Molding systems, mold extractor systems, and related methods

Molding systems, mold extractor systems 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 molding systems for forming flexible articles, extractor systems for removing flexible articles from molds, and related methods.

Background technique

[0003] Thermoplastic molding systems typically employ a mold having a mold cavity therein into which molten thermoplastic material is injected under pressure. Molds typically include two or more mold pieces that, when adjacent to each other, define mold cavities 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 removable so that the mold can be closed to perform a molding cycle and subsequently opened to allow the molded part to be removed from the mold. When molten thermoplastic material is injected under pressure, the thermoplastic material exerts pressure on the mold pieces, creating a separation force between the mold pieces. Therefore, the platen must exert a reaction closing force on the mold block to keep the mold closed during the molding cycle. The closing force that the platen must exert on the mold increases with the size of the item being molded in the mold cavity. Therefore, forming systems used to form relatively large articles may be very large and may require relatively high hydraulic pressure and electrical power 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 flexible articles, removal of the molded part is usually performed by manually grasping the molded part and pulling the molded part from the mold.

Contents of the invention

[0005] In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes an extractor system for removing a flexible article from a mold. The extractor system may include an extractor roller including 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 rail configured to support the extraction roller, a cart configured to transport the extraction roller along the at least one rail from the first side of the mold toward a second opposite side of the mold, and a cart mounted on the cart. and a motor configured to rotate the take-out roller relative to the cart as the cart transports the take-out roller from a first side of the mold toward a second opposite side of the mold.

[0006] In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes a molding system that may include a mold and an extractor system for removing the flexible article from the mold. The mold includes a first mold half carried by a first platen and a second mold half carried by a second platen, the first and second mold halves defining a mold cavity therebetween for forming the flexible article. The extractor system may include: an extraction roller sized and configured to allow the flexible article to be wound around the extraction roller; and a cart for transporting the extraction roller and configured to position the extraction roller between the first platen and the second platen. move horizontally between them.

[0007] In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes methods of removing a flexible article from a mold. The method may include: after forming the flexible article between the first and second platens, separating the first and second platens of the mold; and positioning the take-out roller between the separated first and second platens. ; engaging the flexible article with a row of teeth positioned along the take-out roller, and rotating the take-out roller to wrap the flexible article around the take-out roller while moving the take-out roller horizontally over the first platen.

Description of the drawings

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

[0009] Figures 2A and 2B are perspective and side views, respectively, of a portion of the extractor system of Figure 1.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the take-out roller of the take-out system of FIG. 1.

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

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

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

[0014] Figure 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 elastomeric cushioning element in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed ways

[0016] The following description provides specific details to provide a comprehensive description of embodiments of the disclosure. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. Indeed, embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using conventional techniques and materials employed in the industry.

[0017] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the 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 are not intended to be actual views of any particular system, device, structure or process, but rather are idealized representations used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure. The figures provided herein are not necessarily to scale. The drawings may use the same reference numbers to identify the same elements.

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

[0019] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as used herein, terms such as "first", "second", "above", "below", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" "," "left," "right," and the like are used for clarity and convenience in understanding the present disclosure and drawings and do not imply or rely on any specific preference, direction, or order.

[0020] Embodiments of the present disclosure include molding systems and associated extractor systems for removing flexible articles from molds. The extractor system includes an extractor roller having a row of teeth for engaging articles. The take-out roller can be transported by trolley. A motor may be operatively coupled to the take-out roller to drive rotation of the take-out roller. In use, the article formed in the mold can be coupled to the take-out roller by engaging a row of teeth on the take-out spoke, and the take-out roller can rotate and move along the cart to cause the article to wrap around the take-out roller and thereby remove it from the mould. Remove the product.

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a molding system 100. Molding system 100 includes first and second platens 102 and 104 respectively supporting first and second mold halves 105A and 105B (collectively, mold 105 ) and defining a mold cavity therebetween. . An injection head 106 may be positioned on the first platen 102 for injecting material (eg, thermoplastic material) into the mold cavity to form an article. A linear actuator 108 and/or other similar mechanisms (e.g., toggle clamp 110, lead screw, etc.) may be positioned below the second platen 104 (and/or above the first platen 102) for use in initiating the forming operation. The second platen 104 and the first platen 102 (and the mold 105) are moved toward each other, for holding the molds 105 relative to each other during injection of material into the mold cavity, and for moving the second platen 104 after the article is formed within the mold cavity. and first platen 102 (and

Molds 105) are separated from each other.

