Kit and mold assembly for preparing cured article

Abstract

A kit for preparing a cured article may include: first and second casting compositions configured to form a curable composition; and an additive delivery composition for introducing an additive into the curable composition. The additive delivery composition includes a liquid carrier and at least one additive. The liquid carrier may include one or more of polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, or polyacrylate. A mold assembly for preparing a cured article may include a first mold body defining a first mold chamber and a recess surrounding the first mold chamber. The mold assembly further includes a second mold body defining a second mold chamber and a tongue surrounding the second mold chamber. The tongue portion can be received in the groove to secure the first and second mold bodies. The first and second mold chambers together define a mold volume configured to receive and shape the curable composition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to kits and molds for preparing cured articles from curable compositions. Background Art

[0002] Silicone compositions are used to prepare silicone products. For example, liquid or gel silicone compositions can be cast or molded and cured to form shaped solid silicone products. The silicone compositions may contain additives.

[0003] A mold may be used to contain and shape the curable composition. Utility Model Content

[0004] In various aspects, the present disclosure describes a kit for preparing a solidified article. The kit may include: a first casting composition; a second casting composition configured to form a solidifiable composition upon mixing with the first casting composition; and an additive delivery composition for introducing an additive into the solidifiable composition. The additive delivery composition includes a liquid carrier and at least one additive. The liquid carrier may include one or more of polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, or a polyacrylate.

[0005] In various aspects, the present disclosure describes a mold assembly for preparing a cured article from a curable composition formed by mixing a first casting composition and a second casting composition. The mold assembly includes a first mold body defining a first mold cavity and a groove surrounding the first mold cavity. The mold assembly further includes a second mold body defining a second mold cavity and a tongue surrounding the second mold cavity. The tongue can be received in the groove to secure the first and second mold bodies to each other. The first and second mold cavities together define a mold volume that is configured to receive and shape the curable composition when the first and second mold bodies are secured to each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an unassembled assembly comprising a two-part mold containing clamping tabs and a molded object.

[0007] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A perspective view of a partially assembled assembly of FIG. 1 with the two mold bodies in contact.

[0008] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A A perspective view of the fully assembled assembly of FIG. 1 with the two mold bodies in firm contact.

[0009] Figure 2Ais a front view of a two-part mold assembly containing a tongue and groove joint.

[0010] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A partial perspective view of a two-part mold assembly.

[0011] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a two-part mold assembly having a funnel opening to receive a moldable composition.

[0012] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A Partial front view of a first mold body of a two-part mold assembly.

[0013] Figure 3C It is displayed in Figure 3A Partial front view of an object molded in a two-part mold assembly.

[0014] Figure 4 is a front view of the unassembled two-part mold assembly including the seal.

[0015] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components illustrated in the drawings or set forth in the following description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The present disclosure describes kits and molds for preparing cured articles from curable compositions.

[0017] A mold can be used to receive and shape a curable composition to form a cured article, for example, by casting or embossing a predetermined shape or geometry. A mold can comprise two or more parts, for example, a pull-apart mold. However, molds in which the mold halves comprise only smooth contact interfaces and utilize only interfacial contact between the surfaces of the mold halves may not provide a complete seal to prevent leakage or parting line flash that may occur as a result of pouring the resin into the mold cavity.

[0018] Relying solely on the flat surfaces of each mold during assembly, even with friction-fit pegs / holes, may not provide the necessary retention force to hold the mold halves together while preventing leaks. Over time, the mold material can wear away, and the peg / hole friction fit can reduce the clamping force provided to the mold halves, allowing the parting line size to increase and allowing liquid resin to leak and excessive parting line flash.

[0019] A mold assembly according to the present disclosure includes one or more features to facilitate securing or sealing the mold halves to each other. For example, the mold assembly may include clamping attachments, tabs, or fins that securely hold the mold halves together, thereby introducing a curable composition (e.g., resin) into the mold cavity and preventing potential leakage between the mold halves and / or excessive parting line flash when curing begins.

