US 12,459,178 B2
Methods and apparatus for injection and manufacture of molded components with vacuum assist
Stefano Ferniani, Padua (IT); and Luca Faggin, Padua (IT)
Assigned to Crocs, Inc., Broomfield, CO (US)
Filed by CROCS, INC., Niwot, CO (US)
Filed on Jul. 24, 2017, as Appl. No. 15/657,860.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/365,582, filed on Jul. 22, 2016.
Prior Publication US 2018/0022000 A1, Jan. 25, 2018
Int. Cl. B29C 45/17 (2006.01); B29C 33/00 (2006.01); B29C 45/16 (2006.01); B29C 45/26 (2006.01); B29C 69/02 (2006.01); B29D 35/00 (2010.01); B29D 35/14 (2010.01); B29C 45/27 (2006.01)
CPC B29C 45/1701 (2013.01) [B29C 33/0038 (2013.01); B29C 45/1642 (2013.01); B29C 45/2602 (2013.01); B29C 45/2608 (2013.01); B29C 69/02 (2013.01); B29D 35/0036 (2013.01); B29D 35/0045 (2013.01); B29D 35/142 (2013.01); B29C 45/16 (2013.01); B29C 2045/2706 (2013.01); B29C 2791/006 (2013.01)] 15 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A process comprising:
injecting a first molding material into a mold cavity of a mold while the first molding material is liquified, the mold cavity formed by at least a mold cavity portion of a first platen and a second platen when the first platen is in contact with the second platen;
opening the mold after the first molding material has been injected by separating the first and second platens and before placing a second molding material at the first molding material;
placing the second molding material at the first molding material while the first molding material remains with the first platen or the second platen before closing the mold about the first and second molding materials;
sealing a space between the first and second platens wherein the space includes both at least a portion of the first platen and at least a portion of the second platen;
removing a gas from the entirety of the space while the space is sealed; and
closing the mold while the space is sealed.