US3856458A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for heat softening plastic articles
Assignee: CRAFTICS Inc
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Filing: 1973-04-30
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Granted: 1974-12-24
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Expires: 1993-04-30
Abstract
Abstract This invention is concerned with a method and a device for applying heat along a predetermined path on a surface of a plastic article to generate a controlled amount of heat to permit softening and forming of the article along the predetermined path.
Inventors
- 👤 H Greenwald
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 19:41
CPC Classifications
B; B29; B29C; B29C35/00; B29C35/02; B29B; B29B13/00; B29B13/02; B29B13/023
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
82 words
A method of applying heat along a predetermined path on a surface of a plastic article, comprising the steps of directing heat through an intervening limited thermal barrier along said predetermined path and in direct contact with said surface of said plastic article, convering said limited thermal barrier with a further thermal barrier, and maintaining the direction of said heat for a predetermined period of time to obtain localized softening of said article immediately below the surface of said limited thermal barrier.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
82 words
A method of applying heat along a predetermined path on a surface of a plastic article, comprising the steps of directing heat through an intervening limited thermal barrier along said predetermined path and in direct contact with said surface of said plastic article, convering said limited thermal barrier with a further thermal barrier, and maintaining the direction of said heat for a predetermined period of time to obtain localized softening of said article immediately below the surface of said limited thermal barrier.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the directing of the heat comprises the step of flowing electric current through said limited thermal barrier.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the directing of the heat comprises the step of flowing steam through said limited thermal Barrier.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
59 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein said article comprises a sheet of plastic material, and including the steps of placing a working thermal barrier on top of a working surface, and placing said sheet of plastic material on top of said working thermal barrier before directing said heat on the other side of said sheet of plastic material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein said article comprises a sheet of plastic material, and including the step of entrapping the heat developed along the line of contact between said limited thermal barrier and said plastic sheet.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-12-23 | 1978-06-24 | 1978-12-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-12-23 | 1982-06-24 | 1982-12-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-12-23 | 1986-06-24 | 1986-12-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |