Swivel hose connection and adjustable mounting of support member for cam

Abstract

This relates to a blow molding apparatus of the rotary wheel type and particularly relates to supplying fluids, such as air, vacuum and water to a mold half and its associated carrier in a manner which permits the reciprocation of the mold half and associated carrier between a mold open position and a mold closed position. This is facilitated by the use of short lengths of hose which are attached to respective manifolds by swivels. The swivels permit the ends of the hose to change their angular relationship as one end of each hose moves relative to an opposite end of the hose. Adjacent ones of the hoses are located in adjacent parallel planes and are initially bowed in one direction and reverse their direction of bow as movable ends of the hoses move beyond fixed ends of the hoses. The carrier for the movable mold half has associated therewith a cam follower for engaging a cam which effects the opening and closing of the mold. The mold carrier is adjustable relative to the axis of rotation of the apparatus so as to accommodate molds of different sizes. The cam follower is specially mounted for adjustment relative to the mold carrier. Further, the manifolds for the moving terminal ends of the hoses are carried by the support for the cam follower so that the movement of the hoses is the same for all positions of the carrier.