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Seal molding system and method

  • US 9,259,865 B2
  • Filed: 03/17/2013
  • Issued: 02/16/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/17/2013
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of forming a seal around a fitting mounted to a panel, comprising:

  • providing a pair of mold body halves configured to be assembled around a fitting along mold parting lines and having a mold inner geometry formed complementary to a fitting outer geometry of the fitting mounted to a panel, the fitting having a fitting axis normal to the panel;

    mounting the mold body over the fitting;

    coupling the mold body halves together when assembled around the fitting using an interlocking tab and pocket formed into the mold parting lines on opposite circumferential ends of each one of the mold body halves, each mold parting line including a pair of axial portions oriented parallel to the fitting axis and interconnected by an angled portion oriented non-perpendicular to the axial portions, the axial portions and the angled portion collectively defining a Z-shape in the mold parting line when the coupled mold body halves are viewed from a side direction oriented perpendicular to the fitting axis and looking onto the mold parting line;

    injecting sealant into an injection hole formed in the mold body until the sealant substantially fills a mold cavity enclosed by the mold inner geometry and the fitting outer geometry;

    allowing the sealant to cure; and

    removing the mold body from the fitting.

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