Plastic and nonmetallic article shaping or treating: processes – With measuring – testing – or inspecting – Positioning of a mold part to form a cavity or controlling...
Patent
1996-09-09
2000-02-29
Heitbrink, Tim
Plastic and nonmetallic article shaping or treating: processes
With measuring, testing, or inspecting
Positioning of a mold part to form a cavity or controlling...
264310, 26432811, 425 4R, 425150, 425435, 425576, B29C 4533
Patent
active
060305576
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a novel molding method and apparatus and more particularly relates to a new multiaxis rotational molding method and apparatus.
The production of man-made plastic and resin articles is an industry that utilizes a high degree of automatically controlled continuous processing. However, for units of appreciable size, batch processing still is the rule rather than the exception. For example, in the production of fiberglass structures such as boats, it is customary to construct the hulls by hand, building on an open mold in which a plurality of resin and fiberglass layers are sequentially laminated or a plurality of mixed resin/chopped fiber coatings are applied over the mold.
Such hand building procedures require a great amount of labor, supervision and continuous inspection to insure that a reasonable level of quality is achieved. This greatly increases the cost of the product.
The applicant's earlier patents listed above provide a novel method and apparatus for producing both large and small molded structures continuously. The apparatus includes unique combinations of components to produce a wide variety of different products. Achieving this capability requires a major capital investment. Also, personnel to utilize the broad parameters of the apparatus normally are highly trained and experienced.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a novel molding method and apparatus which not only overcome the deficiencies of present technology but also provide features and advantages not found in earlier expedients. The multiaxis rotational molding method and apparatus of the invention provide a simple inexpensive means for the production of uniform high quality products efficiently.
The multiaxis rotational molding apparatus of the present invention is simple in design and can be produced relatively inexpensively. Commercially available materials and components can be utilized in the manufacture of the apparatus. Conventional metal fabricating procedures can be employed by semi-skilled labor in the manufacture of the apparatus. The apparatus is durable in construction and has a long useful life with a minimum of maintenance.
The apparatus of the invention can be operated by individuals with limited mechanical skills and experience. High quality molded structures can be produced by such persons safely and efficiently with a minimum of supervision.
The molding method and apparatus of the invention can be modified to mold a wide variety of new structures. Variations both in product configuration and composition can be attained simply and conveniently with the method and apparatus of the invention. Even with such variations, uniformity and quality of product dimensions and shapes still are maintained without difficulty.
A novel method of the present invention for forming an integrally molded structure includes the steps of rotating a multisection mold assembly about at least three axes and flowing a first freshly formed polymerizable mixture over surfaces of an enclosed mold cavity within the mold assembly. The flowing of the first mixture over the mold cavity surfaces and formation of a first resin therefrom are monitored.
A freshly formed rapidly gelling second polymerizable mixture is flowed into the mold cavity to deposit a preselected quantity thereof into contact with a first preselected area of the first resin. A portion of the deposited second mixture is drawn as it is gelling toward another preselected area remote from the first preselected area.
The second mixture is drawn at a rate to form therefrom a continuous support member with structural integrity extending between the preselected areas of the first resin. The flowing of the second mixture and the drawing of a portion thereof to form a continuous support member are monitored.
The above steps may be repeated to form a plurality of spaced continuous support members creating an internal framework within an integrally molded structure of the invention. Preselected quantities of the secon
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Heitbrink Tim
Urban Arthur L.
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