DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of anchor seals and their manufacturing methods and systems.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
An anchor seal comprises a locking insert, a housing, and an anchor wire connected to the locking insert and the housing. The housing is defined by lateral face plates, a top wall, a plurality of interlocks configured on an inner surface of the face plates, and a mouth configured on the bottom portion of the housing. Conventionally, the housing and the locking insert are manufactured by the process of injection molding. A punch, having a configuration complementary to the inner surface of the housing, is inserted into a die having a configuration complementary to the outer surface of the housing. Insertion of the punch is simple. However, once the housing piece is prepared, it becomes a tricky situation to remove the punch from the housing piece because of the tapered configuration of the housing and the interlocks that are configured inside the housing. More specifically, if the punch is removed out forcefully, it will affect the interlocks and probably break them.
To take care of this drawback, the punch comprises a wedge inserted in between a collapsible core defined by two arms. The wedge is configured to slip out once the housing piece is prepared, thereby causing the arms to collapse inwards to facilitate removal of the punch. However, the conventional punch has a rather complicated mechanism with a multiple number of components, which makes the cooling circulation in the die complicated. Additionally, the conventional punch still needs to be removed carefully so that the interlocks are not broken. Further, if the arms fail to collapse, it would become difficult to remove the punch from the housing, thereby affecting the configuration of the housing and the interlocks adversely. As a result, the cycle time required by the conventional punch is more than 30 seconds per stroke, while only delivering 3-4 pieces of the housing.
There is therefore felt a need for a system and a method for manufacturing an anchor seal that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks, and an anchor seal formed by the system and the method.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide an anchor seal, a system and a method for manufacturing an anchor seal.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an anchor seal which is manufactured in relatively simple ways, and a system and a method for manufacturing an anchor seal in a relatively simpler way.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and a method which reduces the cost of manufacturing of the anchor seal.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and a method which ensures relatively lesser number of defective anchor seals.
A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and a method which relatively reduces the cycle time of manufacturing of the anchor seal per stroke.
A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and a method which has relatively more output.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages an anchor seal, a system and a method for manufacturing an anchor seal.
The anchor seal comprises a seal housing having a top plate, a rear plate, and a pair of side walls adjoining the rear plate while defining a mouth at an operative bottom end of the housing and an opening on one side of the housing. The housing further has a plurality of locking notches configured on operative inner surfaces of two opposite side walls.
The anchor seal further comprises a face plate having a configuration complementary to the opening. When attached to operative edges of the opening, the face plate structurally encloses the interior of the housing;
The anchor seal also comprises a locking insert having a plurality of interlocks configured thereon, complementary to the plurality of locking notches.
Additionally, the ancho seal comprises an anchor wire having a first operative free end thereof connected to the housing and a second operative free end connected to the locking insert.
