Dual action retention mechanism

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide a mold holder for use in a tool. The mold holder can include a head, a release button, and a mold pin. The head includes a mold cavity and a pair of sides on opposite sides of the mold cavity. The release button can extend through a release button hole formed in the head and include opposite end portions that extend beyond each of the corresponding pair of sides. The mold pin extends through a mold pin cavity that intersects the release button hole. The mold release button is actuatable from either of the opposite end portions to withdraw the mold pin from the mold cavity.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 110,492, filed November 6, 2020; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 124,985, filed December 14, 2020; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 209,688, filed June 11, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Crimpers and cutters typically include a crimping or cutting head and certain crimping and cutting features, depending on the specific configuration of the tool. Some crimpers and cutters are hydraulically powered tools, which include a piston that can apply force to the crimping head, and this piston can be used to move the crimping features to perform crimping or clamping work at a target crimping location. Some crimpers and cutters may include a die that can be fixed to the crimping head via a die holding mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention provide a mold retainer for use in a tool. The mold retainer includes a head having a mold engagement surface defining a mold cavity and a pair of side edges on opposite sides of the mold cavity. The mold retainer includes a release button extending through a release button hole formed in the head. The release button includes a pair of opposite ends and a slot, the pair of opposite ends extending beyond each of the corresponding side edges, and the slot extending through the release button. The slot has a first end defining a recess, and the recess has one or more inclined surfaces. The mold retainer includes a mold pin extending through a mold pin cavity formed in the mold engagement surface and intersecting the release button hole. The mold pin includes a button engagement portion and a mold engagement portion, the button engagement portion being configured to move along the inclined surface, and the mold engagement portion being dimensioned to extend beyond the mold engagement surface into the mold cavity to engage the mold.

[0005] In some embodiments, a double-acting release assembly for use in a mold is provided. The double-acting release assembly includes a mold release button. The mold release button includes a button body having opposing ends each configured to receive actuation force and a slot extending through the button body. The slot includes a first end and a second end, the second end defining a recess having opposing ramp surfaces. The double-acting release assembly includes a mold pin having a button engagement portion and a mold engagement portion. The mold pin can be inserted into the recess via the button engagement portion and can rotate relative to the mold release button between a locking orientation and an unlocking orientation.

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide a mold holder for use in a tool. The mold holder can include a head, a release button, and a mold pin. The head can include a mold engagement surface defining a mold cavity, a pair of lateral surfaces on opposite sides of the mold cavity, a release button aperture, and a mold pin cavity intersecting the release button aperture. The release button can extend through the release button aperture. The release button can include a pair of opposite ends, each of the opposite ends extending beyond each of the pair of lateral surfaces. The release button includes a slot. The slot can extend between a first slot end and a second slot end. The second slot end can define a notch having at least one angled surface. The mold pin can extend through the mold pin cavity. The mold pin can include a button engagement portion configured to move along the at least one angled surface of the release button and a mold engagement portion that can extend beyond the mold engagement surface of the head into the mold cavity to hold a mold.

[0007] In some embodiments, the mold holder can include a mold pin extending through the slot of the release button such that the button engagement portion of the mold pin extends beyond the first slot end in the release button and the mold engagement portion of the mold pin extends beyond the second slot end of the release button.

[0008] In some embodiments, the mold holder can include a head defining a second mold pin cavity. A second mold pin can extend through the second mold pin cavity into the mold cavity of the head to hold a mold.

[0009] In some embodiments, the mold holder can include a second mold pin. The second mold pin can be a stop member having a stop ball that extends partially into the mold cavity of the head.

[0010] In some embodiments, the mold holder can include a first release button and a second release button extending through the head and beyond each of a pair of opposite lateral surfaces of the head.

[0011] In some embodiments, the mold holder can include a first bridge element coupled to the first and second release buttons and adjacent a first lateral surface of the head and a second bridge element coupled to the first and second release buttons and adjacent a second lateral surface of the head. The first and second lateral surfaces can be on opposite sides of the head. Each of the first and second bridge elements can be configured to receive an actuation force to actuate both the first and second release buttons, thereby releasing a mold from the mold cavity of the head.

