Articulated Mold Assembly and Method of Use Thereof

摘要

An apparatus for molding articles includes a first mold carrier configured to angularly displace relative to a fixed structure from a first molding position to first accessing position and a second mold carrier traveling with the first mold carrier and configured to angularly displace relative to the first mold carrier from a second molding position to a second accessing position. The first mold carrier may be pivotably coupled to the fixed structure; the second mold carrier may be slidably and rotatably coupled to the first mold carrier. A third mold carrier may be provided, and the second mold carrier may be located between the first and third mold carriers. An articulation mechanism may be provided to control relative motion of the second mold carrier relative to the first mold carrier as the first mold carrier pivots relative to the fixed structure. A method for molding articles is also provided.

主权项

1. A method of molding articles using a molding machine having a fixed structure with a working volume provided therein, the method comprising:
providing a first mold portion defining a first mold cavity surface; moving the first mold portion from a molding orientation within the working volume to an access orientation at least partially outside the working volume, wherein the step of moving the first mold portion includes:
pivoting the first mold portion around a first axis associated with the fixed structure; androtating the first mold portion around a second axis distinct from the first axis; moving the first mold portion from the access orientation to the molding orientation; and shaping a material introduced into a first mold cavity defined at least in part by the first mold cavity surface to form a first molded article.