The present disclosure further envisages a system and a method for manufacturing an anchor seal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
An anchor seal, a system and a method for manufacturing an anchor seal, of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 through Figure 3 illustrate front views of a conventional punch and wedge used for manufacturing an anchor seal;
Figure 4 illustrates an isometric view of a seal housing, an anchor wire and a locking insert according to a first embodiment of the anchor seal;
Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of a face plate of the first embodiment of the anchor seal;
Figure 6 illustrates an isometric view of the face plate, of Figure 5, attached to the seal housing of Figure 4;
Figure 7 illustrates an isometric view of the locking insert of Figure 4, being partially inserted into the seal housing of Figure 4;
Figure 8 illustrates an isometric view of the first embodiment of the anchor seal formed after the locking insert is completely inserted into the seal housing;
Figure 9 illustrates an isometric view of a seal housing, an anchor wire and a locking insert according to a second embodiment of the anchor seal;
Figure 10 illustrates an isometric view of a face plate of the second embodiment of the anchor seal;
Figure 11 illustrates an isometric view of the face plate, of Figure 10, attached to the seal housing of Figure 9;
Figure 12 illustrates an isometric view of the locking insert of Figure 9, being partially inserted into the seal housing of Figure 9;
Figure 13 illustrates an isometric view of the second embodiment of the anchor seal formed after the locking insert is completely inserted into the seal housing;
Figure 14 illustrates the system, of the present disclosure, for manufacturing an anchor seal; and
Figure 15 illustrates the method, of the present disclosure, for manufacturing an anchor seal.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
05 housing
10 core
12 wedge
14 arm
100A, 100B anchor seal
102A, 102B seal housing
103A, 103B stepped flange
104A, 104B top plate
106A, 106B side wall
107A, 107B rear plate
108A, 108B mouth
109A, 109B opening
111A, 111B embossment
112A, 112B locking notch
113A, 113B first hole(s)
114A, 114B holes
115A, 115B face plate
116A, 116B second hole(s)
117A, 117B extension
118A, 118B rim
119A, 119B protuberance
120A, 120B locking insert
122A, 122B interlock
124A, 124B flanged base
130A, 130B anchor wire
200 first injection moulding apparatus
205 first mould
210 second mould
215 recess
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including”, “includes” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
An anchor seal comprises a locking insert, a housing (05), and an anchor wire connected to the locking insert and the housing (05). The housing (05) is defined by lateral face plates, a top wall, a plurality of interlocks configured on an inner surface of the face plates, and a mouth configured on the bottom portion of the housing (05). Conventionally, the housing (05) and the locking insert are manufactured by the process of injection moulding. A core (10), having a configuration complementary to the inner surface of the housing (05), is inserted into a cavity having a configuration complementary to the outer surface of the housing (05). Insertion of the core (10) is a simple process. However, once the housing (05) piece is prepared, it becomes a tricky situation to remove the core (10) from the housing piece because of the tapered configuration of the housing (05) and the interlocks that are configured inside the housing (05). More specifically, if the core (10) is removed out forcefully, it will affect the interlocks and probably break them.
To take care of this drawback, the core (10) (as shown in Figure 1 through Figure 3) comprises a wedge (12) inserted in between a collapsible core defined by two arms (14). The wedge (12) is configured to slip out once the housing piece is prepared, thereby causing the arms (14) to collapse inwards to facilitate removal of the core (10). However, the conventional core (10) has a rather complicated mechanism with a multiple number of components, which makes the cooling circulation in the cavity complicated. Additionally, the conventional core (10) still needs to be removed carefully so that the interlocks are not broken. Further, if the arms (14) fail to collapse, it would become difficult to remove the core (10) from the housing (05), thereby affecting the configuration of the housing (05) and the interlocks adversely. As a result, the cycle time required by the conventional core (10) is around 30 seconds per stroke, while only delivering 3-4 pieces of the housing (05).
The present disclosure further envisages an anchor seal (100A, 100B) as described in detail with reference to Figure 4 through Figure 13.
Figure 4 through Figure 8 illustatres a first embodiment of the anchor seal (100A).
Figure 5 through Figure 13 illustatres a second embodiment of the anchor seal (100B).
The anchor seal (100A, 100B) comprises a seal housing (102A, 102B) having a top plate (104A, 104B), a rear plate (107A, 107B), and a plurality of side walls (106A, 106B) adjoining the rear plate (107A, 107B) to partially enclose an interior of the housing (102A, 102B) while defining a mouth (108A, 108B) at an operative bottom end of the housing (102A, 102B) and an opening (109A, 109B) on one side of the housing (102A, 102B). The housing (102A, 102B) further has a plurality of locking notches (112A, 112B) configured on operative inner surfaces of the side walls (106A, 106B).
The anchor seal (100A, 100B) further comprises a face plate (115A, 115B) having a configuration complementary to the opening (109A, 109B). When attached to the seal housing (102a, 102b), along the operative edges of the opening (109A, 109B), the face plate (115A, 115B) structurally encloses the housing (102A, 102B) and makes the seal housing whole.
