Apparatus and method for molding spacer fabric or lofted material

摘要

An apparatus and a method for molding a lofted material and preserving the inherent loft characteristics associated with such a material are provided. The apparatus has a first mold and a second mold that cooperate to provide a three-dimensional aspect to the lofted material. The first mold has a surface with a projecting element and a first level portion while the second mold has a surface with a recessed element and a second level portion. The projecting element is formed to fit in the recessed element when the first and second molds are brought into relatively close relation. A uniform preset gap is maintained between the projecting element and the recessed element when the first mold is closed relative to said second mold, or vice-versa, such that the inherent loft characteristics associated with the lofted material are substantially preserved during a molding operation.