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:
Sep. 04, 2001
Filed:
Apr. 28, 1999
Douglas J. McNally, Chatham, CA;
Konal Engineering and Equipment Inc., Blenheim, CA;
Abstract
A molding apparatus and method for forming a thermoplastic shell or skin product. The molding apparatus includes a hollow mold housing provided with a mold tool thereon, which together define a fluid chamber within the mold housing. A quantity of heated liquid is supplied at a predetermined or operating temperature to the chamber of the mold housing from a liquid supply via an elongate feed pipe until a rear surface of the mold tool is covered. The mold housing is then oscillated to uniformly distribute the heated liquid within the chamber and to effect uniform heating of the mold tool. Heating devices are located within the chamber of the mold housing to add heat to the liquid within the housing chamber to maintain a desired liquid temperature.