Molding system, mold extractor system, and related method

Molding system, mold extractor system and related methods

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application with an application date of July 17, 2018, an application number of 201810785825.7, and an invention title of "molding system, mold extractor system and related methods".

Technical field

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a molding system for forming a flexible article, an extractor system for removing a flexible article from a mold, and related methods.

Background technique

[0003] Thermoplastic molding systems generally employ a mold having a mold cavity therein, and molten thermoplastic material is injected into the mold under pressure. The mold generally includes two or more mold pieces, and when the mold pieces abut each other, the mold pieces define a mold cavity between the mold pieces. The molding system usually includes two platens that respectively support the mold blocks. One or both of the mold platens are movable so that the mold can be closed to perform the molding cycle, and then opened to allow the molded part to be removed from the mold. When the molten thermoplastic material is injected under pressure, the thermoplastic material exerts pressure on the mold blocks, creating a separation force between the mold blocks. Therefore, the pressing plate must exert a reactionary closing force on the mold block to keep the mold closed during the molding cycle. The closing force that the pressing plate must exert on the mold increases as the size of the molded article in the mold cavity increases. Therefore, the molding system used to mold relatively large articles may be very large and may require higher hydraulic pressure and electricity to operate.

[0004] After the molded part is formed in the mold cavity, the two pressure plates are separated and the molded part is taken out. When manufacturing large-scale flexible products, taking out the molded part is usually performed by manually grasping the molded part and pulling the molded part out of the mold.

Summary of the invention

[0005] In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes an extractor system for extracting flexible articles from a mold. The extractor system may include an extraction spoke that includes a base member and a row of teeth extending along and protruding from the base member. The extractor system may further include at least one track configured to support the extracted spoke, a cart configured to transport the extracted spoke along the at least one track from the first side of the mold toward the second opposite side of the mold, and mounted on the cart. The upper motor is configured to rotate the extraction spoke relative to the cart when the cart transports the extraction spoke from the first side of the mold toward the second opposite side of the mold.

[0006] In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes a molding system, which may include a mold and an extractor system for removing flexible articles from the mold. The mold includes a first mold half carried by a first pressure plate and a second mold half carried by a second pressure plate. The first mold half and the second mold half define therebetween a mold cavity for forming a flexible product. The extractor system may include: a take-out spoke, the size of which is designed and configured to wind a flexible product on the take-out spoke; and a cart for transporting the taken-out spoke and is configured to place the taken-out spoke on the first pressing plate and the second pressing plate Move horizontally between.

[0007] In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes a method of removing a flexible article from a mold. This method may include: after the flexible product is formed between the first pressing plate and the second pressing plate, separating the first pressing plate and the second pressing plate of the mold; positioning the take-out spoke between the separated first pressing plate and the second pressing plate ; The flexible product is engaged with a row of teeth positioned along the take-out spoke, and the take-out spoke is rotated while the take-out spoke is horizontally moved above the first pressing plate so that the flexible product is wound on the take-out spoke.

Description of the drawings

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a molding system including an extractor system according to the present disclosure.

[0009] FIGS. 2A and 2B are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a portion of the extractor system of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an extractor spoke of the extractor system of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a side view of the teeth of the extractor system of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an extractor system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a simplified schematic side view of an extractor system in use according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a simplified schematic side view of an extractor system in use according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a top view of an elastomer cushioning element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed ways

[0016] The following description provides specific details to provide a comprehensive description of the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented without adopting these specific details. In fact, the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in combination with conventional technologies and materials adopted in the industry.

[0017] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of the detailed description, and specific embodiments in which the present disclosure can be implemented are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in an illustrative form. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to implement the present disclosure. However, other embodiments may be utilized, and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The illustrations presented herein do not refer to actual views of any specific system, device, structure, or process, but are used to describe an idealized representation of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The drawings provided herein are not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings may use the same reference numerals to identify the same elements.

[0018] As used herein, the term "substantially" with respect to a given parameter, characteristic, or condition refers to and includes those skilled in the art will understand that the given parameter, characteristic, or condition satisfies such as being within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. The degree of minor change. For example, a parameter that is substantially satisfied may be at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or even at least about 99%.

[0019] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, as used herein, such as "first", "second", "above", "below", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" Any relational terms such as "", "left", "right", etc. are used to clearly and conveniently understand the present disclosure and the drawings, and do not imply or rely on any specific preference, direction or order.

[0020] Embodiments of the present disclosure include molding systems and related extractor systems for extracting flexible articles from molds. The extractor system includes an extractor spoke with a row of teeth for engaging the article. The spokes can be transported by cart. The motor may be operatively coupled to the extraction spoke to drive the extraction spoke to rotate. In use, the product formed in the mold can be coupled to the extraction spoke by engaging a row of teeth on the extraction spoke, and the extraction spoke can be rotated and moved along the cart to wrap the product around the extraction spoke, thereby removing it from the mold. Take out the product.

[0021] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a molding system 100. As shown in FIG. The molding system 100 includes a first platen 102 and a second platen 104 that respectively support a first half-mold 105A and a second half-mold 105B (collectively referred to as a mold 105). The first half-mold 105A and the second half-mold 105B define a mold cavity therebetween. . The injection head 106 may be positioned on the first platen 102 for injecting a material (for example, a thermoplastic material) into the mold cavity to shape the product. The linear actuator 108 and/or other similar mechanisms (for example, toggle clamp 110, lead screw, etc.) may be positioned below the second platen 104 (and/or above the first platen 102) for use at the beginning of the forming operation When the second pressure plate 104 and the first pressure plate 102 (and the mold 105) are moved toward each other, they are used to keep the mold 105 facing each other during the injection of the material into the mold cavity, and the second pressure plate 104 is formed after the product is formed in the mold cavity. And the first pressure plate 102 (and

The molds 105) are separated from each other.

[0022] The molding system 100 may include the same as the "Small Footprint Apparatus, Method, And Tooling for Molding Large Thermoplastic Parts" published on September 20, 2016. )" the same or similar features described in the US Patent No. 9,446,542 (for example, platen 102 and 104, linear actuator 108, toggle clamp 110, injection head 106, mold 105, etc.), all of which The disclosure content is incorporated herein in its entirety.

[0023] The molding system 100 may further include an extractor system 120 for extracting the flexible article from the second mold half 105B. The extractor system 120 may include an extraction spoke 122 having at least one row of teeth 124 protruding from the outer surface of the extraction spoke 122. The take-out spoke 122 may be rotatably mounted on the cart 126 and transported by the cart 126. The motor 128 may be operatively connected to the extraction spoke 122 and configured to rotate the extraction spoke 122. The motor 128 can also be mounted on the cart 126 and carried by the cart 126. The cart 126 can move horizontally along at least one rail 130. At least one rail 130 and cart 126 may be supported by the extractor support frame 132.

[0024] The at least one rail 130 may extend laterally beyond at least one side of the pressure plates 102, 104 (for example, the left rear side viewed from the perspective of FIG. 1) to provide a position not directly located between the pressure plates 102, 104, When the press plates 102, 104 are put together for forming operations, the cart 126 and the components carried by the cart 126 can be positioned in this position. At least one rail 130 and a portion of the extractor support frame 132 may be positioned sufficiently far apart from each other to provide a space in which one or both of the first pressure plate 102 and the second pressure plate 104 can move vertically during the forming operation. Therefore, the first mold half 105A and the second mold half 105B can move vertically with each other during the molding operation without physical interference with the cart 126, the at least one rail 130, or the extractor support frame 132.

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a detailed view of the extractor system 120 is shown. The extraction spoke 122 and the motor 128 may be mounted on the cart frame 134. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the motor 128 may be positioned vertically above the extraction spoke 122. The motor 128 may be positioned far enough away from the extraction spoke 122 to provide a space in which the product can be placed when the product is wound on the extraction spoke 122. The motor 128 may be operatively coupled to the extraction spoke 122 for rotating the extraction spoke 122. For example, the motor 128 may be configured to rotate the drive shaft in the gear box 136, which may cause the drive gear 138 to rotate. The drive gear 138 may be directly coupled to the spoke gear by engaging gear teeth or indirectly through an elongated drive member 142 (eg, a chain, rope, or belt; shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2B; not shown in FIG. 2A) 140. In some embodiments employing an elongated drive member 142, the tensioner 144 may also be operably coupled to the elongated drive member 142 to facilitate proper tensioning of the elongated drive member 142.

