Method and Apparatus for Forming Large Articles

Abstract

Method and apparatus of forming articles includes a press having a pair of opposite platens. An articulated clamping frame is mounted between the platens, each of which are moveable toward and away from the clamping frame. Material to be formed is clamped into the clamping frames and the articulated clamping frame is wrapped around the die as the die forms the material. The formed article is extracted from the die by moving the clamping frame away from the die.

1 . A method for forming articles, comprising the steps of: 
 clamping a sheet of formable material in an articulated clamping frame; heating the material to a formable temperature;    placing the material in a press mechanism;    moving a die of the press mechanism into the material in a first direction;    forcing ends of the frame in a direction opposite the first direction; and    imparting movement of the articulated clamping frame in both the first direction from movement of the die and in the opposite direction by forcing the ends of the frame.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the die is mounted on one of a pair of opposing platens of the press mechanism, the method further including the steps of: 
 moving the platens toward one another to first engage the die with the material; and    moving the platens closer towards one another causing the movement of the articulated frame.    
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the articulated clamping frame is supported between the platens for movement of the platens toward one another.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , further including the steps of: 
 providing frame extensions on the ends of the frame and frame engaging supports on the platen opposite the platen with the die; and    engaging the frame engaging supports with the frame extensions to force the ends of the frame in the opposite direction.    
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , further including the steps of: 
 providing clamps on the frame engagement supports;    clamping the articulated clamping frame with the clamps; and    pulling the articulated clamping frame away from the die by moving the platen away from the die to thereby extract the formed material.