ROTATIONAL CASTING MACHINE

Abstract

A method and apparatus for rotationally casting hollow articles includes securing a mold within a clamping member coupled to an inner frame which is further coupled to an outer frame, rotating the outer frame about a first axis, and rotating the inner frame about a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis. Rotation of the outer frame may be driven by a motor or a manual crank. Furthermore, rotation of the inner frame may be driven by the outer frame. The rotational casting apparatus is adjustable and can accommodate a variety of mold sizes for casting. The rotational casting apparatus may be configured for individual and/or industrial settings.

Claims

1. A rotational casting machine comprising: a support structure comprising a base member; a first supporting arm; and a second supporting arm, the first supporting arm and the second supporting arm extending substantially perpendicularly from the base member and located on opposite sides of the base member; an outer frame rotatably coupled to the support structure; an inner frame rotatably coupled within the outer frame; a clamping member disposed within the inner frame; a first pulley coupled to the outer frame and the first supporting arm; a shaft rotatably mounted to the outer frame; a second pulley coupled to the shaft and the second supporting arm; wherein: the outer frame is configured to rotate about a first axis with respect to the support structure in response to rotation of the first pulley; the shaft is configured to rotate with respect to the outer frame in response to the outer frame rotating about the first axis; the inner frame is configured to rotate with respect to the outer frame about a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis in response to rotation of the shaft; and the clamping member is configured to receive a container.

2. The rotational casting machine of claim 1, wherein the shaft comprises a first gear and a second gear of substantially equal sizes.

3. The rotational casting machine of claim 1, wherein the shaft comprises a first gear and a second gear of differing sizes.

4. The rotational casting machine of claim 1, wherein the base member comprises a diamond shape.

5. The rotational casting machine of claim 1, wherein a height of the inner frame is less than a height of the outer frame, and a width of the inner frame is less than a width of the outer frame.

6. The rotational casting machine of claim 1, wherein a first center point of the first pulley and a second center point of a second pulley are aligned on a common axis.

7. The rotational casting machine of claim 1, wherein the clamping member comprises a first plate and a second plate, and a distance between the first plate and the second plate is adjustable.

8. The rotational casting machine of claim 1, wherein the shaft is coupled to the second pulley via a belt.

9. The rotational casting machine of claim 1, wherein the second pulley is fixed with respect to the support structure.

10. The rotational casting machine of claim 1, wherein a motor drives rotation of the first pulley with respect to the support structure.

11. The rotational casting machine of claim 1, wherein a manual crank drives rotation of the first pulley with respect to the support structure.

12. A method of rotationally casting, comprising: inserting a container into a clamping member of a rotational casting machine, the rotational casting machine comprising: a support structure comprising a base member; a first supporting arm; and a second supporting arm, the first supporting arm and the second supporting arm extending substantially perpendicularly from the base member and located on opposite sides of the base member; the support structure rotatably coupled to an outer frame; an inner frame rotatably coupled within the outer frame; a clamping member within the inner frame; a first pulley coupled to the outer frame and the first supporting arm; a shaft mounted to the outer frame; and a second pulley coupled to the shaft and the second supporting arm; rotating the first pulley; rotating the outer frame about a first axis with respect to the support structure in response to the rotation of the first pulley; rotating the shaft with respect to the outer frame, in response to the outer frame rotating about the first axis; and rotating the inner frame about a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis, in response to the rotation of the shaft.

13. The method of rotationally casting of claim 12, wherein the shaft comprises a first gear and a second gear of substantially equal sizes.

14. The method of rotationally casting of claim 12, wherein the shaft comprises a first gear and a second gear of differing sizes.

15. The method of rotationally casting of claim 12, wherein a first center point of the first pulley and a second center point of a second pulley are aligned on a common axis.

16. The method of rotationally casting of claim 12, wherein the clamping member comprises a first plate and a second plate, and a distance between the first plate and the second plate is adjustable.

17. The method of rotationally casting of claim 12, wherein the shaft is coupled to the second pulley via a belt.

18. The method of rotationally casting of claim 12, wherein the second pulley is fixed with respect to the support structure.

19. The method of rotationally casting of claim 12, wherein a motor drives rotation of the first pulley with respect to the support structure.

20. The method of rotationally casting of claim 12, wherein a manual crank drives rotation of the first pulley with respect to the support structure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures.

[0029] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic front view of the rotational casting machine of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 2 depicts a top view of the machine shown in FIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the machine shown in FIG. 1.

[0032] FIG. 4 depicts a front view of the machine shown in FIG. 1 after setting in rotation.

[0033] FIG. 5 depicts a front view, showing the outer frame pulley driven by the motor.

