Abstract:
An apparatus for separating mold scrap from a mold and having a first plate with a first engaging edge and a second plate with a second engaging edge. The plates are in overlying relationship. A grip actuating assembly moves at least one of the first and second plates relative to the other of the first and second plates in a first path to change the apparatus between: a) starting state wherein a projecting piece of mold scrap can be directed to between the first and second engaging edges; and b) a gripping state wherein the projecting piece of mold scrap is gripped. The first and second plates can be repositioned in a second path to separate the gripped projecting piece of mold scrap from an associated mold.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a non-provisional of Application No. 61/711,456 filed Oct. 9, 2012. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0002]    This invention relates to molding systems and, more particularly, to an apparatus for separating scrap material from molded products and/or mold components. The invention is also directed to a method of using the apparatus. 
         [0003]    Myriad apparatus currently exist for forming parts through a process initiated by introducing a flowable material into a mold cavity. Many of these apparatus operate so that excess mold material is solidified on mold parts and must be separated during the parts forming process. As one example, certain rubber forming molds have a network of runners and sprues that deliver the molding material in a flowable state from a supply thereof simultaneously to a plurality of discrete cavities in which parts are formed. As the parts are cured during a processing cycle, the mold material solidifies in the runners and sprues and may additionally overflow and produce flash that must be separated from the mold and/or parts together with the runners and sprues. 
         [0004]    It is known to use automated grippers to engage and “pull” the runners and sprue at the completion of a cycle. To effectively separate the runners and sprues, they must be engaged simultaneously at several spaced locations and drawn away from the molds. If the separating forces are not distributed to separate the scrap in one drawing action, the joined network of runners and sprees is likely to be torn, which could necessitate manual separation of part, or the entirety, of the scrap material, in a separate step or steps. 
         [0005]    It is common for molds to have multiple cavities, which may number twelve or more. With conventional automated pullers, there are multiple options for their design. One or more discrete pullers, which are less in number than the required pull locations, can be operated to serially grip and pull the runners and sprues at different locations until the entire network thereof can be separated. Alternatively, the number of pullers can be equal in number to pull locations required to separate the network of runners and sprees as a single mass without causing tearing thereof. 
         [0006]    With the former design, a relatively complicated structure and control system may be required to effect operation. Further, the multiple movements required for the puller(s) lengthens the cycle time. Also, as noted above, tearing of the contiguous scrap mass may complicate the separation process and necessitate the performance of steps carried out manually. Thus, there is a considerable expense associated with constructing such systems and their use, with the latter cost attributable to inefficiencies resulting from lengthened cycle times and possibly the need for manual follow-up steps. 
         [0007]    The latter design is expensive particularly from the standpoint of construction. The coordination of multiple pullers also introduces complications. Still further, the multiple pullers are required to all function consistently to effectively pull the entire network of runners and sprues. Failure of any one or more of the pullers may necessitate shutting down of a system. Alternatively, upon there being a failure, an operator may resort to manual separation of the runners and sprues. 
         [0008]    Still further, the nature of the aforementioned pullers is such that they are relatively complicated in terms of their design. Cooperating jaws produce the gripping force. For various reasons, the gripping may be compromised, which could lead to inoperability of the pulling system. 
         [0009]    Systems such as the above also tend to take up space on fabrication lines which is at a premium in most facilities. The pulling systems may also occupy space so as to block access to other regions of the apparatus, required for operation, maintenance, and repair. 
         [0010]    Because of cost concerns, space limitations, and reliability concerns, many manufacturing facilities have chosen to pull and separate runners and sprues through manually performed steps. Commonly at the completion of the parts forming portion of a mold cycle, mold parts will be separated to expose the runners, sprues, and flash. At that point, an operator typically directly grips and separates, or uses a handheld tool to grip and separate, the scrap by doing so serially at a plurality of locations. 
         [0011]    In a common mold configuration, the scrap solidifies in vertically opening passageways. To separate the material from these passageways, the operator is required to effect a positive grip on the material within these passageways and produce an upward force simultaneously as a twisting action is carried out that tends to break the molded material free. In a single cycle, the operator will be required to reproduce this action a multiple of times. In so doing, the operator may also place his/her fingers against the mold to produce a fulcrum about which the hand is braced and pivoted to effect scrap separation. 
         [0012]    Since mold cycles are relatively short, an operator may be required to repeat this action potentially thousands of times a day. This may produce fatigue of the digits and limbs and, in a worst case, injuries that may necessitate treatment, potentially involving rest. Consequently, fatigue and injury may lead to employee downtime, increased medical costs, and reduced production by those individuals who continue to perform with chronic injury and/or fatigue. 
