Precision positioning and fastening system
OwnerDavid L. Durfee, JR.inventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A locator/fastener has a first outer member with a precision-machined external body portion, a retention head protruding from a first end, and a multi-diameter throughbore. A fastener, which may take the form of a cap screw, floats in the throughbore of the locator with the threaded portion protruding from a second end of the locator. A receiver has an internal precision-machined surface which contacts the precision-machined body portion of the locator and a threaded bore which receives the protruding fastener. By separating the locating and fastening functions, a quick connect disconnect device is created which does not bind or gall. A hangar system allows a sub-base plate to be attached to a base using the locator-fastener disclosed herein.
Claims10
1-17. (canceled)
A system for precisely positioning and fastening at least one article in a fixed position, said system comprising:
- a) a sub-base plate removably attached to a side of a base plate, said sub-base plate having
- i) at least one throughbore with a first center-line, and,
- ii) first fastening means for securing the at least one article to said sub-base plate;
- b) at least one docking stud attached to said sub-base by which a first centerline of a throughbore in said sub-base is initially positioned on the order of 0.015 inches below a second centerline of a throughbore in said base plate, said at least one docking stud supporting a weight of the sub-base;
- c) said base plate having at least one generally v-shaped docking stud notch having an open upper side for receiving said at least one docking stud and supporting the weight of said sub-base;
- d) second fastening means for engaging and attaching said sub-base to said base plate, said second fastening means lifting said sub-base plate relative to said base plate to bring said first centerline into alignment with said second centerline.
A method of precisely positioning and fastening at least one article in a fixed position on a baseplate, said method comprising the steps of
- a) securing said at least one article to sub-base plate, said sub-base plate having
- i) at least one throughbore with a first center-line, and,
- ii) first fastening means for securing the at least one article to said sub-base plate;
- b) removably attaching said sub-base plate to a base using at least one docking stud attached to said sub-base plate by which a first centerline of a throughbore in said sub-base plate is initially positioned on the order of 0.015 inches below a second centerline of a throughbore in said base plate, whereby said at least one docking stud supports a weight of the sub-base plate;
- c) providing a base plate having at least one generally v-shaped docking stud notch having an open upper side for receiving said at least one docking stud and supporting the weight of said sub-base;
- d) inserting second fastening means for engaging and attaching said sub-base to said base plate, said second fastening means having a hunting capability which permits it to lift said sub-base plate relative to said base plate to bring said first centerline into alignment with said second centerline.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.