Article mold handling apparatus

Abstract

Mold handling apparatus especially adapted for use in a reaction injection molding machine. A pair of platens is supported in a frame, and one of the platens is adaped to be moved toward and away from the other by means of a toggle-type actuation system. The movable platen is slidably carried on a plurality of movable platen guide rods that are contained within longitudinally extending frame members that define the frame for the machine. A stationary platen is pivotally supported by the frame member for pivotal movement about a vertical axis through an angle of approximately 90.degree.. The movable mold platen includes a movable mold carrier plate that is pivotally carried for movement about a second vertical pivot axis through an angle of about 90.degree.. The pivot axis for the movable mold carrier plate is offset from the longitudinal axis of the machine, in a direction toward the operator, so that pivotal movement of the mold mounting plate causes the mold half containing the molded part to be presented directly to the machine operator. The pivotal movement of each of the mold members permits the mold surfaces to be cleaned, if necessary, and also permits the convenient application of mold release agents, or the like.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.