초록 ▼

Apparatus is provided for thermoforming a unitary plastic appliance door by thermoforming an outer door panel and an inner door liner and joining them together in a unitary apparatus. The apparatus includes a press with first and second platens, a male and a female mold member attached to the first

Apparatus is provided for thermoforming a unitary plastic appliance door by thermoforming an outer door panel and an inner door liner and joining them together in a unitary apparatus. The apparatus includes a press with first and second platens, a male and a female mold member attached to the first platen and shaped to the contour of the outer door panel and the inner door liner respectively. A movable shuttle box is mounted on the second platen and a first plug assist member is located in the shuttle box. The shuttle box and first plug assist member are movable on the second platen into vertical alignment with either the male or female mold member. A transportation device is positioned between the first and second platens and is operable for transporting first and second plastic sheets into thermoforming posture with the male and female molds respectively. A second plug assist member is located for movement into and out of proximity with the female mold member. The shuttle box and first plug assist member are vertically alignable over the male mold member and cooperate to form the first door panel from the sheet as the platens move toward each other. The second plug assist member is cooperable with the female mold member for forming the second door panel from the second plastic sheet upon movement of the first platen toward the second plastic sheet.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] Apparatus for thermoforming an appliance door, comprising:a press having first and second platens selectively movable with respect to each other;a male mold member attached to the first platen and shaped to the contour of a first door panel;a female mold member attached t

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] Apparatus for thermoforming an appliance door, comprising:a press having first and second platens selectively movable with respect to each other;a male mold member attached to the first platen and shaped to the contour of a first door panel;a female mold member attached to the first platen spaced from the male mold member and shaped to the contour of a second door panel;a movable shuttle box mounted on the second platen;a first plug assist member within the shuttle box, the shuttle box and first plug assist member being movable on and generally parallel to the second platen into vertical alignment with either the male or female mold member;a transportation member positioned between the first and second platens and operable for transporting a first plastic sheet into a thermoforming posture with respect to the male mold member and for transporting a second plastic sheet into a thermoforming posture with respect to the female mold member;a second plug assist member positioned for selective movement into and out of proximity with the female mold member;the shuttle box and first plug assist member being vertically alignable over the male mold member and cooperable therewith for forming the first door panel from the first plastic sheet upon movement of the first and second platens toward each other; andthe second plug assist member being cooperable with the female mold member when in proximity thereto for forming the second door panel from the second plastic sheet upon movement of the first platen to bring the female mold member into engagement therewith.