Patent ID: 7584687

Claim:
A tool assembly for a thermoforming machine, the assembly comprising: a tool holder having an abutment face; a tool having an abutment part; means on the tool and holder including a groove and a rail fittable in the groove for fitting the tool to the holder into a working position with the abutment part abutting the abutment face; a part-conical seat centered on a tool axis and formed on the tool; a pin formed with a part-conical head face complementary to the seat, centered on a pin axis, and carried on the holder, the seat and head being positioned on the tool and holder such that in the working position the axes are generally parallel but slightly offset from each other and the part-conical head face is axially engageable with the seat; a fluid cylinder connected to the pin and pressurizable in the working position to push the part-conical head face off the seat; and spring means connected to the pin for urging the part-conical head face against the seat and thereby pushing the holder and seat apart perpendicular to the axes.