Mold lockup mechanism

A molding machine comprising:

• first and second stationary end platens and a third movable platen between the end platens and reciprocable toward and away from the first end platen, separable mold portions mounted respectively on the first stationary platen and the third movable platen for molding an article when the first and third platens are moved close together and the mold portions are closed and locked up, a toggle linkage mechanism interposed between the second stationary platen and the movable third platen for locking up the mold portions when the first and third platens are close together, the toggle mechanism extending between the second and third platens and including a front linkage pivotally connected to the third movable platen and a rear linkage pivotally connected to the second stationary platen and having a pivotal joint with the front linkage, the toggle mechanism being operable to move toward a toggle position and press the mold portions closed and locked up and operable to move away from the toggle position and pull the mold portions open;
• a movable crosshead operatively connected with the front and rear linkages of the toggle mechanism to move the linkages in and out of the toggle position, the crosshead with the mold portions open being positioned between the second and third platens and between the third platens and the pivotal joint of the front and rear linkages, and with the mold portions closed for lockup being movable away from the third platen and toward the second platen to move the front and rear linkages into the toggle position;
• and actuating means connected to the crosshead for urging the crosshead away from the third platen and moving the linkages into the toggle position for lockup.