Importance

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Abstract

The present invention is a mechanism for folding plastic injection molded parts after the parts have been molded and while the parts are still on the mold core half. The mechanism consists of a mold core half having one or more mold cores. The mold core half has a finger movably mounted adjacent the mold core half and movable along a predetermined path between a first position wherein the finger is clear of the mold core and a second position wherein the finger bears against the part on the mold core so as to fold the part. The invention also includes a drive (either electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic) for driving the finger between its first and second positions. The present invention also consists of a method of in-mold folding of a foldable plastic part. The method consists of projecting a finger across a face of the mold core half and towards the plastic part sitting on the mold core such that the finger engages a lower edge of a first portion of the plastic part. The finger is then forced upwardly away from the mold core and towards a second portion of the plastic part in order to fold the first portion onto the second portion. After folding the plastic part, the finger is moved clear of the mold core so that the part can be fully ejected from the mold core and so that the injection mold can proceed with the next molding cycle.

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First Claim