevent the hollow member 3 from collapsing during a subsequent molding step; (d) placing assembly of the hollow member 3 and the supporting member 4 in the mold cavity 23 ; (e) closing the mold 2 and introducing a molding raw material into the mold cavity 23 around the hollow member 3 to form a molded part around the hollow member 3 in a manner that the open end 32 of the hollow member 3 is exposed from the molded part; (f) removing the molded part together with the
  • the mold 2 includes upper and lower mold halves 21 , 22 that confine the mold cavity 23 .
  • a pair of upper positioning grooves 210 , 211 are formed in a bottom face of the upper mold half 21 .
  • a pair of lower positioning grooves 220 , 221 are formed in a top face of the lower mold half 22 , and respectively complement with the upper positioning grooves 210 , 211 .
  • a runner has complementary runner halves 223 that are formed respectively in the upper and lower mold halves 21 , 22 .
  • the upper and lower positioning grooves 210 , 211 , 220 , 221 are disposed externally of and in communication with the mold cavity 23 .
  • the hollow member 3 is in the form of a flexible tube 3 that has a bent portion 31 which confines a curved section 330 of the inner passage 33 .
  • the supporting member 4 is in the form of a flexible supporting wire that is inserted into the tube 3 , that extends through and along the entire length of the tube 3 for supporting the tube 3 , and that has a pulling end 41 exposed from the tube 3 for facilitating withdrawal of the wire 4 from the tube 3 .
  • the tube 3 has two opposite ends (one of which defines the open end 32 ) that are positioned in the upper and lower positioning grooves 210 , 211 , 220 , 221 for facilitating withdrawal of the tube 3 from the molded part.
  • the molding raw material is introduced through the runner and into the mold cavity 23 .
  • the molded part encloses the assembly of the tube 3 and the supporting member 4 in a manner such that the two opposite ends of the tube 3 are exposed from the molded part.
  • the supporting member 4 Since the supporting member 4 is flexible, it is relatively easy to withdraw the same from the tube 3 . In addition, since the tube 3 is also flexible, it becomes even easier to withdraw the tube 3 from the molded part once the supporting member 4 has been removed, thereby eliminating the aforesaid drawbacks as encountered in the prior art.
  • the molding process of this invention is preferably adopted for manufacturing a molded article made of metal, such as a Pb—Sn alloy (Pewter).
  • the flexible tube 3 employed in the molding process is preferably made of silicone rubber having a melting point higher than that of the material of the molded article
  • the supporting member 4 is made of a metal having a melting point higher than that of the material of the molded article. Since the structure and the property of the tube 3 remain unchanged after the molding process, it can be reused for subsequent molding of another article.
  • one of the two opposite ends of the flexible tube 3 can have a threaded outer face 30 so as to form the channel 61 with an inner threaded end.
  • both the tube 3 and the supporting member 4 are flexible, it is relatively easy to remove a molded article 6 , which has channels 61 , 61 ′ extending in different planes in the molded article 6 , from a two-piece mold 2 .
  • one channel 61 ′ is formed in the lower mold half 22 and is inclined relative to a horizontal plane defined by the mating faces of the upper and lower mold halves 21 , 22 where the other channel 61 is formed.
  • the hollow member 3 employed in the molding process is configured for forming a human-like pattern on an inner face 611 of the molded article 6 that defines the channel 61 .
  • the mold 2 employed in the molding process can be an open mold (see FIG. 11) or a closed mold (see FIG. 13).
  • a flexible cap member 42 is used for isolating the pulling end 41 of the supporting member 4 and the open end 32 of the hollow member 3 from the molding raw material when introducing the molding raw material into the mold cavity 23 .
  • the cap member 42 has a peripheral wall defining a recess which has an enlarged portion 421 and a reduced portion 422 reduced from the enlarged portion 421 .
  • the cap member 42 is placed in the mold cavity 23 in a manner that the peripheral wall fits snugly in an end portion 230 of the mold cavity 23 , that the open end 32 of the hollow member 3 is fittingly received in the enlarged portion 421 of the recess, and that the pulling end 41 of the supporting member 4 is fittingly received in the reduced portion 422 of the recess so as to permit exposure of the open end 32 of the hollow member 3 and the pulling end 41 of the supporting member 4 from the molded part, thereby facilitating withdrawal of the hollow member 3 and the supporting member 4 from the molded part.
  • the cap member 42 has a cross-section larger than that of the hollow member 3 so as to separate the hollow member 3 from an inner wall of the mold cavity 23 .
  • the hollow member 3 employed in the molding process can be in the form of a cylindrical tube with a patterned outer face 30 ′ so as to form the same pattern on the inner face 611 of the molded article 6 .
  • Two cap members 42 are used for preparing the molded article 6 .
  • the hollow member 3 employed in the molding process is the same as the hollow member of FIG. 14, while the mold cavity 23 of the mold employed in the molding process is cylindrical in shape so as to form the molded article 6 with a cylindrical shape.
  • each of the supporting members 4 illustrated in FIGS. 11, 14, and 16 , is in the form of a rigid rod in contrast to the flexible wire shown in FIG. 7.

