Blow mold shell and shell holder assembly for blow-molding machine

Abstract

A blow mold assembly is provided that comprises a blow mold shell, a mold holder and a mold holding assembly. The blow mold shell having a first annular groove disposed within the lengthwise exterior surface of the shell. The first annular groove serves as a mating surface for a support harness that positions the mold shell within the blow mold assembly. Additionally, the blow mold shell may comprise a shoulder insert that may include an independent cooling channel. The blow mold assembly comprises a mold holder that includes arcuate interior surfaces and arcuate exterior surfaces so as to create a concentric blow mold holder. The mold holder may comprise a pressure compensation element that is capable of compensating for the pressure build-up within the mold shell during the blow mold process. The blow mold assembly also comprises a blow molding holding assembly that comprises clamping brackets having arcuate inner surfaces for mating with the arcuate exterior surfaces of the mold holder or mold shell. The clamping brackets are pivotally driven by a cam apparatus within a blow-molding machine and serve to open and close the blow mold assembly as warranted by the fabrication process. The blow mold shell assembly may also comprise a mold shell and a mold holding assembly. In applications not requiring a mold holder, the mold holding assembly comprises clamping brackets having an arcuate inner surface and the arcuate inner surface of the clamping brackets are disposed circumferentially about the exterior surface of the blow mold shell. The invention also comprises the individual components of the blow holding assembly.