The anchor seal (100A, 100B) also comprises a locking insert (120A, 120B) having a plurality of interlocks (122A, 122B) configured thereon complementary to the plurality of locking notches (112A, 112B).
Additionally, the anchor seal (100A, 100B) comprises an anchor wire (130A, 130B) having a first operative free end thereof connected to the housing (102A, 102B) and passing therethrough, and a second operative free end connected to the locking insert (120A, 120B) and passing therethrough.
In an embodiment, the face plate (115A, 115B) is attached to the housing (102A, 102B) by ultra-sonic welding.
In another embodiment, the seal housing (102A, 102B), the face plate (115A, 115B), and the locking insert (120A, 120B) are of polypropylene or polycarbonate.
In yet another embodiment, the anchor wire (130A, 130B) is of stainless steel.
In still another embodiment, the housing (102A, 102B) includes at least one first hole(s) (113A, 113B) configured on the rear plate (107A, 107B).
In an embodiment, the face plate (115A, 115B) includes at least one second hole(s) (116A, 116B) configured thereon complementary to the first hole(s) (113A, 113B). The second hole(s) (116A, 116B) and the first hole(s) (113A, 113B) are configured to allow passage of the anchor wire (130A, 130B) therethrough in an operative sealed configuration of the anchor seal (100A, 100B).
In another embodiment, the housing (102A, 102B) includes a stepped flange (103A, 103B) extending from an operative bottom edge of the side plates. The stepped flange (103A, 103B) has a plurality of extensions (117A, 117B) configured thereon. The housing (102A, 102B) further has a plurality of holes (114A, 114B) and a plurality of extensions (117A, 117B) configured on the side walls (106A, 106B). In an embodiment, the extensions (117A, 117B), each, have a protruding triangular configuration configured to act as an energy director. More specifically, when the face plate (115A, 115B) is being welded to the housing (102A, 102B), the extensions (117A, 117B) gathers the vibration energy of welding, and converts it into heat which melts the extensions (117A, 117B) to form a uniform layer of molten polymer on the entire welding surface of the housing (102A, 102B). The extensions (117A, 117B) is configured to increase the strength of ultrasonic welding, and reduce flash between the face plate (115A, 115B) and the housing (102A, 102B); while also adhering the face plate (115A, 115B) to the housing (102A, 102B).
The housing (102A, 102B) also has an embossment (111A, 111B) configured on an operative front face of the flange (103A, 103B). Similar to the extensions (117A, 117B), the embossment (111A, 111B) also has a protruding triangular configuration configured to act as an energy director. More specifically, when the face plate (115A, 115B) is being welded to the housing (102A, 102B), the embossment (111A, 111B) gathers the vibration energy of welding, and converts it into heat which melts the embossment (111A, 111B) to form a uniform layer of molten polymer on the entire welding surface of the housing (102A, 102B). The embossment (111A, 111B) is configured to increase the strength of ultrasonic welding, and reduce flash between the face plate (115A, 115B) and the housing (102A, 102B); while also adhering the face plate (115A, 115B) to the housing (102A, 102B).In yet another embodiment, the face plate (115A, 115B) includes a stepped rim (118A, 118B) extending from an operative bottom edge of the face plate (115A, 115B). The face plate (115A, 115B) and the rim (118A, 118B) have a plurality of projections (119A, 119B) extending therefrom complementary to the holes (114A, 114B). The projections (119A, 119B) are configured to be received in the holes (114A, 114B) to facilitate locking of the face plate (115A, 115B) with the housing (102A, 102B).
In still another embodiment, the locking insert (120A, 120B) has a flanged base (124A, 124B) configured to be flush with an operative bottom edge of the stepped flange (103A, 103B) and the stepped rim (118A, 118B), when the locking insert (120A, 120B) is received in the seal housing (102A, 102B).
In one embodiment, the face plate (115A, 115B) is configured to be attached to the housing (102A, 102B) with the help of adhesives. In another embodiment, the face plate (115A, 115B) is also configured to be attached to the housing (102A, 102B) by snap fittingly receiving the projections (119A, 119B) in the holes (114A, 114B).
The present disclosure further envisages a system (200) for manufacturing an anchor seal (100A, 100B) defined by a seal housing (102A, 102B) and a locking insert (120A, 120B) connected to the seal housing (102A, 102B) by an anchor wire (130A, 130B). The system (200) will be described with reference to Figure 14. The system (200) comprises a first injection moulding apparatus (200) and a second injection moulding apparatus (not shown in figures).
The first injection moulding apparatus (200) comprises a first mould (205) configured to facilitate formation of a partially enclosed seal housing (102A, 102B) having a mouth (108A, 108B) configured at an operative bottom end of the housing (102A, 102B), an opening (109A, 109B) configured on one side of the housing (102A, 102B), and a plurality of locking notches (112A, 112B) configured on operative inner surfaces of the side walls (106A, 106B).
The first injection moulding apparatus (200) further comprises a second mould (210) configured to facilitate formation of a locking insert (120A, 120B) having a plurality of interlocks (122A, 122B) configured along its operative sides, and a flanged base (124A, 124B). A recess (215) is defined between the first mould (205) and the second mould (210) to receive the anchor wire (130A, 130B) therein. The recess (215) allows connection of the anchor wire (130A, 130B) with both the housing (102A, 102B) and the insert at the manufacturing stage itself.
The second injection moulding apparatus is configured to facilitate formation of a face plate (115A, 115B) having a stepped rim (118A, 118B) extending from an operative bottom edge of the face plate (115A, 115B), and a plurality of projections (119A, 119B) configured on the face plate (115A, 115B) and the stepped rim (118A, 118B).
In an embodiment, the first mould (205) is defined by at least one first cavity and at least one first core. The first cavity has a configuration complementary to a top plate (104A, 104B), a rear plate (107A, 107B), side walls (106A, 106B), a stepped flange (103A, 103B) extending from an operative bottom edge of the side walls (106A, 106B) and at least one first hole(s) (113A, 113B) configured on the rear plate (107A, 107B). The first core has a configuration defining a plurality of locking notches (112A, 112B) configured on operative inner surfaces of the side walls (106A, 106B) of the housing (102A, 102B), a plurality of extensions (117A, 117B) configured on the side walls (106A, 106B) and the stepped flange (103A, 103B), a embossment (111A, 111B) configured on the stepped flange (103A, 103B), and a plurality of holes (114A, 114B) configured on the side walls (106A, 106B).
In another embodiment, the second mould (210) is defined by at least one second cavity and at least one second core. The second cavity has a configuration complementary to the locking insert (120A, 120B), the interlocks (122A, 122B), and the flanged base (124A, 124B). The second core has a configuration complementary to the internal features of the locking insert (120A, 120B) and the flanged base (124A, 124B).
In yet another embodiment, the second injection moulding apparatus defined by at least one third cavity and at least one third core. The third cavity has a configuration complementary to the external surface of the face plate (115A, 115B) having configurations complementary to a stepped rim (118A, 118B), and at least one second hole(s) (116A, 116B) of the face plate (115A, 115B). The third core has a configuration defining the internal surface of the face plate (115A, 115B), and a plurality of projections (119A, 119B) configured on the face plate (115A, 115B).
In a further embodiment, the third cavity and the third core may have an open-and-close configuration.
In an operative configuration, a molten polymeric material is poured into the cavities. Thereafter, the first core is displaced downwards to allow formation of the housing (102A, 102B) defining a top wall (104A, 104B), a rear plate (107A, 107B), and a pair of side walls (106A, 106B) adjoining the rear plate, a plurality of locking notches (112A, 112B) configured on operative inner surfaces of opposite face plates (115A, 115B), and a mouth (108A, 108B) configured on the operative bottom region of the housing (102A, 102B). After the housing (102A, 102B) is cooled and prepared, the core is displaced upwards to remove the housing (102A, 102B) therefrom, thereby defining the opening (109A, 109B) on the housing (102A, 102B) thus leaving the portion of what could have been the front plate of the housing (102A, 102B) vacant.
The housing (102A, 102B) can be thus manufactured with a partial configuration, with the help of a core having a simple and a monolith configuration which does not need any collapsible mechanism. This in turn contributes to a simpler removal method for removing the housing (102A, 102B) from the core and cavity, thereby ensuring relatively lesser number of defective housing pieces and less amount of wear and tear. Also, if compared to the conventional methods, the apparatus can accommodate larger number of moulds, which ensures that at least two times more output ratio is achieved and the cycle time per stroke is reduced by at least half. Further, the number of housing pieces that can be manufactured by the method (200) of the present disclosure is at least twice the number of pieces that can be manufactured by the conventional methods.
A method (300), of the present disclosure, for manufacturing an anchor seal (100A, 100B) will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 15.
The method (300) comprises the following steps:
a. forming a seal housing (102A, 102B) having a top plate (104A, 104B), a rear plate (107A, 107B), a plurality of side walls (106A, 106B) adjoining the rear plate (107A, 107B) to partially enclose an interior of the housing (102A, 102B) while defining a mouth (108A, 108B) at an operative bottom end of the housing (102A, 102B) and an opening (109A, 109B) on one side of the housing (102A, 102B), the housing (102A, 102B) further including a plurality of locking notches (112A, 112B) configured on operative inner surfaces of two opposite side walls (106A, 106B);
b. forming a locking insert (120A, 120B) having a plurality of interlocks (122A, 122B) configured thereon, complementary to the locking notches (112A, 112B);
c. connecting a first operative free end of an anchor wire (130A, 130B) to the housing (102A, 102B) and a second operative free end of the anchor wire (130A, 130B) to the locking insert (120A, 120B);
d. forming a face plate (115A, 115B) having a configuration complementary to the opening (109A, 109B); and
e. attaching the face plate (115A, 115B) to operative edges of the opening (109A, 109B) to structurally enclose the interior of the housing (102A, 102B).
In an embodiment, step (a) includes the sub-step of forming the housing (102A, 102B) using a first injection moulding apparatus (200). The first apparatus includes a first mould (205) having a first cavity (not specifically labelled in figures) and a first core (not specifically labelled in figures). The first cavity is configured to define the top plate (104A, 104B), the rear plate, (107A, 107B), and the side walls (106A, 106B) adjoining the rear plate (107A, 107B), a stepped flange (103A, 103B) extending from an operative bottom edge of the side plates, and at least one first hole(s) (113A, 113B) configured on the rear plate (107A, 107B). The first core is configured to define the locking notches (112A, 112B), a plurality of holes (114A, 114B) and a plurality of extensions (117A, 117B) on the side walls (106A, 106B), and a embossment (111A, 111B) on the stepped flange (103A, 103B).
In a further embodiment, the first core is configured to be pressed down in an operative vertical direction to facilitate formation of the housing (102A, 102B) having the opening (109A, 109B) defined on an operative lateral surface thereof. When the housing (102A, 102B) is prepared, the core can be simply displaced away from the cavity.
In another embodiment, step (b) includes the sub-step of forming the locking insert (120A, 120B) using the first injection moulding apparatus (200). The first apparatus includes a second mould (210) having a second cavity (not specifically labelled in figures) and a second core (not specifically labelled in figures). The second cavity is configured to define the locking insert (120A, 120B), the interlocks (122A, 122B) configured along its operative sides, and a flanged base (124A, 124B). The second core is configured to define the internal features of the locking insert (120A, 120B).
In yet another embodiment, step (d) includes the sub-step of forming the face plate (115A, 115B) using a second injection moulding apparatus. The apparatus includes a third mould having a third cavity and a third core. The third cavity is configured to define the face plate (115A, 115B) having a stepped rim (118A, 118B) extending from an operative bottom edge of the face plate (115A, 115B), and a plurality of projections (119A, 119B) configured on the face plate (115A, 115B) and the stepped rim (118A, 118B). The third core is configured to define an internal surface of the face plate (115A, 115B).
In still another embodiment, step (e) includes the sub-step of fusing the face plate (115A, 115B) to the edges of the opening (109A, 109B) by ultra-sonic welding to structurally enclose the interior of the housing (102A, 102B).
In an embodiment, step (e) includes the sub-step of attaching the face plate (115A, 115B) to operative edges of the opening (109A, 109B) with the help of adhesives.
In another embodiment, step (e) includes the sub-step of attaching the face plate (115A, 115B) to operative edges of the opening (109A, 109B) by snap fitting the projections (119A, 119B) in the holes (114A, 114B).
The manufacturing method (200) of the present disclosure is cost-effective as compared to the conventional methods by at least 25%. The method (200) allows configuration of the cavities and cores for the housing (102A, 102B) element in such a way that the prepared housing elements can be easily prepared by a simple linear displacement of the core.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described hereinabove has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of an anchor seal, a system and a method for manufacturing an anchor seal which:
• allows manufacturing of the anchor seal in a relatively simpler way;
• reduces the cost of manufacturing the anchor seal by at least 25%;
• ensures relatively lesser number of defective anchor seal;
• reduces the cycle time per stroke by at least half; and
• has at least two times more output ratio.
The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Any discussion of materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation. ,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. An anchor seal (100A, 100B) comprising:
• a seal housing (102A, 102B) having a top plate (104A, 104B), a rear plate (107A, 107B), and a pair of side walls (106A, 106B) adjoining said rear plate (107A, 107B) while defining a mouth (108A, 108B) at an operative bottom end of said housing (102A, 102B) and an opening (109A, 109B) on one side of said housing (102A, 102B), said housing (102A, 102B) further including a plurality of locking notches (112A, 112B) configured on operative inner surfaces of said side walls (106A, 106B);
• a face plate (115A, 115B) having a configuration complementary to said opening (109A, 109B), wherein, when attached to operative edges of said opening (109A, 109B), said face plate (115A, 115B) structurally encloses said housing (102A, 102B);
• a locking insert (120A, 120B) having a plurality of interlocks (122A, 122B) configured thereon, complementary to said a plurality of locking notches (112A, 112B); and
• an anchor wire (130A, 130B) having a first operative free end thereof connected to said housing (102A, 102B) and a second operative free end connected to said locking insert (120A, 120B).
2. The anchor seal (100A, 100B) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said face plate (115A, 115B) is attached to the housing (102A, 102B) by ultra-sonic welding.
3. The anchor seal (100A, 100B) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said seal housing (102A, 102B), said face plate (115A, 115B), and said locking insert (120A, 120B) are of polypropylene or polycarbonate.
4. The anchor seal (100A, 100B) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said anchor wire (130A, 130B) is of stainless steel.
5. The anchor seal (100A, 100B) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said housing (102A, 102B) includes at least one first hole(s) (113A, 113B) configured on said rear plate (107A, 107B).
6. The anchor seal (100A, 100B) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said face plate (115A, 115B) includes at least one second hole(s) (116A, 116B) configured thereon complementary to said first hole(s) (113A, 113B), said second hole(s) (116A, 116B) and said first hole(s) (113A, 113B) configured to allow passage of said anchor wire (130A, 130B) therethrough in an operative sealed configuration of said anchor seal (100A, 100B).
7. The anchor seal (100A, 100B) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said housing (102A, 102B) includes a stepped flange (103A, 103B) extending from an operative bottom edge of said side plates, the stepped flange (103A, 103B) having a plurality of extensions (117A, 117B) configured thereon.
8. The anchor seal (100A, 100B) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said housing (102A, 102B) has a plurality of holes (114A, 114B) and a plurality of extensions (117A, 117B) configured on said side walls (106A, 106B), and a embossment (111A, 111B) configured on said stepped flange (103A, 103B).
