EP3890939A1

EP3890939A1 - Molding and slide apparatus system

Info

Publication number: EP3890939A1
Application number: EP19894337.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Marc Lecours
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-12-06
Filing date: 2019-12-06
Publication date: 2021-10-13
Also published as: WO2020113346A1; CA3064051A1; CN113508020A; CN113508020B

Abstract

A mold and slide apparatus system comprises first and second mold members that together define an internal cavitation. A slide apparatus moves an insert member into and out of an internal cavitation and comprises a main body having a drive cylinder and a carrier cylinder. The insert member engages the internal cavitation when the carrier piston is in the extended position. A fluid communication passage interconnects the drive cylinder and the carrier cylinder. Movement of a drive piston to its fluid displacement position causes the carrier piston to move to its extended position. Movement of a carrier piston to its retracted position causes the drive piston to move to its start position. Movement of an actuator to its actuating position causes the drive piston to move to its fluid displacement position, thereby causing the carrier piston to move the insert member into the internal cavitation during a molding operation.

Description

MOLDING AND SLIDE APPARATUS SYSTEM

HELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to mold and sflde apparatus systems, and more particularly to mold and elide apparatus systems wherein (he slide apparatus Is hydraukafly operational.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In manufacturing operations including conventional plastic molding, such as Injection molding, it is common to bring two mold halves or two die halves together, to form an Internal cavitation. A material such as molten plastic, is Injected Into the Internal cavitation to ultimately form a molded part In some Instances, a eHde member Is used to temporarily cydicafly Insert an and portion of an Insert member, often referred to as a pin member, into the Internal cavitation. The insert member needs to be present during the Introduction of molten plastic into the internal cavitation but be removed prior to expelfing the molded part from the Internal cavitation.

[0003] In order to time the insertion and removal cycle of the Insert member, the sfide member makes use of movement of the movable (usuafly vertically movable) cavity block to push the insert member Into place Into the internal cavitation. More specifically, a contact surface on an angled horn pin mounted on the mold core, or on a retention plate or the Ike secured to the mold core, moves the insert member into place when the cavity block moves down into place on the core block. A similarly angled contact surface on a heel block abuts against the movable slide member to help retain the slide member In place during the molding operation.

[0004] Although conventional slide mam bets are vary common and genarafiy work well, there are some disadvantages and problems associated with them. For instance, it can be tffficult to accurately align the horn pin into the co-operating narrow alignment opening In the slide member. Also, significant friction between the hom pin and the portion of the surface of the elide member that defines the alignment opening can cause excessive wear of toe slide member. Further, mounting a conventional eDde usually takes several threaded fasteners, which is time consuming. Even further, conventional Si ides can be difficuK to adjust in terms of "fine 610109" their position.

[0005] One such prior art slide member can be found in United States Published Patent

Application 2006/0208172A published September 22, 2005, to Buttigieg and entitled Mold Assembly. The mold assembly has a cavity for molding that is defined by primary mold cavity and primary mold core elements and a supplemental core element The primary mold cavity and primary mold core elements are carried by first and second mating mold components and the supplemental core element Is carried by a side moveable transversely relative to the direction of motion of the mating mold component». The slide Is supported by the first mating mold component aid has an opening therein for engaging an angled actuating pin supported by the second mating mold component at an angle oblque to the parting Dna fee· of the second mating mold component The angled actuating pin is removably retained in a support opening in toe parting line face of toe second mating mold component by means accesstole from the second mating mold component parting fine face. This mold assembly and slide experience the problems that are typically experienced in the prior art

[0006] It is an object of the present Invention to provide a slide apparatus that overcomes the known problem· and disadvantages of conventional prior art slide member·.

[0007] It Is an object of the present invention to provide a elide apparatus that does not have a hom pbi.

pooei It Is an object of the present Invention to provide e elide apparatus that does not experience the problem of significant friction.

[0009] It Is an object of the present Invention to provide a elide apparatus that does not experience the problem of excessive wear of the slide member.

[00010] It is an object of the present Invention to provide a side apparatus that takes fewer threaded fasteners to mount

[00011] It Is an object of the present Invention to provide a slide apparatus that does not experience the problem of being difficult to adjust In terms of "fine tuning* Its position.

[00012] It is an object of the present Invention to provide a slide apparatus that does not have wear plates.

[00013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a slide apparatus that does not have gbs, which are used to guide and control linear movement of the slide member.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[00014] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is cflsdosed a novel slide apparatus mountable on a mold member with an actuator movable between a non-actuating position and an actuating position, for moving an insert member Into and out of an internal cavitation In the mold member. The elide apparatus comprises a main body having a drive cyfinder defining a drive-cylinder axle and a carrier cylinder defining e carrier-cylinder axis. A drive piston is disposed In seeled eliding relation hi the drive cyfinder for movement along the drtve-cyfinder axis between a start position and a fluid displacement position, a carrier piston Is disposed in sealed sliding relation in the carrier cylinder for movement along the carrier-cylinder axis between a retracted position and an extended position. The Insert member is connected to the canter piston for movement therewith for engaging the internal cavitation when the carrier piston is in the extended position. A fluid communication passage Interconnects, the drive cylinder and the carrier cylinder In fluid communication one wflh the other, with the fluid communication passage (filed with hydraulic fluid. Movement of the drive piston from its start position to its fluid displacement position causes, via the hydraulic fluid, the carrier piston to move from its retracted position to its extended position. Movement of the carrier piston from its extended position to its retracted position causes, via the hydraulic fluid, the drive piston to move from Its fluid replacement position to Ms start position. Movement of the actuator from its non-actuating position to Ms actuating position causes the drive piston to move from Its extended position to lb retracted position, thereby causing the carrier pbton to move from Ms retracted position and lb extended position to correspondingly move the Insert member Into the Internal cavitation. A biasing mechanism is operable to return the carrier piston to the retracted position.