[0022] The molding system 100 may include a method similar to the one published on September 20, 2016 entitled "Small Footprint Apparatus, Method, And Tooling for Molding Large Thermoplastic Parts" )" the same or similar features described in U.S. Patent No. 9,446,542 (e.g., pressure plates 102 and 104, linear actuator 108, toggle clamp 110, injection head 106, mold 105, etc.), all of which The disclosures are incorporated herein in their 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 roller 122 having at least one row of teeth 124 protruding from an outer surface of the extraction roller 122 . The take-out roller 122 may be rotatably mounted on and transported by the cart 126 . Motor 128 may be operably connected to take-out roller 122 and configured to rotate take-out roller 122 . The motor 128 may also be mounted on and transported by the cart 126 . The cart 126 is movable horizontally along at least one track 130 . At least one track 130 and cart 126 may be supported by the extractor support frame 132 .

[0024] At least one rail 130 may extend laterally beyond at least one side of the pressure plates 102, 104 (e.g., the left rear side from the perspective of FIG. 1) to provide a location not directly between the pressure plates 102, 104, The cart 126 and components transported by the cart 126 may be positioned in this position when the platens 102, 104 are brought together for a forming operation. At least one track 130 and portions of the extractor support frame 132 may be positioned far enough apart from each other to provide space for one or both of the first platen 102 and the second platen 104 to move vertically during the forming operation. Therefore, the first mold half 105A and the second mold half 105B can move vertically toward each other during the molding operation without physically interfering with the cart 126, the at least one rail 130, or the extractor support frame 132.

[0025] Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, a detailed view of the extractor system 120 is shown. The take-out roller 122 and 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 can be positioned far enough away from the take-out roller 122 to provide a space in which the article can be placed as it is wound around the take-out roller 122 . A motor 128 may be operably coupled to the take-out roller 122 for rotating the take-out roller 122 . For example, motor 128 may be configured to rotate a drive shaft within gearbox 136 , which may rotate drive gear 138 . The drive gear 138 may be coupled to the roller gear directly by engaging gear teeth or indirectly through an elongated drive member 142 (e.g., a chain, rope, or belt; shown in phantom in Figure 2B; not shown in Figure 2A) 140. In some embodiments employing an elongated drive member 142, a 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, gearbox 136, elongated drive member 142, and tensioner 144 may be absent, and motor 128 may be positioned and oriented to directly drive drive gear 138. In further embodiments, the motor 128 may be positioned near the longitudinal end of the take-out roller 122 and may be configured and connected to directly rotate the take-out roller 122 without the need for any external gears.

[0027] When the ratchet mechanism 146 is engaged, the ratchet mechanism 146 may be coupled to the take-out roller 122 to allow the take-out roller 122 to rotate in one direction (eg, counterclockwise from the perspective of FIG. 2B ), but inhibit rotation in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise from the perspective of FIG. 2B ). , clockwise (clockwise) rotation from the perspective of Figure 2B. A flange 148 may be positioned at each longitudinal end of the take-out roller 122 for retaining the article on the take-out roller 122 and preventing the article from interfering with other elements of the take-out roller 120 .

[0028] The cart 126 and the components transported by the cart 126 may be coupled to at least one track 130 by, for example, at least one cart support roller 150. At least one cart support roller 150 may be configured and positioned to roll the cart 126 horizontally along at least one track 130 .

[0029] Referring to FIG. 3, although the take-out roller 122 may include a cylindrical base member 152, shapes other than cylindrical (eg, rectangular prism, pentagonal prism, hexagonal prism, I-beam, etc.) are also included in this disclosure. A row of teeth 124 may extend along and protrude from the take-out roller 122 . In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 , a row of teeth 124 may extend substantially along the entire length of the base member 152 from adjacent one flange to an adjacent opposing flange 148 .