[0034] FIG. 6 depicts a front view of the rotational casting machine wherein the motor of FIG. 1 is replaced by a manual crank.

[0035] FIG. 7 depicts a front view of a pulley.

[0036] FIG. 8 depicts a top view of the pulley.

[0037] FIG. 9 depicts an isometric view of the pulley.

[0038] FIG. 10 depicts a front view of a shaft, where the gears are of equal sizes.

[0039] FIG. 11 depicts a front view of the shaft, where the gears are of different sizes.

[0040] FIG. 12 depicts a front view of the pulley coupled to the shaft of the outer frame.

[0041] Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally in order to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.

[0043] For the foregoing reasons, there is a need, therefore, for a multi directional rotational casting machine that can accommodate a variety of mold sizes, that is inexpensive to procure and utilize, that is simple to use, and that is small enough for use without requiring large factory or manufacturing space.

[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a rotational casting machine according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention. With combined references to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, the rotational casting machine generally includes a support structure rotatably coupled to an outer frame 100, the outer frame 100 rotatably coupled to an inner frame 200, and a clamping member 300 configured to receive a container.

[0045] The support structure comprises a base member 400, a first supporting arm 430, and a second supporting arm 440. The first supporting arm 430 and second supporting arm 440 may extend substantially perpendicularly from the base member 400 on opposite sides of the base member 400. Additionally, brackets may be used to provide additional support between the base member 400 and first supporting arm 430 or the second supporting arm 440. In various embodiments, the support structure further comprises a timer stand 420 and a timer 425. The timer 425 may be utilized to set a desired length of time for operating the rotational casting machine and alert the user when that length of time has passed.

[0046] In one embodiment, the base member 400 comprises a diamond shape. In other embodiments, the base member 400 may comprise an I-frame shape, a square shape, a triangular shape, or any substantially symmetrical shape. A substantially symmetrical or regular polygonal base member shape is preferred for providing stability and even weight distribution across the base member 400.

[0047] In one embodiment, the outer frame 100 and inner frame 200 comprise substantially rectangular shapes. In other embodiments, the frames 100, 200 may comprise square shapes. In other embodiments, the frames 100, 200 may comprise diamond shapes. The frames 100, 200 may comprise any symmetrical shape such that the inner frame 200 may fit within the outer frame 100. The inner frame 200 comprises a height and width that are less than the height and width of the outer frame 100, respectively.

[0048] In various embodiments, the outer frame 100 is rotatably coupled to the support structure via a first outer frame fastener 480 and a second outer frame fastener 485. In accordance with various embodiments, the first outer frame fastener 480 may comprise a bolt, a rod, a pin, or any other suitable fastener whereby the outer frame is rotatably mounted to the support structure. The second outer frame fastener 485 may be similar to the first outer frame fastener 480.

[0049] In various embodiments, the outer frame 100 is rotatably coupled to the inner frame 200 via a first inner frame fastener 115 and a second inner frame fastener 110. In accordance with various embodiments, the first inner frame fastener 115 may comprise a bolt, a rod, a pin, or any other suitable fastener whereby the inner frame is rotatably mounted to the outer frame. The second inner frame fastener 110 may be similar to the first inner frame fastener 115.

[0050] The rotational casting machine may comprise a first outer frame fastener 480 for rotatably coupling the outer frame 100 to the base member 400. A first pulley 435 may be coupled to the first outer frame fastener 480 and a first belt 460. The first outer frame fastener 480 may rotate with the first pulley 435. Furthermore, the outer frame 100 rotates with the first outer frame fastener 480. In this regard, the first pulley 435 may drive rotation of the outer frame 100, about a first axis 600, via the first outer frame fastener 480.

[0051] A shaft 500 may be rotatably coupled to the outer frame 100 at a location distal to the first axis 600. The shaft 500 comprises a shaft frame 540 extending substantially perpendicularly to the outer frame 100. The shaft further comprises a fastener 530 which couples to the outer frame 100 and shaft frame 540. The shaft further comprises a shaft end 560 which is coupled to a second belt 465.

[0052] As the outer frame 100 rotates about the first axis 600, rotation of the shaft 500 is driven by a second belt 465 coupled between the shaft 500 and a second pulley 450. The second pulley 450 may be coupled to the second supporting arm 440 of the support structure. In various embodiments, the second pulley 450 is coaxial with the first axis 600. Furthermore, the second pulley 450 may not rotate during operation. Stated differently, the second pulley 450 may be stationary. In this regard, rotation of the outer frame 100 drives rotation of the shaft 500, via the second belt 465.