[90016] In accordance with one aspect of the present Invention there b disclosed a novel mold and elide apparatus system comprising at toast a first mold member and a second mold member that together define an Internal cavHation. A slide apparatus Is mounted on the first mold member for moving an Insert member Into and out of an Internal cavitation In the first mold member. The slide apparatus comprises a main body having a drive cylinder defining a drive-cylinder axis and a carrier cylinder defining a carrier-cylinder axis, A drive pbton is disposed Inr sealed siding relation In the drive oylnder for movement along the drive-cylinder axle between a start position and a fluid displacement position. a carrier piston Is disposed In sealed tiding relation in the carrier cylinder for movement along the carrier- cylinder axis between a retracted position and an extended position. The insert member Is connected to the carrier piston for movement therewith for engaging the Internal csvftation when the carrier piston is b the extended position. A fluid communication passage Interconnects the drive cylinder and the carrier cylinder In fluid communication one with the other, with the fluid communication passage filled with hydraulic fluid. Movement of the drive piston from its start position to its fluid displacement position causes, via the hydraulic fluid, the carrier pbton to move from Its retracted position to It· extended position. Movement of the carrier piston from Ms extended position to its retracted position causes, via the hydrauBc fluid, the drive piston to move from lb fluid displacement position to lb start position. An actuator te movable between a non-actuating position and an actuating position. Movement of the actuator from lb non-actuating position to He actuating position causes the drive piston to move from its start position to lb fluid displacement position, thereby causing the carrier pbton to move from lb retracted position and its extended position to correspondingly move the insert member into the interna! cavitation during a molding operation. A biasing mechanism is operable to return the carrier piston to the retracted position.

[00016] In accordance with another aspect of the present Invention there b disclosed a novel mold cavity block for actuating a sHde apparatus mounted on a mold core block. The mold cavity block comprises a main body member. An actuator movable between a non-actuating position and an actuating position to thereby actuate the side apparatus and correspondingly control the movement of the Insert member of the afide apparatus kite and out of the Internal cavitation. A slide stop portion for engaging a contact portion of the slide apparatus, sto thereby retain the side apparatus In place on the mold core block during the molding operation.

[00017] The slide apparatus may comprise a contact portion oriented eubstantialy transversely to the carrier-cylnder axb and facing away from the Insert member, and may comprise a slide stop portion toeing the contact portion of the sHde apparatus and for engaging the contact portion of tire slide apparatus to -thereby retain the slide apparatus in place on the first mold member during the molding operation. [00018] The sflde stop portion may be movable between an abutting position whereat the slide stop portion engages the contact portion of the stide apparatus, and a retracted position whereat the slide stop portion may be removed from the abutting position.

[00019] The sflde stop portion may comprise a slide abutment surface.

[00020] The alkie abutment surface may be substantially flat

[00021] The slide abutment surface may be angled to at least some degree faces the second mold member.

[00022] The drive-cylinder axis may be vertically oriented.

[00023] The slide apparatus may comprise a drive-piston shat! securely connected to the drive piston.

[00024] The drive-piston shaft may extend outwardly from the main body.

[00025] When the actuator is In the non-actuating position, the actuator may be displaced In separated relation away from the dtivo-pteton shaft, and when the actuator Is in the actuating position the actuator may operatively engage the drive-piston shaft

[00028] The drive-piston shaft may have an actuator receiving surface.

[00027] The sBde apparatus may comprise a displacement adjustment mechanism on the drive- piston shaft, and wherein the actuator receiving surface may be disposed on the ctisplacement adjustment mechanism.

[00028] The displacement adjustment mechanism may comprise an adjusting nut thread ibly engaged on the drive-piston shaft.

[00029] The sSde ¾>paratus may comprise a drive-cylinder cover plate disposed in the outer end of the drive cylinder to retain the drive piston operatively in place therein.

[00030] The slide apparatus may comprise a carrier-cylinder cover plate dlspoeed In the outer end of the carrier cylinder to retain the carrier piston operatively in plaoe therein.

[00031] The carrier-cylinder axis may be horizontally oriented.

[00032] The slide apparatus may comprise a camer-piston shaft securely connected to the carrier piston.

[00033] The carrier-piston shaft may extend outwardly from the main body. [00034] The slide apparatus may comprise an insert carrier secured to the free end of the carrier- piston shaft

[00030] The insert carrier may be secured to the free end of the carrier-piston shell by means of a threaded fastener.

[00038] The Insert carrier may have a proximal end and a distal end and the insert member may extend outwardly from the distal end of the insert carrier.

[0003h The carrier-piston shaft may heve an alignment surface thereon for rotationally fixed engagement with a co-operating that alignment surface on the insert carrier to thereby permit accurate rotational alignment of the ineertable portion of the Insert member with a receiving aperture In the first mold member leading to the internal cavitation.

