Patent ID: 6280178
Filing Date: 2001-08-28
Classification: B29C

Abstract:
A molding apparatus for producing formed millwork products, said apparatus comprising:(a) a workstation supported on a support surface;(b) an elongated lower composite mold/press unit mounted on said workstation above the support surface and defining a lower portion of a mold cavity;(c) an elongated upper composite mold/press unit defining an upper portion of said mold cavity;(d) a plurality of support members spaced apart from one another along said lower composite unit, movably mounted to said workstation, and extending above said lower composite unit where said support members mount said upper composite unit generally above and for movement toward and away from said lower composite unit;(e) a plurality of actuators spaced apart from one another along said lower composite unit, mounted to said workstation, and coupled to respective ones of said support members such that actuation of said actuators to a first position causes movement of said support members in a first direction and places said upper composite unit in a mated relationship with said lower composite unit and thereby said upper and lower portions of said mold cavity in a closed condition whereas actuation of said actuators to a second position causes movement of said support members in a second direction and places said upper composite unit in an unmated relationship with said lower composite unit and thereby said upper and lower portions of said mold cavity in an opened condition; and(f) releasable locking means mounted adjacent to said lower composite unit for releasably locking and maintaining said upper and lower composite units in said mated relationship and thereby said upper and lower portions of said mold cavity in said closed condition as a formed millwork product is produced in said mold cavity, said lower composite unit includinga lower mold part defining said lower portion of said mold cavity, anda lower liquid molding material distribution segment on said lower mold part and defining a lower portion of a liquid molding material injection arrangement in communication with said lower portion of said mold cavity; and said upper composite unit includingan upper mold part defining said upper portion of said mold cavity, andan upper liquid molding material distribution segment on said upper mold part and defining an upper portion of said liquid molding material injection arrangement in communication with said upper portion of said mold cavity such that when said lower and upper mold parts are mated together so as to place said lower and upper portions of said mold cavity in said closed condition said lower and upper portions of said injection arrangement are also mated together so as to provide for flow distribution of the liquid molding material from outside of said apparatus through said injection arrangement to said mold cavity.