Landscapes

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

Abstract

A molding process for manufacturing a molded article includes the steps of placing a flexible hollow member in a mold cavity, inserting a supporting member in the hollow member, introducing a molding raw material into the mold cavity around the hollow member to form a molded part that encloses a portion of the hollow member, removing the molded part together with the hollow member and the supporting member from the mold cavity, and withdrawing the hollow member and the supporting member from the molded part to form a channel in the molded part.

Description

  • This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of a co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/680,295, filed by the applicant on Oct. 6, 2000, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.[0001]
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention [0002]
  • This invention relates to a molding process for manufacturing a molded article, more particularly to a molding process for manufacturing a molded article formed with an channel. [0003]
  • 2. Description of the Related Art [0004]
  • Molded articles for decoration, souvenir, stationery and the like are normally provided with channels for various purposes. FIG. 1 illustrates a letter opener [0005] 1 including a blade 11 and a handle 2 with a channel 10 for insertion of the blade 11. FIGS. 2 to 4 illustrate how a channel 132 is formed in a molded decoration 14 made of a metal. The decoration 14 is prepared by molding the metal in a mold 12 which includes upper and lower mold halves 120, 121 confining a mold cavity therebetween. Two pairs of opposite positioning grooves 122 are respectively formed in confronting surfaces of the upper and lower mold halves 120, 121 at two opposite sides of the mold cavity, and are communicated with the mold cavity. To form the channel 132 in the decoration 14, a rigid hollow rod 13 is placed in the mold cavity with two opposite ends of the rod 13 being placed and positioned in the grooves 122. Metal in a molten state is then introduced into the mold cavity and is molded over the rod 13 to form a molded part. The two opposite ends of the rod 13 that protrude outwardly from the thus formed molded part are subsequently cut off (see FIG. 3) or the rod 13 is completely withdrawn from the thus formed molded part to form the channel 132 in the decoration 14 (see FIG. 4). When the rod 13 is to be withdrawn from the molded part in the process of forming the channel 132, the rod 13 can be solid instead of being hollow.
  • The manufacture of the [0006] decoration 14 is disadvantageous in that since a portion of the rod 13 remains in the decoration 14 and since the protruding portions of the rod 13 are cut off and will become waste products, the manufacturing cost will be increased and disposal of the waste products will be troublesome. Moreover, since the rod 13 is tightly surrounded by the molded part, it is difficult to withdraw the same from the molded part. There is thus a tendency for the molded part and/or the rod 13 to be damaged during the withdrawing action.
  • The [0007] mold 12 described above can only produce a channel having a simple shape, and requires the grooves 122 to be formed in the confronting surfaces of the upper and lower mold halves 120, 121. When a channel (indicated as reference number 133′ in FIG. 6) having a complex shape, such as a curved shape or a bent shape, is to be formed in a molded part 14″, or when a plurality of channels 132, 132′, 133, 133′ extending in different directions are to be formed in molded parts 14′, 14″ (see FIGS. 5 and 6), a multi-piece mold (i.e. more than two pieces) is required for manufacturing the molded part. As such, the manufacture of the molded part becomes very complex and costly. While the channels 132, 133 in the molded part 14′ can be formed by drilling, the drilling process is time consuming and can result in an enormous increase in production cost. Furthermore, it is impossible to form the curves channel 133′ of the molded part 14″ by drilling. On the other hand, the channels 132, 132′, 133, 133″ in the molded parts 14′, 14″ are formed by separating the molded parts into different pieces. At least two mold pieces have to be combined with each other by welding or gluing to form each of channels 132, 132133, 133′. However, the welding process or the gluing process is also time consuming, and there is a tendency for the molded parts 14′, 14″ to break at locations where the welding or the gluing is applied. Moreover, when two channels in two pieces are connected to form a single channel in the assembled piece, and when the single channel is to be used for storing liquid, there is a tendency for the liquid to leak at locations where the welding or the gluing is applied.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a molding process for manufacturing a molded article that is capable of overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art. [0008]
  • According to the present invention, a molding process for manufacturing a molded article comprises the steps of: (a) preparing a mold having a mold cavity that has a shape conforming to that of the molded article; (b) preparing a flexible hollow member and a supporting member, the hollow member having an open end and defining an inner passage that extends from the open end; (c) inserting the supporting member into the flexible hollow member in a manner that the supporting member extends through the open end and into the inner passage in a direction along the inner passage so as to prevent the hollow member from collapsing during a subsequent molding step; (d) placing assembly of the hollow member and the supporting member in the mold cavity; (e) closing the mold and introducing a molding raw material into the mold cavity around the hollow member to form a molded part around the hollow member in a manner that the open end of the hollow member is exposed from the molded part; (f) removing the molded part together with the hollow member and the supporting member from the mold cavity; and (g) withdrawing the supporting member and the hollow member from the molded part to form a channel in the molded part.[0009]
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
  • In the following drawings which illustrate an embodiment of the invention, [0010]
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a letter opener including a handle provided with a channel; [0011]
  • FIG. 2 illustrates how a decoration with a channel is prepared in a mold by a conventional molding process; [0012]
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate different ways of forming the channel in the decoration; [0013]
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 respectively illustrate decorations provided with different channel configurations; [0014]
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a mold and a molded article molded in the mold according to a molding process embodying this invention; [0015]
  • FIG. 8 illustrates how a bent channel is formed in the molded article of FIG. 7; [0016]
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a modified flexible tube for forming the bent channel in the molded article of FIG. 7; [0017]
  • FIG. 10 illustrates another molded article provided with two channels in two different directions and prepared according to the molding process of this invention; [0018]
  • FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate another molded article provided with a channel and a patterned inner face and prepared in an open mold according to the molding process of this invention; [0019]
  • FIG. 13 illustrates another molded article similar to that of FIG. 12 but prepared in a closed mold according to the molding process of this invention; [0020]
  • FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate another molded article provided with a channel and a patterned inner face and prepared in an open mold according to the molding process of this invention; and [0021]
  • FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate another molded article provided with a channel and a patterned inner face and prepared in a closed mold according to the molding process of this invention.[0022]
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
  • For the sake of brevity, same reference numerals are used to denote similar elements throughout the specification. [0023]
  • FIGS. 8, 12, [0024] 15, and 17 illustrate different configurations of molded articles 6 prepared according to a molding process embodying this invention. Each of the molded articles 6 is formed with a channel 61 therein.
  • Referring to FIG. 7, the molding process includes the steps of: (a) preparing a [0025] mold 2 having a mold cavity 23 that has a shape conforming to that of the molded article 6; (b) preparing a flexible hollow member 3 and a supporting member 4, the hollow member 3 having an open end 32 and defining an inner passage 33 that extends from the open end 32; (c) inserting the supporting member 4 into the flexible hollow member 3 in a manner that the supporting member 4 extends through the open end 32 and into the inner passage 33 in a direction along the inner passage 33 so as to prevent the hollow member 3 from collapsing during a subsequent molding step; (d) placing assembly of the hollow member 3 and the supporting member 4 in the mold cavity 23; (e) closing the mold 2 and introducing a molding raw material into the mold cavity 23 around the hollow member 3 to form a molded part around the hollow member 3 in a manner that the open end 32 of the hollow member 3 is exposed from the molded part; (f) removing the molded part together with the hollow member 3 and the supporting member 4 from the mold cavity 23; and (g) withdrawing the supporting member 4 and the hollow member 3 from the molded part to form the channel 61 in the molded part.
  • Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the [0026] mold 2 includes upper and lower mold halves 21, 22 that confine the mold cavity 23. A pair of upper positioning grooves 210, 211 are formed in a bottom face of the upper mold half 21. A pair of lower positioning grooves 220, 221 are formed in a top face of the lower mold half 22, and respectively complement with the upper positioning grooves 210, 211. A runner has complementary runner halves 223 that are formed respectively in the upper and lower mold halves 21, 22. The upper and lower positioning grooves 210, 211, 220, 221 are disposed externally of and in communication with the mold cavity 23. The hollow member 3 is in the form of a flexible tube 3 that has a bent portion 31 which confines a curved section 330 of the inner passage 33. The supporting member 4 is in the form of a flexible supporting wire that is inserted into the tube 3, that extends through and along the entire length of the tube 3 for supporting the tube 3, and that has a pulling end 41 exposed from the tube 3 for facilitating withdrawal of the wire 4 from the tube 3. The tube 3 has two opposite ends (one of which defines the open end 32) that are positioned in the upper and lower positioning grooves 210, 211, 220, 221 for facilitating withdrawal of the tube 3 from the molded part. The molding raw material is introduced through the runner and into the mold cavity 23. The molded part encloses the assembly of the tube 3 and the supporting member 4 in a manner such that the two opposite ends of the tube 3 are exposed from the molded part.
  • Since the supporting [0027] member 4 is flexible, it is relatively easy to withdraw the same from the tube 3. In addition, since the tube 3 is also flexible, it becomes even easier to withdraw the tube 3 from the molded part once the supporting member 4 has been removed, thereby eliminating the aforesaid drawbacks as encountered in the prior art.
  • The molding process of this invention is preferably adopted for manufacturing a molded article made of metal, such as a Pb—Sn alloy (Pewter). As such, the [0028] flexible tube 3 employed in the molding process is preferably made of silicone rubber having a melting point higher than that of the material of the molded article, and the supporting member 4 is made of a metal having a melting point higher than that of the material of the molded article. Since the structure and the property of the tube 3 remain unchanged after the molding process, it can be reused for subsequent molding of another article.
  • As illustrated in FIG. 9, one of the two opposite ends of the [0029] flexible tube 3 can have a threaded outer face 30 so as to form the channel 61 with an inner threaded end.
  • As illustrated in FIG. 10, since both the [0030] tube 3 and the supporting member 4 are flexible, it is relatively easy to remove a molded article 6, which has channels 61, 61′ extending in different planes in the molded article 6, from a two-piece mold 2. In the example of FIG. 10, one channel 61′ is formed in the lower mold half 22 and is inclined relative to a horizontal plane defined by the mating faces of the upper and lower mold halves 21, 22 where the other channel 61 is formed.
  • Referring to FIGS. [0031] 11 to 13, the hollow member 3 employed in the molding process is configured for forming a human-like pattern on an inner face 611 of the molded article 6 that defines the channel 61. The mold 2 employed in the molding process can be an open mold (see FIG. 11) or a closed mold (see FIG. 13). A flexible cap member 42 is used for isolating the pulling end 41 of the supporting member 4 and the open end 32 of the hollow member 3 from the molding raw material when introducing the molding raw material into the mold cavity 23. The cap member 42 has a peripheral wall defining a recess which has an enlarged portion 421 and a reduced portion 422 reduced from the enlarged portion 421. The cap member 42 is placed in the mold cavity 23 in a manner that the peripheral wall fits snugly in an end portion 230 of the mold cavity 23, that the open end 32 of the hollow member 3 is fittingly received in the enlarged portion 421 of the recess, and that the pulling end 41 of the supporting member 4 is fittingly received in the reduced portion 422 of the recess so as to permit exposure of the open end 32 of the hollow member 3 and the pulling end 41 of the supporting member 4 from the molded part, thereby facilitating withdrawal of the hollow member 3 and the supporting member 4 from the molded part. It is noted that the cap member 42 has a cross-section larger than that of the hollow member 3 so as to separate the hollow member 3 from an inner wall of the mold cavity 23.
  • Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the [0032] hollow member 3 employed in the molding process can be in the form of a cylindrical tube with a patterned outer face 30′ so as to form the same pattern on the inner face 611 of the molded article 6. Two cap members 42 are used for preparing the molded article 6.
  • Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the [0033] hollow member 3 employed in the molding process is the same as the hollow member of FIG. 14, while the mold cavity 23 of the mold employed in the molding process is cylindrical in shape so as to form the molded article 6 with a cylindrical shape.
  • It is noted that each of the supporting [0034] members 4, illustrated in FIGS. 11, 14, and 16, is in the form of a rigid rod in contrast to the flexible wire shown in FIG. 7.
  • With the invention thus explained, it is apparent that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the invention be limited only as recited in the appended claims. [0035]

