초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for forming a fastener product are disclosed. The method comprises molding a preform member in a mold cavity defined by first and second parts of a mold, removing the first part of the mold to expose an array of preform elements of the preform member while the member remains w

A method and apparatus for forming a fastener product are disclosed. The method comprises molding a preform member in a mold cavity defined by first and second parts of a mold, removing the first part of the mold to expose an array of preform elements of the preform member while the member remains within the second part of the mold, and, while holding the member by the second part of the mold, performing a subsequent forming operation on the preform elements. The apparatus deforms the preform elements, preferably with a heated mold plate, to form fastener elements while holding the member by the second part of the mold. In a preferred embodiment the resulting elements are mushroom-shaped and the preform is held in the second part of the mold by another fastening feature. Both reciprocating and rotary-type machines are disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [11.] An apparatus for injection-molding a double-sided fastener product having a base, a two-dimensional array of at least 30 spaced-apart, upstanding mushroom-shaped fastener elements extending from one side of the base for releasable attachment of a mating fastener, and an

[ What is claimed is:] [11.] An apparatus for injection-molding a double-sided fastener product having a base, a two-dimensional array of at least 30 spaced-apart, upstanding mushroom-shaped fastener elements extending from one side of the base for releasable attachment of a mating fastener, and an integrally molded holding feature on an opposite side of the base for permanently attaching the fastener product to a surface, the apparatus comprising:a mold for injection molding a preform member, the mold havinga first part defining an array of straight cavities extending from a surface thereof, the array of cavities shaped and arranged to form an array of integrally molded preform stems on the preform member, corresponding to the fastener elements of the product, anda second part having a surface arranged in opposition to the surface of the first part, for molding the base of the product therebetween, the second part of the mold defining a holding feature molding cavity extending from its surface for integrally molding the holding feature of the product,the first part being removable from the second part to expose the array of stems of the preform member while the molded holding feature is retained within the holding feature molding cavity; anda forming device adapted to form an overhanging head on each stem, from material of the stem, while the molded holding feature is so retained, to form the array of fastener elements of the product.