Patent US3816052A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3816052A
Expired / Lapsed
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Operating apparatus for the platens in a thermoforming machine
Assignee: Package Machinery Co
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Filing: 1972-07-17
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Granted: 1974-06-11
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Expires: 1992-07-17
Abstract
Abstract A press or platen operating mechanism for a thermoforming machine wherein the platens and their associated molds are closed and opened on a sheet of plastic material by cam operated linkages. The linkages include elements extending from a cam for each platen and the cam and linkages provide for adjustment of the timing and stroke of each platen independently of the other platen. The linkages also include rack and pinion driven toggle links so arranged that the force holding the platens and molds in closed relationship bears upon the machine frame and not upon any guide rods or tie bars generally associated with such relatively movable platens.
Inventors
- 👤 L Schoppee
- 👤 J Meagher
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 23:56
CPC Classifications
B; B30; B30B; B30B1/00; B30B1/26; B29; B29C; B29C51/00; B29C51/26; B29C51/30; B29C51/38; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/15; Y10T74/1526; Y10T74/1553; Y10T74/1555; Y10T74/1556; Y10T74/18; Y10T74/18056; Y10T74/18176; Y10T74/18888; Y10T74/18976
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
167 words
An apparatus for opeRating a pair of opposed platens in a thermoforming machine having a frame supporting the platens for movement in a straight path to bring mold halves into and out of engagement with the opposite surfaces of a sheet of plastic, said apparatus comprising a pair of driven cams, one such cam being associated with each platen, at least one rack and pinion associated with each platen, linkage means including a cam follower connected between the cam and rack associated with each platen to reciprocate the rack and rotate the associated pinion responsive to cam operation, each such pinion being rotatably supported in the machine frame, and pivoted links connected between each pinion and its associated platen including a crank rotatable with the pinion and so arranged that the links are substantially aligned parallel to said straight path when the mold half associated with the platen engages the plastic sheet in the closed position of the mold half in cooperation with the other mold half.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
167 words
An apparatus for opeRating a pair of opposed platens in a thermoforming machine having a frame supporting the platens for movement in a straight path to bring mold halves into and out of engagement with the opposite surfaces of a sheet of plastic, said apparatus comprising a pair of driven cams, one such cam being associated with each platen, at least one rack and pinion associated with each platen, linkage means including a cam follower connected between the cam and rack associated with each platen to reciprocate the rack and rotate the associated pinion responsive to cam operation, each such pinion being rotatably supported in the machine frame, and pivoted links connected between each pinion and its associated platen including a crank rotatable with the pinion and so arranged that the links are substantially aligned parallel to said straight path when the mold half associated with the platen engages the plastic sheet in the closed position of the mold half in cooperation with the other mold half.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The operating apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein each driven cam is individually adjustable so that the timing of movement of its associated platen can be adjusted independently of the timing of the other platen.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
131 words
The operating apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one cam is rotated when driven; the linkage means connected between the said at least one cam and its associated rack includes a pivotally supported lever which is oscillated responsive to cam rotation and a connecting rod pivotally connected at one of its ends to said lever and at the other of its ends to another element in the said linkage; and wherein the said lever is adapted for connection with the said one end of the connecting rod at any one of a plurality of locations along the lever when the associated platen is in a position corresponding to the closed position of its mold half, whereby the length of stroke of the platen from its said position may be adjusted.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
112 words
The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein the pivoted links connected between at least one pinion and its associated platen include a crank rotatable with the pinion and a connecting link pivotally connected at one of its ends to the free end of the crank and at the other of its ends to the platen, the pivotal connection to the platen comprising a shaft rotatable in the platen and having an eccentric end portion connected to the connecting link, whereby rotation of the shaft will cause adjustment of the position of the platen in bringing its associated mold half into engagement with the plastic sheet in cooperation with the other mold half.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
66 words
The platen operating apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein there are a pair of racks and pinions associated with each cam and platen, one rack and pinion being located on each of opposite sides of the associated pinion and its path of movement, and wherein a single cam follower is utilized in the said linkage means for operation of both racks associated with a platen.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein each driven cam is rotatable and adjustable individually so that the timing of movement of its associated platen can be adjusted independently of the timing of the other platen.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
132 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein each cam is rotatably driven and the cam follower for each cam comprises a pivotally supported lever which is oscillated responsive to rotation of its associated cam and the linkage means for the racks associated with its platen includes a connecting rod pivotally connected at one of its ends to said lever and at the other of its ends to another element in the said linkage, and wherein the said lever is adapted for connection with said one end of its connecting rod at any one of a plurality of locations along the lever when the associated platen is in a position corresponding to the closed position of its mold half, whereby the length of stroke of the platen from its said position may be adjusted.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
109 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the pivoted links connected between each piniOn and its associated platen include a crank rotatable with the pinion and a connecting link pivotally connected at one of its ends to the free end of the crank and at the other of its ends to the platen, the pivoted connection to the platen comprising a shaft rotatable in the platen and having an eccentric end portion connected to the connecting link, whereby rotation of the shaft will cause adjustment of the position of the platen in bringing its associated mold half into engagement with the plastic sheet in cooperation with the other mold half.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein a motion transmitting means is connected between the said shafts associated with each platen so as to provide corresponding adjustment of the platen by rotation of either of said shafts.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-06-10 | 1977-12-10 | 1978-06-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-06-10 | 1981-12-10 | 1982-06-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-06-10 | 1985-12-10 | 1986-06-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |