Apparatus for forming a cast hinge

Claim 1

Casting apparatus for producing an article having first and second articulated elements pivotable together, comprising a pair of relatively movable dies including matable molds for producing said article, said dies having a first cavity for forming said first element and a second cavity for forming said second element in combination with a previously formed first element, a transfer core element mounted for movement within said dies; gating means associated with said core element to provide passages through said dies for delivering solidifiable material to form one each of said elements in said cavities in vertical alignment adjacent said core element, whereby said second element may be formed in an articulated arrangement with a previously formed first element; staking means located below said dies, whereby said articulated elements may be movable by movement of said core element into alignment with said staking means; said staking means comprising a pair of relatively movable opposing means respectively positioned on either side of said articulated elements; said opposing means being movable toward each other to thereby contact both sides of said articulated elements positioned therebetween; and one of said opposing means including punch means actuable to distort the solidified material in one of said elements for freeing said articulated elements for loose pivotal movement.