[0020] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an unassembled assembly 10 comprising a two-part mold 12 containing clamping tabs 14 and a molded object 16 . Figure 1B yes Figure 1A FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a partially assembled assembly 10 with two mold bodies 18 and 20 in contact. Figure 1C yes Figure 1A 1 is a perspective view of the fully assembled assembly of FIG. 1 with two mold bodies 18 and 20 in firm contact. The assembly 10 can be used to prepare a cured article from a curable composition molded in the assembly 10 formed by mixing a first casting composition and a second casting composition.

[0021] The two mold bodies 18 and 20 define molding surfaces 22 and 24, respectively, which define a three-dimensional shape when the two parts 18 and 20 are in secure contact. In various aspects, one or both of the first mold body 18 or the second mold body 20 comprises one or more of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polystyrene, high-impact polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, or styrene acrylonitrile (SAN). In some aspects, each of the first mold body 18 and the second mold body 20 comprises polypropylene. Due to the material's flexibility, using polypropylene to form the mold body provides the ability to create a living hinge for clamping the tabs, but other materials that provide similar capabilities can also be used to optionally provide a living hinge between the first mold body 18 and the second mold body 20. For example, the first mold body 18 can be connected to the second mold body 20 via a living hinge retaining portion.

[0022] In various aspects, one of the first mold body 18 and the second mold body 20 further includes at least one clamping tab 14. In some such aspects, the at least one clamping tab 14 is integral with the corresponding mold body (18 or 20) from which it extends. In FIG. 1 , two clamping tabs 14 extend from the first mold body 18. In some embodiments, one of the clamping tabs 14 may extend from the first mold body 18, while the other of the clamping tabs may extend from the second mold body 20. In some such aspects, the at least one clamping tab 14 is configured to extend along adjacent sides of the first mold body 18 and the second mold body 20. One end of the at least one clamping tab 14 may define a tab 26 that contacts an edge of the other of the first mold body and the second mold body to prevent separation.

[0023] The clamping tabs 14 on one or both sides of the mold assembly 10 can provide sufficient clamping force to hold the two mold halves (mold bodies 18 and 20) together during introduction of the curable composition into the mold assembly and during curing.

[0024] The clamping tabs 14 can apply an appropriate amount of force to maintain sufficient clamping force between the two mold bodies or halves 18 or 20 to prevent leakage. The clamping tabs 14 can be bent in a specific hinge geometry to allow the tabs 14 to rotate around the back of the opposing mold half to a locked position, pulling the mating cavity surface of the mold half together with the cavity surface of the other mold half. One, two, or more clamping tabs can be provided on one mold half, but both mold halves can have clamping tabs to securely lock the mold halves together. The initial clamping force can be in the range of 1 to 2 kgf, which can be consistent with the amount of force used to pull the mold halves apart when "demolding".

[0025] The clamping tabs 14 can securely snap onto the rear of the mating mold halves, for example, at the tab portion 26. The clamping tabs 14 can include through-holes or blind recesses that snap around a protruding pin feature of the opposing mold or a clamping force tab that snaps into a protruding pin in a blind or through-hole. The clamping tabs 14 can include locking snap tabs designed into or incorporated into one or more alignment tabs or pins of the mold halves. The clamping tabs 14 provide uniform closing and clamping force to the mold halves. In the presence of a clamp, the use of auxiliary clamping devices such as rubber bands, "C" clamps, or quick-clamp clamps may not be necessary, but their use is optional. The mold halves can incorporate alignment pins and recesses or through-holes for proper assembly and alignment of the cavities of the two mold bodies or halves 18 and 20.

[0026] The two-part casting composition (part A and part B) can be introduced into a mixing cup and stirred until fully mixed into a homogeneous mixture. One of the parts can include a curing catalyst. Additives such as colorants, dyes, pigments, glitter, luminous pigments or any other additives can be introduced. Once the casting composition is fully mixed, the mixed casting composition can be introduced into a two-component mold assembly (before or after assembling the mold body 18 and 20), which defines a mold volume for shaping the composition into a predetermined geometric shape. For example, the curable composition can be shaped into a solidified article, which defines a figure or doll, an animal, a human, an action figure (for example, a robot, a wizard, a fairy, a goblin, an ogre or a griffin), an environmental feature (for example, a rock, a tree or a bush), a tool / apparatus (for example, a sword, a cane, a stick, a club or a hammer), a vehicle (for example, a rocket, a spaceship, a car, a truck, a ship / steamer or an airplane). A volume of a curable composition that is solid, putty-like, or viscous, gelled, or otherwise resistant to flow can be placed between the two bodies 18 and 20 that can be pressed together. A volume of a liquid curable composition can be introduced between the bodies 18 and 20 through the opening or coated or applied to the surfaces 22 and 24.

[0027] One or both of the bodies 18 and 20 may include reinforcing ribs 28 , such as at portions or surfaces distal from the molding surfaces 22 and 24 .

[0028] Figure 2A is a front view of a two-part mold assembly 30 including a tongue and groove joint. Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A partial perspective view of a two-part mold assembly 30. The mold assembly 30 can be used to prepare a cured article from a curable composition formed by mixing a first casting composition and a second casting composition. The mold assembly 30 includes a first mold body 32 and a second mold body 34. The mold bodies 32 and 34 can be made of a mold similar to the mold of reference 1. Figure 1A The mold bodies 18 and 20 are formed of the materials described.

[0029] First mold body 32 defines a first mold cavity 36, and second mold body 34 defines a second mold cavity 38. First mold cavity 36 and second mold cavity 38 together define a mold volume that is configured to receive and shape the curable composition when first mold body 32 and second mold body 34 are secured to one another. First mold body 32 defines a groove 40 surrounding first mold cavity 34. Second mold body 38 defines a tongue 42 surrounding second mold cavity 38. Tongue 42 can be received in groove 40 to secure first mold body 32 and second mold body 34 to one another.

[0030] In various aspects, the tongue 40 and groove 42 surrounding the mold volume can reduce or prevent leakage or flashing of the curable composition at the parting line between the first and second mold bodies to limit the amount of material flashing from the curable composition (serving as a "flash trap"). The tongue 40 and groove 42 can create a mechanical seal, thereby preventing the possibility of leakage of the curable composition from the mold volume and reducing the possibility of flashing of the casting material at the parting line of the two mold bodies. For example, the tongue and groove geometry can provide a tortuous path for the curable composition, thereby reducing the amount of material that can leak from the cavity. The tongue and groove geometry can vary in specific dimensions such as width, height, and depth. For example, 1 mm wide by 1 mm high can be used for the tongue 40, and the groove 32 can be approximately 1 mm deep, with a shrinkage allowance of, for example, 1.1 mm and / or a slightly oversized fit (slightly larger to accommodate material shrinkage from the molding process).

[0031] In various aspects, one of the first and second mold bodies 32, 34 defines alignment pegs 44, and the other of the first and second mold bodies 34 defines alignment slots 46 configured to receive the alignment pegs 44. The pattern or spacing of the alignment pegs may be different for different mold assemblies so that mold halves from different assemblies are not inadvertently combined.

[0032] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a two-part mold assembly 50 having a funnel opening 55 to receive a moldable composition. Figure 3B yes Figure 3A FIG. 5 is a partial front view of the first mold body 52 of the two-part mold assembly 50 . Figure 3C It is displayed in Figure 3A FIG. 5 is a partial front view of an object 56 molded in a two-part mold assembly.

[0033] The mold assembly 50 further includes a second mold body 54 that forms a mold volume when in contact with the first mold body 52. ​​The first and second mold bodies 52 and 54 may be constructed similarly to the reference Figure 1A The mold bodies 18 and 20 are formed of the materials described.

[0034] In various aspects, the mold volume includes a funnel 55 (formed between the first and second mold bodies 52 and 54) continuous with the exterior surface of the mold assembly to receive and introduce the curable composition into the mold volume.

[0035] The funnel geometry can guide the curable composition into a larger opening and guide it into a smaller mold cavity opening, thereby reducing incorrect pouring or pouring into the mold outside and causing confusion due to overflow. The funnel geometry that can be incorporated into the mold half design can achieve a larger diameter pouring area, thereby introducing the curable composition resin and limiting potential overflow. The general funnel shape can achieve guiding the curable composition into the hole opening of the mold volume. The angle of the funnel inlet can promote the control of the curable composition flow and can guide the curable composition to the mold volume opening. In various aspects, the angle between the funnel and the cavity opening can be in the range of 30 ° to 60 °. In various aspects, the height of the funnel can be in the range of 1 mm to as high as 25 mm, but can depend on the overall size of the component parts being cast and the mold half, so as to provide a compact shape. In various aspects, the total diameter of the funnel can be in the range of 20 mm to as high as 50 mm or larger, depending on the component size of the casting and the desired mold size. A diameter less than 20 mm can make it more difficult to accurately distribute the introduction or pouring of the curable composition into the mold cavity opening.

[0036] Figure 4 6 is a front view of an unassembled two-part mold assembly 60 including a seal 66. Similar to other mold assemblies according to the present disclosure, the mold assembly includes a first mold body 62 and a second mold body 64. The first and second mold bodies 62 and 64 can be made similar to those of reference 1. Figure 1A The mold bodies 18 and 20 are formed of the materials described.

[0037] In various aspects, one or both of first mold body 62 or second mold body 64 include seal 66. In some aspects, seal 66 surrounds the tongue and groove when first mold body 62 and second mold body 64 are secured to one another. For example, second mold body 64 may define tongue 68 and first mold body 62 may define groove 70 (or vice versa).

[0038] Seal 66 may be disposed between mold bodies 62 and 64. Seal 66 may comprise a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), foam, or soft elastomer on the faces of the mold halves to improve sealing the mold halves together and prevent leakage and reduce parting line flash. Seal 66 may comprise a soft, flexible material, such as an elastomer or foam, on the faces of the mold halves and provide a compressible surface that improves sealing of the mold halves, thereby preventing any potential deformation of the mold faces and thus reducing or preventing the mold halves from providing a leak path.

[0039] Seal 66 can be used as a gasket around the mold cavity or in the form of a gasket around the mold cavity. The thickness of the sealing material can range from 0.5 mm to as high as 2 mm, with a preferred thickness of 1 mm. The sealing material of seal 66 can be designed as a ring around the periphery of the mold face, such as an "O" ring. Seal 66 can have a size of at least 1 mm wide, but depending on the area of ​​the mold face itself, it can be as small as 0.5 mm wide and as large as 10 mm wide. The sealing material may not be in the form of a ring and can be a larger predetermined surface area covering a larger surface area of ​​the mold face, thereby providing a more squeezable seal between the mold half cavity faces. Reducing leakage can reduce or prevent the solidified article from lacking a sufficient volume of curable composition to fill the mold volume to obtain the desired casting result. The sealing material can also prevent leakage caused by mold damage (fragments and wear marks from repeated use, such as damage to the mold face surface) or mold warping between the two mold halves at the parting line that separates the two mold halves.

[0040] Although features such as clamping tabs, tongues and grooves, alignment pins, funnels, and seals are described separately with reference to different assemblies, it should be understood that any number of these features can be used together in any mold assembly.

[0041] According to the present disclosure, any suitable curable composition can be used to form a molded article using any suitable mold assembly.

[0042] Solid silicone articles and products can be formed by curing a precursor formulation, such as a curable silicone composition. One or more additives, such as colorants or other agents, can be added to the curable silicone composition to impart desired properties to the final cured silicone product. However, the use of powdered additives may be undesirable due to certain disadvantages associated with them for users or manufacturers. For example, powdered additives may be unintentionally dispersed or suspended in the surrounding atmosphere and may be inadvertently inhaled.

[0043] Furthermore, there may be disadvantages to adding certain types of additives directly to a curable silicone composition. For example, liquid colorants or food colorings in a silicone formulation may not mix well or may result in different phases rather than being uniformly incorporated into the silicone formulation.

[0044] The additive delivery composition according to the present disclosure can be used as a delivery system for introducing additives into a curable silicone composition. Instead of adding powdered additives or other additives that are easily dispersed or suspended in air, the additives can be dissolved, suspended or mixed with a liquid carrier to form an additive delivery composition. The additive delivery composition can be stored, transported and handled without causing particle inhalation or other disadvantages. For example, the additive delivery composition can be compounded, mixed or introduced into a curable silicone composition. In addition, a liquid additive can be introduced into the additive delivery composition, which itself can be uniformly mixed with the curable silicone composition, so that the final liquid additive (e.g., food coloring) is well mixed and evenly incorporated into the curable silicone composition, and ultimately incorporated into the cured silicone product.