[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 project generally at an angle a to the normal to the tooth base 154 . As shown in Figure 4, for example, the proximal portion of the tooth 156 may project generally perpendicular to the tooth base 154, and the distal portion of the tooth 156 may extend at an angle a from the normal. Angle a may be in a direction from the normal toward 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. 1-4, in operation, the cart 126 may be initially positioned to the lateral sides of the first and second platens 102, 104 to avoid interference of the first and second platens 102, 104 toward each other. Vertical movement causes interference. For example, the cart 126 may be positioned beneath a portion of at least one track 130 that extends beyond the lateral sides of the first and second platens 102, 104 (eg, the left rear portion shown in Figure 1). The first platen 102 and the second platen 104 may then be moved vertically toward each other by means such as using the linear actuator 108 and/or the toggle clamp 110 (and/or using a device operatively connected to the first platen). 102) 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 platen 102 and/or the second platen 104 may pass between portions 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. Fluid materials can use injection head 106 is injected into the mold cavities between molds 105 to shape the product. The material within the mold cavity can be cooled to harden the article. After sufficient cooling, the article may remain flexible (eg, able to be wrapped around and removed from take-off roller 122 without causing any significant damage to the article).

[0032] The first platen 102 and the second platen 104 may move vertically (i.e., by vertically moving one or both of the first platen 102 and the second platen 104) to separate from each other and open the mold cavity, thereby molding the article The second mold half 105B and the second platen 104 remain. The article may then be removed from the second mold half 105B using the extractor system 120.

[0033] The cart 126 is moveable (eg, manually or automatically driven) horizontally along at least one track 130 to a position between the first platen 102 and the second platen 104 above and proximate an edge portion of the article. The edge portion of the article may then 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 cavities shaped and positioned to complement the teeth 156 of the row of teeth 124 . In other embodiments, articles may not include such extraction features.

[0034] Positioning the article to engage the row of teeth 124 may be accomplished manually (e.g., by one or more persons lifting and placing an edge portion of the article over the row of teeth 124) or automatically (e.g., by moving the take-out roller 122 to where a row of teeth 124 engages the edge portion of the article).

[0035] The take-out roller 122 can be rotated by the motor 128 to lift the article away from the second mold half 105B and wrap the article around the take-out roller 122. At the same time, when the product is lifted and wound on the take-out roller 122, the cart 126 can move horizontally along at least one track 130. The horizontal movement of the cart 126 may be automatically driven by the cart drive system, by the lifting resistance provided by the product as the take-out roller 122 rotates and the product is wrapped around the take-out roller 122, or by one or more persons pushing or pulling the cart 126. Manual drive. 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 article is wound on the take-out roller 122 and completely removed from the second mold half 105B, the cart 126 can be moved to a position laterally adjacent the first and second platens 102, 104 (eg, an initial position) and the article Can be unwound and removed from take-off roll 122 for further processing (eg, handling, packaging, shipping, quality control review, etc.) and use. Unwinding and removing the article may be performed manually, automatically (eg, by utilizing a motor 128 to rotate the take-out roller 122 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the article is taken out), or in a combination of manual and automatic. The ratchet mechanism 146 can be disengaged to facilitate removal of the article from the take-out roller 122 .

[0037] Referring to Figure 5, another embodiment of an extractor system 220 is shown. The extractor system 220 shown in Figure 5 is similar to the extractor system 120 shown in Figures 1-2B and described above. For example, the extractor system 220 shown in FIG. 5 includes an extraction roller 222, a row of teeth 224 extending along and protruding from the extraction roller 222, a motor 228 for driving the extraction roller 222 to rotate, and transporting the extraction roller 222 and the motor. 228 for cart 226. However, the motor 228 may be positioned laterally to the take-out roller 222 rather than above the take-out roller 222 . The motor 228 may be positioned a distance from the take-out roller 222 to leave sufficient space between the motor 228 and the take-out roller 222 for the product to be wound around the take-out roller 222 . In comparison with each other, the vertical dimensions of the extractor system 220 shown in FIG. 5 may be smaller, and the horizontal dimensions of the extractor system 120 shown in FIGS. 1-2B may be smaller. Accordingly, 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 proximate the molding system 100 (FIG. 1).

