Patent ID: 6086354
Filing Date: 2000-07-11
Classification: B29C,B29L

Abstract:
A sheet carrying support structure for supporting thermoplastic sheets in a twin-sheet thermoforming apparatus, the support structure comprising:an elevated ring bearing;a rotatable carousel which supports at least a first thermoplastic sheet and a second thermoplastic sheet, the carousel being rotatably mounted on the ring bearing, the carousel defining an interior opening through which at least one interior vertical post of a vertical press may extend, and having an exterior perimeter which extends between the at least one interior vertical post and a plurality of exterior posts of a vertical press;a plurality of rollers mounted to the carousel outer perimeter; andan elevated ring track positioned beneath the outer perimeter, wherein the rollers engage with the elevated track to support a portion of the loads of the carousel, the elevated track being positioned between the vertical press exterior posts and the vertical press interior post.