[00038] The insert member may becarried in removable and replaceable relation by the insert carrier.

[00039] The insert member may have a head portion dimensioned to fit in removable and replaceable relation within a co-operating recess in the insert carrier.

[00040] The insert member may have an alignment surface thereon far rotationally fixed engagement with a co-operating second alignment surface on the Insert carrier to thereby permit accurate rotational alignment of the ineertable portion of the Insert member with a receiving aperture In the first mold member leading to the internal cavitation.

[00041] The alignment surface of the Insert member may be disposed on the head portion of the Insert member and the co-operating second afignment surface may be disposed on the co-operating recess in the heart carrier.

[00042] The insertabte portion of the insert member may extend outwardly from the free end of the insert member.

[000433 The fluid communication passage may be narrower than the drive cyinder and the carrier cylinder.

[00044] The biasing mechanism may comprise a spring member operatively mounted between the carrier piston and the mato body of the elide apparatus.

[00045] The biasing mechanism may comprise an air chamber having an access passage disposed in fluid communication with the second air chamber, and the carrier piston may be operatively ctisposed between the acoese passage and the hydraulic fluid.

[00046] The slide apparatus may have a contact portion oriented substantially transversely to the canter-cyfinder axis and facing away from the insert member, and may comprise a slide stop portion toeing the contact portion of the slide apparatus and for engaging the contact portion of the slide apparatus to thereby act to reinforce the slide apparatus during the molding operation.

[00047] ^"me slide stop portion may be movable between an abutting position whereat the slide stop portion engages the contact portion of the slide apparatus, and a retracted position whereat the slide stop portion may be removed from the abutting position.

[00048] The sfide stop portion may be disposed on the second mold member for movement therewith.

[00048] The slide stop portion may comprise a slide abutment surface.

[00050] The slide abutment surface may be substantially flat

[00061] The slide abutment surface may be angled to at least some degree hoes the second mold member.

[00062] The first mold member may be disposed below the second mold member.

[00068] The second mold member may move verticaBy between an open configuration of the mold and slide apparatus system and a closed configuration of the mold end sfide apparatus system.

[00054] The dosed configuration of the mold and slide apparatus system may correspond to the abutting position of the slide stop portion.

[00066] The first mold member may define a large portion of the Internal cavitation.

[00056] The first mold member may comprise a mold core block and the second mold member comprises a mold cavity block.

[00057] The drive-cylinder axis may be vertically oriented.

[00058] The slide apparatus may comprise a drive-piston shaft securely connected to file drive piston.

[00058] The drive-piston shaft may extend outwardly from the main body.

[00000] When the actuator is in the non-actuating position, the actuator may be displaced in separated relation away from drive-piston shaft, and when the actuator Is in the actuating position the actuator may operatively engage the drive-piston shaft.

[00061] The drive-piston shaft may have an actuator receiving surface. [00062] The side apparatus may comprise a displacement adjustment mechanism on the drive- piston shaft, and the actuator receiving surface may be disposed on the displacement adjustment mechanism.

[00063] The displacement adjustment mechanism may comprise an adjusting nut threadlbly engaged on the drive-piston shaft.

[00064] The slide apparatus may comprise a drive-cylinder cover plate disposed in the outer end of the drive cyinder to retain the drive piston operatively in place therein.

[00065] The slide apparatus may comprise a carriercylnder cover plate disposed in the outer end of the carrier cylinder to retain the carrier piston operatively in place therein.

[00068] The carrier-cylinder axis may be horizontally oriented.

[00067] The sHde apparatus may comprise a carrier-piston shaft securely connected to the carrier piston.

[00068] The carrier-piston shaft may extend outwardly from the main body.

[00068] The elide apparatus may comprise an insert carrier secured to the free end of the carrier- piston shaft.

[000711] The insert carrier may be secured to the free end of the carrier-piston shaft by means of a threaded fastener.

[00071] The insert carrier may have a proximal end and a distal end and the insert member may extend outwardfy from the distal end of the Insert carrier.

[00072] The carrier-piston shaft may have an alignment surface thereon far rotatkxwtfiy fixed engagement with a co-operating that alignment surface on the insert confer to thereby permit accurate rotational atignment of the inseriabie portion of the Insert member with a receiving aperture In the first mold member leading to the Internal cavitation.

[00073] The insert member may be carried in removable and replaceable relation by the insert carrier.

[00074] The insert member may have a head portion dimensioned to fit in removable and replaceable relation within a co-operating recess in the insert carrier.

[00078] The insert member have an alignment surface thereon far rotatkmafiy fixed engagement with a co-operating second alignment surface on the insert canter to thereby permit accurate rotational alignment of the insertabte portion of the insert member with a receiving aperture in the first mold member leading to the internal cavitation. [00078] The alignment surface of the Insert member may be disposed on the head portion of the Insert member and the co-operating second alignment surface may be disposed on the co-operating recess in the insert carrier.

EDO0T7] The intertable portion of the Insert member may extend outwardly from the free end of the insert member.

[00078] The sflde apparatus may be mounted on the mold core Mock.

[00079] The slide apparatus may be mounted on the mold core block in removable sod replaceable relation.

[00080] The slide apparatus may be mounted on the mold core block In removable and replaceable relation by means of threaded fasteners.

