초록 ▼

A method for making a stopper. The method includes the step of providing a first tool defining a first tool cavity and a second tool defining a second molding cavity. A first plug member having an upper surface and a lower surface also is provided, the upper surface of the first plug member having a

A method for making a stopper. The method includes the step of providing a first tool defining a first tool cavity and a second tool defining a second molding cavity. A first plug member having an upper surface and a lower surface also is provided, the upper surface of the first plug member having a concave portion. The first plug member is faced in the first cavity such that at least a portion of the lower surface of the first plug member is in contact with the first cavity. The second tool defines a hole therethrough such that the hold provides fluid contact between the second tool cavity and a point exterior to the second tool. A polymeric material is transferred through the hole defined by the second tool into the second cavity defined by the second tool and into the concave portion of the upper surface of the first plug member such that the polymeric material forms a second plug member having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface of the second plug member being defined by the molding surface defined by the second tool. The first plug member and the second plug member define a stopper. The stopper is then removed form the first and second tools.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for making a stopper, said method comprising the steps of:providing a first tool defining a first tool cavity;providing a first plug member having an upper surface and a lower surface, said upper surface having a concave portion;placing said first plug member in

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for making a stopper, said method comprising the steps of:providing a first tool defining a first tool cavity;providing a first plug member having an upper surface and a lower surface, said upper surface having a concave portion;placing said first plug member in said first cavity defined by said first tool such that at least a portion of said lower surface of said first plug member is in contact with said first cavity;providing a second tool defining a molding surface, said molding surface defined by said second tool defining a second tool cavity, said second tool defining a hole therethrough, said hole providing fluid contact between said second tool cavity and a point exterior to said second tool, said second tool oriented such that said second tool cavity faces said first tool cavity;transferring a polymeric material through said hole defined by said second tool into said second cavity defined by said second tool and into said concave portion of said upper surface of said first plug member, said polymeric material forming a second plug member having an upper surface and a lower surface, a shape of said upper surface of said second plug member being defined by said molding surface defined by said second tool, a portion of said lower surface of said second plug member being in contact with said upper surface of said first plug member, said first plug member and said second plug member defining a stopper; andremoving said stopper from said first and second tools;wherein said providing a first plug member step comprises:providing a sheet of polymeric material:providing a lower molding tool defining a molding surface for molding said lower surface of said first plug member, said molding surface defined by said lower molding tool defining a lower molding tool cavity;placing said sheet of polymeric material over said lower molding tool cavity defined by said lower molding tool;providing an upper molding tool, said upper molding tool defining a molding surface for molding said upper surface of said first plug member, said molding surface defined by said upper molding tool comprising a central portion, a first leg portion extending radially outwardly and downwardly from the central portion, and a second leg portion extending radially outwardly and upwardly from said first leg portion, said first leg portion and said second leg portion defining a convex portion therebetween for molding said concave portion of said upper surface of said first plug member, said molding surface defined by said upper molding tool defining an upper molding tool cavity, said upper molding tool cavity facing said lower molding tool cavity;providing relative movement between said upper molding tool and said lower molding tool so as to move said upper molding tool and said lower molding tool toward one another and molding said sheet of polymeric material between said molding surface defined by said upper molding tool and said molding surface defined by said lower molding tool, thereby forming said upper and lower surfaces of said first plug member;providing relative movement to said upper molding tool and said lower molding tool so as to move said upper molding tool and said lower molding tool away from one another; andremoving said first plug member from said upper and lower molding tools.