         [0013]    This problem is aggravated by the fact that the scrap pulling is performed on molds heated to elevated temperatures. Increasing “touches” increases the likelihood of heat-related injuries and also necessitates the use of protective clothing that may be inhibiting of operator movement and cause an uncomfortable level of heat retention in an environment that is normally at an elevated temperature due to the operation of the molding equipment. 
         [0014]    Parts manufacturers are always faced with the need to control costs. As competition increases, margins are even further reduced. In spite of the need to utilize more efficient equipment, the manufacturers in this industry have continued to use primarily manual processes in separating scrap at the completion of the parts forming portion of a mold cycle. This is attributable to the fact that no commercially viable system has been devised that is usable to minimize manual steps associated with scrap pulling/separation. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    In one form, the invention is directed to an apparatus for separating mold scrap from a mold. The apparatus includes: a first plate having a first engaging edge; a second plate having a second engaging edge, with one of the first and second plates overlying the other of the first and second plates; and a grip actuating assembly for moving at least one of the first and second plates relative to the other of the first and second plates in a first path to change the apparatus between: a) a starting state wherein a projecting piece of mold scrap can be directed to between the first and second engaging edges; and b) a gripping state wherein a projecting piece of mold scrap between the first and second edges, with the apparatus in the starting state, is gripped by the first and second engaging edges. The first and second plates can be repositioned in a second path to separate the gripped projecting piece of mold scrap from an associated mold upon which the projecting piece of mold scrap is formed. 
         [0016]    In one form, the first path is substantially straight. 
         [0017]    In one form, the first plate has a first flat surface and the second plate has a second flat surface. The first and second flat surfaces respectively reside in substantially parallel first and second planes and face each other. The first path is substantially parallel to the first and second planes. 
         [0018]    In one form, the apparatus further includes a third plate having a third engaging edge and the second plate resides between the first and third plates. With the apparatus in the starting state, a projecting piece of mold scrap can be directed between the second and third edges. By changing the apparatus from the starting state into the gripping state a projecting piece of mold scrap between the second and third edges, with the apparatus in the starting state, is gripped by the second and third engaging edges. The first, second and third plates can be relatively repositioned to separate the piece of mold scrap gripped between the first and second engaging edges and second and third engaging edges from an associated mold upon which the projecting piece of mold scrap is formed. 
         [0019]    In one form, the second plate has another flat surface that is substantially parallel with and faces oppositely to the second surface. The third plate has a third flat surface. The third flat surface and another flat surface respectively reside in substantially parallel third and another flat planes and face each other. 
         [0020]    In one form, the third plate is movable with the first and second plates in the second path to separate the gripped projecting piece of mold scrap from a mold. The second path is substantially orthogonal to the first path. 
         [0021]    In one form, the apparatus for separating mold scrap further includes a support for the first and second plates. 
         [0022]    In one form, there is a drive assembly for selectively moving the first and second plates in opposite directions in the second path. 
         [0023]    In one form, the apparatus for separating mold scrap further has: a) a support for the first and second plates, with the first and second plates movable through the support vertically in the second path; and b) a counterbalance assembly. The counterbalance assembly cooperates with the first and second plates to counterbalance a weight of the first and second plates to thereby facilitate raising of the first and second plates. 
         [0024]    In one form, there is at least one other engaging edge on each of the first and second plates that cooperate with each other and a projecting piece of mold scrap in the same way the first and second engaging edges cooperate with each other and a projecting piece of mold scrap. 
         [0025]    In one form, there is at least one other engaging edge on each of the first, second, and third plates that cooperate with each other and a projecting piece of mold scrap in the same way the first, second, and third engaging edges cooperate with each other and a projecting piece of mold scrap. 
         [0026]    In one form, the apparatus for separating mold scrap is provided in combination with a mold assembly with mold scrap, including the projecting piece of mold scrap, thereon. The projecting piece of mold scrap has a projecting length. The projecting piece of mold scrap has a substantially circular peripheral shape in cross-section taken transversely to the projecting length. 
         [0027]    In one form, the first and second engaging edges each is substantially U-shaped, with the “U” shape of each of the first and second edges opening towards each other. 
         [0028]    In one form, the mold assembly has openings in which the mold scrap resides. 
         [0029]    In one form, the invention is directed to a method of using an apparatus for separating mold scrap, as described above. The method includes the steps of: providing a mold assembly; directing mold material into the mold assembly to produce at least one part and mold scrap including at least first and second projecting pieces of mold scrap that project in parallel lines; placing the apparatus in the starting state; with the apparatus in the starting state moving the first and second plates in a first direction in the second path to thereby direct the first projecting piece of mold scrap between the first and second edges and the second and third edges and the second projecting piece of mold scrap between the one other of the engaging edges on the first and second plates and second and third plates; changing the apparatus from the starting state into the gripping state so that: a) the first projecting piece of mold scrap between the first and second engaging edges and second and third engaging edges is gripped by the first and second engaging edges and second and third engaging edges; and b) the second projecting piece of mold scrap between the one other of the engaging edges on the first, second and third plates is gripped by the one other of the engaging edges on the first and second plates and second and third plates; and with the apparatus in the gripping state moving the first and second plates oppositely to the first direction in the second path relative to the mold assembly to thereby separate at least a part of the mold scrap from the mold assembly. 