Claims (15)

I claim:
1. A molding process for manufacturing a molded article, comprising the steps of:
(a) preparing a mold having a mold cavity that has a shape conforming to that of the molded article;
(b) preparing a flexible hollow member and a supporting member, said hollow member having an open end and confining an inner passage that extends from said open end;
(c) inserting said supporting member into said flexible hollow member in a manner that said supporting member extends through said open end and into said inner passage in a direction along said inner passage so as to prevent said hollow member from collapsing during a subsequent molding step;
(d) placing assembly of said hollow member and said supporting member in said mold cavity;
(e) closing said mold and introducing a molding raw material into said mold cavity around said hollow member to form a molded part around said hollow member in a manner that said open end of said hollow member is exposed from said molded part;
(f) removing said molded part together with said hollow member and said supporting member from said mold cavity; and
(g) withdrawing said supporting member and said hollow member from said molded part to form a channel in said molded part.
2. The molding process of claim 1, wherein said inner passage has a curved section, and said supporting member is flexible in order to extend through and along said curved section when said supporting member is inserted into said hollow member.
3. The molding process of claim 1, wherein said hollow member is a tube with a bent portion, and said supporting member is a flexible wire that extends through and along said bent portion.
4. The molding process of claim 1, wherein said hollow member is made of silicone rubber.
5. The molding process of claim 1, wherein said mold is formed with a positioning groove disposed externally of and in communication with said mold cavity, said open end of said hollow member being positioned in said positioning groove so as to be exposed from said molded part, thereby facilitating subsequent withdrawal of said hollow member and said supporting member from said molded part.
6. The molding process of claim 1, wherein said molded part is transparent, and said hollow member has a patterned outer face so as to form said molded part with a patterned inner face that confines said channel.
7. The molding process of claim 1, wherein said supporting member has a pulling end, said mold cavity having an end portion, said molding process further comprising a step of preparing a flexible cap member that has a peripheral wall defining a recess which has an enlarged portion and a reduced portion reduced from said enlarged portion, and a step of placing said cap member in said mold cavity in a manner that said peripheral wall fits snugly in said end portion of said mold cavity, that said open end of said hollow member is fittingly received in said enlarged portion of said recess, and that said pulling end of said supporting member is fittingly received in said reduced portion of said recess so as to permit exposure of said open end of said hollow member and said pulling end of said supporting member from said molded part, thereby facilitating withdrawal of said hollow member and said supporting member from said molded part.
8. A molding process for manufacturing a molded article, comprising the steps of:
(a) preparing a mold having a mold cavity that has a shape conforming to that of the molded article, and a positioning groove disposed externally of and in communication with said mold cavity;
(b) preparing a flexible tube and a flexible supporting wire;
(c) placing said tube in said mold cavity, and positioning one end of said tube in said positioning groove;
(d) inserting said supporting wire into said tube in said mold cavity in a manner that said supporting wire extends into said tube along the length of said tube and is isolated from said mold cavity by said tube;
(e) closing said mold and introducing a molding raw material into said mold cavity around said tube to form a molded part that encloses a portion of said tube;
(f) removing said molded part together with said tube and said supporting wire from said mold cavity;
(g) withdrawing said supporting wire from said tube in said molded part; and
(h) withdrawing said tube from said molded part to form a channel in said molded part without disintegrating said tube.
9. The molding process of claim 8, wherein said supporting wire is a metal wire.
10. The molding process of claim 8, wherein said tube is made of silicone rubber.
11. The molding process of claim 8, wherein said tube is bent.
12. The molding process of claim 8, wherein said tube has a bent portion, and said supporting wire extends through said bent portion in a direction along said bent portion.
13. The molding process of claim 8, wherein said molding raw material is a metal.
14. The molding process of claim 8, wherein said molding raw material is a resin.
15. The molding process of claim 8, wherein said mold has two mold halves, said positioning groove being formed in one of said mold halves.
US10/046,693 2000-10-06 2002-01-17 Molding process for manufacturing a molded article Abandoned US20020056944A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/046,693 US20020056944A1 (en) 2000-10-06 2002-01-17 Molding process for manufacturing a molded article

