GB389532A - Improvements in or relating to the moulding of articles of or containing rubber or other organic substances - Google Patents

Abstract

Relates to a method for simulating on articles of rubber or like organic material, the surface markings of a selected pattern article of leather, skin, or such like material. The leather or like article may be used directly as a former, in which case the markings would be inverted or in mirror fashion. Preferably, however, the leather or like article is used as a mould to produce negative replicas which are then used as formers to produce positive copies of the original. The copies may be produced by dipping, spreading, spraying, moulding or electrophoresis from aqueous emulsions or dispersions or solutions in organic solvents of such organic materials as rubber (including artificial, coagulated, vulcanized, waste or reclaim), guttapercha, balata or similar resins. Concentrates such as described in Specifications 219,635 and 290,313, [both in Class 70, Indiarubber &c.], may be used. Since leather, skins, &c. are substantially nonconducting, electrophoresis can only be employed when conducting replicas are first made. If it is necessary to distend or make rigid the leather or like article, this may be done by introducing air or other fluid, or powdered substances such as soapstone, unbaked clay, or sulphur either alone or mixed with waxes or other materials. In some cases, it may be sufficient to secure the article, e.g. by adhesion, to a rigid backing. Replicas may be made by turning the leather article inside out and filling it with plaster of Paris, a positive casting is made from the plaster of Paris negative, and this positive is used to produce more durable negatives, e.g. of metal or ceramic material, on which the copies of the original article are formed.