Workpiece holding method and apparatus

Abstract

A quick-change method for holding a workpiece on a worktable includes the step of providing at least one tombstone module (a workpiece support structure) for holding the workpiece, and a receiver assembly for removably holding the tombstone module on the worktable. The method proceeds by mounting the receiver assembly on the worktable, mounting the workpiece on the tombstone module, and removably mounting the tombstone module on the receiver assembly. In line with the above, an apparatus for holding a workpiece on a worktable (a modular tombstone assembly) includes at least one tombstone module for holding the workpiece, and a receiver assembly for removably holding the tombstone module on the worktable. The receiver assembly includes a base for mounting the receiver assembly on the worktable and an expandable mechanism extending from the base (an expandable mandrel, spindle, axle, pin, bar, shaft, or other elongated member for placement within a bore of the modular tombstone) for holding the tombstone module. The tombstone module includes a block of material with a bore shaped and dimensioned to fit over the expandable mechanism so that expanding the mechanism removably secures the tombstone module to the receiver assembly and thereby to the worktable.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.