Method and apparatus for vacuum assisted venting

Abstract

A method and apparatus for vacuum assisted venting of an injection mold. The apparatus includes a main body structured to be mounted around an outer circumference of the injection mold and configured to facilitate application of a vacuum pressure therein. The method and apparatus are particularly directed towards preventing the accumulation of residual material inside an injection mold and reducing the frequency of disassembly and cleaning required for the injection mold.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for vacuum assisted venting of an injection mold, said method comprising: 
 identifying vents in an injection mold;    surrounding said vents in an enclosed area; and    applying a vacuum to said enclosed area to produce a vacuum pressure upon said vents.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said surrounding said vents in an enclosed area includes surrounding an outer circumference of said injection mold in said enclosed area.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said applying a vacuum to said enclosed area includes applying a vacuum to at least one venting outlet within said enclosed area.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said enclosed area comprises a main body structured to be mounted around a portion of an outer circumference of said injection mold and defining a generally circular opening therein.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said enclosed area comprises: 
 a main body structured to be mounted around a portion of an outer circumference of said injection mold;  
 said main body defining a generally circular opening therein and including a top surface, a bottom surface, an inner surface, and an outer surface; and  
 said inner surface of said main body substantially abutting said outer circumference of said injection mold.