Method of vinyl covering a refrigerator door panel
Abstract
Abstract A vinyl plastic sheet is preformed by being positioned over a first rectangular vacuum forming female mold having undercut peripheral edges for forming a return flange border allowing the vinyl sheet to be heated and vacuum formed into a preformed cover with the aid of plug assists which are used to develop boxlike corners while preventing excess reduction in the sheet material thickness. The preformed vinyl cover is then loosely slipped over a refrigerator metal door panel on whose outer surface an epoxy adhesive solvent has been applied. The door panel and vinyl cover are next located in a second male mold and initially heated. Upon partial shrinkage of the cover a vacuum assist is established to cause the vinyl cover to conform to the door panel and return flanges whereby ridging of the material on the underside of the return flange corner junctures is prevented.
Inventors
- 👤 R Childress
- 👤 J Kemper
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 0References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-11-05 | 1977-05-07 | 1977-11-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-05 | 1981-05-07 | 1981-11-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-05 | 1985-05-07 | 1985-11-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |