Indented female blow-molded connector

Abstract

A device and method for forming an indented female connector where the dimension of the indented female connector provides for removing a male molding component without damaging a set of internal ribs formed inside the female connector.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An indented female blow-molded connector, comprising: 
 a first wall having a top surface and a thickness, the first wall surrounding an opening;    at least one inner wall extending substantially perpendicular to the first wall and bordering the opening;    at least one rib formed in the inner wall;    a bottom wall connected to the inner wall;    wherein the distance from the rib to the top surface is greater than the thickness of the first wall.    
     
     
         2 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the opening is round.  
     
     
         3 . The connector of  claim 2 , wherein the rib is annular-shaped.  
     
     
         4 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the opening is rectangular.  
     
     
         5 . The connector of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one rib comprises a pair of opposed ribs disposed on opposite sides of the rectangular opening.  
     
     
         6 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the rib is formed from a pair of walls converging at an approximately forty-five degree angle relative to the inner wall.  
     
     
         7 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the bottom wall is curved.  
     
     
         8 . A method of forming an indented female blow-molded connector, comprising: 
 providing a mold having two halves for forming an indented female connector having at least one inner wall extending substantially perpendicular to the first wall, at least one rib formed in the inner wall; a bottom wall connected to the inner wall; wherein the distance from the rib to the top surface is greater than the thickness of the first wall;    providing a male mold component having a complementary shape to the female connector;    opening the mold;    injecting a balloon of material between the mold halves;    inserting the male mold component;    closing the mold;    forcing air into the balloon of material such that the material is pushed into the mold cavities;    opening the mold; and,    removing the male mold component from the indented female connector.