The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 02, 1998
Filed:
Jun. 28, 1996
Randy R Rhoades, Chandler, IN (US);
Steven G Tirrell, Galesburg, IL (US);
Maytag Corporation, Newton, IA (US);
Abstract
Apparatus is provided for thermoforming a unitary plastic appliance door by thermoforming an outer door panel and an inner door liner and joining them together in a unitary apparatus. The apparatus includes a press with first and second platens, a male and a female mold member attached to the first platen and shaped to the contour of the outer door panel and the inner door liner respectively. A movable shuttle box is mounted on the second platen and a first plug assist member is located in the shuttle box. The shuttle box and first plug assist member are movable on the second platen into vertical alignment with either the male or female mold member. A transportation device is positioned between the first and second platens and is operable for transporting first and second plastic sheets into thermoforming posture with the male and female molds respectively. A second plug assist member is located for movement into and out of proximity with the female mold member. The shuttle box and first plug assist member are vertically alignable over the male mold member and cooperate to form the first door panel from the sheet as the platens move toward each other. The second plug assist member is cooperable with the female mold member for forming the second door panel from the second plastic sheet upon movement of the first platen toward the second plastic sheet.