         [0030]    In one form, the method is performed with the apparatus on a base upon which the mold assembly is provided and using a drive assembly. The steps of moving the first and second plates in the first direction and oppositely to the first direction in the second path consist of moving the first and second plates by operating the drive assembly. 
         [0031]    In one form, the method is performed with the apparatus on a base upon which the mold assembly is provided. The step of moving the first and second plates in the first direction and oppositely to the first direction in the second path consists of manually engaging and moving the first and second plates relative to the mold assembly. 
         [0032]    In one form, the method further includes the step of changing the apparatus from the gripping state back into the starting state after the at least part of the mold scrap is separated from the mold assembly to thereby allow release of the at least part of the mold scrap from the apparatus. 
         [0033]    In one form, the method further includes the step of counterbalancing a weight of the first and second plates to facilitate manual movement of the first and second plates. 
         [0034]    In one form, the step of directing mold material into the mold assembly involves injecting the mold material into the mold assembly. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0035]      FIG. 1  is a schematic representation of a conventional injection molding system and incorporating a mold in which parts are formed; 
           [0036]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of one of the mold parts on the system in  FIG. 1  upon which mold scrap is formed during parts formation; 
           [0037]      FIG. 3  is a view as in  FIG. 2  and showing hands of an individual manually removing the mold scrap; 
           [0038]      FIG. 4  is a fragmentary, side elevation view of one specific form of injection molding system, shown in  FIG. 1 , and with a mold operatively positioned to receive molten material for parts formation; 
           [0039]      FIG. 5  is a view as in  FIG. 4  wherein the mold is moved to a staging position; 
           [0040]      FIG. 6  is a view as in  FIG. 5  and incorporating an apparatus for separating mold scrap from the mold, according to the invention, and with a plate assembly thereon in a raised position; 
           [0041]      FIG. 7  is a view as in  FIG. 6  wherein the plate assembly has been lowered to engage and grip mold scrap on the mold; 
           [0042]      FIG. 8  is a view as in  FIG. 7  with the plate assembly elevated together with the gripped mold scrap; 
           [0043]      FIG. 9  is a view as in  FIG. 8  wherein the mold scrap has been released from the plate assembly; 
           [0044]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged, side elevation view of three plates making up the plate assembly in  FIGS. 6-9 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 11  is a bottom view of a top plate on the plate assembly in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 12  is a plan view of a middle plate on the plate assembly in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 13  is a plan view of a bottom plate on the plate assembly in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0048]      FIG. 14  is a partially schematic representation of a mold part with scrap including a projection to be engaged and gripped by the plate assembly; 
           [0049]      FIG. 15  is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the projection taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 16  is an enlarged, fragmentary, plan view of a section of the mold scrap with projections as in  FIGS. 14 and 15  thereon; 
           [0051]      FIG. 17  is an exploded perspective view of the plate assembly in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0052]      FIG. 18  is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of an actuating assembly for relatively moving the plates on the plate assembly to change the state of the apparatus; 
           [0053]      FIG. 19  is a view as in  FIG. 18  wherein the apparatus has been changed to another state through operation of the actuating assembly; 
           [0054]      FIGS. 20-24  are schematic showings of a sequence of operating the inventive apparatus using the plate assembly to engage and grip a projection on mold scrap, separate the mold scrap from a mold, and release the mold scrap from the plate assembly; 
           [0055]      FIG. 25  is a view as in  FIG. 14  and showing a modified form of protrusion; 
           [0056]      FIG. 26  is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the protrusion taken along line  26 - 26  of  FIG. 25 ; 
           [0057]      FIGS. 27-31  are sequence drawings corresponding successively to  FIGS. 20-24  and with a modified form of plate assembly, according to the invention; 
           [0058]      FIG. 32  is a fragmentary, perspective view of an injection molding system with a modified form of apparatus, according to the present invention, for separating mold scrap from a mold and wherein a plate assembly thereon is manually repositionable by an operator; 
           [0059]      FIG. 33  is a reduced, fragmentary, side elevation view of the components in  FIG. 32  with the plate assembly elevated above a mold with scrap thereon; 
           [0060]      FIG. 34  is a view as in  FIG. 33  wherein the plate assembly has been lowered to engage and grip the scrap; 
           [0061]      FIG. 35  is a view as in  FIG. 34  wherein the plate assembly has been raised to separate the scrap from the mold; 
           [0062]      FIG. 36  is a view as in  FIG. 35  wherein the mold scrap has been released from the plate assembly; 
           [0063]      FIG. 37  is a front elevation view of an injection molding system incorporating a modified form of apparatus, according to the invention, for separating mold scrap from a mold wherein a plate assembly thereon is shown in a raised position relative to the mold; 
           [0064]      FIG. 38  is a side elevation view of the system in the  FIG. 37  state; 
           [0065]      FIG. 39  is an enlarged, fragmentary, side elevation view of the system in  FIGS. 37 and 38  wherein the plate assembly is elevated above the staged mold; 
           [0066]      FIG. 40  is a view as in  FIG. 39  wherein the plate assembly is engaged with and gripping scrap on the mold; 
           [0067]      FIG. 41  is a view as in  FIG. 40  wherein the plate assembly has been raised and pivoted; and 
           [0068]      FIG. 42  is a view as in  FIG. 41  wherein the state of the apparatus has been changed to release the scrap from the plate assembly. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0069]    In  FIG. 1 , a conventional injection molding system for producing discrete parts, and that is suitable for incorporation of the present invention, is shown schematically at  10 . The precise construction of the separate system components is not critical to the present invention. The system  10  is shown schematically to encompass virtually any system in which a flowable material is injected into cavities to form parts and on which scrap is generated that must be separated from the parts and the mold components during each operating cycle. While the invention is particularly useful for rubber injection molding, it is not so limited. 
         [0070]    In the system  10 , a material supply is provided at  12 . The supply  12  may be a bulk supply or a portioned quantity of the material. 
         [0071]    The material from the supply  12  is heated and delivered to an injection cylinder  14 , as by means of a screw-type extruder. The material fills the cylinder  14  to a specified volume. At the appropriate time within the operating cycle, the material is injected into a mold  16  through a nozzle  18 . The material, which is in a molten state and thus flowable, is delivered through a network of runners  20  and sprues  22  to discrete part cavities  24 . Typically, the runners  20  are formed on an upper surface of the mold  16  to convey the molten material to the cavities  24 . The sprues  22  define the channels through which the molten material enters and fills the individual part cavities  24 . 
         [0072]    Once the material in the part cavities  24  is solidified, material in the runners  20  and sprues  22  also solidifies so that there is a network of scrap that must be separated from the parts and the mold  16 . 
         [0073]    In  FIGS. 2 and 3 , an upper part  26  on the mold  16  is shown with a network of solidified material scrap  28  thereon. Separation of the mold part  26  from a separate mold part  30  exposes the scrap  28 . The scrap  28  consists of a plurality of upward projections  32  formed in receptacles strategically placed in paired relationship in the vicinity of each of the part cavities  24 . The arrangement of runners  20  and sprues  22  causes a plurality of depending fingers  34  to be formed unitarily with each of the projections  32 . 
         [0074]    The scrap  28  is required to be removed from the formed parts and mold  16  at the conclusion of the parts forming portion of each operating cycle. 
         [0075]    In  FIG. 3 , the conventional process for manually removing the scrap  28  is shown. The system operator is required to manually grasp the projections  32  at each part cavity location to draw the fingers  34  outwardly from their complementarily-shaped receptacles and additionally draw the scrap  28  out of the upwardly opening channels  36  formed through the upper surface  38  of the upper part  26  and defining part of the material delivery network including the runners  20  and sprues  22 . 
         [0076]    To facilitate this process, the projections  32  are made with a shallow “V” shape that can be grasped between fingers F on an operator&#39;s hand H. The operator pinches the projections  32  at the cavity locations and exerts an upward force while simultaneously effecting a twisting action that breaks the scrap  28 , and particularly the fingers  34 , loose. The operator may also use his/her fingers as a fulcrum to effect a prying action. With the mold configuration shown in  FIG. 3 , this process is repeated at six different locations, preferably while maintaining the entire network of scrap intact so that it can be handled and disposed of as one piece. 
         [0077]    Commonly, the pinching of the projections  32  takes place between the operator&#39;s thumb and his/her index finger. During the process, the operator&#39;s wrist and forearm regions are rotated. In a typical rubber injection system, the operator will be required to exert a force in the range of 13-23 pounds at each location. The manual manipulation of the scrap  28 , to effect separation thereof, is done preparatory to opening the mold  16 , which is effected by separating the upper mold part  26  from a lower mold part  40 , thereby to expose the cavities  24  with the molded parts therein. 
         [0078]    The above described actions by the operator create friction on the two tendons that control the thumb. This motion, together with the angle of the wrist, can cause the strained tendons to become fatigued and inflamed, and may result in hand and wrist pain. Also, repetitive twisting of the forearm can cause epicondylitis/tennis elbow, which affects the tendons in the elbow and shoulder. 
         [0079]    As seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the system  10  incorporates mechanisms to controllably reposition the mold parts  26 ,  40  relative to the mold part  30  and a frame  42  that defines a support for the various components. 
         [0080]    More particularly, a support  44  on the frame  42  maintains the mold part  30  operatively positioned relative to the frame  42 . 
         [0081]    The mold parts  26 ,  40 , making up the mold assembly, are carried upon a pedestal support  46  through which the mold parts  26 ,  40  are movable in a controlled manner back and forth in a substantially linear, horizontal path, as indicated by the double-headed arrow  48 , and back and forth in a substantially linear, vertical path, as indicated by the double-headed arrow  49 . 
         [0082]    At the initiation of a cycle, the mold parts  26 ,  40  are situated as in  FIG. 4 , with the mold parts  26 ,  40  thereafter raised to be coupled operatively with the upper mold part  30 . Material from the supply  12  is injected into the cavities  24  via the runners  20  and sprues  22  through the intermediate injection cylinder  14  and nozzle  18 . The material, in the event that it is rubber, is vulcanized in the cavities  24 , after which the mold parts  26 ,  40  are lowered so that the mold part  26  is separated from the mold part, whereby the scrap  28  is exposed. The mold parts  26 ,  40  are then moved in the direction of the arrow  50  to a staging location so that the exposed scrap  28  is more readily accessible to be manually manipulated. 
         [0083]    The parts  26 ,  40  of the mold assembly are the primary parts defining the part forming cavities  24  on the mold  16 . In  FIG. 4 , the mold parts  26 ,  40  are shown lowered from their operative/molding position, whereas in  FIG. 5  they are shown in a staging position to facilitate separation of the scrap  28  preparatory to accessing formed parts by opening the mold  16  through separation of the upper mold part  26  from the lower mold part  40 . 
         [0084]    According to the invention, the basic system components described in  FIGS. 1-5  are utilized and additionally an apparatus  52  for separating the mold scrap  28  from the mold, as shown in  FIGS. 6-26 , is incorporated. The description herein will be made with the understanding that the basic injection molding system  10 , with which the scrap separating apparatus  52  is usable, is the same as described above, with either a retrofitted arrangement of the mold scrap separating apparatus  52  or an arrangement wherein the system  10  and apparatus  52  are more integrally formed, as at time of manufacture. The apparatus  52  could be incorporated in other manners, however that is not a critical part of the invention herein. Retrofitting is facilitated by causing the apparatus  52  to operate on the mold  16  in the aforementioned staging position, as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0085]    One form of the apparatus  52  consists of a plate assembly  54  that is mounted to the frame/support  42  for movement relative to the frame  42  between a retracted/inactive position, shown in  FIG. 6 , and an extended/operative position, as shown in  FIG. 7 . In the  FIG. 7  position, the plate assembly  54  is situated to engage and grip the scrap  28 , exposed with the mold  16  in the staging position therefor. The gripped scrap  28  can be separated from the mold  16  by elevating the plate assembly  54 , as shown in  FIG. 8 , adequately to fully separate the scrap  28  from the mold  16 , whereupon the scrap  28  can be released from the plate assembly  54 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0086]    In one preferred form, the plate assembly  54  is made up of three plates—a top plate  56 , bottom plate  58 , and a middle plate  60  that resides between the top and bottom plates  56 ,  58 . In one exemplary form, the plates  56 ,  58 ,  60  are all made from ⅛″ steel stock. 
         [0087]    In this embodiment, the mold part  30 , that produces the projections  32 , is replaced by a mold part  30 ′ that causes upwardly directed projections  32 ′ to be formed, as shown schematically in  FIG. 14 , as part of the scrap  28 ′ that must be separated. The projections  32 ′ have a substantially cylindrical shape, with a generally circular cross-section, as shown clearly in  FIG. 15 . The upper, leading ends  62  of the projections  32 ′ are tapered and slightly rounded. 
         [0088]    The mold part  30 ′ is configured to produce a pattern of projections  32 ′ on the scrap  28 ′ in association with each part cavity  24 . This particular arrangement is not critical to the present invention and is but one exemplary and preferred form for the projections  32 ′. As will become apparent after reading the further description herein, virtually an unlimited number of different arrangements of projections, size of projections, and shape of projections, might be utilized consistently with the inventive concepts. 
         [0089]    The plates  56 ,  58 ,  60  are configured so that when they are in assembled and over- and under-lying relationship, as shown in  FIG. 10 , and in a first state, through openings  64 ,  66 ,  68 , successively in the plates  56 ,  58 ,  60 , are registered with each other to accept a corresponding number of the projections  32 ′ on the scrap  28 ′ produced on the mold  16 . The state of the apparatus  52  can be changed by translating the middle plate  60  in a limited range in a first path, relative to the overlying top and underlying bottom plates  56 ,  58 , as indicated by the double-headed arrow  70  in  FIG. 17 . 
