Patent Grant
11434685
The present invention relates to man-made molded articles, assemblies including one or more of the man-made molded articles, and methods of and apparatus for making the man-made molded articles and assemblies. In certain exemplary embodiments described herein, the man-made molded articles, especially door skins (also known as door facings), have excellent stackability, one article on another, for shipping and storage of the articles without damage.
Articles such as doors, wainscot, paneling, cabinet and other furniture doors, and other building materials were traditionally made of natural wood. Natural wood provides an upscale appearance that is aesthetically desirable to many consumers. Unfortunately, due to the depletion of natural resources, natural wood articles have become expensive and much less commonplace than they once were. Also, natural wood has drawbacks, such as its proneness to warping and rotting. As a consequence, many industries, including the building industry, have largely shifted production to focus on man-made materials, such as wood composite materials, fiberglass composites, and thermoplastics.
Man-made molded articles, particularly in the building industry, are often manufactured and/or post-formed to provide an appearance that simulates that of natural wood because of its desirable and upscale appearance. For example, the exterior (observed) surface of a man-made board may be molded or embossed to provide the appearance and feel of a wood grain. U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,367,166, 7,959,817, and 8,246,339, for example, describe molded door skins (also known as door facings) with small grooves configured and arranged to collectively simulate an appearance of a naturally appearing wood grain tick pattern, as well as tonal portions that simulate darkened naturally occurring wood grain background tone. Additionally, the grain patterns on molded articles, especially door skins, may be arranged to simulate the appearance of horizontal and/or vertical extending planks or boards. Planks extending primarily horizontally, that is, widthwise for most entry door skins, such as typically present at the bottom and top of the exterior surface of the door skin and sometimes referred to as rails, may be provided with horizontal wood tick patterns. Planks extending primarily vertically, that is, lengthwise for most entry door skins, such as typically present at the opposite sides of the exterior surface of the door skin and sometimes referred to as stiles, may be provided with vertical wood tick patterns that are generally perpendicular to the horizontal wood tick patterns of the horizontal planks. The exterior surface may also be provided with molded witness lines (or strike lines) to delineate the horizontal and vertical planks from one another. The exterior surface is often coated with paint, stain, lacquer, and/or a protective layer.
The exterior surface of a molded article, especially a door skin, can also be molded to simulate one or more “inner” panels forming part of the exterior surface. In the case of door skins, the inner panels are typically either coplanar with or recessed from the main body portion of the door skin. However, it may be desirable for certain articles to have the inner panels protruding relative to the main surface portion. Contoured portions surround the inner panels to connect the inner panels to the main body portion of the molded article. The contoured portions may be, for example, concave, convex, linear-sloped, and/or stepped walls. The contoured portions may provide superior aesthetic qualities which may, for example, simulate the attractive milled appearance of a natural wood multi-panel door.
Man-made molded articles of the type described above are often stacked on and nested with one another, that is, exterior face to interior face (or vice versa), in nesting relationship for palletized transportation and storage of the articles. Unstable nesting of such stacked molded articles can cause abrasive rubbing of the molded articles against one another, particularly during transport. More specifically, the abrasive rubbing takes place between the finished exterior surface of one molded article and the unfinished interior surface of another molded article stacked thereon or thereunder. The abrasive rubbing can result in unacceptable levels of damage to the finished exterior surface, such as paint picking, paint burnishing, coating removal, and cracking. Damage to the exterior surface can ruin the finish, devaluing the article or making it commercially unacceptable. To reduce and possibly avoid such surface damage, protective materials such as slip sheets (made of, for example, paper, plastic, etc.) and/or spacers (made of, for example, cardboard) may be placed on each molded article in the stack.
The present inventors have observed that surface damage is particularly pronounced on the exterior surface of the articles having inner panels that are recessed from the main body portion of the article. Paint pricking, paint burnishing, coating removal, and cracking are especially problematic at the inner panel corners and the adjacent corners of the contoured portions of the recessed inner panels. The present inventors surmise that these problems are localized at these corner areas because the corner areas, as the result of the geometry of the inner panels, are rigid relative to the remainder of the skin. The present inventors believe that, unlike other areas of the molded articles, the corner areas of the recessed panels are unable to flex in response to the stack load or stacking shifting during transport and handling.
A first aspect of the invention provides a molded article including an inner panel portion having an exterior surface establishing a plurality of inner panel corners, a main body portion, and a contoured portion extending between and interconnecting the inner panel portion and the main body portion so as to surround the inner panel portion and be surrounded by the main body portion. The contoured portion includes contoured corner segments and contoured elongated segments extending lengthwise between respective pairs of the contoured corner segments. The contoured corner segments are adjacent to the inner panel corners of the inner panel portion and have a first maximum thickness. The contoured elongated segments have a second maximum thickness that is greater than the first maximum thickness.
A second aspect of the invention provides a molded article including an inner panel portion, a main body portion, and a contoured portion extending between and interconnecting the inner panel portion and the main body portion so as to surround the inner panel portion and be surrounded by the main body portion. The contoured portion includes an outer angular region extending widthwise at a first oblique angle from the main body portion, an inner angular region extending widthwise at a second oblique angle from the inner panel portion, and a vertex region interconnecting the outer angular region and the inner angular region. The outer angular region comprises contoured corner segments and contoured elongated segments extending between respective pairs of the contoured corner segments. The contoured corner segments have a first maximum thickness, and the contoured elongated segments have a second maximum thickness that is greater than the first maximum thickness.
Another aspect of the invention provides stacked molded articles.
A further aspect of the invention provides door including a frame and at least one molded article secured to one side of the frame, and optionally an additional molded article secured to the opposite side of the frame.
Still further, the invention provides methods and molding apparatus for making the molded articles.
Other aspects and embodiments of the invention, including articles, stacked articles, devices, assemblies, molding apparatus, kits, methods and processes of making and using, and the like which constitute part of the invention, will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments.
The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification. The drawings, together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments and methods given below, serve to explain principles of the invention. In such drawings:
Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments and methods as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings. It should be noted, however, that the invention in its broader aspects is not necessarily limited to the specific details, representative materials and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described in connection with the exemplary embodiments and methods.
Referring initially to
The exemplary door skins 12, 14 shown in
Surrounding each of the inner panel portions 20, 21, and 22 is a respective contoured portion 24, 25, and 26, each of which has a rectangular appearance in the elevational view depicted in
The main body portion 28 of the first door skin 12 embodied in
The inner panel portions 20, 21, and 22, the contoured portions 24, 25, and 26, and the main body portion 28 are shown integral with one another as a unitary or monolithic structure. For example, the portions 20-22, 24-26, and 28 may be molded from a single mat or reformed from a single blank to form the integral structure. Alternatively, these portions 20-22, 24-26, and 28 may be made of separate components and secured to one another. The exterior surface 12a may be molded or otherwise provided with a surface pattern, such as a wood grain pattern and/or tonal areas. Typically, the exterior surface 12a has one or more coatings, which may include, for example, paint, stain, lacquer, and/or a protective finish.
For discussion purposes, the inner panel portion 20 and the contoured portion 24 are primarily discussed below, mostly in connection with
As best shown in
The contoured corner segments 42 each include two legs. For example,
Referring now to
Each of the contoured elongated segments 44, including the contoured elongated segment 44d, has a first maximum thickness t1. Thickness measurements for determining t1 taken from any point along the exterior surface 52 of the contoured elongated segments are to the closest point on the interior surface 54 of the contoured elongated segments. These thickness measurements are usually perpendicular to the exterior surface 52. The first maximum thickness t1 is uniform along the entire length of the contoured elongated segments 44.
In
Providing the contoured elongated segments 44 with a greater thickness than the contoured corner segments 42 improves weight distribution when the door skins 12 are stacked on one another. The thickness differential displaces load from the thinner contoured corner segments 42 to the contoured elongated segments 44, where paint burnishing, cracking, and other problems are less likely to occur.
In the case of an interior or exterior door assembly, such as assembly 10, standard door skins are usually about 0.1 inch to about 0.4 inch thick. For door skins of this order of thickness, the maximum thickness difference t1 minus t2 may be, for example, on the order of 0.001 inch (1 mil) to 0.025 inch (25 mil), or 0.001 inch (1 mil) to 0.013 inch (13 mil), or about 0.005 inch (5 mil). As may be apparent from comparing these measurements with the drawings, the difference in maximum thicknesses t1 relative to t2 illustrated in
With the exception of the maximum thickness differences t1 versus t2 described herein, the door skins and other molded articles desirably have a substantially uniform thickness to reduce painting requirements and labor required to establish a uniform coating on the articles. Large deviations in thickness can result in a loss or reduction in uniformity, stackability, and/or intended functionality of articles.