[0045] In various aspects, the present disclosure describes a kit for preparing a solidified article. The kit may include: a first casting composition; a second casting composition configured to form a solidifiable composition upon mixing with the first casting composition; and an additive delivery composition for introducing an additive into the solidifiable composition. The additive delivery composition includes a liquid carrier and at least one additive. The liquid carrier may include one or more of polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, or a polyacrylate.

[0046] In various aspects, the kit further comprises a mold defining a mold volume configured to receive and shape the curable composition.

[0047] In various aspects, the kit further comprises a mixing vessel configured to receive and mix two or more of the first casting composition, the second casting composition, or the additive delivery composition.

[0048] In various aspects, the kit further comprises a mixing device configured to mix two or more of the first casting composition, the second casting composition, or the additive delivery composition. The mixing device may comprise one or more of a spoon, a stirrer, or a stick.

[0049] In various aspects, the kit further comprises a housing containing one or more of the first casting composition, the second casting composition, the additive delivery composition, or the mold. In some aspects, the housing contains each of the first casting composition, the second casting composition, the additive delivery composition, and the mold.

[0050] In various aspects, the kit further comprises a first container containing a first casting composition. In various aspects, the kit further comprises a second container containing a second casting composition. In various aspects, the kit further comprises a third container containing the first and second containers. In various aspects, the kit further comprises a fourth container containing an additive delivery composition. In various aspects, the housing comprises one or more of the first, second, third, or fourth containers. In some aspects, the housing comprises each of the first, second, third, and fourth containers.

[0051] In various aspects, one or more of the first container, the second container, the third container, or the fourth container comprises a bag, a pouch, a tub, a rigid bottle, a squeeze bottle, or a syringe.

[0052] The present disclosure provides further variations of the mold assembly. The mold assembly can be formed by injection molding of polypropylene resin. The mold halves can also be vacuum-formed / thermoformed halves using a pin and slot alignment / connection method to achieve cost reduction. The mold halves can be connected together using hinges (living hinges or mechanical pin-type hinges) to have a rotatable clamshell mold feature. Another alternative connection option would be to use a twist-lock mechanism to secure the mold together for the pouring and curing stages. The tongue and groove geometry can be completed exactly at the periphery of the casting component, or can deviate from the outer parameter profile of the casting component in various dimensions, depending on the component design / geometry that can accommodate casting component features (such as through-holes). The geometry can also have alternative shapes besides square / rectangular profiles. Circular / cylindrical arcs or triangular profiles can be used for the tongue and groove profiles. The curable composition does not have to be poured into the mold cavity from a mixing cup, but can be introduced using an alternative casting resin delivery system that injects the resin into the mold cavity similar to injection from a syringe or epoxy resin double-barrel syringe system. The pouches of Part A and Part B casting compositions can be placed within a larger pouch to allow for mixing and dispensing, while reducing or preventing messes during mixing and dispensing into the mold cavity. The mold can accommodate accessories that enable other features to be incorporated into the mold cavity, such as hanging lights (LED / LCD, incandescent), power supplies, or other rigid or soft structural or functional inserts. Another accessory will include the ability to insert a connection mechanism so that the components can snap together.

[0053] The kits and mold assemblies according to the present disclosure can be used to form and contain a curable composition within a mold volume such that the mold volume imparts a predetermined shape to the curable composition to form a cured article. An additive delivery composition can be used to introduce one or more additives into the curable composition and ultimately into the cured article.

[0054] In various aspects, the present disclosure describes an additive delivery composition for introducing an additive into a curable silicone composition, the additive delivery composition can include a liquid carrier and at least one additive. The liquid carrier can include one or more of polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, or polyacrylate.

[0055] In various aspects, the present disclosure describes a method of adding an additive to a curable silicone composition. The method comprises adding an additive delivery composition to the curable silicone composition.

