Patents Examined by Jay H. Wco
  • Patent number: 5480607
    Abstract: The present invention teaches an improved method and apparatus for molding plastic products which results in the removal of plastic residue such as flash from the products during the molding process itself. The invention teaches the use of flash retainers, situated within the mold, and into which a portion of the plastic flash becomes trapped during the molding process. After the mold is opened, the product is removed, leaving the flash still secured to the mold. The flash is then removed from the mold by the use of ejector rods which are inserted to within the flash retainers, forcing the flash from the retainer and thereby releasing the flash from the mold. In one embodiment, the flash is pinched between two members which are moved simultaneously away from the molded product to tear the flash completely away from the outer periphery of the molded product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventor: Gerald R. Hobson