Patent ID: 8002538
Filing Date: 2011-08-23
Classification: B29C,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A collapsible core device for molding articles around said core device in a mold cavity, comprising: a first sleeve member having a plurality of first ribs extending from a first base in an axial direction, said plurality of first ribs defining a discontinuous first perimeter surrounding a central channel; each of said first ribs having a first lip end opposite said first base, said first lip end having a first rib lip that protrudes radially toward said central channel, each first rib lip extends along less than the entire length of the corresponding first rib; a second sleeve member having a plurality of second ribs extending from a second base in an axial direction, said plurality of second ribs defining a discontinuous second perimeter surrounding said central channel; each of said second ribs having a second lip end opposite said second base, said second lip end having a second rib lip that protrudes radially toward said central channel, each second rib lip extends along less than the entire length of the corresponding second rib; each of said second ribs arranged between adjacent ones of said first ribs; and an expansion member, fittable within said central channel to displace said first and second ribs outwardly to form an overall perimeter defined by said first and second ribs, said expansion member having an end surface that forms at least one exterior molding surface of the collapsible core flush with said first and second lip ends when the expansion member is fitted within the central channel.