Patent ID: 6196823
Filing Date: 2001-03-06
Classification: B29C

Abstract:
A die clamp assembly connected to a last barrel of an extruder, the last barrel comprising a flange and the extruder and last barrel define at least one passage through which product flows, the die clamp assembly comprising:mounting connecting structure that is in fluid communication with the last barrel and the at least one passage of the extruder;at least one die body comprising at least one die body passage that is in fluid communication with the last barrel, the die body comprising a peripheral surface that corresponds to the flange;a clamp collar assembly that positions the corresponding flange and peripheral surface against each other in a closed position, and the clamp collar assembly permitting the last barrel and the die body to be separated from each other to an open position; anda pivot assembly that supports the clamp collar assembly for movement in a first pivot direction and a second pivot direction, the pivot assembly supports each of the at least one die body for movement in the second pivot direction, wherein the pivot assembly comprises a first pivot connection that supports the clamp collar assembly for pivoting in the first pivot direction away from each of the at least one die body and the last barrel, and the pivot assembly comprising a second pivot connection that supports the die body and clamp collar assembly to be separately pivotable away from the last barrel in the second pivot direction.