Four-level spruebar-less melt distribution system

A melt distribution system for a four level stack mould having first, second, third and fourth mould levels arranged in a “stack” along a mould axis with said first and fourth levels at opposite ends of said stack, said second level disposed adjacent said first level and said third level disposed between said second and fourth levels, a first main manifold disposed between said first and second mould levels for directing melt thereto, a second main manifold disposed between said third and fourth mould levels for directing melt thereto and a central distribution block disposed between said second and third mould levels for directing melt to said first and second main manifolds, said melt distribution system comprising:

• at least one leg manifold having a melt inlet at said mould axis for receiving melt from a machine nozzle of an injection moulding machine, a melt outlet radially offset from said melt inlet and a melt passage providing fluid communication between said melt inlet and said melt outlet;
• a respective distribution block crossover conduit associated with each said at least one leg manifold extending generally parallel to but offset from said mould axis between a respective said leg manifold outlet and said central distribution block to provide fluid communication therebetween;
• a first main manifold crossover conduit extending generally parallel to but offset from said mould axis between a respective of said at least one central distribution block and said first main manifold to provide fluid communication therebetween;
• a second main manifold crossover conduit extending generally parallel to but offset from said mould axis between said central distribution block and said second main manifold to provide fluid communication therebetween;
• said first and second main manifold crossover conduits being located radially outwardly of any parts to be manufactured at each of said first, second, third and fourth mould levels;
• and
• each said at least one leg manifold fluidly communicating through said central distribution block with at least one of said first and second main manifold crossover conduits.