Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a mold is described herein, wherein a movable mold is revolved and pivotally moved in association with a mold opening and closing operation. When opened, the mold is maintained in a sideways position such that the mold surface faces outwardly. In this manner, the molded article recovery operation is simplified, and monitoring of the mold surface by an industrial television set (ITV) is facilitated. In the mold opening operation, the movable mold begins at a position opposed to a fixed mold. As the mold is opened, a pinion is rotatively driven by a rack which is moved downward in association with the mold opening operation. In this manner, a rotatable block is revolved and pivotally moved along with the movable mold to a position so that the movable mold and the molded article are pointed outwardly. Ejection pins may then be used to eject the molded article off the mold.

Abstract: A die locking mechanism for a molding apparatus including stationary and movable die assemblies, has a stop bar movable back and forth with respect to the stationary frame structure in a direction parallel with the direction of movement of the movable die assembly, and a locking member rockable between first and second angular positions about a fixed pivot axis. The locking member has a cam lobe portion generally arcuately curved about the pivot axis and is engageable with the stop bar, the cam lobe portion being disengaged from the stop bar with the locking member in the first angular position and being engageable with the stop bar with the locking member in the second angular position so that the movable die assembly is locked in position with respect to the movable die assembly.