Patent ID: 7701073

Claim:
An IC leadframe array comprising: a plurality of package regions adapted for receiving ICs and for ultimately residing within IC packages; a supporting structure adapted for supporting the package regions during handling and transfer molding, wherein the supporting structure further comprises a plurality of straps connecting the package regions, the straps configured for overlying the gates of a transfer mold, and wherein the straps further comprise at least one locking feature adapted for the formation of a strap lock upon transfer mold encapsulation; the strap having a bottom surface and side surfaces perpendicular to the bottom surface, the bottom surface and the side surfaces designed to contact the transfer mold during the transfer molding; and the locking feature in the straps having an additional surface portion disposed away from the bottom surface of the strap and not perpendicular to the bottom surface and on which the transfer mold comes to contact during the transfer molding.