Abstract:
System and method for assembling blow molded parts without the use of separate fasteners, including a tab-and-slot or dovetail mortise and tenon joint that includes a slide-and-lock tab feature. A retention barb on the tab slides along a ramp to engage with a receptacle within the slot. Tabs and slots can have varying widths to create mutual incompatibility with other joint components that are otherwise similarly constructed. An optional stopper on the tab and corresponding notch within the slot can add an additional axis of incompatibility with other joints throughout the assembly. These features prevent incorrect assembly and allow convenient redesigns.
Abstract:
Assembling blow molded parts to form cantilevered structures incorporating a joint among three blow molded parts. A joint incorporates connector components from each part. One part comprises a cantilever, and has a tab with a through hole disposed substantially at the fixed end. The other two parts are assembled using a barbed post-and-hole joint, such that the post is inserted through the hole in the tab. The tab acts in tension at an angle to oppose the moment and shear generated by the weight of the cantilever. Other aspects of the invention include an additional dovetail joint connecting the cantilever part and the other part or parts, The dovetail joint may be blind, and may contribute to supporting the weight of, as well as opposing the moment and shear.
Abstract:
A system for making blow molded receptacles is disclosed generally comprising two mold portions that, when positioned adjacent each other, at least partially enclose a cavity defined by a molding surface, against which the walls of a blow molded receptacle are blown. One of the portions is a mold core, which has a base surface and a raised portion extending out from the base surface into the cavity. The raised portion has an outer surface and a side surface, which results in a corresponding, inner sidewall on the blow-molded receptacle. The raised portion houses a punch partly disposed in an opening in the side surface for punching a hole in the sidewall. In some embodiments, the side surface is substantially perpendicular to the seal between the two mold portions, and an actuator displaces the punch in a direction substantially parallel to the seam.
Abstract:
A modular support assembly generally comprising vertical support members and a horizontal support member, such as a shelf, for supporting objects. The horizontal support member includes a main panel portion and flange portions connected along the sides of the panel for fortifying same. The vertical support members have cavities on their inner surfaces, and the horizontal support members have protrusions at their ends corresponding to the cavities. In some embodiments, the flanges are hingedly connected to the panel such that they pivot between a flat position and a supporting position perpendicular to the panel. In certain embodiments, the protrusions are integrally formed with extend out from the flanges. In some embodiments, the assembly is blow-molded article.
Abstract:
System and method for assembling blow molded parts without the use of separate fasteners, including a tab-and-slot or dovetail mortise and tenon joint that includes a slide-and-lock tab feature. A retention barb on the tab slides along a ramp to engage with a receptacle within the slot. Tabs and slots can have varying widths to create mutual incompatibility with other joint components that are otherwise similarly constructed. An optional stopper on the tab and corresponding notch within the slot can add an additional axis of incompatibility with other joints throughout the assembly. These features prevent incorrect assembly and allow convenient redesigns.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses for creating blow-molded components are disclosed. More particularly, the present invention concerns methods and apparatuses for creating double-wall blow-molded components with one or more protuberances not abutting a parting line of a mold. Generally, the protuberances are created by a method comprising the steps of blowing blow-molding material against a molding surface with a cavity of a predetermined shape, so that the blow-molding material enters the cavity at a first end, and urging the blow-molding back toward the first end of the cavity by moving a piston of a predetermined shape. The invention also concerns apparatuses to employ such methods, and the resulting blow-molded objects.
Abstract:
Assembling blow molded parts to form cantilevered structures incorporating a joint among three blow molded parts. A joint incorporates connector components from each part. One part comprises a cantilever, and has a tab with a through hole disposed substantially at the fixed end. The other two parts are assembled using a barbed post-and-hole joint, such that the post is inserted through the hole in the tab. The tab acts in tension at an angle to oppose the moment and shear generated by the weight of the cantilever. Other aspects of the invention include an additional dovetail joint connecting the cantilever part and the other part or parts, The dovetail joint may be blind, and may contribute to supporting the weight of, as well as opposing the moment and shear.
Abstract:
A carrying case including a handle-receiving portion having a recess extending along at least one side of the handle-receiving portion, one or more first attachment mechanisms in the recess, a handle including an inner layer and an outer layer, the outer layer including a material having a durometer value less than a durometer value of the handle-receiving portion, wherein the handle is adapted to attach into the recess, and wherein the handle includes one or more second attachment mechanisms for engaging the first attachment mechanisms.