Patent ID: 6257022
Filing Date: 2001-07-10
Classification: C03B,Y10T

Abstract:
A glass slumping process for shaping a glass sheet comprising the steps ofsupporting a circular glass sheet of uniform thickness upon a convex, partial spherical outer surface of a mold at a single, minimum area of contact of the glass sheet with the mold, the single area of contact being aligned with the center of the glass sheet;heating the glass sheet such that the glass sheet slumps downwardly over the convex, partial spherical outer surface of the mold while remaining supported by the mold at the single area of contact;continuing said heating so that the glass sheet slumps downwardly to be supported on a plurality of spaced arms of the mold protruding from the convex, partial spherical outer surface;continuing said heating so that the glass sheet slumps further downwardly between the arms of the mold;cooling the glass sheet; andremoving the glass sheet from the mold wherein the mold is prepared from a material facilitating removal of the glass sheet.