LCD Window for Animal Training Device and Method for Manufacture

Abstract

A housing forming a portion of an animal training device having a framing wall adapted to frame an LCD disposed internally of the housing. The framing wall defines an interior surface and a window for viewing of the LCD. A window pane is integrally formed with the window about the outer perimeter of the window and extends laterally outwardly of the perimeter of the window to overlie a portion of the inner surface of the framing wall proximate the window thereby integrating the pane with the framing wall, thereby effecting an extended seal between the pane and the framing wall and simultaneously enhancing the strength and rigidity of the framing wall. In one embodiment, the pane is integrally molded with the framing wall.

1 . A method of manufacturing a portion of an animal training device, said method comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing a first mold defining a volume for forming a container having a plurality of walls defining a void space therebetween, one of the plurality of walls being a framing wall adapted to frame an LCD, the framing wall having an interior surface and a window through which an LCD may be visually observed, another of the plurality of walls defining a floor substantially perpendicular to and adjacent the framing wall;   (b) substantially filling the first mold with moldable material to form the container;   (c) placing a second mold proximate the housing such that the second mold cooperates with at least the framing wall to define a void for forming a pane which fully covers the window and defines a seal of the window between an exterior and interior of the framing wall;   (d) substantially filling the void with transparent material such as to form the pane in the void; and   (e) removing the second mold from the housing and recovering the housing with its integrally formed window and pane.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , said step of substantially filling the first mold with moldable material further comprising the steps of:
 (a) substantially filling the first mold with an uncured moldable material to shape the moldable material to conform to the container; and   (b) allowing the moldable material to cure to form the container.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , said step of substantially filling the void with transparent material such as to form the pane in the void further comprising the steps of:
 (a) substantially filling the void with an uncured transparent material to shape the transparent material to conform to the pane; and   (b) allowing the transparent material to cure to form the pane.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the volume defined by the first mold provided in step (a) further defines a void depression offsetting a planar top portion from the framing wall interior surface, wherein the planar top portion defines the window. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , said step of placing a second mold proximate the housing includes positioning the second mold proximate the housing such that the second mold cooperates with the depression to define the void for forming the window pane. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the volume defined by the first mold provided in step (a) further defines a bottom portion of the depression bending away from the planar top portion in a direction inwardly of the container and along a portion of the floor. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , said step of placing a second mold proximate the housing includes positioning the second mold proximate the housing such that the second mold cooperates with both the framing wall and the floor to define the void for forming the window pane. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the volume defined by the first mold provided in step (a) further defines at least one opening for receiving a correction stimulation device. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing an LCD;   (b) positioning the LCD within the container such that the LCD is at least partially visible through the pane; and   (c) restraining the LCD against movement proximate the framing wall.   
     
     
         10 . A portion of an animal training device manufactured by a process comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing a first mold defining a volume for forming a housing defined by a plurality of walls and a framing wall adapted to frame an LCD, the framing wall defining an interior surface and a through opening for displaying an LCD;   (b) substantially filling the first mold with housing material to form a housing defined by a plurality of walls, the framing wall, and the through opening;   (c) placing a second mold proximate the housing such that the second mold cooperates with the framing wall to define a void for forming a window pane; and   (d) substantially filling the void with window material such as to form a window pane in the void.   
     
     
         11 . The portion of an animal training device of  claim 10 , said step of said manufacturing process of substantially filling the first mold with housing material further comprising the steps of:
 (a) substantially filling the first mold with an uncured housing material to shape the housing material to conform to the housing; and   (b) curing the housing material to form the housing.   
     
     
         12 . The portion of an animal training device of  claim 10 , said step of said manufacturing process of substantially filling the void with window material such as to form a window pane in the void further comprising the steps of:
 (a) substantially filling the void with an uncured window material to shape the window material to conform to the window pane; and   (b) curing the window material to form the window pane.