Because of the lesser thicknesses of the contoured corner segments of the upper door skin 112, the upwardly facing exterior surfaces 52 of the contoured corner segments 42 of the lower door skin 12 are spaced from and typically not in contact with the downwardly facing interior surfaces 156 of the contoured corner segments of the stacked upper door skin 112 to establish corner relief areas. Even if the stacked contoured corner segments are not spaced from one another, which is more likely where the thickness differential between t1 and t2 is small and/or the molded articles have high flexibility, the thickness differential between t1 and t2 distributes the load of the stacked articles better (and places more load on the contoured elongated segments) than conventional door skins lacking the thickness differential. Consequently, loads at the inner panel corners and the contoured corner segments are reduced, reducing the likelihood of damage to the paint and/or finish.
As best shown in
As mentioned above, the exterior surface 12a typically has one or more coatings, which may be, for example, paint, stain, lacquer, or a protective finish. During stacking, transport, and handling, abrasive rubbing of between stacked door skins (and other articles discussed below) can cause damage to the finished exterior surface, such as paint picking, paint burnishing, coating removal, and cracking. Typically, with conventional molded articles with recessed panels, this damage is most prominent at the corners of the inner panel portion and the contoured portion, where most of the load created by stacking is carried. The thickness differential described herein creates corner relief areas at the contoured corner segments 42 having a second maximum thickness t2 that is less than the first maximum thickness t1 of contoured elongated segments 44. In exemplary embodiments, the lesser second maximum thickness t2 at the contoured corner segments 42 spaces the surfaces 52 and 156 (
The contoured corner segments 42, which are most prone to damage in the case of stacked/nested conventional recessed panel articles, are subject to less stress and are less likely to be damaged by abrasive rubbing between stacked/nested articles. Additionally, the above-described benefits associated with exemplary embodiments may reduce or altogether avoid damage to stacked molded articles, even during transport, without requiring protective materials such as slip sheets and/or spacers to be interposed between the articles.
Although the illustrated contoured portions 24-26 of the embodiment illustrated in
For example,
The door skin 212 is a two-panel door, as best shown in
As best shown in
The outer angular region 262 of the contoured portion 224 includes a plurality of contoured corner segments 242a, 242b, 242c, and 242d (collectively referred to herein by numeral 242) and a plurality of contoured elongated segments 244a, 244b, 244c, and 244d (collectively referred to herein by numeral 244) extending between respective pairs of the contoured corner segments 242. The contoured corner segments 242 interface the contoured elongated segments 244 at transition areas 243. The contoured corner segments 242 and the contoured elongated segments 244 are arranged end to end to collectively establish a continuous rectangle.
The contoured corner segments 242 each include two legs. For example, the contoured corner segment 242a includes legs 242a1 and 242a2, which are perpendicular to one another. The legs 242a1, 242a2, etc., are preferably at least 0.25 inch, and optionally at least 1.0 inch, in length. Generally, the greater the overall size of the door skin 212 and the inner panel 220, the longer the legs 242a1, 242a2, etc. The lengths of the contoured corner segments 242 to the contoured elongated segments 244 in
The contoured elongated segments 244 have a first maximum thickness t1 measured from the exterior surface 252 to the closest point on the interior surface 254. The contoured corner segments 242 have a second maximum thickness t2 measured from the exterior surface 252 to the closest point on an interior surface 256 of the contoured corner segments 242. These thickness measurements are usually perpendicular to the exterior surface 252.
In
Because of the lesser thicknesses of the contoured corner segments 242 of the upper door skin 312, the upwardly facing exterior surfaces 252 of the contoured corner segments 242 of the lower door skin 212 are spaced from and typically not in contact with the downwardly facing interior surfaces 356 of the contoured corner segments of the stacked upper door skin 312 to establish corner relief areas over the outer angular regions 262. Even if the outer angular areas 262 of the stacked contoured corner segments 252 are not spaced from one another, which is more likely where the thickness differential between t1 and t2 is small and/or the molded articles 212, 312 have high flexibility, the thickness differential between t1 and t2 distributes the load of the stacked articles better (and places more load on the contoured elongated segments) than conventional door skins lacking the thickness differential. Consequently, loads at the corners of the inner panels 320 and the contoured corner segments are reduced, reducing the likelihood of damage to the paint and/or finish.
