Postforming method and apparatus

A method of forming a laminate to a core, comprising the steps of bonding the laminate to a surface of the core so that a portion of the laminate overlaps an edge of the core, heating the overlap portion adjacent the core edge to a desired temperature, and bending the overlap around the edge of the core using a resilient sheet which is held in tension by a support frame during the bending process.

A kit of parts for attachment to a postforming machine, comprising a resilient sheet for forming a laminate about a core, and a tensioning frame which is pivotally mountable to a machine and adapted to place the sheet in tension and urge it against the laminate during the forming operation.

A core which has been laminated by bonding a laminate to a surface of the core by heating areas of the laminate which are to be formed to an edge or edges of the core, and by forming the heated laminate areas about the edge or edges of the core using a resilient sheet which is held in tension during forming.

Apparatus for forming a laminate to a core having a profiled edge, the apparatus comprising a core support frame having an open face on which the laminate and core are mounted in use, a resilient sheet mounted in a support frame, and a pair of sliding support plates provided on the open face to hold the core adjacent the open face, the sheet support frame being movable from a position out of contact with the laminate to a position in which the sheet is in tension and in contact with the laminate, further movement of the sheet support frame over the open face causing the sheet to apply a force to the laminate to form the laminate to the edge of the core.

Apparatus for forming a laminate to a core having a profiled edge, the apparatus comprising a core support frame having an open face on which the laminate and core are mounted in use, a resilient sheet mounted in a support frame, and a number of vertical channels having core supporting means running therealong provided on the open face, the sheet support frame being movable from a position out of contact with the laminate to a position in which the sheet is in tension and in contact with the laminate, further movement of the sheet support frame over the open face causing the sheet to apply a force to the laminate to form the laminate to the edge of the core.

Apparatus for forming a laminate to a core having a profiled edge, the apparatus comprising a core support frame having an open face on which the laminate and core are mounted in use, means for heating the laminate prior to forming, and a resilient sheet mounted in a support frame, the support frame being movable from a position out of contact with the laminate to a position in which the sheet is in tension and in contact with the laminate, further movement of the support frame over the open face causing the sheet to apply a force to the laminate to form the laminate to the edge of the core.