[0038] Figures 6 and 7 show two separate solutions for winding the articles 300, 400 on the take-out rollers 322, 422. Referring to Figure 6, an edge portion of article 300 (eg, the left edge portion from the perspective of Figure 6) can engage a row of teeth 324 extending along and protruding from take-out roller 322, and take-out roller 322 can be in one direction ( For example, by rotating counterclockwise from the perspective shown in FIG. 6 to position the take-out roller 322 between the product 300 and the second mold half 305B, the product 300 will be taken out of the second mold half 305B. The cart 326 carrying the take-out roller 322 can move in a horizontal direction (eg, to the right from the perspective of FIG. 6 ) along the track 330 to further wedge the take-out roller 322 into the product 300 and the second mold half 305B. between. A similar removal scheme may be achieved by engaging an opposite edge portion of the article 300 (e.g., the right edge portion from the perspective of FIG. 6 ) with a row of teeth 324 and positioning the removal roller 322 in the opposite direction (e.g., from the perspective of FIG. 6 This is accomplished by rotating the cart 326 in a clockwise direction as viewed from the perspective of view) and moving the cart 326 horizontally in a relatively horizontal direction (eg, to the left as viewed from the perspective of FIG. 6 ). In either case, extraction spoke 322 will be positioned between article 300 and second mold half 305B.

[0039] Referring to Figure 7, an edge portion of article 400 (e.g., the right edge portion from the perspective of Figure 7) can engage a row of teeth 424 extending along and protruding from take-out spoke 422, and take-out roller 422 can be in Rotate in one direction (e.g., counterclockwise from the perspective of FIG. 7 ) to position the take-out roller 422 above the article 400 (i.e., on the side of the article 400 opposite the second mold half 405B from which the article 400 will move. The second half mold 405B is taken out). The cart 426 carrying the take-out roller 422 can move in a horizontal direction (eg, to the left from the perspective shown in FIG. 7 ) along the track 430 so that the take-out roller 422 rolls over the product 400 . A similar removal scheme may be achieved by engaging an opposite edge portion of the article 400 (e.g., the left edge portion from the perspective of FIG. 7 ) with a row of teeth 424 and having the removal roller 422 in the opposite direction (e.g., from the perspective of FIG. 7 This is accomplished by rotating the cart 426 in the opposite horizontal direction (eg, to the right as viewed in FIG. 7 ). In either case, take-off roller 422 will be positioned between article 400 and second mold half 405B.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a top view of an elastomeric cushioning element 500, such as for use as a mattress topper, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the apparatus and methods shown in FIGS. 1-7 and described above may be used to manufacture elastomeric cushioning element 500. For example, the elastomeric cushioning element 500 may include interconnected buckling walls 502 that define a hollow column 504 (eg, a void) in an expanded form. As used herein, the term "expanded form" refers to and includes the state in which the cushioning element 500 has its original size and shape and the state in which the flexural walls 502 are separated to define the hollow column 504 . Buckling walls 502 may intersect at right angles to

A square hollow column 504 is defined. In additional embodiments, the flexural walls 502 may intersect at other angles to define hollow posts 504 in other shapes such as triangles, parallelograms, hexagons, and the like. The elastomeric cushioning element 500 may include additional structures and configurations such as those described in Patent No. 8,434,748 entitled "Cushions Comprising Gel Springs" issued on May 7, 2013. U.S. Patent No. 8,628,067 titled "Cushions Comprising Core Structures and Related Methods" published on January 14, 2014; published on December 30, 2014 The published patent number is 8, 919,750 entitled "Cushioning Elements Comprising Buckling Walls and Methods of Forming Such Cushioning Elements"; and patent number published on January 13, 2015 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] Flexural wall 504 may be formed from an elastomeric material. Elastomer materials are described in, for example, Patent No. 5,994,450, entitled "Gelatinous Elastomers, Methods of Making and Using, and Articles Made Therefrom" issued on November 30, 1999. U.S. patent for "Methods of Making and Using the Same and Articles Made Therefrom"; patent number 7,964 published on June 21, 2011, 664 of the U.S. patent entitled "Gel with Wide Distribution of MW in Mid Block"; the patent number 4,369,284 entitled "Gel with Wide Distribution of MW in Mid Block" published on January 18, 1983 U.S. patent for "Thermoplastic Elastomer Gelatinous Compositions"; Patent No. 8,919,750 published on December 30, 2014, entitled "Buffering element including a buckling wall and method of forming the cushioning element ( Cushioning Elements Comprising Buckling Walls and Methods of Forming Such Cushioning Elements); the entire disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Elastomeric materials may include elastomeric polymers and plasticizers. The elastomeric material may be a gel elastomer (also known in the art as a gel, elastomeric gel, or elastic gel), a thermoplastic elastomer, a natural rubber, a synthetic elastomer, a mixture of natural and synthetic elastomers, and the like. , and may include one or more fillers, antioxidants, resins, pigments, etc.

