Patent ID: 10071522

Abstract:
An assembly for reshaping an elongated plasticized article includes a heated fixture upon which the elongated article is supported in adhering fashion to a contoured upper surface. Following heating, the article is transferred to a cooling fixture exhibiting a further contoured upper surface and, upon subsequent cooling, the article exhibits a final multi-dimensional extending profile matching the contoured upper surface of the cooling fixture. A further variation of the assembly includes an elongated and bowed track supporting a fixed jig at an end thereof. A slidable jig is traversable along the track and actuated by a ram in directions towards and away from the first jig. Upon a first length extending portion of the article being pre-secured to the slidable jig, a first forward feed direction of the article results in an end extending portion communicating within a multi-dimensional cavity establishing a contoured surface withing the fixed jig, subsequent rearward displacement of the slidable jig causes forcible reshaping of the elongated article as it is stretched and drawn against the contoured surface of the fixed jig.