Cinpres Gas Injection vs. BMW

2011.11.11.英國的氣體輔助射出成型產品製造商Cinpres Gas Injection在密西根州東部聯邦地院控告德國車廠BMW位於美國的北美子公司，侵害其3項專利，系爭產品則是BMW休旅車款X5的後照鏡以及Mini Cooper的後車箱裝置，系爭專利為：US5,458,846、US5,643,527及US6,716,387。

Cinpres Gas Injection
Cinpres Gas Injection成立於1983年，主要從事氣體輔助射出成型產品的研發和製造，氣體輔助射出成型本身是透過氮氣和熔融態塑料的結合，並透過高壓的方式射出成模具，該公司的專門技術為一種表面氣體成型的方法，主要可以應用在手機、小家電以及汽車用品等製造上。

US5,458,846
Title : Method of injection molding
Filing Date : 1994.6.15.
Issue Date : 1995.10.17.
Abstract :
An injection mold apparatus has a core and cavity halves. One or more gas poppet valves are affixed in the injection mold either in the movable and/or in the stationary halves of the mold. The poppet valves (or poppets) are located to open into a mold portion formed in the cavity between the movable portion of the injection mold and the fixed mold portion when the mold portions are closed. At least one gas line is connected to the poppets and to a gas pressure source and is adapted to open the poppets to the passage of nitrogen or other gas into the mold following the injection of molten plastic into the closed mold halves. Porous metal covers may be used to cover the opening in the mold either the movable and/or stationary halves of the injection mold in lieu of the gas poppet valves, and the gas pressure through the porous metal cover can be used to carry out the molding operation. An injection molding method is also taught using the injection of nitrogen gas into the mold immediately folowing the injection of the liquid plastic.

US5,643,527
Title : Method of injection molding
Filing Date : 1995.10.2.
Issue Date : 1997.7.1.
Abstract :
An injection mold apparatus has a core and cavity halves. One or more gas poppet valves are affixed in the injection mold either in the movable and/or in the stationary halves of the mold. The poppet valves (or poppets) are located to open into a mold portion formed in the cavity between the movable portion of the injection mold and the fixed mold portion when the mold portions are closed. At least one gas line is connected to the poppets and to a gas pressure source and is adapted to open the poppets to the passage of nitrogen or other gas into the mold following the injection of molten plastic into the closed mold halves. Porous metal covers may be used to cover the opening in the mold either the movable and/or stationary halves of the injection mold in lieu of the gas poppet valves, and the gas pressure through the porous metal cover can be used to carry out the molding operation. An injection molding method is also taught using the injection of nitrogen gas into the mold immediately following the injection of the liquid plastic.

US6,716,387
Title : Process for pressure assisted molding of hollow articles
Filing Date : 2002.2.28.
Issue Date : 2004.4.6.
Abstract :
The present invention provides a process for fluid assisted injection molding comprising the step of providing an injection molding apparatus having a mold body that defines a mold cavity. The process further comprises the steps of supplying a quantity of fluent plastic to the mold cavity, followed by injecting a fluid into the mold cavity. The fluid forms an expanding fluid pocket in the mold cavity, driving plastic to the furthest recesses of the mold and ensuring a smooth surface finish of the final molded product. A reservoir is selectively connectable to a plastic injection runner, and can be opened to the runner to receive molten plastic ejected by the introduction of the fluid to the mold cavity. When the reservoir is thusly connected, the pressure of the fluid forces the plastic through a supply passage, in a direction substantially opposite to its initial injection direction.