Patent ID: 6558596
Filing Date: 2003-05-06
Classification: B29C,B29L,F24C

Abstract:
A method of molding a peripherally encapsulated product comprising the steps of:(a) providing a multi-part mold including at least two relatively movable mold bodies defining in a closed position thereof a substantially continuous annular inwardly opening mold chamber and inboard of the annular mold chamber opposing mold clamping portions, (b) placing a piece of glass between the mold clamping portions when the mold bodies are in an open position thereof, (c) heating at least one of the mold bodies, (d) placing thermosetting polymeric material upon the heated mold body within and about an area corresponding to the annular chamber and outboard of a substantially continuous peripheral edge of the piece of glass, (e) clamping the piece of glass between the mold clamping portions, (f) progressively relatively moving the mold bodies to the closed position thereof to thereby create compression forces which extrude the thermosetting polymeric material into the annular chamber and into complete encapsulation of the continuous peripheral edge including opposite face surfaces and a peripheral edge surface therebetween, (g) curing the thermosetting polymeric material under heat and pressure while the mold is in its closed position, (h) relatively moving the mold bodies to their open position, and (i) removing the peripherally encapsulated product from the mold chamber.