Adjustable support for preformed mold
OwnerJohn BORLANDinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An adjustable support is used to support a preformed mold in a molding operation. The adjustable support includes an aggregate or particulate material that in a now stressed or reduced stress state is flowable to allow shaping thereof to effectively support a back face of the preformed mold. The adjustable support is then jammed to rigidify or fix the shape thereby effectively supporting the preformed mold. The adjustable support is changed from an adjustable state to a support state preferably by applying a vacuum pressure to the aggregate material. In the adjustable state an airflow can be introduced to the aggregate material to allow movement and/or displacement of the material.
Claims7
A molding apparatus comprising
- a preformed mold having molding face to one side thereof and a rear support face;
- an adjustable support comprising aggregate material contained in a retaining vessel positioned adjacent said rear support face and that in an operating state supports said preformed mold during a molding operation;
- said adjustable support in a non operating state being reconfigurable as the aggregate material is flowable such that the shape of the adjustable support can be altered;
- and
- wherein said molding apparatus further comprises an arrangement for selectively stressing said aggregate material to cause jamming of said aggregate material and providing support of said rear support face in said operating state, said arrangement when said aggregate material is not selectively stressing said aggregate material allowing said aggregate to move and change the shape thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.