Mandrel for making elastomeric articles
US4943225A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 3, 1989 |
| Grant date | Jul 24, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 3, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S425/044
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A one-piece mandrel for making elastomeric articles by a dipping process has a one-piece body which includes at least one opening extending therethrough. A split extends from the opening through a cross-section of the one-piece body. At least a portion of the body adjacent the split is formed of an elastically resilient material to allow the split to open for removal of the elastomeric article after formation, and to cause the split to self-close after removal of the article from the mandrel. Closure of the split forms a substantially continuous molding surface in the immediate vicinity of the split. Proper alignment of the mating surfaces of the split is assured by irregular (non-linear) design of the split surfaces, or by use of an alignment element embedded in the mandrel. An especially advantageous material for forming the mandrel of the present invention is a silicon rubber molding compound. In an alternative embodiment, a cavity is formed in the body portion of the mandrel, and a rigid element is inserted into the cavity to produce a force on the cavity sidewalls. This force is transmitted through the mandrel body ot the mating, facing surfaces of the split, and assists in ma…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.