Patent ID: 7829003
Filing Date: 2010-11-09
Classification: B29C,B60R

Abstract:
1. A method of making an article in a mold including a surface defining a mold cavity with the surface having a first effect region and a second effect region in the mold cavity, said method comprising the steps of: placing a mask into the mold cavity adjacent the first effect region and defining an airtight envelope between the mask and the surface of the mold; applying vacuum to the mask thereby evacuating the airtight envelope and retaining the mask adjacent the first effect region; applying a first composition into the mold cavity to form a first layer adjacent the second effect region; removing the mask from the first effect region; and applying a second composition into the mold cavity to form a second layer adjacent the first effect region and over at least a portion of the first layer, wherein the mask is formed from a composite material and has an inner surface spaced from the surface of the mold such that the airtight envelope is defined between at least the inner surface of the mask and the surface of the mold, and the mask and/or the mold defines a hole extending through the mask and/or the mold and in fluid communication with the airtight envelope for evacuating the airtight envelope during the step of applying vacuum to the mask, and wherein the composite material comprises a mat formed from a reinforcing fiber material and a curable resin.