The present invention relates to a table for holding, by suction under vacuum, an original document to be imaged by an imaging apparatus or the like. More particularly, the invention relates to an original table suitable for use with an imaging apparatus that performs imaging of an original to provide an image on a printing plate or for use with a platemaking apparatus used for this purpose.
A typical configuration of an original table used with a conventional imager for plate making or platemaking apparatus is shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, an original mount 1 equipped at one side with a pivotable glass holder 2 holds the original 3 in position by means of the glass 2 during imaging.
A problem with the original table using a holder glass is that the glass is heavy and makes the handling of the table cumbersome. Furthermore, at low reduction ratios, the original table must be placed only a short distance from the optical system, and this prevents the glass holder from opening sufficiently to achieve perfect registry of the original.