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/680,295 US6337044B1 (en) 2000-10-06 2000-10-06 Molding process for manufacturing a molded article
US10/046,693 US20020056944A1 (en) 2000-10-06 2002-01-17 Molding process for manufacturing a molded article

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/680,295 Continuation-In-Part US6337044B1 (en) 2000-10-06 2000-10-06 Molding process for manufacturing a molded article

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20020056944A1 true US20020056944A1 (en) 2002-05-16

Family

ID=24730514

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/680,295 Expired - Fee Related US6337044B1 (en) 2000-10-06 2000-10-06 Molding process for manufacturing a molded article
US10/046,693 Abandoned US20020056944A1 (en) 2000-10-06 2002-01-17 Molding process for manufacturing a molded article

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/680,295 Expired - Fee Related US6337044B1 (en) 2000-10-06 2000-10-06 Molding process for manufacturing a molded article

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (2) US6337044B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1195212A1 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080087795A1 (en) * 2006-10-12 2008-04-17 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation Apparatus and method of molding an endotracheal tube for tracheal intubation
US20080260986A1 (en) * 2007-04-19 2008-10-23 Smith Ronald M System and method for forming a non-linear channel within a molded component
US20090026659A1 (en) * 2007-07-25 2009-01-29 United Technologies Corporation Hybrid Mandrels
US20090115109A1 (en) * 2007-11-05 2009-05-07 Albright Gregory R Method and apparatus for a molded liquid dispenser ice sculture

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6337044B1 (en) * 2000-10-06 2002-01-08 Chin Chun Hsing Decoration Inc. Molding process for manufacturing a molded article
US7476354B2 (en) 2004-09-22 2009-01-13 Clack Corporation Method and apparatus for making a blow molded article with integral insert
USD681703S1 (en) * 2012-02-14 2013-05-07 Robert P Miller Mold for artificial fishing baits
US9238575B2 (en) * 2012-02-23 2016-01-19 Michael Guido Ice luge apparatus, systems, and methods for chilled beverage dispensing

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3233310A (en) * 1962-10-09 1966-02-08 United Aircraft Corp Method of making a two-dimension component assembly
US3825647A (en) * 1970-11-19 1974-07-23 J Kirsch Method of making block manifold for fluid control systems
US4003778A (en) * 1974-10-31 1977-01-18 United Technologies Corporation Method of making slender rod for fishing rods
US4093175A (en) * 1973-10-03 1978-06-06 Precision Flexmold, Inc. Distensible elastomeric molds
US4352772A (en) * 1979-07-26 1982-10-05 Helioset Advanced Technologies Ltd. Method and apparatus for injection-molding a manifold onto a set of hollow elements
US4436690A (en) * 1981-08-06 1984-03-13 Dayco Corporation Curved mandrel for curing polymeric hose and method
US4919608A (en) * 1988-10-04 1990-04-24 Roehr Tool Corporation Molding apparatus with collapsible core
US4948541A (en) * 1988-10-27 1990-08-14 Stephen Beck Method of forming an arm rest for a chair having a tubular passageway for containing control mechanisms
US6337044B1 (en) * 2000-10-06 2002-01-08 Chin Chun Hsing Decoration Inc. Molding process for manufacturing a molded article

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2991520A (en) * 1956-01-13 1961-07-11 Howard Foundry Company Cored passageway formation
US2897556A (en) * 1957-09-04 1959-08-04 Sperry Rand Corp Method of coring holes in castings
GB2019756A (en) * 1978-04-19 1979-11-07 Rolls Royce Casting Cores
FR2625455B1 (en) * 1987-12-30 1993-10-08 Zenith Fonderie Sa PROCESS AND DEVICE FOR PRODUCING MOLDED PARTS
JP2746611B2 (en) * 1988-10-28 1998-05-06 エヌオーケー株式会社 Low melting point alloy core and method of manufacturing the same
US5201357A (en) * 1992-01-16 1993-04-13 Cmi International, Inc. Method for forming cored passageways within cast metal articles
DE10026546B4 (en) 2000-05-23 2004-09-02 Heppes, Frank, Dipl.-Ing. Casting cores and methods for creating voids in castings

