Patent ID: 6878336
Filing Date: 2005-04-12
Classification: B29C,B29K,B29L

Abstract:
1. A method of fabricating a fixture having a seamless depression capable of holding a liquid, utilizing a thermoforming process, said method comprising the steps of: a) placing a single-layer sheet, having predetermined outer dimensions, of heated, malleable, solid surface material in a vacuum mold having only a female cavity having inner dimensions, said outer dimensions of said single-layer sheet of material being greater than said inner dimensions of said female cavity, said vacuum mold including neither injection molding capability nor an internal source of heat; b) creating a vacuum within said female cavity of said vacuum mold, said vacuum being substantially the only force acting upon said single-layer sheet in order to deform said single-layer sheet into a seamless, three-dimensional shape substantially conforming to said female cavity of said vacuum mold; c) allowing the deformed material of step (b) to cool to a substantially rigid shape thereby producing the fixture; and d) removing the fixture from said vacuum mold.