US4235832A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Molding method
Assignee: Alden Products Co Inc
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Filing: 1978-07-31
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Granted: 1980-11-25
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Expires: 1998-07-31
Abstract
Abstract A method of manufacturing an electrical connector utilizing an electrical conducting wire sheathed in a highly elastic, stretchy, squeezable insulating material and embedding it within a thermoplastic material through the use of high pressure injection molding. In the method, the sheathed wire is fitted with a heat shrinkable sleeve of plastic material that is subsequently drawn about the sheathed wire to form a rigid pressure barrier. The assembly is then disposed in a mold with the sleeve disposed in an egress of the mold and the thermoplastic material is injected. The sleeve will form the rigid plug-like cover which prevents the plastic from oozing by the squeezable insulating material.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert D. Leighton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 00:18
CPC Classifications
B; B29; B29C; B29C61/00; B29C61/006; B29C33/00; B29C33/0038; B29C33/0044; B29C45/00; B29C45/14; B29C45/14336; B29C45/14418; B29C45/14639; B29C61/02; B29C61/025; B29C70/00; B29C70/68; B29C70/72; H; H01; H01R; H01R43/00; H01R43/20; H01R43/24
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
151 words
A method of molding a thermoplastic material about a compressible plastic in which at least one portion of the compressible material extends from the thermoplastic material, the steps which comprise: disposing a heat shrinkable sleeve about said compressible material; heating said heat shrinkable sleeve to tightly fit about said compressible material and impart rigidity thereto; disposing said compressible material in a mold having an opening adapted to receive said compressible material, at least a portion of said sleeve being disposed within said opening so as to form a plug; injecting a thermoplastic material into said mold about said compressible material at a pressure in excess of atmosphere and curing to form a solid body, said body being disposed about said compressible material with said heat shrunk sleeve being disposed between said thermoplastic material and said compressible material and forming a mechanical seal which is substantially impervious to the permeation of moisture.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
151 words
A method of molding a thermoplastic material about a compressible plastic in which at least one portion of the compressible material extends from the thermoplastic material, the steps which comprise: disposing a heat shrinkable sleeve about said compressible material; heating said heat shrinkable sleeve to tightly fit about said compressible material and impart rigidity thereto; disposing said compressible material in a mold having an opening adapted to receive said compressible material, at least a portion of said sleeve being disposed within said opening so as to form a plug; injecting a thermoplastic material into said mold about said compressible material at a pressure in excess of atmosphere and curing to form a solid body, said body being disposed about said compressible material with said heat shrunk sleeve being disposed between said thermoplastic material and said compressible material and forming a mechanical seal which is substantially impervious to the permeation of moisture.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein said compressible material is a sleeve of insulation surrounding an electrical connector.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
142 words
In a method of manufacturing an electrical connector the steps which comprise: disposing a heat shrinkable sleeve about a wire sheathed in a compressible rubber; shrinking said sleeve around said compressible rubber to tightly fit thereabout and provide rigidity; placing said insulated wire in an opening in a mold, said opening closely approximating the diameter of the insulated wire; locating at least a portion of the heat shrinkable sleeve in said opening so as to form a rigid plug; and injecting a thermoplastic material into said mold about said insulated wire at a pressure in excess of atmosphere and curing to form a solid body, said body being disposed about said compressible material with said heat shrunk sleeve being disposed between said thermoplastic material and said compressible material and forming a mechanical seal which is substantially impervious to the permeation of moisture.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
142 words
In a method of manufacturing an electrical connector the steps which comprise: disposing a heat shrinkable sleeve about a wire sheathed in a compressible rubber; shrinking said sleeve around said compressible rubber to tightly fit thereabout and provide rigidity; placing said insulated wire in an opening in a mold, said opening closely approximating the diameter of the insulated wire; locating at least a portion of the heat shrinkable sleeve in said opening so as to form a rigid plug; and injecting a thermoplastic material into said mold about said insulated wire at a pressure in excess of atmosphere and curing to form a solid body, said body being disposed about said compressible material with said heat shrunk sleeve being disposed between said thermoplastic material and said compressible material and forming a mechanical seal which is substantially impervious to the permeation of moisture.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The process according to claim 3 wherein said heat shrinkable sleeve extends on both sides of said opening in said mold.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The process according to claim 3 wherein the insulator of said wire is a stretchy, squeezable, highly elastic material of less than 60 durometers.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The process according to claim 3 wherein said insulator is formed of silicone rubber and said thermoplastic material is a member selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, nylon, polyesters and polyethylene.
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) | 1983-11-25 | 1984-05-26 | 1984-11-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-11-25 | 1988-05-26 | 1988-11-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-11-25 | 1992-05-26 | 1992-11-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |