Patent ID: 6767497
Filing Date: 2004-07-27
Classification: B29C,B29K,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for releasing molded articles from a mold, the mold having a first mold portion, a second mold portion movable with respect to the first mold portion, and a third mold portion movably interposed between the first and second portions and having at least one pair of space defining surfaces which together with the first and second mold portions defines in a closed position at least one space for receiving plastic material injected therein to form at least one molded article, the second and the third mold portions being movable away from the first mold portion to permit removal of the at least one molded article from the first mold portion, the second mold portion being movable away from the third mold portion to remove the at least one molded article from the second mold portion; the method comprising the steps of:providing a guide coupled to the second mold portion forming a cam track; providing a cam follower coupled to the at least one pair of space defining surfaces of the third mold portion; engaging the cam follower in the cam track at least when the second and third mold portions are within a pre-selected distance of each other, the cam follower interacting with the cam track to cause relative movement of each pair of space defining surfaces, the cam follower being engaged in a first portion of the cam track when the mold portions are in the closed position; moving the cam follower to a second portion of the cam track including a ramp defining a pre-release position of each pair of space defining surfaces so that the at least one molded article is loosely retained by the space defining surfaces; and providing a signal to a power operator carried by the third mold portion and coupled to the space defining surfaces, the signal causing the power operator to move each pair of space defining surfaces from the pre-release position to a full release position for releasing the molded article from the third mold portion.