Abstract A flexible mold and process is provided for making pots, and the like, the mold comprising a cylindrical-shaped rubber-like resilient member having an annular-shaped cavity contained therein, and an open top. The construction of the mold is such the pressurized air may be introduced into the cavity to move the outer peripheral portion of the mold radially outwardly to release the part being molded. A nail, or similar article may be inserted into the central part of the mold to protrude through the open top of the mold along the central axis thereof. The nail causes a hole to be formed in the bottom of the article being molded which serves as a water hole when flower pots, for example, are being molded, and which also provides a convenient hole through which the releasing pressurized air may be introduced into the mold cavity.
In a method of making a substantially cylindrical article having an open end and a closed end, said closed end having an aperture therein, the steps comprising: supporting an expansible mold having radially spaced inner and outer walls defining an annular cavity therebetween, said annular cavity being closed at one end and open at another end thereof, said mold also having an upper mold surface extending between end portions of said inner wall; inserting an elongated member through the open end of said cavity and into the upper mold surface; filling said cavity with a hardenable casting material; permitting said casting material to harden to form the substantially cylindrical article having an open end and a cosed end; removing said elongated member to form an aperture in the closed end; and introducing pressurized fluid into the mold through said aperture and causing said outer wall to move radially outwardly releasing said article and removing said article from said mold through said open end of said cavity.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
166 words
In a method of making a substantially cylindrical article having an open end and a closed end, said closed end having an aperture therein, the steps comprising: supporting an expansible mold having radially spaced inner and outer walls defining an annular cavity therebetween, said annular cavity being closed at one end and open at another end thereof, said mold also having an upper mold surface extending between end portions of said inner wall; inserting an elongated member through the open end of said cavity and into the upper mold surface; filling said cavity with a hardenable casting material; permitting said casting material to harden to form the substantially cylindrical article having an open end and a cosed end; removing said elongated member to form an aperture in the closed end; and introducing pressurized fluid into the mold through said aperture and causing said outer wall to move radially outwardly releasing said article and removing said article from said mold through said open end of said cavity.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said supporting step includes supporting portions of said mold defining said upper mold surface and said radially inner wall against a case member, said annular cavity extending upwardly, while leaving portions of said outer wall free to move radially outwardly.