[0012] In some embodiments, the mold retainer can include a dual-action release button that can be actuated from either side of the head to withdraw the mold-engaging portion of the mold pin from the mold cavity of the head. The sides of the head can correspond to opposite sides of the head.

[0013] In some embodiments, the mold retainer can include a release button having a notch. The notch can include a symmetrical profile. The profile can be symmetrical about an axis that is perpendicular to an axial direction of the release button.

[0014] In some embodiments, the mold retainer can include a release button having at least one inclined surface that is inclined away from the mold cavity of the head. The dimensions of the inclined surface can be designed to withdraw the mold-engaging portion of the mold pin from the mold cavity as the button-engaging portion of the mold pin moves toward a side of a symmetrical profile that defines the at least one inclined surface. The mold pin can move along the symmetrical profile of the notch in the axial direction of the release button to withdraw the mold pin from the mold cavity.

[0015] In some embodiments, for example, the mold retainer can include a biasing element, such as a spring. The spring can be seated within the pin cavity between the inner wall of the head and the button-engaging portion of the mold pin.

[0016] In some embodiments, the mold retainer can include a mold pin having a button-engaging portion. The button-engaging portion can include a stepped profile that is dimensioned to slidably secure the mold pin within the slot of the release button.

[0017] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a dual-action release assembly for use with a mold. The dual-action release assembly can include a mold release button and a mold pin. The mold release button can include a button body having opposite ends each configured to receive an actuation force. The button body can define a slot extending through the button body between a first slot end and a second slot end. The second slot end can define a notch within the button body having opposite ramped surfaces. The mold pin can include a button-engaging portion and a mold-engaging portion opposite the button-engaging portion. The mold pin can be inserted into the slot at the first slot end via the button-engaging portion of the mold pin and can be moved between a retention orientation and a release orientation. The retention orientation can correspond to the dual-action release assembly securing the mold within a head, and the release orientation can correspond to the dual-action release assembly allowing the mold to move into and out of a mold cavity of the head.

[0018] In some embodiments, the dual-action release assembly can include a biasing element that biases the mold pin toward a center of the notch in an axial direction of the mold release button. Additionally, the biasing element can bias the mold pin in the retention orientation.

[0019] In some embodiments, the dual-action release assembly can include a biasing element that urges a mold-engaging portion of the mold pin away from a button body of the release button.

[0020] In some embodiments, the dual-action release assembly can include a stop member configured to provide a first locking engagement with the mold and a mold pin configured to provide a second locking engagement with the mold.

[0021] In some embodiments, the dual-action release assembly can include a release button having a slot. The slot can include first slot ends that define a rectangular profile. The rectangular profile can be sized to receive a button-engaging portion of the mold pin when the mold pin is in a first orientation, and the rectangular profile can be sized to prevent movement of the button-engaging portion through the slot when the mold pin is in a second orientation. To move the mold pin from the first orientation to the second orientation, the mold pin can be rotated approximately 90 degrees about a longitudinal axis.

[0022] In some embodiments, the dual-action release assembly can include a release button having a slot with opposing ramped surfaces. The ramped surfaces can provide an overall V-shaped profile within a button body of the release button.

[0023] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method of assembling a release mechanism for a mold holder. The method can include aligning a button-engaging portion of a mold pin with a first end of a slot extending through a mold release button. The method can include inserting the mold pin into the release button such that the button-engaging portion extends beyond a second end of the slot of the mold release button and a mold-engaging portion of the mold pin extends beyond the first end of the slot of the mold release button. The method can include rotating the mold pin approximately 90 degrees (e.g., between 75 degrees and 105 degrees) to secure the mold pin within the slot of the mold release button.

[0024] In some embodiments, a method of assembling a release mechanism for a mold holder can include inserting a mold release button into a through-hole of a head body and inserting a button-engaging portion of a mold pin into a mold pin cavity of the head body.