[0056] In various aspects, the present disclosure describes a method of forming an additive delivery composition for introducing an additive into a curable silicone composition. The method comprises adding at least one additive to a liquid carrier comprising one or both of polyvinyl acetate or polyvinyl alcohol.

[0057] In various aspects, the present disclosure describes a method for adding an additive to a curable silicone composition. The method comprises adding an additive delivery composition to the curable silicone composition, the additive delivery composition comprising one or both of polyvinyl acetate or polyvinyl alcohol. The method comprises adding at least one additive to the curable composition.

[0058] In various aspects, the present disclosure describes a curable silicone composition comprising up to 15 wt. % of an additive delivery composition comprising at least one additive and a liquid carrier comprising one or both of polyvinyl acetate or polyvinyl alcohol.

[0059] In various aspects, the present disclosure describes a cured silicone product formed by curing a curable silicone composition.

[0060] The precursor curable composition may comprise a liquid or gel silicone composition, such as a composition that is cast or molded into a predetermined shape. Curing may be the result of crosslinking, chemical or catalytic interaction between two or more components of the silicone composition, or by exposure to an energy source, such as radiation curing or thermal curing. The cured composition will contain additives introduced via the additive delivery composition.

[0061] In various aspects, curing can be initiated by mixing the two-part formulation. In some such aspects, curing can be performed at room temperature. In some such aspects, an additive delivery composition can be separately added, introduced, or mixed into one or both parts of the two-part formulation (e.g., Part A and Part B) prior to mixing the parts to initiate curing. In other aspects, the additive delivery composition can be added to the mixed two-part composition shortly after mixing and before curing is substantially complete. In some aspects, a first additive delivery composition can be added to at least one of the two parts prior to mixing, and a second additive delivery composition can be added to the mixture shortly after mixing, e.g., before curing is substantially complete.

[0062] In some aspects, the same additive delivery composition can be added to each part of the two-part formula at the same or different concentrations prior to mixing. In other aspects, different additive delivery compositions (e.g., different liquid carriers, or different additives present in quality or quantity) can be added to different parts of the formula.

[0063] In some aspects, whether a one-part, two-part, or multi-part formulation is used, the additive delivery composition can be added in stages and, for example, before or during curing, in the same or different volumes or concentrations. In some aspects, different additive delivery compositions can be introduced into the formulation at different stages (after or during curing).

[0064] In various aspects, the liquid carrier comprises an aqueous carrier or an organic carrier. In some aspects, the liquid carrier comprises one or more of a polyvinyl alcohol solution, a polyvinyl acetate solution, or a polyacrylate solution.

[0065] In some aspects, the additive delivery composition comprises a combination of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl acetate. Additives, colorants, or special effects can be added to the additive delivery composition, and the additive delivery composition with one or more additives can be added to a curable silicone composition for curing into a cured silicone product. Thus, providing a colorant or special effect additive in the additive delivery composition allows for imparting a desired color, special effect, or other property to the silicone product.

[0066] In various aspects, the polyvinyl acetate emulsion can be used as a 'solvent' or vehicle for incorporating additives into the curable silicone composition.

[0067] In various aspects, the liquid carrier is an aqueous carrier or an organic carrier.

[0068] In various aspects, the additive delivery composition comprises a solution, mixture, emulsion, or suspension of one or more of polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, or polyacrylate.

[0069] In various aspects, the at least one additive comprises a powder additive, a solid additive, a gel additive, or a liquid additive.

[0070] In various aspects, at least one additive comprises an edible colorant.In some such aspects, the edible colorant is a liquid colorant or a powder colorant.

[0071] In various aspects, the at least one additive comprises a special effect additive.

[0072] Surprisingly, it was found that even when up to 15 wt. % of polyvinyl acetate or polyvinyl alcohol solution was incorporated into the curable silicone formulation, the cure time and the texture of the final silicone product were not affected.

[0073] In various aspects, the additive is first mixed with a liquid carrier to form an additive delivery composition, and then the additive delivery composition is mixed with the curable silicone composition.The liquid carrier may comprise one or both of a polyvinyl alcohol or polyvinyl acetate solution, emulsion or suspension.

[0074] In various aspects, the additive and the liquid carrier are mixed with the curable silicone composition simultaneously, and the presence of the liquid carrier facilitates the incorporation of the additive into the curable silicone composition.

