Abstract: The invention relates to hollow bodies from a planar textile structure that are either open or closed. In order to allow for production of molded parts (20) of this type with maximum mold depth, at least one mold-parting line (15) is provided in the mold wall (22), which extends at least over a partial height of the lateral mold wall (22), thereby producing in the planar textile structure elastic lines between the inner parting line ends (19). The mold-parting lines (15) and the elastic lines define at least two mold segments (11, 12) from which the molded part (20) is produced by folding movements, the elastic line serving as the folding axis. The molded part is produced from the planar structure in the unfolded position of the mold segments (11, 12), said mold segments (11, 12) remaining interlinked by the elastic lines. The finished molded part (20) is obtained by folding the mold segments (11, 12) towards each other. In the folded position of the molded part, the mold-parting lines (15) touch each other.

Abstract: During the production of moulded bodies from a nonwoven (20) which can be solidified by a binding agent (11), differences in contour arise in critical profile regions of the moulded body using known methods. This especially occurs where the profile (26) has sharp curves or where the height of the profile sharply increases. According to the invention, moulded bodies having accurate profiles are produced by subjecting the nonwoven (20) to a suction process in points, i.e. at least in the critical profile regions, in the step of the method during which die form tool is closed. The air enclosed inside die nonwoven is thereby sucked out (37) and is used to position the fibre bundles on the contour of the form tool (25, 26) in an accurate manner. This enables an accurate embodiment of the moulded body to be obtained in terms of its contour, during cooling and hardening.