초록 ▼

A method of forming a flexible mold (12) and resulting article is provided where a model (10) having the contour of the article to be molded is provided. The model (10) is partially encapsulated within a flexible and substantially liquid impervious layer (14). The combined model (10) and liquid impe

A method of forming a flexible mold (12) and resulting article is provided where a model (10) having the contour of the article to be molded is provided. The model (10) is partially encapsulated within a flexible and substantially liquid impervious layer (14). The combined model (10) and liquid impervious layer (14) is immersed into a curable liquid composition and handle members (36, 38) are inserted into the curable liquid composition. The curable liquid composition (34) is cured having the handles (36, 38) embedded within the composition (34) and subsequent to curing, forms a solid flexible mold encompassing structure (44). Handle members (36, 38) are actuated to release the model (10) from the layer (14) to form the flexible mold (12) for the article to be produced.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of forming a flexible mold for use in producing a molded article, including the steps of:(a) providing a model of an article to be produced, said model having top, bottom and side surface area portions forming a predetermined outer contour;(b) providing at least

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of forming a flexible mold for use in producing a molded article, including the steps of:(a) providing a model of an article to be produced, said model having top, bottom and side surface area portions forming a predetermined outer contour;(b) providing at least one flexible and liquid impervious layer;(c) partially encapsulating said model within said at least one flexible and liquid impervious layer to form a reverse image of said predetermined outer contour, said partially encapsulated model having a lower portion;(d) providing a container having a floor member;(e) inserting said partially encapsulated model into said container, said lower portion of said partially encapsulated model being placed in contiguous overlaying relationship with said floor member of said container;(f) providing a curable liquid polymer composition;(g) pouring said curable liquid polymer composition into said container for encapsulation of said partially encapsulated model within said curable liquid polymer composition;(h) inserting a pair of handle members into said curable liquid polymer composition to a predetermined depth, said predetermined depth being less than a depth of said liquid impervious layer;(i) curing said curable liquid polymer composition having said pair of said handle members embedded therein to form a solid flexible mold encompassing member adhered to said liquid impervious layer for forming a flexible mold structure;(j) removing said flexible mold structure from said container; and,(k) displacing said handle members each toward the other to release said model from said flexible mold structure to form a cavity therein for use in forming said molded article as a replica of said model.