[0025] In some embodiments, a method of assembling a release mechanism for a mold holder can include inserting a spring into a mold pin cavity of a head body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the present invention:

[0027] Figure 1is an exploded isometric view of a mold holder including a nosepiece and a release assembly according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0028] Figure 2 is an isometric view of the nosepiece of Figure 1

[0029] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional isometric view of the nosepiece of taken through line 3-3 of Figure 1

[0030] Figure 4 is an isometric view of a mold release button of the release assembly of Figure 1

[0031] Figure 5 is an isometric view of a mold pin of the release assembly of Figure 1

[0032] Figure 6A is an isometric view of the release assembly of in a pre-assembly configuration. Figure 1

[0033] Figure 6B is an isometric view of the release assembly of in a partially assembled configuration. Figure 1

[0034] Figure 6C is an isometric view of the release assembly of in a post-assembly configuration. Figure 1

[0035] Figure 7 is an isometric view of the release assembly of with an actuation force applied to a first side of the mold release button. Figure 1

[0036] Figure 8 is an isometric view of the mold holder of Figure 1

[0037] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional isometric view of the mold holder of taken through line 9-9 of Figure 8

[0038] Figure 10 is an exploded isometric view of a mold holder including a nosepiece and a release assembly according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0039] Figure 11 is an isometric view of the mold holder of Figure 10

[0040] Figure 12 is an exploded isometric view of a mold holder including a nosepiece and a release assembly according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Figure 13 ​​​​​​​​​​​yes Figure 12 An isometric view of the mold release button of the release component.

[0042] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 Isometric view of the section taken along line 14-14 of the machine head.

[0043] Figure 15 yes Figure 12 An isometric view of the mold holder. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The following discussion is presented to enable those skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the embodiments of the invention. Therefore, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to the illustrated embodiments, but are given the maximum scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. Refer to the accompanying drawings for further reading, wherein similar elements in the different drawings have similar reference numerals. The drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the examples provided herein have many available alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention.

[0045] As used herein, unless otherwise stated or limited, the terms “installation,” “connection,” “support,” and “linkage,” and their variations thereof, are used broadly and cover both direct and indirect installation, connection, support, and linking. Furthermore, “connection” and “linkage” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or links.

[0046] The following describes a die retainer for use with crimping and cutting tools. Some crimpers include a head or die retaining portion for securing a die (such as a crimping die) to produce an indentation of a certain size based on a certain type of crimping operation. This head or die retaining portion generally favors a die retaining mechanism that allows easy removal of the die from the crimping head. Easy removal may include a single action required to release the die, or a double-acting release mechanism that can be actuated on either side of the crimping head.

[0047] Figure 1 A mold retainer 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In some embodiments, the mold retainer 100 can be used with a hydraulic hand tool. For example, the mold retainer 100 can be used with a utility crimper. Figure 1 As shown, the mold retainer 100 includes a die head 102 and a release assembly 104. The release assembly 104 includes a mold release button 106 and a mold pin 108.

[0048] Figure 2 Showing Figure 1 The die head 102. The die head 102 includes a die head body 110. The die head body 110 includes a die engagement surface 112 defining a die cavity 114 and lateral surfaces 116 extending along opposite sides of the die head 102. Figure 1 Only a single lateral surface 116 is visible in the image. The head body 110 also includes a through hole or release button hole 118 and a mold pin cavity 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the head body 110 also includes a through hole 118' and a pin cavity 120'. The through hole 118' is substantially similar to the through hole 118, and the pin cavity 120' is substantially similar to the cavity 120. Therefore, the structures of the through hole 118' and the pin cavity 120' will not be described in detail.

[0049] Overall, compared to through-hole 118 and pin cavity 120, through-hole 118' and pin cavity 120' provide an alternative location for release assembly 104 relative to head 102. Although Figure 1 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 The illustration shows the release assembly 104 aligned with the through-hole 118 and the pin cavity 120, but in other embodiments, the release assembly 104 may be similarly assembled in the through-hole 118' and the pin cavity 120' and operated in a similar manner. Some embodiments of the head 102 may include combinations of more or fewer through-holes and pin cavities than those shown in the illustration.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, a through-hole 118 extends through the head body 110 between lateral surfaces 116. A pin cavity 120 is formed in the mold engagement surface 112 and extends into the head body 110. The pin cavity 120 also extends through the through-hole 118 to create a cross 122. The pin cavity 120 is generally perpendicular to the through-hole 118 and extends beyond the through-hole 118 as a biasing element (such as a spring) (see Figure 110). Figure 9 Provide space.

