Patent ID: 6123880
Filing Date: 2000-09-26
Classification: B29C,B29L,B30B,Y10S

Abstract:
A method of compression molding plastic articles that comprises the steps of:(a) providing a plurality of tool means mounted in opposed pairs, with the tool means of each pair both being moveable toward and away from each other, and with the tool means of each pair including opposed male and female mold means,(b) moving the tool means pairs in an endless path with respect to a machine frame,(c) positioning first cams on the machine frame for closing the tool means of each pair by moving both of said tool means toward each other to a closed position during a first portion of motion of said tool means in said endless path for compression molding mold charges between the pairs, and for opening said tool means by moving both of said tool means away from each other during a second portion of motion of said tool means in said endless path for releasing molded articles,(d) locking said tool means of each pair to each other in said closed position by: (d1) mounting a latch mechanism on each said pair of tool means and a latch actuator extending from each said latch mechanism, and (d2) moving said latch mechanism to lock the tool means of each pair to each other when said tool means pair is moved to said closed position so as to isolate from the machine frame forces imparted to said tool means to hold said tool means together during compression molding in said step (c), and(e) unlocking said tool means of each pair from each other by: (e1) positioning a second cam on the machine frame separate from the tool means for engagement with the latch actuator of each said tool means pair, and (e2) moving the latch actuator of each pair by engaging said latch actuator with said second cam to release said latch mechanism and permit opening of said tool means pair by said first cam as said tool means pair enters said second portion of motion in said endless path.