Patent EA-003816-B1 (EA)
Title: Method of direct forming of non-textile fabric elements from thermoplastic pellets or the like
Inventor: O'CONNOR GREGORY W
IPC: B29C65/60
Filed: 2000-10-26
Abstract: 1. A method for manufacturing a non-textile fabric including the acts of: - forming a first element; and - forming a second element in operable connection with said first element. 2. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein: - forming said first element includes the act of solid phase forming said first element. 3. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein: - forming said second element includes the act of solid phase forming said second element. 4. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein: - forming said first element includes the act of solid phase forming said first element; and - forming said second element includes the act of solid phase forming said second element. 5. A method as defined in claim 4, wherein: - forming said first element includes the acts of: positioning a polymer pellet in a first mold cavity; compressing said polymer pellet in said first mold cavity to adapt the shape of said first mold cavity; - forming said second element includes the acts of: positioning a polymer pellet in a second mold cavity; compressing said polymer pellet in said second mold cavity to adapt the shape of said second mold cavity and be operably connected with said first element. 6. A method as defined in claim 5, wherein said first element forms a portion of said second mold cavity. 7. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein said second element is formed at least in part against said first element. 8. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein forming said first element includes the act of molding. 9. A method for manufacturing a non-textile fabric including the acts of: - forming a first element; - forming a second element; and - forming a third element such that said first, second and third elements are operably connected to one another. 10. A method as defined in claim 9, wherein: - forming said first element includes the act of solid phase forming said first element. 11. A method as defined in claim 9, wherein: - forming said second element includes the act of solid phase forming said second element. 12. A method as defined in claim 9, wherein: forming said third element includes the act of solid phase forming said third element. 13. A method as defined in claim 9, wherein: - forming said first element includes the act of solid phase forming said first element; - forming said second element includes the act of solid phase forming said second element; and - forming said third element includes the act of solid phase forming said third element. 14. A method as defined in claim 13, wherein: - forming said first element includes the acts of positioning a polymer pellet in a first mold cavity; compressing said polymer pellet in said first mold cavity to adapt the shape of said first mold cavity; - forming said second element includes the acts of positioning a polymer pellet in a second mold cavity; compressing said polymer pellet in said second mold cavity to adapt the shape of said second mold cavity; - forming said third element includes the acts of positioning a polymer pellet in a third mold cavity; compressing said polymer pellet in said third mold cavity to adapt the shape of the third mold cavity and be operably connected with said first and second elements. 15. A method as defined in claim 14, herein said first element forms a portion of said second mold cavity. 16. A method as defined in claim 14, wherein said second element forms a portion of said third mold cavity. 17. A method as defined in claim 14, wherein said first element and said second elements form a portion of said third mold cavity. 18. A method as defined in claim 14, wherein said second element is formed at least in part against said first element. 19. A method as defined in claim 9, wherein said third element is formed at least in part against said second elements. 20. A method as defined in claim 9, wherein said third element is formed at least in part against said first and second elements.