Bending glass sheets
US5437703A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 25, 1994 |
| Grant date | Aug 1, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 25, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC03B23/0355
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method is provided in which a glass sheet is bent on a mould having a movable end, comprising the steps of: heating the glass sheet to its bending temperature; subjecting the glass sheet to an initial gravity bending step; providing support to a portion of the glass sheet located on the movable end of the mould; while providing said support, lowering said movable end away from the glass sheet; subjecting the glass sheet to a press bending step; cooling the bent glass sheet. Support may be provided by a reduced pressure within an upper mould, a mechanical arm, or gas directed in a generally upwards direction. The invention may be used for bending glass for architectural or automotive purposes, e.g. for bending a pair of glass sheets, one on top of the other, for use in the manufacture of a laminated windscreen, to achieve deep and/or complex bent shapes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.