Molding apparatus including one-piece flexible mold and means to restrict the deformation of the mold

摘要

Molding apparatus for molding articles without a seam or parting line even though the molded articles may have severe backdraft portions. The apparatus includes a one-piece flexible mold which is deformable subject to the application of fluid pressure, a vacuum pot large enough to accommodate the flexible mold therein and means for applying vacuum to the pot such that the mold may be expanded by the vacuum thereby releasing the molded article. The vacuum pot is provided with upwardly extending projections positioned in the bottom of the pot and the mold is provided with a restraining ring member for supporting the mold wall and for acting in conjunction with the upwardly extending projection to control the mode of expansion of the mold.