[0075] aspect

[0076] Aspect 1. A kit for preparing a cured article, the kit comprising:

[0077] a first casting composition;

[0078] a second casting composition configured to form a curable composition upon mixing with the first casting composition;

[0079] An additive delivery composition for introducing an additive into the curable composition, the additive delivery composition comprising:

[0080] a liquid carrier comprising one or more of polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, or polyacrylate, and

[0081] At least one additive.

[0082] Aspect 2. The kit according to aspect 1, wherein the liquid carrier is an aqueous carrier or an organic carrier.

[0083] Aspect 3. The kit of aspect 1 or 2, wherein the additive delivery composition comprises a solution, mixture, emulsion, or suspension of one or more of polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, or polyacrylate.

[0084] Aspect 4. The kit according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the at least one additive comprises a powder additive, a solid additive, a gel additive, or a liquid additive.

[0085] Aspect 5. The kit according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the at least one additive comprises a food coloring.

[0086] Aspect 6. The kit according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the at least one additive comprises a special effect additive.

[0087] Aspect 7. The kit of any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the curable composition comprises silicone or polyurethane.

[0088] Aspect 8. The kit of any one of aspects 1 to 7, further comprising a mold defining a mold volume configured to receive and shape the curable composition.

[0089] Aspect 9. The kit according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, further comprising a mixing vessel configured to receive and mix two or more of the first casting composition, the second casting composition, or the additive delivery composition.

[0090] Aspect 10. The kit of any one of aspects 1 to 9, further comprising a mixing device configured to mix two or more of the first casting composition, the second casting composition, or the additive delivery composition.

[0091] Aspect 11. The kit of aspect 10, wherein the mixing device comprises one or more of a spoon, a stirrer, or a stick.

[0092] Aspect 12. The kit of any one of aspects 1 to 11, further comprising a housing containing one or more of the first casting composition, the second casting composition, the additive delivery composition, or the mold.

[0093] Aspect 13. The kit of aspect 12, wherein the housing contains each of the first casting composition, the second casting composition, the additive delivery composition, and the mold.

[0094] Aspect 14. The kit according to any one of aspects 1 to 13, further comprising a first container containing the first casting composition.

[0095] Aspect 15. The kit of any one of aspects 1 to 14, further comprising a second container containing the second casting composition.

[0096] Aspect 16. The kit according to any one of aspects 1 to 15, further comprising a third container containing the first container and the second container.

[0097] Aspect 17. The kit according to any one of aspects 1 to 16, further comprising a fourth container containing the additive delivery composition.

[0098] Aspect 18. The kit of any one of aspects 14 to 17, wherein the housing contains one or more of the first container, the second container, the third container, or the fourth container.

[0099] Aspect 19. The kit of aspect 18, wherein the housing contains each of the first container, the second container, the third container, and the fourth container.

[0100] Aspect 20. The kit of any one of aspects 14 to 17, wherein one or more of the first container, the second container, the third container, or the fourth container comprises a bag, a pouch, a tub, a rigid bottle, a squeeze bottle, or a syringe.

[0101] Aspect 21. A mold assembly for preparing a cured article from a curable composition formed by mixing a first casting composition and a second casting composition, the mold assembly comprising:

[0102] a first mold body defining a first mold cavity and a groove surrounding the first mold cavity; and

[0103] a second mold body defining a second mold cavity and a tongue surrounding the second mold cavity,

[0104] wherein the tongue portion can be received in the groove to fix the first mold body and the second mold body to each other,

[0105] The first mold cavity and the second mold cavity together define a mold volume configured to receive and shape the curable composition when the first mold body and the second mold body are secured to each other.

[0106] Aspect 22. The mold assembly of aspect 21, wherein one or both of the first mold body or the second mold body comprises one or more of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polystyrene, high impact polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, or styrene acrylonitrile (SAN).

[0107] Aspect 23. The mold assembly of aspect 22, wherein each of the first mold body or the second mold body comprises polypropylene.

[0108] Aspect 24. The mold assembly of any one of aspects 21 to 23, wherein one of the first mold body and the second mold body further comprises at least one clamping tab.