[0042] The extractor systems 120, 220 described above may be sized, shaped, and configured for use with an elastomeric cushioning element such as the elastomeric cushioning element 500. For example, as described above, a row of teeth 124, 224, 324, 424 may be spaced apart and sized so that they fit within at least some of the hollow posts 504 along the edges of the elastomeric cushioning element 500 and with The flexure walls 502 physically interact to effectively pull the elastomeric cushioning element 500 away from the mold 105 and wrap the elastomeric cushioning element 500 around the take-off rollers 122, 222, 322, 422.

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

Embodiment 1: An extractor system for extracting a flexible article from a mold, the extractor system comprising: an extractor roller, including: a base member; and a row of teeth extending along the base member and protruding from the base member; at least one track configured to support the take-out roller; and a cart configured to transport the take-out roller along the at least one track from a first side of the mold toward a second opposite side of the mold.

Embodiment 2: The extractor system of Embodiment 1, further comprising a motor mounted on a cart and configured to transport extraction when the cart moves from a first side of the mold toward a second opposite side of the mold. When rolling, the take-out roller rotates relative to the cart.

Embodiment 3: The extractor system of Embodiment 2, wherein the motor is configured to rotate a drive shaft within the gearbox, which rotates the drive gear by engaging gear teeth directly or by elongated drive component indirectly

Coupled to the roller gear, the elongated drive member is a chain.

[0047] Embodiment 4: The extractor system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the base member of the extraction roller is cylindrical in shape.

Embodiment 5: The extractor system of any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the row of teeth of the extraction roller includes a plurality of teeth protruding from the tooth base at an angle to the normal to the tooth base. tooth.

Embodiment 6: The extractor system of Embodiment 5, wherein the angle to the normal is in a direction toward the intended direction of rotation of the extractor roller when the extractor roller is used to wrap the article around the extractor roller. superior.

[0050] Embodiment 7: The extractor system of any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the motor is mounted on the cart vertically above the extraction roller.

[0051] Embodiment 8: The extractor system of any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the motor is mounted on the cart horizontally adjacent the extraction roller.

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

Embodiment 10: A molding system, comprising: a mold, including a first half mold carried by a first pressing plate and a second half mold carried by a second pressing plate, with the first half mold and the second half mold therebetween. defining a mold cavity for forming a flexible article; and an extractor system for removing the flexible article from the mold, the extractor system including: an extraction roller sized and configured to wrap the flexible article around the extraction roller; and a pusher system The vehicle transports the take-out roller and is configured to move the take-out roller horizontally between the first platen and the second platen.

[0054] Embodiment 11: The forming system of Embodiment 10, wherein the extractor system further includes at least one track, and 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 a lateral side of the mold.

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

Embodiment 14: The molding system of any one of embodiments 10 to 13, wherein the take-out roller is sized and configured to fit directly when the first mold half and the second mold half are separated from each other. Between the first mold half and the second mold half.

Embodiment 15: A method of taking out a flexible product from a mold, the method comprising: after forming the flexible product between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate, separating the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate of the mold; a take-out roller positioned between separate first and second platens; engaging the flexible article with a row of teeth positioned along the take-out roller; and rotating the take-out roller to move the flexible article while moving the take-out roller horizontally on the first platen. The product is wound around the take-out roller.

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

[0061] Embodiment 18: The method of any one of embodiments 15-17, wherein rotating the take-out roller includes automatically rotating the take-out roller using a motor operably coupled to the take-out roller.

Embodiment 19: The method according to any one of embodiments 15 to 18, further comprising positioning the take-out roller

between the edge portion of the flexible article and the second mold half supported by the second platen.

Embodiment 20: The method of any one of embodiments 15 to 18, further comprising positioning the take-out roller above the flexible article, i.e. on an opposite side of the article from the second mold half, The two mold halves are supported by a second platen.

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

CN 113681839 Β