[00081] The fluid communication passage may be narrower than the drive oyflnder and the carrier cyBnder.

[00082] The biasing mechanism may comprise a spring member operatively mounted between the carrier piston and the main body of the slide apparatus.

[00083] Tire biasing mechanism may comprise an air chamber having an access passage disposed In fluid communication with the second air chamber, with the carrier piston operatively disposed between the access passage end the hydraulic fluid.

[00084] The actuator may comprise an actuating portion of the second mold member.

[00085] The actuator may comprise an actuating surface on the second mold member.

[00086] Other advantages, features and characteristic· of the present Invention, as we# as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the appended claim· with reference to the accompanying drawings, the latter of which Is briefly described herein below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00087] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the mold and slide apparatus system for use therewith according to the present Invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be bettor understood from the following drawings In which a presently known embodiment of the Invention we now be IBustratad by way of example. It Is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are lor the purpose of Illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of. the invention. In the accompanying drawings;

[00088] Figure 1 ίb e perspective view of a first illustrated embodiment of the mold and slide apparatus system according to the present invention, with the mold cavity block in a raised position above the mold core block such that the mold and slide apparatus system is in an open configuration;

[00088] Figure 2 is a side elevations! view of the first illustrated embodiment of the mold and slide apparatus system of Figure 1, with the mold cavity block in a raised position above the mold core block such that the mold and slide apparatus system is In an open configuration;

[00080] figure 3 Is a side elevational view of the first illustrated embodiment of the mold and slide apparatus system of Figure 1, with the mold cavity block In a lowered position on the mold core block such that the mold and slide apparatus system Is in a closed configuration;

[00091] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the first illustrated embodiment of the mold and slide apparatus system of Figure 1 , with the mold cavity block removed tor the sake of clarity;

[00092] Figure 5 is a perspective view from the core block engaging end of the first illustrated embodiment slide apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[00093] Figure 6 is a perspective view from the cavity block engaging end of the first illustrated embodiment slide apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[00094] Figure 7 is a aide elevational view of the first Illustrated embodiment elide apparatus of Figure 1;

[00089 figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the first Illustrated embodiment slide apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[00086] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the first Illustrated embodiment slide apparatus of Figure 1;

[00097] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the first illustrated embodiment slide apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[00098] Figure 11 is an enlarged side elevatkma! view of the displacement adjustment mechanism on the drive-piston shaft of the first Illustrated embodiment slide apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[00099] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the carrier piston, the carrier-piston shaft and the carrier-cylinder cover plate In the first Illustrated embodiment slide apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[000100] Figure 13 is a front elevational view of the carrier-cylinder cover plate of Figure 12; [000101] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the carrier piston, the carrier-piston shaft, the insert carrier and the insert member of the first Hlustiated embodiment slide apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[000102] Figure 15 is an end etavationai view of the insert carrier and the insert member of the first Bustratad embodiment slide apparatus of Figure 1;

POM 03] Figure 16 Is a side elevattonal view of an outer portion of the carrier-piston shaft, the insert carrier and a portion of the insert member of the first Illustrated embodiment efide apparatus of Figure 1;

[MM 04] Figure 17 is a sectional aide elevations! view of an outer portion of the carrier-piston shaft, the insert canter and a portion of the insert member of Figure 1, taken along section lines 17-17 of Figure 16;

POOI 06] Figure 18 is a bottom plan view of a portion of the cavity block of the first illustrated embedment of the mold and slide apparatus system of Figure 1 ;

p00108] Figure 18 is a perspective view of a second illustrated embodiment of the sBde apparatus according to the present Invention;

[000107] Figure 20 is a side elevattonal view of the second illustrated embodiment of the side apparatus according to the present invention;

[000108] Figure 21 is an exploded perspective view of the second illustrated embodiment of the slide apparatus according to the present invention;

POOI 09] Figure 22 is a sectional side elevations! View of the second ilustrsted embodiment of the slide apparatus according to the present invention; and,

pool 10] Figure 23 is a sectional perspective view of the second Mustrated embodiment of the side apparatus according to the present invention.

PARTS UST AND REFERENCE NUMERALS

100 mold end side apparatus system

111 first mold member

111a receiving aperture

112 second mold member

113 side stop portion (slide stop)

114 internal cavitation

115 threaded, fasteners

120 elide apparatus

122 main body

123b annular boss

123s annular shoulder 124 fluid communication passage

126 hydraufle fluid

12Q slide stop arrangement

127 contact portion (contact surface)

130 drive cylinder

132 drive-cylinder seal

134 snap ring

140 carrier cylinder

142 carrier-cyftnder cover plate

144 threaded fasteners

160 drive piston

161 carrying hydraulic seals

152 drive-piston shaft

164 actuator receiving surface

166 displacement adjustment mechanism 165n adjusting nut

1S5f locking threaded fastener

160 carrier piston

161 carrying hydraulic seals

162 carrier-piston shaft

163 pair of opposed aflgnment surfaces

164 Insert carrier

164a Amt pair of opposed alignment surface 164b second pair of opposed alignment surface 164p proximal end