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3233310A (en) * 1962-10-09 1966-02-08 United Aircraft Corp Method of making a two-dimension component assembly
US3825647A (en) * 1970-11-19 1974-07-23 J Kirsch Method of making block manifold for fluid control systems
US4093175A (en) * 1973-10-03 1978-06-06 Precision Flexmold, Inc. Distensible elastomeric molds
US4003778A (en) * 1974-10-31 1977-01-18 United Technologies Corporation Method of making slender rod for fishing rods
US4352772A (en) * 1979-07-26 1982-10-05 Helioset Advanced Technologies Ltd. Method and apparatus for injection-molding a manifold onto a set of hollow elements
US4436690A (en) * 1981-08-06 1984-03-13 Dayco Corporation Curved mandrel for curing polymeric hose and method
US4919608A (en) * 1988-10-04 1990-04-24 Roehr Tool Corporation Molding apparatus with collapsible core
US4948541A (en) * 1988-10-27 1990-08-14 Stephen Beck Method of forming an arm rest for a chair having a tubular passageway for containing control mechanisms
US6337044B1 (en) * 2000-10-06 2002-01-08 Chin Chun Hsing Decoration Inc. Molding process for manufacturing a molded article

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080087795A1 (en) * 2006-10-12 2008-04-17 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation Apparatus and method of molding an endotracheal tube for tracheal intubation
US8343408B2 (en) * 2006-10-12 2013-01-01 Smith Michael P Method of molding an endotracheal tube for tracheal intubation
US20080260986A1 (en) * 2007-04-19 2008-10-23 Smith Ronald M System and method for forming a non-linear channel within a molded component
US20090026659A1 (en) * 2007-07-25 2009-01-29 United Technologies Corporation Hybrid Mandrels
US7815839B2 (en) * 2007-07-25 2010-10-19 United Technologies Corporation Hybrid mandrels
US20090115109A1 (en) * 2007-11-05 2009-05-07 Albright Gregory R Method and apparatus for a molded liquid dispenser ice sculture

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1195212A1 (en) 2002-04-10
US6337044B1 (en) 2002-01-08

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
FI83486C (en) FOERFARANDE FOER FRAMSTAELLNING AV ETT SPECIELLT I ROERSKARVAR ANVAENDBART TAETNINGSSTYCKE OCH FORM FOER FRAMSTAELLNING AV TAETNINGSSTYCKET.
EP1155803A3 (en) Method of injection molding for creating a fluid meter housing
JPS5976230A (en) Method of injection-molding plastic
US20020056944A1 (en) Molding process for manufacturing a molded article
CA2209130A1 (en) Method of manufacturing a plastic camshaft with a tubular metal insert
AU7629000A (en) Injection molded doll head
EP0824930A3 (en) Method for producing an insert molded catheter with securement windows
KR830010389A (en) Manufacturing method of plastic optical connector
EP0695126B1 (en) Molding process and apparatus
US5651932A (en) Method for investment wax casting of golf club heads
US6348173B1 (en) Core pulls concentric with ejector pins
KR100533485B1 (en) Arm part for elastic doll body, method of forming the arm part, and metal mold for forming the arm part
EP0184503A3 (en) Method for forming a hollow article, and article obtained
JP2581502B2 (en) Mesh filter and method of manufacturing the same
WO2005058575A3 (en) Injection moulding of functional cavities
KR100683187B1 (en) Injection Mold
JPS59109010A (en) Mold for casting ferrule of optical connector and its manufacture
US6467526B1 (en) Method of making a jewelry ring in a vertical mold
EP0668147A2 (en) Insert mold and molding method using same
PT101661A (en) MOLD FOR THE FORMATION OF CHEESES AND PROCESS FOR THEIR MANUFACTURE
WO2002068147A8 (en) Method for fabricating a plastic optic element injection mold
CN116710259A (en) Mold for injection molding
CN114502345B (en) Hollow molded body molding die and method for manufacturing hollow molded body
JPH0243547Y2 (en)
JPS63134207A (en) Vulcanizing mold for tire and manufacture thereof

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: CHIN CHUN HSING DECORATION INC., TAIWAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:LEE, YEOU-CHING;WANG, MING-CHENG;REEL/FRAME:012496/0992

Effective date: 20020102

Owner name: ALVIN LEE JEWELRY, INC., TAIWAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:LEE, YEOU-CHING;WANG, MING-CHENG;REEL/FRAME:012496/0992

Effective date: 20020102

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO PAY ISSUE FEE

点击 这是indexloc提供的php浏览器服务,不要输入任何密码和下载