In this molded surface fastener, an engaging element includes a columnar stem portion, and micro pawl portions protruding outward from an upper end outer peripheral edge of the stem portion in a plan view of the engaging elements. A pawl width dimension of the micro pawl portions is smaller than a line segment connecting two points on the upper end outer peripheral edge of the stem portion. The micro pawl portions protrude toward a base portion. This molded surface fastener has a high peel strength and a shear strength with respect to a female surface fastener.

In this molded surface fastener, an engaging element includes a columnar stem portion, and micro pawl portions protruding outward from an upper end outer peripheral edge of the stem portion in a plan view of the engaging elements. A pawl width dimension of the micro pawl portions is smaller than a line segment connecting two points on the upper end outer peripheral edge of the stem portion. The micro pawl portions protrude toward a base portion. This molded surface fastener has a high peel strength and a shear strength with respect to a female surface fastener.

The combination of 3D printing technology plus the additional dimension of transformation over time of the printed object is referred to herein as 4D printing technology. Particular arrangements of the additive manufacturing material(s) used in the 3D printing process can create a printed 3D object that transforms over time from a first, printed shape to a second, predetermined shape.

The subject invention includes a fixed window assembly for a vehicle comprising a fixed glass, a trim portion having a polymeric base and a decorative member bonded to the polymeric base. An encapsulation is coupled to the fixed glass and the polymeric base to mount the trim portion in a spaced and adjacent position relative to the fixed glass. A method of manufacturing is also provided using first and second molding apparatuses. Polymeric material is injected into a first mold cavity of the first molding apparatus to form the polymeric base bonded to the decorative member. Polymeric material is injected into a second mold cavity of the second molding apparatus to form the encapsulation coupled to the fixed glass and simultaneously coupled to the polymeric base to mount the trim portion in an adjacent position to the fixed glass.

The subject invention includes a fixed window assembly for a vehicle comprising a fixed glass, a trim portion having a polymeric base and a decorative member bonded to the polymeric base. An encapsulation is coupled to the fixed glass and the polymeric base to mount the trim portion in a spaced and adjacent position relative to the fixed glass. A method of manufacturing is also provided using first and second molding apparatuses. Polymeric material is injected into a first mold cavity of the first molding apparatus to form the polymeric base bonded to the decorative member. Polymeric material is injected into a second mold cavity of the second molding apparatus to form the encapsulation coupled to the fixed glass and simultaneously coupled to the polymeric base to mount the trim portion in an adjacent position to the fixed glass.

A hard case for housing and transporting objects includes a first shell and a second shell, hinges for connecting the shells and enabling the latter to be arranged in a closed configuration or in an open configuration, and a closing device to lock the shells in the closed configuration. The shells include respective main panels formed by thermoforming an interwoven polypropylene sheet including a plurality of superimposed layers, each layer having oriented polypropylene fibers therein, the layers being arranged to interweave the superimposed fibers, and respective side elements including respective interface edges intended to be coupled to each other in the closed configuration. The side elements are made of polypropylene by injection molding and are fixed to the main panels to carry out respective joining portions in which the injected polypropylene of the side elements and the interwoven polypropylene of the main panels are melted and joined to each other in order to form the shells in a single part and entirely made of polypropylene.

A hard case for housing and transporting objects includes a first shell and a second shell, hinges for connecting the shells and enabling the latter to be arranged in a closed configuration or in an open configuration, and a closing device to lock the shells in the closed configuration. The shells include respective main panels formed by thermoforming an interwoven polypropylene sheet including a plurality of superimposed layers, each layer having oriented polypropylene fibers therein, the layers being arranged to interweave the superimposed fibers, and respective side elements including respective interface edges intended to be coupled to each other in the closed configuration. The side elements are made of polypropylene by injection molding and are fixed to the main panels to carry out respective joining portions in which the injected polypropylene of the side elements and the interwoven polypropylene of the main panels are melted and joined to each other in order to form the shells in a single part and entirely made of polypropylene.

In this molded surface fastener, plural engaging elements having a stem portion and an engaging head portion formed integrally on the stem portion are standing on the base portion, at least one pawl portion having a pawl width dimension narrower than a width dimension at a boundary between the stem portion and the engaging head portion is protruded on an outer peripheral edge part of the engaging head portion, and a back surface of pawl of the pawl portion is formed at different angles with respect to a back surface of head portion of the engaging head portion. Such a molded surface fastener of the present invention has a substantial engaging force with respect to a female surface fastener and can make a texture of its surface comfortable.

An improved liner for a container in which gases, liquids, or powders are stored. The liner is a multi-layer structure made in a roto molding machine. The liner includes a first outer layer made of metallocene polyethylene, an intermediate gas and liquid impermeable layer, and one or more inner layers made of thermoplastic material compatible with the material stored inside the container. During the molding process, the three layers are made sequentially with the second and third layers being bonded and fused to the adjacent layer to form a uniform composite layer. The outer layer is made of metallocene polyethylene with superior rigidity and relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion making the liner less susceptible to cracking and useful as a layup structure for molding a structure around it. The liner is then used as a layup structure for outer fibers and infused resin.

An improved liner for a container in which gases, liquids, or powders are stored. The liner is a multi-layer structure made in a roto molding machine. The liner includes a first outer layer made of metallocene polyethylene, an intermediate gas and liquid impermeable layer, and one or more inner layers made of thermoplastic material compatible with the material stored inside the container. During the molding process, the three layers are made sequentially with the second and third layers being bonded and fused to the adjacent layer to form a uniform composite layer. The outer layer is made of metallocene polyethylene with superior rigidity and relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion making the liner less susceptible to cracking and useful as a layup structure for molding a structure around it. The liner is then used as a layup structure for outer fibers and infused resin.