Patent ID: 7638080
Filing Date: 2009-12-29
Classification: B29C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for forming a composite article, comprising: placing a sheet of a pliable material in a mould, the mould having an interior wall and defining an enclosed mould void, and at least a portion of the sheet being spaced away from the interior wall of the mould; injecting elastically compressible particles into the mould so as to cause the sheet of pliable material to move at least in part, whereby said portion of the sheet being spaced away from the interior wall of the mould is forced outwards against the interior wall of the mould so as to conform to the shape of the interior wall of the mould; inhibiting the escape of gas from the mould while injecting the particles so that the pressure within the mould void tends to increase on injection of the particles, whereby the particles are compressed; after injecting the particles, allowing the pressure in the mould to fall whereby the particles may expand; reinforcing the pliable material; and emptying the particles from the mould.