[0026] In some embodiments, the gearbox 136, elongated drive member 142, and tensioner 144 may not be present, and the motor 128 may be positioned and oriented to directly drive the drive gear 138. In a further embodiment, the motor 128 may be positioned near the longitudinal end of the extraction spoke 122, and may be constructed and connected to directly rotate the extraction spoke 122 without any external gears.

[0027] When the ratchet mechanism 146 is engaged, the ratchet mechanism 146 may be coupled to the extraction spoke 122 to allow the extraction spoke 122 to rotate in one direction (for example, counterclockwise from the perspective of FIG. 2B), but inhibited in the opposite direction (for example, , Clockwise from the perspective of Figure 2B). The flange 148 may be positioned at each longitudinal end of the extraction spoke 122 for keeping the product on the extraction spoke 122 and avoiding interference between the product and other elements of the extractor system 120.

[0028] The cart 126 and the elements carried by the cart 126 may be coupled to at least one rail 130 by, for example, at least one cart support spoke 150. The at least one cart support spoke 150 may be constructed and positioned so that the cart 126 rolls horizontally along the at least one track 130.

3, although the take-out spoke 122 may include a cylindrical base member 152, shapes other than cylindrical (for example, rectangular prism, pentagonal prism, hexagonal prism, I-beam, etc.) Also included in this disclosure. A row of teeth 124 may extend along the extraction spoke 122 and protrude from the extraction spoke 122. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, a row of teeth 124 may extend from an adjacent flange to an adjacent opposing flange 148 along substantially the entire length of the base member 152.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, a row of teeth 124 may include a tooth base 154 from which teeth 156 protrude. The tooth base 154 may be coupled (eg, bolted, adhered, welded) to the base member 152. Each of the teeth 156 may generally protrude at an angle a to the normal to the tooth base 154. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, the proximal portion of the tooth 156 may protrude generally perpendicular to the tooth base 154, and the distal portion of the tooth 156 may extend at an angle α to the normal. The angle α may be in a direction from the normal to the intended direction of rotation of the base member 152 (eg, counterclockwise upward rotation from the perspective of FIG. 4) to maintain engagement of the teeth 156 with the article in use.

[0031] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 4, in operation, the cart 126 can be initially positioned to the lateral sides of the first and second pressure plates 102, 104 to avoid the first and second pressure plates 102, 104 facing each other Vertical movement causes interference. For example, the cart 126 may be positioned below a portion of at least one rail 130 that extends beyond the lateral sides of the first and second pressure plates 102, 104 (eg, the left rear portion shown in FIG. 1). Then, the first pressure plate 102 and the second pressure plate 104 can be moved vertically toward each other in the following manner: such as by using a linear actuator 108 and/or a toggle clamp 110 (and/or using operably connected to the first pressure plate 102 similar linear actuators and toggle clamps) by moving the first pressure plate 102 downward, by moving the second pressure plate 104 upward, or by moving both the first pressure plate 102 downward and the second pressure plate 104 upward. The first pressing plate 102 and/or the second pressing plate 104 may pass between a portion of the extractor support frame 132 and/or at least one rail 130. The first mold half 105A may be positioned against the second mold half 105B to form a mold cavity therebetween. The fluid material can be injected into the mold cavity between the molds 105 using the injection head 106 to shape the product. The material in the mold cavity can be cooled to harden the product. After being sufficiently cooled, the article can remain flexible (for example, it can be wrapped around and removed from the take-out spoke 122 without Will cause any significant damage to the product).

[0032] The first pressure plate 102 and the second pressure plate 104 can be moved vertically (ie, by vertically moving one or both of the first pressure plate 102 and the second pressure plate 104) to separate from each other and open the mold cavity, thereby separating the product Stay in the second half 105B and the second pressing plate 104. The extractor system 120 can then be used to remove the article from the second mold half 105B.

[0033] The cart 126 can move horizontally (eg, manually or automatically driven) along at least one rail 130 to a position between the first pressure plate 102 and the second pressure plate 104 above and near the edge portion of the product. Then, the edge portion of the article can be positioned to engage a row of teeth 124. In some embodiments, the mold 105 may be designed to form extraction features of the article, such as a cavity that is designed and positioned to be complementary to the teeth 156 of the row of teeth 124. In other embodiments, the article may not include such extraction features.

[0034] Positioning the article to engage a row of teeth 124 can be done manually (for example, by one or more persons lifting and placing the edge portion of the article on a row of teeth 124) or automatically (for example, by moving the extraction spoke 122 to The position where a row of teeth 124 engage with the edge portion of the product).

