Part removal tool
OwnerKarl O. Stevensinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A part removal tool for removing a resilient molded tubular part from a mold core first clamps the molded part on a cup removal tool at one end of the part and then inflates the part to separate the part from a mold core. The part removal tool includes a protective housing having spaced protective side plates that protect interior switches, conduits and actuators, while providing easy connections with exterior quick release fittings. The tool employs replaceable clamps and part removal cups so that the tool can be used for a variety of parts of different sizes and shapes. An extendable part ejector rod can be used to facilitate removal of a part from a mold core.
Claims8
A part removal tool for removing a molded elastic tubular part from a mold core comprising:
- a housing having protective side plates spaced on each side of an open interior, the housing having an open front end;
- a handle mounted to the plates at a rear end of the tool;
- an enlarged recess in the plates adjacent the front end of the tool such that a number of part removal cups having substantially different outer dimensions can be inserted in the recess;
- a part removal cup manifold mounted between the plates at a rear end of the recess, the manifold having an inlet for pressurized gas and one or more outlets for pressurized gas;
- a part removal cup removably mounted in the housing in the enlarged recess between the plates, the cup having an open front end facing outwardly from an open interior toward the open front end of the housing, the part removal cup having relatively thin peripheral sidewalls surrounding the open front end such that the sidewalls conform with and fit closely over a specified mold core, the part removal cup having a rear end mounted in the housing in sealed relationship with the manifold outlet, the rear end having one or more openings therein that provide sealed communication between the manifold outlet and the open interior of the cup;
- a clamp movably and removably mounted in the housing adjacent the open end of the part removal cup and having an open position, wherein the clamp is spaced away from the cup sufficiently that the cup can be inserted between a molded product and a mold core, and a closed position, wherein the clamp clamps an end of the product on the cup after the cup has been inserted on the mold core, the clamp having a clamping surface compatible with the adjacent exterior surface of the part removal cup;
- clamp actuating means for opening and closing the clamp;
- and
- cup air actuating means for injecting pressurized gas through the manifold to the cup to separate a clamped part from a mold core.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.