Shaping means for the production of fiber-reinforced preform articles

Claim 1

A shaping apparatus for the production of fiber reinforced preform articles having a contoured shape comprising, in combination: a first screen member having a surface defining the contoured shape of the article; a second screen member having a complementary surface defining a reverse contoured shape of the article; means for placing a fiber matting between said first screen member and said second screen member; means for moving said first screen member and said second screen member in a direction toward each other; and at least one resilient presser means operatively attached to said first screen or said second screen for engaging a portion of said fiber matting and pressing said fiber matting into a portion of either said first screen member or said second screen member before said screen members are moved together; the pressure of said presser means against said engaged portion of said fiber matting forcing said engaged portion of said fiber matting into said portion of either said first screen member or said second screen member, said presser means anchoring said portion of said fiber matting in said portion of either said first screen member or said second screen member, the balance of said fiber matting having at least one point of contact with said surface of either said first screen member or said second screen member, said balance of said fiber matting opposite said point of contact being free to slideably move with respect to said complementary surface of either said first screen member or said second screen member such that said balance of said fiber matting is not stretched, and is not compressed at said point of contact as said balance of said fiber matting moves in a direction toward said engaged portion of said fiber matting; said first screen member and said second screen member shaping said fiber matting and applying molding pressure to said shaped fiber matting.