164d distal end

165 co-operating recess

167 threaded fastener

170 Insert member

171 pair of opposed alignment surfaces

172 head portion

174 insertabte portion

180 actuator

180 biasing mechanism

192 ooH spring member

194 co-operating recess

*C‘ carrier cylinder axis

“D‘ drive-cylinder axis

200 mold end slide apparatus system

212 second mold member

220 slide assembly

222 main body

225 hydraulic fluid

240 carrier cylinder

250 drive piston 260 carrier piston

280 actuator

290 biasing mechanism

2911 top plug

291s side plug

292 air chamber

294 access passage

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[000111] Referring to Figures 1 through 23 of the drawings, it will be noted that Figures 1 through

18 show a first illustrated embodiment of the mold and slide apparatus system according to the present invention, as indicated by the general reference numeral 100, and Figures 19 through 23 show a second iHustratad embodiment of the mold and side apparatus system according to the present invention, as indicated by the general reference numeral 100. As can be readily seen in the Figures, the first illustrated embodiment mold and side apparatus system 100 and the second IHustratad embodiment mold and «tide apparatus system 200 are for moving an insert member into and out of an Internal cavitation during a molding operation, as wM be discussed in greater detail subsequently.

poouq Reference will now be made to Figures 1 through 18, which show a first ifiustrated embodiment of the mold and sfide apparatus system 100 according to the present Invention. In brief, the first Hustrated embodiment of the of the mold and slide apparatus system 100 comprises a first mold member 111, a second mold member 112, an internal cavitation 114, a sfide apparatus 120 that comprises a main body 122, a fluid communication passage 124, a drive cylinder 130, a carrier cyfinder 140, a drive piston 160, a carrier piston 180, an insert member 170, an actuator 180, and a biasing mechanism 190. It should be noted that for the sake of convenience, the two bodies that form the

Internal cavitation 114 have been referred to as first mold member 111 and second mold member 112. They could equally be referred to as die members.

[000113] More specifically, the first illustrated embodiment of the moU and sfide apparatus system

100 comprises a slide apparatus 120 and at least a first mold member 111 and a second mold member 112 that together define an Internal cavitation 114. The first mold member 111 Is disposed below the second mold member 112. The second mold member 112 moves vertkaly between an open configuration of the mold and sfide apparatus system 100, as is best seen In Figures 1 and 2, and a dosed configuration of the mold and slide apparatus system 100, as is best seen in Figure 3. it can readily be seen that the first mold member 111 defines a targe portion of the internal cavitation 114. As par the above dted structure, and as per convention In the industry, the first mold member 111 comprises a mold core block and the second mold member 112 comprises a mold cavity block. In the first Ifiustrated embodiment' the slide apparatus 120 ta mounted on the mold core block 111 in removable and replaceable relation by means of two threaded fasteners 115.

[000114] in the first Hustrated embodiment, the actuator 180 comprises an actuating portion of the second mold member 112. More specifically, the actuating portion comprises an actuating surface on the second mold member 112. As can be reatfily seen, the actuator 180 Is movable between a non-actuating position and an actuating position.

[000116] The slide apparatus 120 is mounted on the first mold member 111 for moving the inaartable portion 174 of the insert member 170 into and out of the internal cavitation 114 In the first mold member 111. The slide apparatus 120 comprises a main body 122 having e drive cylinder 130 defining a drive-cylinder axis“D" that is preferably is vertically oriented and a carrier cyinder 140 defining a canter cylinder axis‘C that is preferably horizontally oriented. There is also a drive-cylinder seal 132 retained in place by a snap ring 134 in the outer end of the drive cylinder 130 to retain the drive piston 150 operatively In place therein. SlmHarty, a carrier-cylinder cover plate 142 Is retained in place by threaded fasteners 144 in the outer end of the carrier cyinder 140 to retain the carrier piston 160 operatively In place therein. f

[000116] A drive piston iso carrying hydraulic seals 161 and Is disposed h sealed eliding relation in the drive cylinder 130 for movement along the drive-cylinder eods“D" between a start position and a fluid displacement position. A drive-piston shaft 152 is securely connected to the drive piston 160 and extends outwardly from the main body 122.

[000117] In order to receive actuating surface of the actuator 180 on the second mold member

112, the drive-pfeton shaft 152 has an actuator receiving surface 154 on the tip end thereof that receives the actuating portion of the actuator 180 In operative engagement thereagafnsL Preferably, there is a displacement adjustment mechanism 155 on the drive-piston shaft 152, to permit selective adjustment of the position of the actuator receiving surface 154 with respect to the actuator 180. The actuator receiving surface 164 is disposed on the displacement adjustment mechanism 155. The displacement adjustment mechanism 155 comprises an adjusting nut 155n threadibfy engaged on the drive-piston shell 162. The adjusting nut 165n Is secured in a selected vertical position by means of a locking threaded fastener 155f.

[000118] When the actuator 180 is in the non-actuating position, the actuator 180 may remain in contact with the actuator receiving surface 154 on the drive-piston shaft 162, or may be displaced in separated relation away from the actuator receiving surface 154 of the drive-piston shaft 152. When the actuator 180 te In the actuating position, the actuator 180 operatively engages the drive-piston shaft 152.

[000118] The carrier piston 160 carrying hydraulic seals 181 Is disposed in sealed eliding relation In the carrier cylinder 140 tor movement along the carrier cylinder axis "C* between a retracted position and an extended position. The Insert member 170 Is connected to the carrier piston 160, as will be discussed In greater detofl subsequently, for movement therewith tor engaging the Internal cavitation 114 when the carrier piston 160 is in the extended position.

