Abstract: A mold assembly and method for molding a substantially hemispherical construct from pre-expanded polystyrene beads. The mold assembly includes a female half mold; a mating male half mold; a first male mold insert mountable on the male half mold and having a continuous, peripheral, beveled edge; and a second male mold insert mountable on the first male mold insert. For forming a construct having an impact-resistant exterior layer and an energy-absorbing interior layer, such as a motorcyclist safety helmet, the beads are initially molded under heat and compression between the female half mold and the first insert to form a first intermediate product of a first volume having a continuous, peripheral, beveled edge; said product is thereafter molded under heat and compression between the female half mold and the second insert to a second, reduced volume to form a compressed, second intermediate product, the beveled edge of the first intermediate product serving to uniformly distribute the force applied thereto.

Abstract: A mold assembly and method for molding a substantially hemispherical construct from pre-expanded polystyrene beads. The mold assembly includes a female half mold; a mating male half mold; a first male mold insert mountable on the male half mold and having a continuous, peripheral, beveled edge; and a second male mold insert mountable on the first male mold insert. For forming a construct having an impact-resistant exterior layer and an energy-absorbing interior layer, such as a motorcyclist safety helmet, the beads are initially molded under heat and compression between the female half mold and the first insert to form a first intermediate product of a first volume having a continuous, peripheral, beveled edge; said product is thereafter molded under heat and compression between the female half mold and the second insert to a second, reduced volume to form a compressed, second intermediate product, the beveled edge of the first intermediate product serving to uniformly distribute the force applied thereto.