Patent ID: 7794642
Filing Date: 2010-09-14
Classification: B29C,B29K,B29L

Abstract:
1. A process for molding to produce sheets having a three-dimensional projecting or recessed structure, the process comprising: placing a blank sheet comprising a softened resin between the two parts of a mold, a surface of a mold cavity having a negative structure corresponding to said three-dimensional structure, and closing the mold to compress the blank sheet and force the softened resin to flow into the negative structure, wherein at least one portion of the surface of the mold in a vicinity of said negative structure possesses a feature protruding into the mold cavity; wherein said feature is configured to generate a local supply of resin into the negative structure when the mold is being closed; wherein the feature is configured to slidably protrude or retract into the mold cavity when the mold closes; and further comprising the step of causing the retractable protuberance to cause an area of the blank sheet to be enclosed within the two parts of the mold, that is larger than said negative structure; thereby providing material which is forced into the negative structure for producing the projecting structure when the mold is being closed.