Patent ID: 6027329
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: B29C

Abstract:
A platen to be operationally coupled to a plurality of tie bars and being suitable for supporting a mold element in a clamping operation in which the platen is subjected to clamping forces, said platen comprising:(a) a mold supporting section comprising a mold support member having a mold mounting surface for receiving the mold element;(b) a plurality of tie bar engaging members spaced outward and apart from the mold supporting section; and(c) a flexible interconnecting structure coupling the tie bar engaging members to the mold supporting section, said flexible interconnecting structure comprising at least one interconnecting element which interconnects at least one tie bar engaging member to the mold supporting section and which is placed under tension during the clamping operation to allow said at least one tie bar engaging member to deflect upward relative to the mold supporting section in response to the clamping forces acting against the platen.