[0051] Figure 4 Showing Figure 1 The release assembly 104 includes a mold-release button 106. The mold-release button 106 includes a button body 130 having opposing ends 132 and a slot 134. The slot 134 extends through the button body 130 in a direction perpendicular to an axis extending between the opposing ends 132. The slot 134 defines opposing slot ends and extends between the slot ends perpendicular to the axial direction of the release button 106. In the illustrated embodiment, one of the slot ends of the opposing slot ends of the slot 134 is defined by a rectangular profile (see, for example...). Figure 1) and the other opposing slot end of the slot 134 includes a notch 136 that is symmetrical and generally has a V-shaped profile or other symmetrical profile. The notch 136 includes ramped surfaces 138 that form a cutout in the button body 130. The ramped surfaces 138 are generally ramped away from the mold cavity 114. The V-shaped profile can allow the mold release button 106 to be actuated in a first direction or a second direction to cause (e.g., retract) the mold pin 108 to move to disengage from the mold, the first direction and the second direction being opposite one another.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the ramped surfaces 138 of the notch 136 are symmetrical such that actuation of the mold release button 106 in either of the first direction or the second direction each provide a similar release mechanism. However, in other embodiments, one of the ramped surfaces 138 can be steeper than the other ramped surface 138 such that actuation in the first direction causes the mold pin 108 to move a first distance to disengage from the mold and actuation in the second direction causes the mold pin 108 to move a different second distance to disengage from the mold.

[0053] In other embodiments, a mold release button for a release assembly can include features that interact with a mold pin to operatively cause the mold pin to move to engage and disengage from a mold. Such features of the mold release button can include, for example, ramped, curved, angled, or protruding surfaces that engage the mold pin and cause the mold pin to disengage from the mold when the mold release button is actuated. Additionally, in other embodiments, a mold release button for a release assembly can include an actuation portion to facilitate (e.g., increase a surface area at an opposing end of the mold release button) actuation of the mold release button (see, e.g., Figure 13 ).

[0054] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 1mold release button 106. The mold pin 108 includes a pin body 146. The pin body 146 includes a button engagement portion 148 and a mold engagement portion 150. The button engagement portion 148 includes a generally rectangular profile and a square key 152 that is sized to be received by the slot 134 of the mold release button 106 and has a square perimeter configured to engage the notch 136 and slide along the ramped surface 138 of the mold release button 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the square key 152 includes a stepped profile. In other embodiments, the square key 152 can include a single step configured as a shoulder. The stepped profile can provide a smooth or contacting surface for the button engagement portion 148 to slide along the ramped surface 138 of the mold release button 106 when the mold pin 108 is centered within the slot 134. The stepped portion can also inhibit the button engagement portion 148 from disengaging from the slot 134 when in the assembled configuration.

[0055] The mold engagement portion 150 also includes a retention feature 154. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention feature 154 is configured as a rectangular protrusion extending from the pin body 146 opposite the button engagement portion 148. The retention feature 154 is generally sized to engage the mold and retain the mold within the head 102. The retention feature 154 can provide a grip within the mold cavity 114 of the head 102 to retain the mold. When the mold engagement portion 150, and thus the retention feature 154, is withdrawn from the mold cavity 114, the mold can be slid or otherwise moved into and out of the mold cavity 114 to install or remove the mold.

[0056] Figure 6A to Figure 6C An example of the assembly of the release assembly 104 is illustrated. Figure 1 An example of the assembly of the release assembly 104 is illustrated. Figure 6A The mold pin 108 can be inserted into the slot 134 of the mold release button 106 is illustrated in Figure 6A The mold pin 108 can be moved through the slot 134 in the direction indicated in Figure 6B When the button engagement portion 148 of the mold pin 108 has properly extended beyond the notch 136 of the mold release button 106 (e.g., the stepped profile extends beyond the ramped surface 138 through the slot 134), the mold pin 108 can be rotated approximately 90 degrees in the direction indicated in Figure 6B When the button engagement portion 148 of the mold pin 108 has properly extended beyond the notch 136 of the mold release button 106 (e.g., the stepped profile extends beyond the ramped surface 138 through the slot 134), the mold pin 108 can be rotated approximately 90 degrees in the direction indicated in