[000120] A carrier-piston shaft 182 is securely connected to the carrier piston 160 and extends outwardly from the main body 122. An insert carrier 164 is secured to the free end of the drive-piston shaft 162 preferably by means of a threaded fastener 167, as illustrated, or my any other suitable means. The insert carrier 164 has a proximal end 164p and e distal end 164d. The Insert member 170 Is carried In removable and replaceable relation by the insert carrier 164 and extends outwardly from the distal end of the insert carrier 164. [000121] As can be beet seen in Figure 14 through 17, the insert member 170 has a head portion

172 dimensioned to fit In removable and replaceable relation within a co-operating receaa 165 In the inaert carrier 164, to thereby retain the Insert member 170 in place during longitudinal movement of the carrier piston 180, the carrier shaft, the insert carrier 164, and the insert member 170.

[000122] The carrier-piston shaft 162 has a pair of opposed alignment surfaces 163 thereon for rotationafly fixed engagement with co-operating first pair of opposed alignment surface· 164a on the insert carrier 164 to thereby permit accurate rotation*! alignment of the insertabie portion 174 of the insert member 170 with a receiving aperture 111a in toe first mold member 111 leadhg to the Internal cavitation

114.

[000123] The insert member 170 has a pair of opposed alignment surfaces 171 thereon for rotattonaBy fixed engagement with a cooperating second pair of alignment surface 164b on the insert carrier 164, to thereby permit accurate rotational alignment of the insertabie portion 174 of the insert member 170 with the receiving aperture 111a In the first mold member 111 leading to the internal cavitation 114. The alignment surface of the insert member 170 is disposed on the head portion 172 of the insert member 170 and the co-operating second alignment surface 164b is disposed on the cooperating recess 165 in the insert carrier 164. The Insertabie portion 174 of the insert member 170 extends outwardly from the free end of the insert member 170.

[000124] There is also a fluid communication passage 124 interconnecting the drive-cylinder and the carrier cylinder 140 In fluid communication one with the other, with the fluid communication passage 124 filled with hydrauBc fluid 125. The fluid communication passage 124 is narrower than the drive- cylinder and the carrier cylinder 140. An annular boss 123b between the drive cylinder 130 and the fluid communication passage 124 acts as an abutment surface for the drive piston 150 to define its fUBy displaced fluid displacement position. SImBarty, an annular shoulder 123s between the drive cylinder 130 and the fluid communication passage 124 acts as an abutment surface far the carrier piston 160 to define its fuBy retracted position.

[000125] Movement of the drive piston 150 from tie start position to its fluid displacement position causae, via the hydrauBc fluid 125, the carrier piston 160 to move from Its retracted position to its extended position. Similarly, movement of the carrier piston 160 from its extended position to its retracted position causes, via the hydrauBc fluid 125, the drive piston 150 to move from its fluid displacement position to its start position.

[000126] In order to secure the side apparatus 120 in place during a molding operation, especially during a high pressure injection molding operation, the present invention comprises a slide stop arrangement as indicated by the general reference numeral 126, as toHows.

[000127] The slide apparatus 120 has a contact portion 127 oriented substantia*/ transversely to the carrier cylinder axis "C* and facing away from the insert member 170. As Illustrated, the contact portion 127 comprisee a substantially flat contact surface 127 is angled to at least some degree faces the second mold member 112.

[000128] Correspondingly, there is a slide stop portion 113 facing the contact portion 127 of the slide apparatus 120 and for engaging the contact portion of the sBde apparatus 120 to thereby ad to reinforce the slide apparatus 120 during the molding operation. The sfide stop portion 113 Is movable between an abutting position whereat the slide stop portion 113 engages the contact portion of the slide apparatus 120, as aforesaid, and a retracted position whereat the slide stop portion 113 Is removed from the abutting position. As IHustrated, the side stop portion 113 is disposed on the second mold member 112 for movement therewith, and comprises a substantially flat slide stop surface 113. The sflde stop surface 113 is angled to flatly contact the substantially flat contact surface 127 on the stide apparatus 120. The dosed configuration of the mold and slide apparatus system 100 corresponds to the contacting position of the slide stop surface 113 and the contact surface 127.

[000128] The present Invention also comprises the biasing mechanism 190, which k operable to return the carrier piston 160 to the retracted position. In the first illustrated embodiment, the biasing mechanism 190 comprises a coll spring member 192 operatively mounted between the carrier piston 160 and the main body 122 of the slide apparatus 120, In a co-operating recess 194 In the slide apparatus 120. If desired, the cofl spring member 192 may be In slight compression even when the carrier piston 160 is in Rs retracted position and the drive piston 150 Is In its start position, to ensure feat the drive piston 150 felly returns to its start position.

