RC spring retainer

Abstract

The invention is a mold spring retainer that allows adjustment by simply pulling a lever. It contains the lever, a pivot point, and spring to hold the lever in place. Release of the lever allows the mold spring retainer to move along the mold knock-out rod.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] None

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

[0002] The inventors did not receive any federally sponsored research and/or development funds or other resources used to create the invention.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX

[0003] Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND

[0004] The invention of the RC Spring Retainer was a result of the inventors recognizing the need for a more effective method of mold retention. Presently, manufactured spring retainers require implementation procedures when attaching and adjusting the spring retainer. The procedures require the person implementing or making the adjustments to spend valuable time adjusting screws or clamps. Seeing a need for an efficient and effective method of spring retention, the inventors invented the RC Spring Retainer.

[0005] The RC Spring Retainer uses a simple, “lever” action to hold the spring retainer in place. The spring retainer is implemented by asserting pressure against the lever on the spring retainer allowing it to slide over the knock-out rod of the mold to its desired location. Once at its desired location, the operator releases the lever and the spring retainer automatically locks itself into position. If the spring retainer needs to be adjusted to a different location on the knock-out rod, the operator—again—places pressure on the lever, allowing it move freely along the knock-out rod. When the new position is reached, the lever is released, securing the new location. The spring retainer is removed as easily as it was attached.

[0006] The RC Spring Retainer is more specifically described in the attached drawings. The invention is beneficial because it significantly reduces the time and effort of operating a spring retainer.

SUMMARY

[0007] The inventors, Roger Slack and Charlie Echter, have invented the RC Spring Retainer. The RC Spring Retainer allows an operator to save valuable time and money when making simple adjustments in spring retainer placement along a mold knock-out rod. It uses a simple spring-loaded lever to impose the brake of the spring retainer. When pressure is applied to the lever, the brake of the spring retainer is released, allowing the operator to make adjustments in its placement along the knock-out rod. When pressure is released from the lever, the brake is set, and the spring retainer does not slide on the knock-out rod.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a horizontal view of the RC Spring Retainer in its intended application on the knockout rod.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a horizontal view of the RC Spring Retainer outside its application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1:

[0011] FIG. 1 shows the invention in its application. The mold (1) holds the substance that is to be molded. After the molding is completed, the molded substance is removed by a knock-out rod (4). The mold is held in place by a retention spring (2). The invention (3) holds the retention spring at the appropriate tension. By use of the lever (6), the brake (5) of the spring retainer (3) is released. The spring retainer (3) is allowed to move freely along the knock-out rod (4) to set spring (2) tension.

[0012] FIG. 2:

[0013] FIG. 2 shows the invention from a horizontal view. The invention is made of steel. The body of the invention (5) contains a tube shaped hole (7 and 8) that runs the entire length of the invention. The knock-out rod shown in FIG. 1 (labeled (4)) is inserted through the tube shaped hole (7 and 8). The lever (3) is attached at a hinge point (6) and held in place by the spring (4). While the lever (3) is in the position indicated, it is a brake that holds the proper tension to the retention spring as illustrated in FIG. 1 (labeled (2)). As the lever (3) is pushed against the spring (4) by pivoting on the hinge point (6), the brake is released. Once the brake is released, the invention can slide freely on the knock-out rod as illustrated in FIG. 1. The end cap (1) holds the lever (3) in proper location. The end cap is held in place by two screws (2).

[0014] FIG. 3:

[0015] FIG. 3 shows the invention from the end view showing the end cap (illustrated in FIG. 2 (labeled (1)). The view does not illustrate the lever shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The end-cap is held to the body by two screws (2). Label 2 shows the tube hole that extends through the entire spring retainer and allows the knock-out rod to be inserted into the invention as illustrated in FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION

[0016] Overview:

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the RC Spring Retainer comprises an action lever that applies a simple brake allowing the invention to hold the mold retention spring at the proper tension. It can be adjusted by releasing the brake via the lever and sliding the retainer to the desired location. Because of the lever and brake system, the retainer is easy to use and saves time to the operator.

[0018] Detailed Description:

[0019] The inventors have created a mold spring retainer that eliminates the time currently needed to adjust the retainer for proper tension or release.

[0020] The retainer has four primary elements that create the invention. The first primary element is the lever. The lever pivots on the hinge pin, the second primary element. The third primary element is the tension spring that holds the lever in place. The fourth element is the casing and tube shaped hold that runs the distance of the casing. The combination of these elements allows the invention to adjust spring tension by applying pressure to the lever and moving the spring retainer along a knock-out rod.

[0021] How the Invention is Used:

[0022] The invention is used to hold and adjust the tension spring on a knock-out rod. As the rod needs to be removed or tension spring adjusted, the spring retainer can be moved by placing pressure upon the lever and releasing the brake. The spring retainer can then be reset by releasing the pressure held against the lever.

[0023] Advantages of the Invention:

[0024] The primary advantage of the invention is its ease of use for the operator. Prior to the invention, operators would have to adjust screws to adjust the spring retainer. These adjustment would consume time and money. The invention allows the spring retainer to be moved with ease and without the need for tools.

Claims

1. A mold spring retainer comprising:

1. A lever-action brake release that includes:

a. A hinge pin that allows for pivoting of the lever;

b. A tension spring that holds the lever in place;

c. An end cap to retain the lever; and

d. A body to contain the lever and provide support;