[0057] When the button engagement portion 148 of the mold pin 108 has properly extended beyond the notch 136 of the mold release button 106 (e.g., the stepped profile extends beyond the ramped surface 138 through the slot 134), the mold pin 108 can be rotated approximately 90 degrees in the direction indicated in Figure 6CAs shown, once the mold pin 108 is rotated approximately 90 degrees from its insertion orientation in one direction, the square key 152 of the mold pin 108 engages the inclined surface 138 to secure the mold pin 108 in the slot 134 of the mold release button 106. The mold pin 108 is biased by a biasing element in... Figure 6C The direction indicated is biased toward the mold release button 106. The force of the biasing element (such as a spring) pushes the mold pin 108 into the recess 136, which corresponds to the mold engagement portion 150 of the mold pin 108 extending into the mold cavity 114. When the mold engagement portion 150 extends into the mold cavity 114 (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figure 9 Feature 154 can engage with the mold to secure the mold to the head 102.

[0058] Figure 7 The actuating force acting on the release component 104 is demonstrated. The actuating force in... Figure 7 The actuating force acts in the direction indicated in the diagram; however, it can similarly act on the opposite ends 132 of the mold release button 106. Specifically, the actuating force acts on one end of the opposite ends 132 of the mold release button 106. As the mold release button 106 is pushed and moved relative to the machine head 102, it causes the square key 152 of the mold pin 108 to move upward along the inclined surface 138 (relative to the direction indicated in the diagram). Figure 7 (The orientation shown in the figure) is toward the outer surface of the mold release button 106. When the square key 152 of the mold pin 108 moves along either side of the notch 136 via the inclined surface 138, the mold engagement portion 150 moves closer to the button body 130 of the mold release button 106. Figure 7 A release component 104 is shown in an orientation corresponding to the release orientation. Specifically, Figure 7 The release component 104 is shown in one of the two possible release orientations.

[0059] Applying an actuating force to the mold release button 106 moves the mold pin 108 from the holding orientation to the release orientation (i.e., the neutral orientation is the holding orientation). Applying the actuating force corresponds to the mold engagement portion 150 of the mold pin 108 being withdrawn from the mold cavity 114. When the mold engagement portion 150 is withdrawn from the mold cavity 114, the holding feature 154 can disengage from the mold, allowing the mold to be removed from the mold cavity 114. Similarly, when the mold engagement portion 150 is withdrawn from the mold cavity 114, the mold can be inserted into the mold cavity. Once the mold is inserted into the mold cavity 114, the mold release button 106 can be released (returning to the neutral position), allowing the button engagement portion 148 of the mold pin 108 to return to the center of the notch 136 of the mold release button 106, and the mold engagement portion 150 can extend again into the mold cavity 114 to engage and secure the mold.

[0060] althoughFigure 7 An actuation force is shown acting on one of the opposite ends 132 of the mold release button 106 in a first direction, but the actuation force can act on the other opposite end 132 of the mold release button 106 in a direction opposite the direction indicated in Figure 7 Figure 8 A release assembly 104 mounted in the head 102 is shown. As shown, the mold release button 106 extends through the through hole 118 such that each of the opposite ends 132 of the mold release button 106 extends beyond the corresponding lateral surface 116 of the head 102. Because the mold release button 106 extends on both sides of the head 102, the release assembly 104 is advantageously double-acting and can be actuated from either side of the head 102. The double-acting capability allows a user to easily disengage the mold from the head 102 in multiple orientations depending on the relative position or hand placement of the user with respect to the mold head 102. For example, the double-acting capability can facilitate right-handed and left-handed use.

[0061] Figure 9 A mold holder 100 is shown with the release assembly 104 in a holding orientation (e.g., a neutral orientation). In the holding orientation, the biasing member 160 biases the release assembly 104 in the holding orientation until an actuation force applied to the mold release button 106 overcomes the force applied by the biasing member 160 to move the button engagement portion 148 of the mold pin 108 along the notch 136 to withdraw the mold engagement portion 150 from the mold cavity 114. As described above, the actuation force can be applied to one of the opposite ends 132 of the mold release button 106.