9. The anchor seal (100A, 100B) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said face plate (115A, 115B) includes a stepped rim (118A, 118B) extending from an operative bottom edge of said face plate (115A, 115B), said face plate (115A, 115B) and said rim (118A, 118B) having a plurality of projections (119A, 119B) extending therefrom complementary to said holes (114A, 114B), said projections (119A, 119B) being configured to be received in said holes (114A, 114B) to facilitate locking of said face plate (115A, 115B) with said housing (102A, 102B).
10. The anchor seal (100A, 100B) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said locking insert (120A, 120B) has a flanged base (124A, 124B) configured to be flush with an operative bottom edge of said stepped flange (103A, 103B) and said stepped rim (118A, 118B) in said operative sealed configuration of said anchor seal (100A, 100B).
11. The anchor seal (100A, 100B) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said face plate (115A, 115B) is attached to said housing (102A, 102B) with the help of adhesives.
12. The anchor seal (100A, 100B) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said face plate (115A, 115B) is attached to said housing (102A, 102B) by snap fittingly receiving said projections (119A, 119B) in said holes (114A, 114B).
13. A system (200) for manufacturing an anchor seal (100A, 100B) defined by a seal housing (102A, 102B) and a locking insert (120A, 120B) connected to the seal housing (102A, 102B) by an anchor wire (130A, 130B), said system (200) comprising:
• a first injection moulding apparatus (200) comprising:
o a first mould (205) configured to facilitate formation of a partially enclosed seal housing (102A, 102B) having a mouth (108A, 108B) configured at an operative bottom end of said housing (102A, 102B), an opening (109A, 109B) configured on one side of said housing (102A, 102B), and a plurality of locking notches (112A, 112B) configured on operative inner surfaces of said side walls (106A, 106B),
o a second mould (210) configured to facilitate formation of a locking insert (120A, 120B) having plurality of interlocks (122A, 122B) configured along its operative sides, and a flanged base (124A, 124B), and
o a recess (215) defined between said first mould (205) and said second mould (210) to receive the anchor wire (130A, 130B) therein; and
• a second injection moulding apparatus configured to facilitate formation of a face plate (115A, 115B) having a stepped rim (118A, 118B) extending from an operative bottom edge of the face plate (115A, 115B), and a plurality of projections (119A, 119B) configured on the face plate (115A, 115B) and the stepped rim (118A, 118B).
14. The system (200) as claimed in claim 13, wherein said first mould (205) is defined by at least one first cavity and at least one first core, said first cavity having a configuration complementary to a top plate (104A, 104B), a rear plate (107A, 107B), side walls (106A, 106B) adjoining said rear plate (107A, 107B), a stepped flange (103A, 103B) extending from an operative bottom edge of said side plates, and at least one first hole(s) (113A, 113B) configured on said rear plate (107A, 107B), and said first core having a configuration defining a plurality of locking notches (112A, 112B) configured on operative inner surfaces of said side walls (106A, 106B) of the housing (102A, 102B), a plurality of extensions (117A, 117B) configured on said side walls (106A, 106B) and said stepped flange (103A, 103B), an embossment (111A, 111B) configured on said stepped flange (103A, 103B), and a plurality of holes (114A, 114B) configured on said side walls (106A, 106B).
15. The system (200) as claimed in claim 13, wherein said second mould (210) is defined by at least one second cavity and at least one second core, said second cavity having a configuration complementary to the locking insert (120A, 120B), said interlocks (122A, 122B), and the flanged base (124A, 124B), and said second core having a configuration complementary to the internal features of the locking insert (120A, 120B) and the flanged base (124A, 124B).
16. The system (200) as claimed in claim 13, wherein said second injection moulding apparatus defined by at least one third cavity and at least one third core, said third cavity having a configuration complementary to said face plate (115A, 115B), having configurations complementary to a stepped rim (118A, 118B), and at least one second hole(s) (116A, 116B) of said face plate (115A, 115B); and said second core having a configuration defining an internal surface of said face plate (115A, 115B), and a plurality of projections (119A, 119B) configured on said face plate (115A, 115B).