[000130] In use, In order to have (he Insertable portion 174 of the insert member 170 in place in the Internal cavitation 114 durtog the required time period of the molding cycle of the molding operation, the actuator 180 Is used In conjunction with the second mold member 112, namely the mold cavity block. Movement of the 180 from Its non-actuating position to its actuating position causes the drive piston 150 to move from Its start position to its fluid displacement position, thereby causing the carrier piston 160 to move from Ms retracted position and its extended position to correspondingly move the insertable portion 174 of the Insert member 170 into the Internal cavitation 114 during a molding operation. Subsequently, during the remainder of the molding cycle of the molding operation, when the molded part Is to be ejected, In order to remove the Insertable portion 174 of the Insert member 170 from the internal cavitation 114, the biasing mechanism 190 moves the cantor piston 160 to move from Its extended position to its retracted position, thereby moving the drive piston 160 from Its fluid displacement position to Its start position, and correspondingly moving the actuator 180 from its actuating position to Ms non-ectuating position.

[000131] Reference wMl now be made to Figures 19 through 23, which show a second illustrated embodiment of the mold and sBde apparatus system 200 accenting to the present Invention. As can be readily seen in the Figures, the second Illustrated embedment of the mold and slide apparatus system 200, Is simitar to the first illustrated embodiment of the mold and side apparatus system 200, except that the biasing mechanism 290, which Is stil retained in the mein body 222 of the side assembly 220, comprises an air chamber 292 seeled by a top plug 291t and a side plug 291s, and having an access passage 294 disposed in fluid communication with the carrier cylinder 240, with the carrier piston 260 operatively disposed between the access passage 294 and the hydraulic fluid 226. As the carrier piston 260 moves from its retracted position to its extended position, the carrier piston 260 compresses the air in the carrier cylinder 240 Into the air chamber 292 through the access passage 294. Subsequently, during the remainder of the molding cycle of the molding operation, when the molded part is to be ejected. In order to remove the insertable portion 274 of the Insert member 270 from the interne! cavitation (not specifically shown), when the actuator 280 on the second mold member 212 moves upwardly from its actuating position to its non-actuating position, the compressed air in the dr chamber 292 moves the carrier piston 260 to move from its extended position to its retracted position, thereby moving the -drive piston 260 from Its fluid displacement position to its start position, and correspondingly moving the actuator 280 from its actuating position to Ms non-actuating position.

[000132] As can be understood from the above description and from the accompanying drawings. the present Invention provide· a elide apparatus that overcome· the known problem· and dieadvantagee of conventional prior art elide members, that doe· not have a hom pin, that doe· not experience the problem of significant friction, that does not experience the problem of excessive wear of the side member, that take· fewer threaded fasteners to mount, that doe· not experience the problem of being difficult to adjust in terms of line tuning^* it* position, that does not have wear plate·, that doe· not have gfcs, which are used to guide and control linear movementrof the side member, all of which features are unknown in the prior art

[000133] Other variations of the above principles wHI be apparent to those who are knowledgeable In the field of the invention, and such variations are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Further, other modifications and alterations may be used in the design and manufacture of the combination infant mat and carrying bag, of the present Invention, without departing from the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.

[000134] Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the Invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain I Bustrated embodiment thereof b shown In the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no Intention to Iknit the Invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the Intention is to cover afl modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents tiling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended daima.

[000135] The use of tiie terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents In the context of describing the Invention (especially In the context of the following claim·) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or dearly contradicted by context The terms "comprising", "having", "including", end "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (Le., meaning "inducting, but not limited to.") unless otherwise noted. The term "connected" is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or Joined together, even If there Is something Intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value tiling within the range, unless otherwise Indicated herein, and each separata value la Incorporated into the specification as if it were individually red ted herein. All method» described herein can be performed in any su Sable order unless otherwise Indicated herein or otherwise dearly contradicted by context The use of any and a· example·, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as", "for example") provided herein, Is intended merely to better Illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a Imitation on the scope of the Invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as Indicating any non-daimed element as essential to the practice of the Invention.

[000136] Illustrated embodiments of this invention are described herein. Variations of those illustrated embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skHted artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the Inventor intends for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as spedffcatiy desorfoed herein. Accordingly, this Invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above- described elements in all possible variations thereof la encompassed by the invention unless otherwise Indicated herein or otherwise dearty contradicted by context

Claims

CLAMS:

1. A slid· apparatus mountable on a mold member with an actuator movable between a non- actuating position and an actuating position, for moving an insert member Into and out of an internal cavitation in the mold member, the elide apparatus comprising:

a main body having a drive cylinder defining a drive-cylinder axis and a carrier cylinder defining a carrier-cylinder aids;

a drive piston disposed In sealed stidtog relation In the drive cylinder for movement along the drive-cylinder axis between a start petition and a fluid displacement position;

a carrier piston disposed In sealed sliding relation hi the canter cylinder for movement along the carrier-cylinder aids between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the Insert member is connected to the carrier piston for movement therewith tor engaging the internal cavitation when the carrier piston Is to the extended position;

a fluid communication passage interconnecting the drive cylinder and the carrier cylinder in fluid communication one with the other, with the fluid communication passage filled with hydraulic fluid;

wherein movement of the drive piston from Us start position to Ha fluid displacement position causes, via the hydraulic fluid, the carrier piston to move from Its retracted position to Us extended position;

wherein movement of the carrier piston from its extended position to its retracted position causes, via the hydrauBc fluid, the drive piston to move from Its fluid displacement position to its start position; wherein, movement of the actuator from its non-actuating position to its actuating position causes the drive piston to move from Its extended position to its retracted position, thereby causing the carrier piston to move from its retracted petition and Its extended position to correspondingly move the insert member into the internal cavitation; and.

a biasing mechanism operable to return the carrier piston to the retracted position.