[0035] The take-out spoke 122 can be rotated by the motor 128 to lift the product away from the second mold half 105B and wind the product on the take-out spoke 122. At the same time, when the product is lifted and wound on the take-out spoke 122, the cart 126 can move horizontally along the at least one rail 130. The horizontal movement of the cart 126 can be automatically driven by the cart drive system, automatically driven by the lifting resistance provided by the product when the take-out spoke 122 rotates and the product is wound on the take-out spoke 122, or by one or more people pushing or pulling the cart 126 Manually driven. In some embodiments, there may be a combination of automatic and manual horizontal movement of the cart 126 along at least one track 130.

[0036] After the product is wrapped around the take-out spoke 122 and completely removed from the second mold half 105B, the cart 126 can be moved to a position laterally adjacent to the first and second platens 102, 104 (for example, the initial position) and the product It can be unwound and removed from the take-out spoke 122 for further processes (eg, handling, packaging, transportation, quality control review, etc.) and use. Unwinding and removing the product may be performed manually, automatically (for example, by rotating the takeout spoke 122 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the product is taken out by using the motor 128), or a combination of manual and automatic. The ratchet mechanism 146 can be detached to facilitate removal of the article from the extraction spoke 122.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 5, another embodiment of an extractor system 220 is shown. The extractor system 220 shown in FIG. 5 is similar to the extractor system 120 shown in FIGS. 1 to 2B and described above. For example, the extractor system 220 shown in FIG. 5 includes extracting spokes 222, a row of teeth 224 extending along the extracting spokes 222 and protruding from the extracting spokes 222, a motor 228 for driving the extracting spokes 222 to rotate, and transporting the extracting spokes 222 and the motor. 228 of the cart 226. However, the motor 228 may be positioned on the lateral side of the extraction spoke 222 instead of being located above the extraction spoke 222. The motor 228 may be positioned at a certain distance from the extraction spoke 222 to leave enough space between the motor 228 and the extraction spoke 222 for the product to be wound on the extraction spoke 222. Compared with each other, the vertical size of the extractor system 220 shown in FIG. 5 may be smaller, and the horizontal size of the extractor system 120 shown in FIGS. 1 to 2B may be smaller. Therefore, the specific configuration of the extractor system 120, 220 may be selected based on various factors such as the distance between the platens 102, 104 (FIG. 1) or the amount of available space near the molding system 100 (FIG. 1).

[0038] FIGS. 6 and 7 show two separate solutions for winding the products 300, 400 on the extraction spokes 322, 422. 6, the edge portion of the article 300 (for example, the left edge portion from the perspective of FIG. 6) may be engaged with a row of teeth 324 extending along and protruding from the extraction spoke 322, and the extraction spoke 322 may be in one direction ( For example, rotate counterclockwise from the perspective shown in FIG. 6 to position the extraction spoke 322 between the product 300 and the second mold half 305B, and the product 300 will be extracted from the second mold half 305B. The cart 326 transporting the extraction spoke 322 can move in a horizontal direction (for example, to the right from the viewing angle shown in FIG. 6) along the track 330 to further wedge the extraction spoke 322 into the product 300 and the second mold half 305B between. A similar extraction scheme can be achieved by engaging the opposite edge portion of the article 300 (for example, the right edge portion from the perspective of FIG. 6) with a row of teeth 324 and making the extraction spoke 322 in the opposite direction (for example, from the This is achieved by rotating clockwise from the viewing angle and moving the cart 326 horizontally in a relative horizontal direction (for example, to the left from the viewing angle shown in FIG. 6). In either case, the take-out spoke 322 will be positioned between the article 300 and the second mold half 305B.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 7, the edge portion of the article 400 (for example, the right edge portion as viewed from the perspective of FIG. 7) may be engaged with a row of teeth 424 extending along and protruding from the extraction spoke 422, and the extraction spoke 422 may be Rotate in one direction (for example, counterclockwise from the perspective of FIG. 7) to position the take-out spoke 422 above the product 400 (that is, on the side of the product 400 opposite to the second mold half 405B, the product 400 will change from Take out the second mold half 405B). The cart 426 that transports the extraction spoke 422 can move in a horizontal direction (for example, to the left as viewed from the perspective shown in FIG. 7) along the track 430 so that the extraction spoke 422 rolls over the product 400. A similar extraction scheme can be achieved by engaging the opposite edge portion of the product 400 (for example, the left edge portion from the perspective of FIG. 7) with a row of teeth 424 and making the extraction spoke 422 in the opposite direction (for example, from the This is achieved by rotating clockwise from the viewing angle and moving the cart 426 horizontally in the opposite horizontal direction (for example, to the right from the viewing angle shown in FIG. 7). In either case, the take-out spoke 422 will be positioned between the article 400 and the second mold half 405B.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a top view of an elastomeric cushioning member 500, such as used as a mattress cover, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiments of the apparatus and method shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 and described above can be used to manufacture the elastomeric cushioning element 500. For example, the elastomeric cushioning element 500 may include buckling walls 502 interconnected with each other, which define a hollow column 504 (eg, a void) in an expanded form. As used herein, the term "expanded form" refers to and includes a state in which the cushioning element 500 has its original size and shape and a state in which the flexion wall 502 is divided to define a hollow column 504. The buckling walls 502 can intersect at right angles to