[0053] The rotational casting machine may further comprise a first inner frame fastener 115 and a second inner frame fastener 110 for rotatably coupling the inner frame 200 to the outer frame 100. The inner frame 200 may rotate with respect to the outer frame 100 about a second axis 610. The second axis 610 may be orthogonal to the first axis 600. The inner frame 200 may be mounted to the first inner frame fastener 115. An exposed end of the first inner frame fastener 115 may be covered with a fastener cap 490. The first inner frame fastener 115 may be operatively coupled to the shaft 500, whereby rotation of the shaft 500 drives rotation of the first inner frame fastener 115, which consequently causes rotation of the inner frame 200 about the second axis 610.

[0054] In various embodiments, the shaft 500 is coupled to the first inner frame fastener 115 via a first gear 510 and a second gear 520. The first gear 510 may be mounted to the shaft 500. The second gear 520 may be mounted to the first inner frame fastener 115.

[0055] The clamping member 300 is coupled to, and rotates with, the inner frame 200. The clamping member 300 may comprise a first plate 310 and a second plate 320. The first plate 310 and second plate 320 can vary in size and shape to accommodate a variety of container sizes and shapes. The clamping member 300 further comprises a plurality of support rods 340 which are placed opposite of each other. Stated differently, each plate 310, 320 may comprise a first side and a second side located opposite the plate 310, 320 from the first side. Each plate 310, 320 may comprise a first support rod disposed closer to the first side than the second side and a second support rod disposed closer to the second side than the first side. The plurality of support rods 340 allow the distance between the plates 310, 320 to be adjusted to accommodate containers of different sizes. Each plate 310, 320 may further comprise a third side and a fourth side located opposite the plate 310, 320 from the third side. The clamping member 300 may further comprise cords 330 on opposing sides of the plates 310, 320 in order to provide enhanced stabilization for the container placed between the plates 310, 320. In this regard, each plate 310, 320 may comprise a cord 330 disposed closer to the third side than the fourth side and a cord 330 disposed closer to the fourth side than the third side. A frame lock 210 may be engaged to keep the plates 310, 320 from moving while a container is being secured.

[0056] FIG. 4 depicts the rotational casting machine after setting the rotational casting machine in rotation. To use the rotational casting machine, a container is secured within the clamping member 300. The clamping member 300 is coupled to and rotates with the inner frame 200. The first pulley 435 is then rotated, which in turn rotates the outer frame 100 about a first axis 600 with respect to the support structure. As the shaft 500 is coupled to the outer frame 100, the shaft 500 rotates with respect to the outer frame 100 in response to the rotation of the outer frame 100. The inner frame 200 rotates about a second axis 610 in response to the rotation of the shaft 500, thereby imparting multi axis rotation on the container.

[0057] FIG. 5 depicts a front view, showing the first pulley 435 driven by the motor 410. In one embodiment, the rotation of the rotational casting machine is driven by a variable speed motor 410. In other embodiments, the variable speed motor 410 may be replaced by a manual crank 415, as depicted in FIG. 6.

[0058] FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9 illustrate an exemplary pulley. The first pulley 435 and or the second pulley 470 may be similar to pulley 450.

[0059] FIG. 10 depicts a front view of a shaft 500, where the gears 510, 520 are of equal sizes. In this regard, the first gear 510 and the second gear 530 may comprise equal diameters. In this regard, the rotation of the shaft 500 and the first inner frame fastener 115 rotate at a 4:1 ratio.

[0060] FIG. 11 depicts a front view of the shaft 500, where the gears 510, 525 are of different sizes. In this regard, the first gear 510 may comprise a diameter which is greater than a diameter of the second gear 525. In this regard, the rotation of the shaft 500 and the first inner frame fastener 115 rotate at a 1:x ratio, where x is greater than 1. In this manner, the inner frame 200 may rotate faster than the outer frame 100. However, in accordance with various embodiments, the gears 510, 525 may be configured to cause the inner frame 200 to rotate slower than a rotational velocity of the outer frame 100.

[0061] FIG. 12 depicts a front view of the second pulley 470 coupled to the shaft 500 of the outer frame 100. A bearing cover 455 may be used to contain bearings that support the second outer frame fastener 485. A fastener cap 490 may be used to provide a protective surface over an exposed end of the second outer frame fastener 485.

[0062] The clamping member 300 is configured to hold and secure containers of various shapes and sizes. In one embodiment, the container comprises a mold for casting a hollow object. The machine may be used for other tasks that require rotation of a container as well, such as mixing a paint can.

[0063] In one embodiment, the support structure, outer frame 100, and inner frame 200 are comprised of wood. In other embodiments, the rotational casting machine may be comprised of other materials. For example, in accordance with various embodiments, the machine may be comprised of plastic, metal, or combinations thereof