[0062] Figure 10 A mold holder 200 according to another embodiment of the present application is shown. Similar to the mold holder 100, the mold holder 200 can be used with a hydraulic hand tool. For example, the mold holder 200 can be used with a utility crimping tool. As shown, Figure 10 The mold holder 200 includes a head 202 and a release assembly 204. The release assembly 204 includes first and second mold release buttons 206A, 206B, first and second mold pins 208A, 208B, and first and second bridge elements 209, 211.

[0063] Similar to the head 102, the head 202 includes a head body 210. The head body 210 includes a mold engagement surface 212 defining a mold cavity 214 and lateral surfaces 216 extending along opposite sides of the head 202 (in Figure 10 ​Only a single lateral surface 216 is visible in the image. The head body 210 also includes a first through hole and a second through hole configured as a first release button hole 218A and a second release button hole 218B. The head body 210 also includes a first mold pin cavity 220A and a second mold pin cavity 220B. The release button holes 218A, 218B and the mold pin cavities 220A, 220B are substantially similar to the through hole 118 and the pin cavity 120, respectively, so such a structure will not be described in detail.

[0064] In general, each of the release buttons 206A, 206B and the mold pins 208A, 208B interacts with each other and with the mold (not shown) in a manner substantially similar to that of the release button 106 and the mold pin 108. Figure 11 As shown, each of the bridge elements 209, 211 extends between corresponding opposite ends of each of the release buttons 206A, 206B. In the illustrated embodiment, the bridge elements 209, 211 are secured to the release buttons 206A, 206B via screws. However, in some embodiments, other fasteners such as pins, clips, adhesives, etc., may be used to secure the bridge elements 209, 211 to the release buttons 206A, 206B.

[0065] Each bridge element 209, 211 provides an independent actuation element, allowing simultaneous actuation of both release buttons 206A, 206B from either side surface 216 of the die head 202. As briefly discussed above, the die holder 200 generally operates similarly to the die holder 100, with an additional die engagement portion provided by a combination of the first die pin 208A and the second die pin 208B. Generally, each bridge element 209, 211 allows for increased holding force provided by the arrangement of the release buttons 206A, 206B and the die pins 208A, 208B. Additionally and advantageously, the bridge elements 209, 211 can provide a wide release surface for operating the release assembly 204. For example, by pressing any one of the bridge elements 209, 211 in the direction toward the head body 210 at any position between the release buttons 206A, 206B, the actuation force can overcome the biasing force of the release assembly 204, and each of the mold pins 208A, 208B can be pulled back from the mold cavity 214.

[0066] Figure 12 to Figure 15 A mold retainer 300 according to another embodiment of the invention is shown. The mold retainer 300 is generally similar in structure and operation to mold retainers 100 and 200, and therefore the discussion of mold retainer 300 generally applies to mold retainers 100 and 200, and vice versa. However, in some aspects, mold retainer 300 differs from mold retainers 100 and 200, including those discussed further below.

[0067] Similar to the die holder 100 and the die holder 200, the die holder 300 can be used with a hydraulic hand tool. For example, the die holder 300 can be used with a utility crimping tool. As shown, the die holder 300 includes a nosepiece 302 and a release assembly 304. The release assembly 304 includes a die release button 306 and a die pin 308. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the release assembly 304 can also include a stop member 324. Figure 12

[0068] Similar to the nosepiece 102 and the nosepiece 202, the nosepiece 302 includes a nosepiece body 310. The nosepiece body 310 includes a die engagement surface 312 that defines a die cavity 314. The nosepiece body 310 further includes a pair of lateral surfaces 316 that extend along opposite sides of the nosepiece 302 (although only a single lateral surface 316 is visible in Figure 12 the illustrated embodiment). The nosepiece body 310 also includes a first pin cavity 320A and a second pin cavity 320B formed in the die engagement surface 312 of the nosepiece 302. Additionally, similar to the nosepiece 102, the nosepiece 302 includes a release button aperture 318 within the nosepiece body 310 that intersects the first pin cavity 320A.

