Mold arrangement having a melt distribution manifold with a hinged joint

A mold arrangement having a first mold portion and a second mold portion, wherein second mold portion is moveable with respect to said first mold portion;

• at least one hot runner nozzle fixed in position with respect to said second mold portion;
• and, a melt distribution manifold for distributing melt to said at least one hot runner nozzle, wherein said melt distribution manifold comprises:
• i. a melt inlet means for receiving melt from an injection molding machine;
• ii. a first manifold portion connected to said first mold portion, wherein said first manifold portion is stationary with respect to said first mold portion,
• iii. a second manifold portion connecting said first manifold portion to said hot runner nozzle, wherein said second manifold portion is moveable with respect to said first manifold portion such that when the first mold portion moves with respect to the second mold portion, said second manifold portion remains connected to said first manifold portion and to said hot runner nozzle;
• iv. a hinged joint connecting said first manifold portion to said second manifold portion;
• and,
• v. each of said first manifold portion, said second manifold portion, and said hinged joint having respective melt distribution bores in fluid communication with each other.