2. A slide apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the side apparatus has a contact portion oriented substantially transversely to the carrier-cylnder axis and facing away Horn the insert member, and further comprising a slide stop portion facing the contact portion of the slide apparatus and tor engaging the contact portion of the tilde apparatus to thereby retain the slide apparatus In place on the first mold member during the molding operation, wherein the slide stop portion is movable between an abutting position whpreat the tilde stop portion engages the contact portion of the side apparatus, as atoresaid, and a retracted position whereat the side stop portion is removed from the abutting position, wherein the slide stop portion comprises a stide abutment surface, wherein the side abutment surface is substantially flat, wherein the slide abutment surface is angled to at least some degree faces the second mold member, end the drive-cytinder axis is vertically oriented.

3. Aside apparatus according to claim 1, farther comprising a drive-piston shaft securely connected to the drive piston, wherein the drive-piston shaft extends outwardly from the main body, wherein when the actuator is in the non-actuating position, the actuator Is displaced in separated relation away from the drive-piston shaft, and when the actuator Is in the actuating position the actuator operatively engages the drive-piston shaft, and wherein the drive-piston shaft has an actuator receiving surface.

4. A slide apparatus according to daim 1, further comprising a displacement adjustment mechanism on the drive-piston shaft, wherein the actuator receiving surface is disposed on the displacement adjustment mechanism, and wherein the displacement adjustment mechanism comprises an adjusting nut thread foly engaged on the drive-piston shaft

5. A slide apparatus according to daim 1 , further comprising a drive-cylinder cover plate disposed in the outer end of the drive cylinder to retain the drive piston operatively in place therein, and further comprising a carrier-cylinder cover plate disposed to the outer end of the carrier cylnder to retain the carrier piston operatively in place therein.

6. A sHde apparatus according to daim 1, further comprising a carrier-piston shaft securely connected to the carrier piston, wherein the carrier-piston shaft extends outwardly from the main body, and further comprising an insert carrier secured to the free end of the carrier-ptston shaft, and wherein the insert carrier secured to the free end of the canter-piston shaft by means of a threaded fastener.

7. A mold and side apparatus system according to claim 6, wherein the insert carrier has a proximal end aid a distal end and tiie insert member extends outwardly from the distal end of the Insert carrier, and wherein the carrier-piston shaft has an aignmerit surface thereon for rotationally fixed engagement with a co-operating first alignment surface on the Insert carrier to thereby permit accurate rotational alignment of the insertabie portion of the insert member with a receiving aperture in the first mold member leading to the internal cavitation.

8. A rnold and side apparatus system according to claim 7. whereto the insert member is canted in removable and replaceable relation by the insert carrier, wherein the insert member has a head portion dimensioned to fit in removable and replaceable relation within a oo-openrting recess In the heart earner, wherein the insert member has an alignment surface thereon for rotation ally fixed engagement with a cooperating second alignment surface on the insert carrier to thereby permit accurate rotational alignment of the insertabie portion of the insert member with a receiving aperture in the first mold member leading to the internal cavitation, wherein the alignment surface of the Insert member Is disposed on the head portion of the insert member and the co-operating second alignment surface is disposed on the co- operating recess in the insert carrier.

9. A mold and slide apparatus system comprising:

at least a first mold member and a second mold member that together define an internal cavitation; a slide apparatus mounted on the first mold member tor moving the insertabie portion of an Insert member into and out of an Internal cavitation to the first mold member, wherein the side apparatus comprise·: a main body having a drive cylinder defining a drive-cylinder axis and a carrier cylinder defining a carrier-cylinder axb;

a drive piston disposed In sealed sliding relation in the drive cylinder for movement along the drive-cylinder axis between e start position and a fluid displacement position:

a carrier piston disposed In sealed sJkfing relation in the carrier cylinder for movement along the carrier-oytinder axis between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the Insert member la connected to the carrier piston for movement therewith for engaging the Internal cavitation when the carrier piston Is In the extended position; ' a fluid communication passage interconnecting the drive cylinder and the carrier cylinder In fluid communication one with the other, with the fluid communication passage filed with hydraulic fluid; wherein movement of the drive piston from its start position to its fluid displacement position causes, via the hydraulic fluid, the carrier pieton to move from Its retracted position to Its extended position; wherein movement of the carrier piston from Hi extended position to its retracted position causes, vie the hydraulic fluid, the drive piston to move from fa fluid displacement position to to start position; an actuator movable between a non-actuating position and an actuating position; wherein, movement of the actuator from its non-actuating position to Its actuating posftion causes the drive piston to move from ns start position to its fluid displacement petition, thereby causing the carrier piston to move from its retracted position and its extended position to correspondingly move the intertable portion of the insert member into the internal cavitation during a molding operation; and, a biasing mechanism operable to return the carrier piston to the retracted position.

10. A mold cavity block tor actuating a slide apparatus mounted on a mold core block, the mold cavity block comprising: a man body member. an actuator movable between a non-actuating position and an actuating position to thereby actuate the •fide apparatus and correspondingly control the movement of the Insert member of the ride apparatus Into and out of the internal cavitation; and, a side stop portion for engaging a contact portion of the slide apparatus, to thereby retain the sSde apparatus In place on the mold core block during the molding operation.