Molding apparatus for simultaneously forming a cavity and encapsulating a frame in a foamed body

• US 4,544,126 A
• Filed: 10/01/1984
• Issued: 10/01/1985
• Est. Priority Date: 10/01/1984
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: General Motors Corporation (Motors Liquidation Co. GUC Trust)
• Original Assignee: General Motors Corporation (Motors Liquidation Co. GUC Trust)
• Inventors: Melchert, Walter K.
• Primary Examiner(s): HOAG, WILLARD
• Application Number:
  US06/656,750
• Time in Patent Office: 365 Days
• Field of Search: 249/83, 249/91, 249/117, 249/170, 249/171, 249/160
• US Class Current: 249/83
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2791/001 Shaping in several steps
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 33/16 using magnetic means
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 33/306 Exchangeable mould parts, e.g. cassette moulds, mould inserts moulds with exchangeable mould parts for injection moulding B29C45/2673; mounting of exchangeable mould inserts for injection moulding B29C45/2675
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 44/086 and feeding more material into the enlarged cavity
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 44/1271 the preformed parts being partially covered
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2105/04 cellular or porous
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/443 Chairs
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/58 Upholstery or cushions, e.g. vehicle upholstery or interior padding mattresses, cushions B29L2031/751

Abstract

A dual lid molding apparatus for a two-stage molding process which provides for frame encapsulation in a foamed article also having a molded-in cavity. The molding apparatus is constructed by pivotally connecting two mold closure members at each side of a female base mold. The two mold closure members are sequentially engaged with the female base mold during the two-stage molding process. A frame member and a multitude of cavities may be embedded in the foamed article by using this technique.

Claims

1. A mold for molding a hollow, unitary foamed article having a frame member embedded therein wherein said article comprises a first-molded foam section, a second-molded foam section integral with said first-molded section about the periphery of said frame member and at least one cavity between said sections and defined in part by said frame, said mold comprising:

(A) a first mold member adapted to sequentially sealingly engage second and third mold members for shaping said article in at least two molding operations;

(B) a second mold member coacting with said first mold member in a closed position to define a first mold cavity for shaping said first-foamed section;

(C) a third mold member coacting with said first mold member in a closed position for positioning said frame member in spaced relation to said first-foamed section to define said cavity therebetween, said third mold member including means for detachably securing said frame member in spaced relation to said third mold member for release therefrom following molding of said second-molded section and such as to define a second mold cavity between said frame and said third mold member for shaping said second-foamed section, said second mold cavity being in communication with the first mold cavity at the periphery of said frame member for integrating said foamed sections together thereat.

2. A mold for molding a hollow, unitary foamed article having a frame member embedded therein wherein said article comprises a first-molded foam section, a second-molded foam section integral with said first-molded section about the periphery of said frame member and at least one cavity between said sections and defined in part by said frame, said mold comprising:

(A) a first mold member adapted to sequentially sealingly engage second and third mold members for shaping said article in at least two molding operations;

(B) a second mold member coacting with said first mold member in a closed position to define a first mold cavity for shaping said first-foamed section;

(C) a third mold member coacting with said first mold member in a closed position for positioning said frame member in spaced relation to said first-foamed section to define said cavity therebetween, said third mold member including means for detachably securing said frame member in spaced relation to said third mold member for release therefrom following molding of said second-molded section and such as to define a second mold cavity between said frame and said third mold member for shaping said second-foamed section, said second mold cavity being in communication with the first mold cavity at the periphery of said frame member for integrating said foamed sections together thereat, and

(D) means operatively associated with said members for pivotally connecting said first mold member to said second and third mold members to effect opening and closing of said mold.