Patent ID: 6267917
Filing Date: 2001-07-31
Classification: B29C,Y10T

Abstract:
A mold apparatus for facilitating replacement of rotatable molds, the apparatus comprising:first and second frames, the first and second frames including first and second retainers, respectively;first and second mold portions which are positionable with respect to each other such that they form a mold, the first and second mold portions including first and second couplers, respectively, which are configured so as to be securely coupled to the first and second retainers, respectively, such that the relative positions of the first mold portion to the first frame and the second mold portion to the second frame are invariable; anda locking member linkable to the frames for securing the frames together so that the frames define a cell;wherein, when the frames are secured together the mold is securable within the cell by securing the couplers to the retainers and the mold is removable from the cell by decoupling the couplers from the retainers, and when the frames are not secured together and the couplers are coupled to the retainers, the mold portions are separable by separating the frames; andwherein the cells are arranged radially about an axis and to remove a mold, after decoupling the couplers attached to the mold to be removed from the retainers, the mold is axially lifted from an associated cell.