[0109] Aspect 25. The mold assembly of aspect 24, wherein the at least one clamping tab is integral with the corresponding mold body from which it extends.

[0110] Aspect 26. A mold assembly according to Aspect 24 or 25, wherein the at least one clamping tab is configured to extend along adjacent sides of the first mold body and the second mold body, and wherein one end of the at least one clamping tab defines a tab that contacts an edge of the other of the first mold body and the second mold body to prevent separation thereof.

[0111] Aspect 27. The mold assembly of any one of aspects 21 to 26, wherein the mold volume comprises a funnel continuous with an exterior surface of the mold assembly to receive and introduce the curable composition into the mold volume.

[0112] Aspect 28. The mold assembly of any one of aspects 21 to 27, wherein one or both of the first mold body or the second mold body comprises a seal.

[0113] Aspect 29. The mold assembly of any one of aspects 21 to 28, wherein the seal surrounds the tongue and the groove when the first mold body and the second mold body are secured to each other.

[0114] Aspect 30. The mold assembly of any one of aspects 21 to 29, wherein one of the first mold body and the second mold body defines an alignment peg, and wherein the other of the first mold body and the second mold body defines an alignment slot configured to receive the alignment peg.

[0115] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to several embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Rather, the present invention may be modified to incorporate any number of variations, changes, alternatives, or equivalent arrangements not described herein but commensurate with the spirit and scope of the present invention. Additionally, although various embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that aspects of the present invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the present invention should not be considered limited by the foregoing description, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mold assembly for preparing a solidified article from a solidifiable composition formed by mixing a first casting composition with a second casting composition, characterized in that The mold assembly comprises: a first mold body defining a first mold cavity and a groove surrounding the first mold cavity; and a second mold body defining a second mold cavity and a tongue surrounding the second mold cavity, wherein the tongue portion can be received in the groove to fix the first mold body and the second mold body to each other, The first mold cavity and the second mold cavity together define a mold volume configured to receive and shape the curable composition when the first mold body and the second mold body are secured to each other.

2. The mold assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that One or both of the first mold body or the second mold body includes any one of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polystyrene, high impact polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, or styrene acrylonitrile.

3. The mold assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that Each of the first mold body or the second mold body includes polypropylene.

4. The mold assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that One of the first mold body and the second mold body further includes at least one clamping tab.

5. The mold assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that The at least one clamping tab is configured to extend along adjacent sides of the first and second mold bodies, and wherein one end of the at least one clamping tab defines a tab that contacts an edge of the other of the first and second mold bodies to prevent separation thereof.

6. The mold assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The mold volume includes a funnel continuous with an exterior surface of the mold assembly to receive and introduce the curable composition into the mold volume.

7. The mold assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that One or both of the first mold body or the second mold body includes a seal.

8. A kit for preparing a solidified article, characterized in that The kit includes: The mold assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7; a first container containing a first casting composition; a second container containing a second foundry composition configured to form a curable composition upon mixing with the first foundry composition; a fourth container containing an additive delivery composition for introducing an additive into the curable composition, the additive delivery composition comprising: The liquid carrier comprises any one of polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol or polyacrylate, and at least one additive.

9. The kit according to claim 8, characterized in that The liquid carrier is an aqueous carrier or an organic carrier.

10. The kit according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The additive delivery composition includes a solution, mixture, emulsion or suspension of any one of polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol or polyacrylate.

11. The kit according to claim 8, characterized in that The at least one additive includes a powder additive, a solid additive, a gel additive, or a liquid additive.

12. The kit according to claim 8, characterized in that The curable composition comprises silicone or polyurethane.

13. The kit according to claim 8, characterized in that The kit further comprises one or more of the following: a mold defining a mold volume configured to receive and shape the curable composition; a mixing vessel configured to receive and mix two or more of the first casting composition, the second casting composition, or the additive delivery composition; or A mixing apparatus configured to mix two or more of the first casting composition, the second casting composition, or the additive delivery composition.

14. The kit according to claim 13, characterized in that The mixing device includes one or more of a spoon, a stirrer, or a stick.

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