Abstract: An improved covering for continuous surface press bending molds providing selectively variable rigidity for matching that desired in bending a particular part on the mold. The shaping element of the mold includes a resilient body having a latticework of flexible metallic bands encapsulated therein. The resilient body is covered by a plurality of superimposed individual sheets of a fibrous, heat-resistant, normally pliable material which, in turn, are covered by a layer of fiberglass cloth. One or more of the individual fibrous sheets is treated with a rigidizer to impart a selected suitable degree of rigidity to the shaping element.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for bending and tempering a relatively thin glass sheet while supported horizontally and conveyed along a generally horizontal path comprising heating the glass sheet to its softening point, bending the sheet into the desired curvature, reorienting the bent sheet for further processing along said horizontal path, reheating the sheet to the temperature necessary for proper tempering, and finally, chilling the sheets rapidly below the annealing temperature range of the glass.