The thickness difference (t1−t2) discussed herein in connection with
In the illustrated embodiments, the man-made molded articles are in the form of a multi-panel door, or, more particularly, a thin door skin to be laminated or otherwise adhered to a core, frame or other support substrate, on both major surfaces of the support substrate, to simulate a solid door, optionally with an appearance simulating a natural wood door. Although illustrated as an interior or exterior passage (or entry) door, it should be understood that the principles described herein may be applied to other door applications, for example, as cabinet, closet, and furniture doors. Optionally, the door may include only one door skin. It should be understood that the principles of the present invention apply to much more than doors or door skins. Examples of other man-made molded articles that are capable of being manufactured in accordance with the principles of the present invention include decorative hardboard, interior and exterior siding, decorative interior wall paneling, wainscot, other building and construction material, and the like.
The molded articles may be formed of a composite containing an organic cellulosic material, such as cellulosic fibers or cellulosic particles, and a binder capable of adhesively binding the cellulosic material together into a structurally stable article. The organic fibrous material is typically relatively small fibers or particles of wood, e.g., pine, oak, cherry, maple and combinations of the same or other woods. Other cellulosic materials such as straw, rice husks and knaff may be used in combination with or as an alternative for wood fibers and/or particles. The cellulosic material may be present as dust, fibers, discrete particles, or other forms. The cellulosic material, whether in the form of refined, fibrillated fibers, or in the form of discrete particles or sawdust, can be molded and adhered together with natural or synthetic binders to provide aesthetically pleasing contours and texture in exterior, visible surfaces. The binder may be selected from, for example, phenol-formaldehyde resin, urea-formaldehyde resin, and mixtures thereof.
High density fiberboard is particularly useful in various embodiments of the invention, although other materials such as medium density fiberboard may be selected. High density fiberboard generally contains a cellulosic fiber content of about 80 to about 97 percent by weight, based on dry weight. The binder typically constitutes about 2 to about 15 percent by weight of the dry weight of the article. Additional ingredients may also be included, such as sizing agents. Other materials that may be selected for the molded articles include, by way of example, sheet molding compounds (SMCs), bulk molding compounds (BMCs), thermoplastics, thermosets, and others.
Door skins 12 (or 112, 212, 312) and other molded articles are formed in accordance with molding procedures and using molding apparatus well known in the art, although modifications of the molding apparatus may be needed. Although not necessarily by limitation, the procedures usually employ a mold apparatus including upper and lower mold dies. One or both of the mold dies are movable towards and away from the other mold die. In the closed state, opposing surface of the mold dies define a mold cavity. The cavity-defining surface of the one of the mold dies (e.g., upper mold die) is shaped generally complementary or as the inverse of the desired shape of exterior surface 12a of door skin 12 or other article. The cavity-defining surface of the other mold die (e.g., lower mold die) has a shape that is generally complementary or the inverse of the desired shape of the interior surface 12b of door skin 12. Thus, the cavity-defining surface of this mold die responsible for molding at least one of the surfaces 12a, 12b, typically the interior surface 12b for reasons explained above, will have areas corresponding to the contoured corner portions and other areas corresponding to the contoured elongated portions. The difference in height between these areas of the mold die surface should correspond to the desired thickness difference t1 minus t2. The manufacture of mold dies having various surface features is known in the art, and may be adopted to incorporate the principles of the invention.
Different molding techniques may be practiced in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, including compression molding, injection molding, and re-forming of molded blanks. Examples of molding apparatus and procedures are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,096,916, 6,743,318, and 6,579,483.
The above embodiments may be practiced in any combination with one another.
The foregoing detailed description of the certain exemplary embodiments has been provided for the purpose of explaining the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. This description is not necessarily intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiments disclosed. The specification describes specific examples to accomplish a more general goal that may be accomplished in another way.
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/781,512, filed Feb. 4, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,968,686, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/134,548, filed Sep. 18, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,550,629, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/695,805, filed Sep. 5, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,077,595, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/397,119, filed Jan. 3, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,752,378, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/820,262, filed Aug. 6, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,534,440, which all claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/034,473 filed Aug. 7, 2014, the complete disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16781512 | Feb 2020 | US |
| Child | 17223593 | US | |
| Parent | 16134548 | Sep 2018 | US |
| Child | 16781512 | US | |
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| Child | 16134548 | US | |
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| Child | 15397119 | US |
