초록 ▼

Stressed-skin panels are provided having internal open-cell grids molded from material such as fibers, and methods and apparatus for the production thereof are disclosed. The invention utilizes a porous screen having a plurality of elastomeric pads spaced apart thereon. Fiber dispersed in fluid is i

Stressed-skin panels are provided having internal open-cell grids molded from material such as fibers, and methods and apparatus for the production thereof are disclosed. The invention utilizes a porous screen having a plurality of elastomeric pads spaced apart thereon. Fiber dispersed in fluid is introduced into the apparatus and over and around the pads. Pressure exerted thereon expels fluid through the screen and consolidates the fibers to form a panel. The pads are designed and constructed in a manner so as to consolidate the fiber mat located below the pads compressed by the pressure, so that the finished panel includes an integrally-molded flange. The height, shape and/or spacing of the pads in the present invention advantageously provide improved mold release and greater resistance to compression set after repeated use. The pads provide greater consistency and improved quality in the flange formation on the panels.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [28.] A plurality of elastomeric pads for use in an apparatus for making molded panels, each of said pads having a base portion and a body portion above said base, said base having a width greater than or equal to the width of the body, said pads having a height to base width

[ What is claimed is:] [28.] A plurality of elastomeric pads for use in an apparatus for making molded panels, each of said pads having a base portion and a body portion above said base, said base having a width greater than or equal to the width of the body, said pads having a height to base width ratio of from about 0.85 to 2.0, each of said pads having a generally flat top and said pads having a base width to top width ratio of from 1.0 to 1.7 said pads being compressible and adapted to form a panel surface having integrally molded thereto an open cell grid comprising ribs substantially normal to said surface and having a flange substantially parallel to said surface when material is deposited and consolidated around said pads.