         [0090]    The plates  56 ,  58 ,  60  are operatively interconnected by using, in this case, six perimeter spacers  72   a ,  72   b ,  72   c ,  72   d ,  72   e ,  72   f . Exemplary spacer  72   d , as seen most clearly in  FIG. 17 , consists of a spacing element  74  and a threaded fastener  76  that extends through the bottom plate  58  and spacing element  74  and into the top plate  56  so that the spacing element  74  maintains a fixed spacing dimension between a flat, upwardly facing surface  78  on the bottom plate  58 , and a flat, downwardly facing surface  80  on the top plate  56 . All spacers  72   a - 72   f  are similarly constructed so that there is a securely maintained, uniform spacing dimension between the planes of the surfaces  78 ,  80 , which are substantially parallel to each other. 
         [0091]    The top and bottom plates  56 ,  58  have the same length and width dimensions L, W. The middle plate  60  has a length dimension L1 that is less than the length dimension L and a width dimension W1 that is less than the width dimension W. This provides clearance around the periphery of the middle plate  60  so that the spacers  72  can be utilized without extending through the middle plate  60  or interfering therewith as the middle plate  60  is shifted in the first path relative to the top and bottom plates  56 ,  58 , as hereinafter described. 
         [0092]    Two additional spacers  72   g ,  72   h , the same as the spacers  72   a - 72   f , are provided and extend through elongate slots  82 ,  84  through the middle plate  60 . The slots  82 ,  84  allow the middle plate  60  to shift back and forth in its first path. 
         [0093]    The spacers  72   a - 72   h  maintain a spacing between the surfaces  78 ,  80  whereby an upwardly facing surface  86  on the middle plate  60  closely confronts the upper plate surface  80  and a downwardly facing surface  88  on the middle plate  60  closely confronts the surface  78  on the bottom plate  58 . The planes of all surfaces  78 ,  80 ,  86 ,  88  are substantially parallel, whereby the middle plate  60  is guided relative to the top and bottom plates  56 ,  58  through face-to-face sliding contact between the surfaces  78 ,  88  and  80 ,  86 . The spacing between the surfaces  78 ,  80  is sufficiently greater than the thickness of the middle plate  60  so that the plates  56 ,  58 ,  60  do not bend as the state of the apparatus  52  is changed. 
         [0094]    The operation of the apparatus  52  is, for purposes of clarity, described using schematic representations in  FIGS. 20-24  to show the interaction between the plate assembly  54  and an exemplary projection  32 ′, with it being understood that the plate assembly  54  cooperates with all of the projections  32 ′ in substantially the same manner. 
         [0095]    As seen in  FIG. 20 , the apparatus  52  is in a starting state wherein the plate openings  64 ,  66 ,  68 , successively on the top, bottom, and middle plates  56 ,  58 ,  60 , are in either full registration or adequately registered to allow the projection  32 ′ to be moved upwardly therethrough. In  FIG. 20 , the plate assembly  54  is shown being advanced downwardly towards the mold  16  and just prior to the plate assembly  54  realizing the extended/operative position in  FIG. 7 . The extended/operative position for the plate assembly  54  is shown in  FIG. 21 , wherein the bottom plate  58  is adjacent to, or abuts, the mold  16 . 
         [0096]    In this embodiment, the projection  32 ′ has a diameter D that is less than the diameter D1 of the openings  64 ,  66 ,  68  to allow unimpeded passage of the projection  32 ′. The openings  64 ,  66 ,  68  are not required to have the same diameter, so long as the registered diameter of all of the openings  64 ,  66 ,  68  will freely pass the projection  32 ′. The rounded and tapered configuration of the upper leading end  62  guides the projection  32 ′ into and through the openings  64 ,  66 ,  68 , whereby the projection  32 ′ projects upwardly to beyond the plate assembly  54 . 
         [0097]    The apparatus  52  is changed from the starting state into a gripping state, as shown in  FIG. 22 , wherein the projection  32 ′ is pinched as a result of being gripped by the plates  56 ,  58 ,  60 . More specifically, the projection  32 ′ resides between, and is gripped by, a U-shaped edge  90  on the top plate  56  and bounding the opening  64  and an oppositely opening, U-shaped edge  92  on the middle plate  60  bounding the opening  68 . These “U” shapes are defined by, in the depicted embodiment, circular edge portions around the openings  64 ,  66 ,  68 , that are circular. This circular shape is not required, as virtually an unlimited number of a different opening shapes might be devised by one skilled in the art to produce the requisite gripping on the projections  32 . As but one alternative example, the openings could be nominally matched in shape to the projections  32 . 