A square hollow column 504 is defined. In other embodiments, the buckling walls 502 may intersect at other angles to define hollow columns 504 of other shapes such as triangles, parallelograms, hexagons, and the like. The elastomeric cushioning element 500 may include, for example, additional structures and configurations described in the following documents: Patent No. 8,434,748, published on May 7, 2013, entitled "Cushions Comprising Gel Springs" United States Patent; Patent No. 8,628,067 published on January 14, 2014, entitled "Cushions Comprising Core Structures and Related Methods" United States Patent; on December 30, 2014 The published patent number is 8, US Patent No. 919,750 entitled "Cushioning Elements Comprising Buckling Walls and Methods of Forming Such Cushioning Elements"; and the patent number published on January 13, 2015 US Patent No. 8,932,692 entitled "Cushions Comprising Deformable Members and Related Methods", the entire disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0041] The buckling wall 504 may be formed of an elastomer material. Elastomer materials are described in, for example, the following documents: Patent No. 5,994,450, published on November 30, 1999, entitled "Gelatinous Elastomers, Manufacturing and Using Methods, and Products Made From It (Gelatinous Elastomer and Methods of Making and Using the Same and Articles Made Therefrom)" US patent; the patent number issued on June 21, 2011 is 7,964, US Patent No. 664 entitled "Gel with Wide Distribution of MW in Mid Block"; Patent No. 4,369,284 issued on January 18, 1983, entitled "Gel with Wide Distribution of MW in Mid Block" Thermoplastic Elastomer Gelatinous Compositions (Thermoplastic Elastomer Gelatinous Compositions)" U.S. Patent; Patent No. 8,919,750, published on December 30, 2014, entitled "Cushioning element including a buckling wall and method for forming the cushioning element" Cushioning Elements Comprising Buckling Walls and Methods of Forming Such Cushioning Elements)"; the entire disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Elastomeric materials may include elastomeric polymers and plasticizers. The elastomer material can be a gel-like elastomer (also called gel, elastomer gel or elastic gel in the art), thermoplastic elastomer, natural rubber, synthetic elastomer, a mixture of natural and synthetic elastomers, etc. , And may include one or more fillers, antioxidants, resins, pigments, etc.

[0042] The size, shape, and configuration of the extractor systems 120, 220 described above can be designed to be used with elastomeric cushioning elements such as elastomeric cushioning elements 500. For example, as described above, a row of teeth 124, 224, 324, 424 can be spaced apart, and its size can be designed such that it fits in at least some hollow posts 504 along the edge of the elastomeric cushioning element 500, and is consistent with The buckling wall 502 physically interacts to effectively pull the elastomer buffer element 500 away from the mold 105 and wind the elastomer buffer element 500 on the extraction spokes 122, 222, 322, 422.

[0043] Additional non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth below.

[0044] Example 1: An extractor system for extracting flexible products from a mold, the extractor system comprising: extracting spokes, including: a base member; and a row of teeth extending along the base member and protruding from the base member; At least one track is configured to support the extraction spoke; and a cart is configured to transport the extraction spoke along the at least one track from the first side of the mold toward the second opposite side of the mold.

[0045] Embodiment 2: The extractor system according to embodiment 1, further comprising a motor, mounted on the cart and configured to transport and remove the cart from the first side of the mold toward the second opposite side of the mold When the spokes are spoken, the taken-out spokes are rotated relative to the cart.