[0069] Generally, the method of installing and operating the release assembly 304 of the die holder 300 is substantially similar to the release assembly 104 and the release assembly 204. For example, in use, an actuation force can be applied to the die release button 306 (e.g., in an axial direction relative to the die release button 306) to disengage a die from the nosepiece 302 via the release assembly 304. As the die release button 306 is pushed and moved relative to the nosepiece 302, the button engagement portion 348 of the die pin 308 moves along the ramped surface 338 of the die release button 306 to move the die engagement portion 350 away from the die engagement surface 312. In the illustrated embodiment, the die pin 308 can be substantially similar to any of the die pins 108, 208A, and 208B.

[0070] Referring to Figure 13 , similar to the die release button 106, the die release button 306 includes a button body 330 having opposite ends 332. The button body 330 defines a slot 334 that extends through the button body 330 adjacent to a notch 336 defined by a set of ramped surfaces 338. In the illustrated embodiment, the die release button 306 includes an actuation portion 340 disposed at one of the opposite ends 332. The actuation portion 340 forms a surface that extends from the button body 330 in a non-axial (e.g., perpendicular) direction. The actuation portion 340 is configured to extend adjacent to one of the lateral surfaces 316 on the exterior of the nosepiece body 310.

[0071] ​In the illustrated embodiment, the mold release button 306 includes a single actuation portion 340; however, in other embodiments, a second actuation portion can be provided at the other, opposite end 332. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the button body 330 is configured to extend at least partially through the head body 310. In particular, the release button hole 318 extends from one of the lateral surfaces 316 into the head body 310 and is configured as a blind hole, as shown in Figure 14 However, in some embodiments, the release button hole 318 can extend completely through the head body 310 between the lateral surfaces 316 (e.g., see the through hole 118 of the head 102 in Figure 3 , such that the mold release button 306 can be actuated from both sides of the head 302.

[0072] With continued reference to Figure 14 , the second pin cavity 320B of the head 302 extends into the head body 310 from the mold engagement surface 312. The pin cavity 320B is configured to receive the pin 326 of the stop member 324. As illustrated in Figure 15 , the pin 326 of the stop member 324 is configured to support the stop ball 328 at least partially within the second pin cavity 320B. In particular, the pin 326 can support the stop ball 328 adjacent to the mold engagement surface 312, such that the stop ball 328 extends partially within the mold cavity 314 and partially within the pin cavity 320B. In some embodiments, the stop ball 328 can be secured to the pin 326 by one or more fasteners (e.g., adhesive) or by a friction fit.

[0073] Generally, the stop member 324 provides a grip within the head 302 that can resist movement of the mold when the mold is secured (or partially secured) within the mold cavity 314. In use, the mold pin 308 can be withdrawn into the head body 310, adjacent to the mold engagement surface 312 in the mold cavity 314, via the mold release button 306. The mold can then be inserted into the mold cavity 314 to engage each of the mold engagement surface 312 and the stop member 324 to provide a first, locking engagement. The mold release button 306 can then be released, whereby the mold engagement portion 350 of the mold pin 308 can engage and secure the mold in the mold cavity 314 to provide a second, locking engagement. In some embodiments, the mold can be locked (e.g., snapped) in place within the mold cavity 314 without withdrawing the mold pin 308 via the mold release button 306.

[0074] The foregoing description of the disclosed embodiments enables any person skilled in the art to make or use the present application. Modifications of these embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art and are within the scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. The effusions are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A mold retainer for use with a mold in a tool, the mold retainer comprising: The die head includes a die engagement surface defining a die cavity, a pair of lateral surfaces on opposite sides of the die cavity, a release button hole, and a die pin cavity intersecting the release button hole. A release button extends through the release button hole, the release button includes a pair of opposing ends, each of the opposing ends extending beyond one of the pair of lateral surfaces, the release button includes a slot extending between a first slot end and a second slot end, the second slot end defining a recess having at least one inclined surface; as well as A mold pin extending through a mold pin cavity, the mold pin including a button engagement portion and a mold engagement portion, the button engagement portion being configured to move along at least one inclined surface of the release button, and the mold engagement portion extending beyond the mold engagement surface of the head into the mold cavity to retain the mold.