         [0098]    The projection  32 ′ is similarly pinched and gripped by an edge  94  bounding the opening  68  and an oppositely opening, U-shaped edge  96  bounding the opening  66 , between which the projection  32 ′ resides. The edges  92 ,  94  are defined on the same surface  98  that bounds the opening  68 . The surface  98  bounding the opening  68  deforms the projection  32 ′ at one radial location into a concave shape at  100 . This produces the aforementioned pinching action, whereby the plates  56 ,  58 ,  60  cooperate to firmly grip the deformed projection  32 ′. 
         [0099]    With the apparatus  52  in the gripping state of  FIG. 22 , the plate assembly  54  can be raised, whereby the scrap  28 ′ is separated from the mold part  26 . Once this occurs, as shown in  FIG. 8 , with partial separation also shown in  FIG. 23 , the apparatus  52  can be placed back into the starting state through movement of the middle plate  60 , as shown in  FIG. 24 , whereupon the projections  32 ′ will be released from the plate assembly  54 , as shown also in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0100]    In this embodiment, the apparatus  52  is supported on the frame  42  through a mounting base  102 . The mounting base  102  supports a cylinder  104  with an extensible rod  106  that connects to the plate assembly  54 . Retraction of the rod  106  places the plate assembly  54  in the retracted/inactive position shown in  FIG. 6 . The rod  106  can be extended to place the plate assembly  54  in the extended/operative position of  FIG. 7 . 
         [0101]    The apparatus  52  is changed between its starting and gripping states by operating a grip actuating assembly  108 . The grip actuating assembly  108  includes at least one, and in this case two, cylinders  110 , of like construction, and each including an extendable rod  112  with a T-shaped bracket  114  driven in a line indicated by the double-headed arrow  116  in  FIG. 19 . 
         [0102]    Each cylinder  110  is fixed to an upwardly facing surface  118  of the top plate  56 . Each of the brackets  114  has a stem  120  that extends through a guide slot  122  on the upper plate  56  and is fixed to the middle plate  60  through fasteners  124 . The fasteners  124  may be threaded fasteners that are tightened into threaded bores  126  on the middle plate  60 . The cross bar  128  of the “T” is guided along the upwardly facing surface  118  on the upper plate  56  as the rod  112  is extended and retracted. By extending and retracting the rod  112 , the middle plate  60  is translated relative to the top and bottom plates  56 ,  58  to allow the apparatus  52  to change between the starting and gripping states, shown respectively in  FIGS. 20 and 22 . Each guide slot  122  has a length L2 that is adequate to permit the necessary range of movement of the bracket  114  to allow both states for the apparatus  52  to be realized. The length L2 may be selected so that the slot ends consistently block the bracket  114 , and thus the middle plate, movement to optimally set the starting and gripping states for the apparatus  52 . 
         [0103]    With the mold  16  initially positioned as in  FIG. 4 , the material from the supply  12  can be injected into the cavities  24 . In the event the material is rubber, the material can be vulcanized. Thereafter, the mold assembly, made up of the mold parts,  26 ,  40 , is moved to the staging position in  FIG. 5  with the plate assembly  54  in the retracted/inactive position of  FIG. 6 . The rod  106  on the cylinder  104  is extended with the apparatus  52  in the starting state so that the projections  32 ′ on the scrap  28 ′ can be advanced through the registered plate openings  64 ,  66 ,  68 . 
         [0104]    With the plate assembly  54  in the extended/operative position of  FIG. 7 , the grip actuating assembly  108  can be operated to change the apparatus  52  from the starting state into the gripping state of  FIG. 22 , whereafter the plate assembly  54  can be elevated to the position shown in  FIG. 8 , whereupon the grip actuating assembly  108  can be operated to change the apparatus  52  from the gripping state back into the starting state, which allows the scrap  28 ′ to be released, as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0105]    Supplemental gripping of the scrap  28 ′ can be afforded by configuring the mold part  30 ′ to cause additional projections  32 ″, as shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 , to be formed to nominally match with registrable openings  64 ′,  66 ′,  68 ′, on the plates  56 ,  58 ,  60 , successively. The projections  32 ″ may be provided in the array shown or in any other pattern and in any number that is deemed appropriate based upon the tenacity with which the scrap may adhere to a particular mold part. The twelve openings  64 ′,  66 ′,  68 ′ in each plate represent but one exemplary form. 
         [0106]    As noted above, the particular projection shape is not critical to the present invention. Further matching of the plate opening shape is not a requirement. It is important only that the plates be capable of cooperating to grip the particular projection with enough strength that the scrap will move with the particular plate assembly and separate from the mold. 
         [0107]    While the use of three plates  56 ,  58 ,  60  is preferred, this number is not required. The three plate arrangement provides good overall structural integrity and affords consistent and reliable operation. However, a modified form of plate assembly, as shown at  54 ′ in  FIGS. 27-31 , utilizes only the top plate  56  and middle plate  60  to produce the gripping action on the projections  32 ′. The two plate arrangement for the plate assembly  54 ′ allows the use of the same grip actuating assembly  108 . The plates  56 ,  60  on the plate assembly  54 ′ cooperate with each other and the scrap  28 ′ on the mold  16  in the same manner that the plates  56 ,  60  and scrap  28  cooperate on the plate assembly  54 . The sequence of drawings in  FIGS. 26-30  corresponds successively with  FIGS. 20-24 , as hereinabove described. 
         [0108]    In  FIGS. 32-36 , a further modified form of apparatus is shown at  52 ″. The apparatus  52 ″ has a plate assembly  54 ″ that cooperates with a mold  16  in substantially the same manner that the plate assemblies  54 ,  54 ′ cooperate with the mold  16 . The apparatus  52 ″ is at least partially manually operable. Rather than utilizing a cylinder, such as the cylinder at  104  used to raise and lower the plate assembly  54 , the plate assembly  54 ″ is controlled through manual manipulation by an operator. 
         [0109]    The plate assembly  54 ″ incorporates four corner posts  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 , each with an eye bolt  140 . Separate cable lengths  142  extend from the eye bolts  140  angularly upwardly to a common juncture at  144 . A single cable  146  extends therefrom to a counterweight  148 . The cable  146  alone, or as part of another cable component or components, interacts with the frame  42  so that the weight of the counterweight  148  tensions the cable  146  to produce an upward force that effectively reduces the weight of the plate assembly  54 ″. By lowering the counterweight  148 , the plate assembly  54 ″ is moved upwardly a corresponding distance. The weight of the counterweight  148  may be selected so that there is either full balancing or a slightly lesser force produced by the counterweight  148  on the cable  146 . 
         [0110]    In operation, the plate assembly  54 ″ can be balanced in the  FIG. 33  position. By exerting a downward force upon the plate assembly  54 ″, the counterweight  148  elevates. The operator can change the orientation and height of the counterbalanced plate assembly  54 ″ to allow potentially one-handed operation thereof. By aligning and lowering the plate assembly  54 ″ to the  FIG. 34  position, the scrap  28 ″ can be engaged by directing projections  32 ″ thereon into plate openings (not shown). 
         [0111]    Relative plate movement may be effected by a two component grip actuating assembly  108 ″, including spaced cylinders  110 ″ that operate in the same manner as the cylinders  110 . Operation of the grip actuating assembly  108 ″ may be effected through a suitable control  150  that is on the frame  42  or one of the mold  16  or plate assembly  54 ″. 
         [0112]    With the grip actuating assembly  108 ″ operated to place the apparatus  52 ″ in the gripping state, the plate assembly  54 ″ may be lifted manually, as indicated in  FIG. 35 , to draw the scrap  28 ″ away from the mold  16 . 
         [0113]    By then changing the apparatus  52 ″ from the gripping state back into the starting state, the scrap  28 ″ can be released from the plate assembly  54 ″, as shown in  FIG. 36 . 
         [0114]    Details of the top and middle plates  56 ″,  60 ″, making up the plate assembly  54 ″, are not given herein since the construction of the plates  56 ″,  60 ″ is not critical to this design and may be either the same as, or different than, what has been described for the corresponding plates in the other embodiments hereinabove. 
         [0115]    In  FIGS. 37-42 , a further modified form of apparatus is shown at  52 ″ with a plate assembly  54 ″ that is raised and lowered relative to the frame  42  through a cylinder  104 ′ with an extendable rod  106 ″. 
         [0116]    Whereas the corresponding rod  106  in the earlier described embodiment has an end connected centrally of the plate assembly  54 , the rod  106 ′ is connected to the plate assembly  54 ′ at an edge  152 . 
         [0117]    The primary difference between this embodiment and that shown in  FIGS. 6-9  is that the rod  106 ″ is connected to the plate assembly  54 ″ through a mechanism at  154  that allows the plate assembly  54   m  to pivot relative to the rod  106 ″ about a horizontal axis  156 . The plate assembly  54 ′ is moved through the cylinder  104 ″, and the plate assembly  54 ″ interacts with the scrap  28 ″, in the same manner as the corresponding components move and interact in the embodiment in  FIGS. 6-9 . 
         [0118]    However, the hinge feature allows the gripped scrap  28 ″ to be released and removed with the plate assembly  54 ″ at a lower height. For example, as seen in  FIG. 41 , by pivoting in the plate assembly  54 ″ in the direction of the arrow  160 , the scrap  28 ″ is readily accessible and can be separated from the plate assembly  54 ″, without any interference from the mold  16 , and released as shown in  FIG. 42 . 
         [0119]    The foregoing disclosure of specific embodiments is intended to be illustrative of the broad concepts comprehended by the invention.