[0046] Embodiment 3: The extractor system according to Embodiment 2, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the drive shaft in the gear box, which rotates the drive gear, which engages the gear teeth directly or through the elongated Drive member indirectly

Connected to the spoke gear, the slender driving member is a chain.

[0047] Embodiment 4: The extractor system according to any one of the embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the shape of the base member from which the spoke is taken out is cylindrical.

[0048] Embodiment 5: The extractor system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein a row of teeth from which the spoke is taken out includes a plurality of teeth protruding from the tooth base at an angle to the normal to the tooth base tooth.

[0049] Embodiment 6: The extractor system according to Embodiment 5, wherein when the take-out spoke is used to wind the product on the take-out spoke, the angle to the normal is in the direction toward the expected rotation direction of the taken-out spoke superior.

[0050] Embodiment 7: The extractor system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the motor is mounted on a cart and vertically above the extraction spoke.

[0051] Embodiment 8: The extractor system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the motor is mounted on a cart and horizontally adjacent to the extraction spoke.

[0052] Embodiment 9: The extractor system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein at least one track includes two tracks.

[0053] Embodiment 10: A molding system, including: a mold, including a first mold half carried by a first pressure plate and a second mold half carried by a second pressure plate, the first mold half and the second mold half therebetween Defining a mold cavity for forming the flexible product; and an extractor system for extracting the flexible product from the mold, the extractor system includes: extracting spokes, the size of which is designed and configured so that the flexible product is wound on the extracting spokes; and pushing The cart transports the extracted spokes and is configured to horizontally move the extracted spokes between the first pressing plate and the second pressing plate.

[0054] Embodiment 11: The molding system of embodiment 10, wherein the extractor system further includes at least one track, wherein the cart is horizontally movably coupled to the track.

[0055] Embodiment 12: The molding system of embodiment 11, wherein at least one rail extends beyond the lateral side of the mold.

[0056] Embodiment 13: The molding system according to embodiment 11 or 12, wherein at least one rail includes two rails, and the two rails are separated from each other by a sufficient distance to allow at least one of the first mold half or the second mold half One passes vertically between the two tracks.

[0057] Embodiment 14: The molding system according to any one of Embodiments 10 to 13, wherein when the first mold half and the second mold half are separated from each other, the size of the take-out spoke is designed and configured to be directly assembled Between the first mold half and the second mold half.

[0058] Example 15: A method of taking out a flexible product from a mold, the method comprising: after the flexible product is formed between the first platen and the second platen, the first platen and the second platen of the mold are separated; The take-out spoke is positioned between the separated first pressing plate and the second pressing plate; the flexible product is engaged with a row of teeth positioned along the taken-out spoke, and while the taken-out spoke is moved horizontally on the first platen, the taken-out spoke is rotated to make it flexible The product is wrapped around the take-out spoke.

[0059] Embodiment 16: The method of Embodiment 15, wherein engaging the flexible article with a row of teeth includes manually positioning the flexible article against the row of teeth.

[0060] Embodiment 17: The method of Embodiment 15, wherein engaging the flexible article with a row of teeth includes automatically positioning the flexible article against the row of teeth.

[0061] Embodiment 18: The method of any one of Embodiments 15 to 17, wherein rotating the extraction spoke includes automatically rotating the extraction spoke using a motor operably coupled to the extraction spoke.

[0062] Embodiment 19: The method according to any one of Embodiments 15 to 18, further comprising removing the radiation

It is located between the edge portion of the flexible product and the second mold half supported by the second pressing plate.

[0063] Embodiment 20: The method according to any one of Embodiments 15 to 18, further comprising positioning the take-out spoke above the flexible product, that is, on the side of the product opposite to the second mold half, The second half of the mold is supported by the second pressing plate.

[0064] Since the embodiments of the present disclosure described above and shown in the drawings are merely examples of the embodiments of the present disclosure, they do not limit the scope of the present invention. The present invention is covered by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Any equivalent embodiments are within the scope of this disclosure. In fact, in addition to the various modifications of the present disclosure shown and described herein, various modifications of the present disclosure, such as other combinations and modifications of the elements, will become apparent from the description to those of ordinary skill in the art. . Such embodiments, combinations and modifications also fall within the scope of the appended claims and their legal equivalents.