2. The mold retainer as described in claim 1, wherein, The mold pin extends through the slot of the release button, such that the button engagement portion extends beyond the end of the first slot and the mold engagement portion extends beyond the end of the second slot.

3. The mold retainer as described in claim 1, wherein, The die head defines the second mold pin cavity, and The second mold pin extends through the second mold pin cavity and into the mold cavity to hold the mold.

4. The mold retainer as described in claim 3, wherein, The second mold pin is a stop member having a stop ball that extends partially into the mold cavity.

5. The mold retainer as described in claim 1, wherein, The release button is a first release button, and further includes a second release button that extends through the head and beyond each of a pair of lateral surfaces of the head.

6. The mold retainer of claim 5, further comprising: A first bridge element and a second bridge element, the first bridge element being adjacent to one of the pair of lateral surfaces and connected to each of the first and second release buttons, and the second bridge element being adjacent to the other of the pair of lateral surfaces and connected to each of the first and second release buttons. Each of the first bridge element and the second bridge element is configured to receive an actuation force to release the mold from the mold cavity of the die head.

7. The mold retainer as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The release button is dual-acting and can be actuated from either of its two opposite ends to retract the mold engagement portion from the mold cavity.

8. The mold retainer as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The notch has a symmetrical profile.

9. The mold retainer as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The at least one inclined surface is inclined away from the mold cavity, and the size of the at least one inclined surface is designed to retract the mold engagement portion from the mold cavity as the button engagement portion moves toward one side of the symmetrical profile in the axial direction of the release button.

10. The mold retainer of claim 1, further comprising: A biasing element is configured to engage the mold pin near the button engagement portion and bias the mold pin toward a retaining orientation.

11. The mold retainer as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The biasing element is a spring placed inside the pin cavity.

12. The retainer as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The button engagement portion includes a stepped profile, the dimensions of which are designed to slidably secure the mold pin within the slot.

13. A double-acting release assembly for use with a mold, the double-acting release assembly comprising: A mold release button includes a button body having opposing ends each configured to receive an actuation force, the button body defining a slot extending through the button body between a first slot end and a second slot end, the second slot end defining a recess within the button body having opposing sloping surfaces. as well as A mold pin, comprising a button engagement portion and a mold engagement portion opposite the button engagement portion, the mold pin being insertable into the slot at the end of the first slot via the button engagement portion of the mold pin, and being movable between a holding orientation and a releasing orientation.

14. The dual-acting release assembly of claim 13, further comprising: A biasing element that biases the mold pin toward the center of the notch in the axial direction of the mold release button in the holding orientation.

15. The dual-action release assembly of claim 14, wherein, The biasing element causes the mold engagement portion to move away from the button body of the mold release button.

16. The dual-acting release assembly of claim 13, further comprising: A stop member configured to provide a first locking engagement with the mold, and a mold pin configured to provide a second locking engagement with the mold.

17. The dual-action release assembly of claim 13, wherein, The first slot end of the mold release button defines a rectangular profile, the dimensions of which are designed to receive the button engagement portion of the mold pin when the mold pin is in a first orientation, and the dimensions of which are designed to prevent the button engagement portion from moving through the slot when the mold pin is in a second orientation.

18. The dual-action release assembly of claim 13, wherein, These opposing sloping surfaces provide a V-shaped profile within the button body of the mold release button.

19. A method of assembling a release mechanism for a mold retainer, the method comprising: Align the button engagement portion of the mold pin with the first end of the slot that extends through the mold release button; The mold pin is inserted into the mold release button such that the button engagement portion extends beyond the second end of the slot of the mold release button, and the mold engagement portion of the mold pin extends beyond the first end of the slot of the mold release button; as well as Rotate the mold pin to secure it within the slot of the mold release button.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: Before aligning the button engagement portion with the first end of the slot, insert the mold release button into the through hole of the head body, and insert the button engagement portion of the mold pin into the mold pin cavity of the head body.

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