17. The system (200) as claimed in claim 13, wherein said third cavity and said third core have an open-and-close configuration.
18. A method (200) for manufacturing an anchor seal, said method (200) comprising the following steps:
a. forming a seal housing (102A, 102B) having a top plate (104A, 104B), a rear plate (107A, 107B), a plurality of side walls (106A, 106B) adjoining said rear plate (107A, 107B) to partially enclose an interior of said housing (102A, 102B) while defining a mouth (108A, 108B) at an operative bottom end of said housing (102A, 102B) and an opening (109A, 109B) on one side of said housing (102A, 102B), said housing (102A, 102B) further including a plurality of locking notches (112A, 112B) configured on operative inner surfaces of said side walls (106A, 106B);
b. forming a locking insert (120A, 120B) having a plurality of interlocks (122A, 122B) configured thereon, complementary to said locking notches (112A, 112B);
c. connecting a first operative free end of an anchor wire (130A, 130B) to said housing (102A, 102B) and a second operative free end of said anchor wire (130A, 130B) to said locking insert (120A, 120B), to secure said locking insert (120A, 120B) with said housing (102A, 102B);
d. forming a face plate (115A, 115B) having a configuration complementary to said opening (109A, 109B); and
e. attaching the face plate (115A, 115B) to operative edges of the opening (109A, 109B) to structurally enclose the interior of the housing (102A, 102B).
19. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein step (a) includes the sub-step of forming said housing (102A, 102B) using a first injection moulding apparatus (200), wherein said first apparatus includes a first mould (205) having a first cavity and a first core, said first cavity being configured to define said top plate (104A, 104B), said rear plate, (107A, 107B), and said side walls (106A, 106B) adjoining said rear plate (107A, 107B), a stepped flange (103A, 103B) extending from an operative bottom edge of said side plates, and at least one first hole(s) (113A, 113B) configured on said rear plate (107A, 107B); and the first core being configured to define said locking notches (112A, 112B), a plurality of holes (114A, 114B) and a plurality of extensions (117A, 117B) on said side walls (106A, 106B), and an embossment (111A, 111B) on said stepped flange (103A, 103B).
20. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein step (b) includes the sub-step of forming said locking insert (120A, 120B) using said first injection moulding apparatus (200), wherein said first apparatus includes a second mould (210) having a second cavity and a second core, said second cavity being configured to define said locking insert (120A, 120B), said interlocks (122A, 122B) configured along its operative sides, and a flanged base (124A, 124B), and said second core being configured to define the internal features of said locking insert (120A, 120B).
21. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein step (d) includes the sub-step of forming said face plate (115A, 115B) using a second injection moulding apparatus, wherein said apparatus includes a third mould having a third cavity and a third core, said third cavity being configured to define said face plate (115A, 115B) having a stepped rim (118A, 118B) extending from an operative bottom edge of the face plate (115A, 115B), and a plurality of projections (119A, 119B) configured on said face plate (115A, 115B) and said stepped rim (118A, 118B), and said core being configured to define an internal surface of said face plate (115A, 115B).
22. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein step (e) includes the sub-step of fusing the face plate (115A, 115B) to the edges of the opening (109A, 109B) by ultra-sonic welding.
23. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein step (e) includes the sub-step of attaching said face plate (115A, 115B) to operative edges of said opening (109A, 109B) with the help of adhesives.
24. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein step (e) includes the sub-step of attaching said face plate (115A, 115B) to operative edges of said opening (109A, 109B) by snap fitting said projections (119A, 119B) in said holes (114A, 114B).

Dated this 11th Day of March 2025

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
OF R. K. DEWAN & CO.
AUTHORIZED AGENT OF APPLICANT

TO,
THE CONTROLLER OF PATENTS
THE PATENT OFFICE, AT MUMBAI