Workpiece holding device
OwnerGregory C. Smithinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A workpiece holding device for a T-slotted machine table includes a locator block having a planar bottom surface, a mounting hole that intersects the bottom surface to define a center point, at least one workpiece locating surface disposed a predetermined distance from the center point, and a key protruding from the bottom surface at a second point offset a predetermined distance from the center point. The protruding portion of the key has a width substantially the same as the T-slot opening so as to slidably mount in the T-slot. A fastener extends through the mounting hole and secures the locator block to a T-nut slidably mounted in the T-slot. A clamp secured to the locator block clamps the workpiece to the locating surface of the locator block. A method of using the device is also disclosed.
Claims18
A workpiece holding device for mounting a workpiece on a machine table having a planar surface thereon with a T-slot having a first leg intersecting and perpendicular to the planar surface and a second leg connected to the first leg, the second leg being spaced from and extending parallel to the planar surface, a T-nut being slidably mounted in the T-slot, the device comprising:
- a locator block including a planar bottom surface adapted to directly slidingly and matingly engage the planar surface of the machine table and a mounting hole having a central axis that intersects the bottom surface to define a first point, the block including at least one workpiece locating surface disposed a predetermined distance from the first point;
- a key protruding from the bottom surface of the locator block at a second point offset horizontally a predetermined distance from the first point, the key having a width substantially the same as the first leg of the T-slot so as to slidably mount in the first leg;
- a fastener extending through the mounting hole at the first point for securing the locator block to the T-nut;
- a clamping mechanism secured to the locator block for clamping the workpiece to the locating surface of the locator block;
- and
- the predetermined distance between the first and second points being sufficient to insure that the key does not interfere with the T-nut when the locator block is secured to the T-nut.
A workpiece holding device for mounting a workpiece on a machine table having a planar surface thereon with a T-slot having a first leg intersecting and perpendicular to the planar surface and a second leg connected to the first leg, the second leg being spaced from and extending parallel to the planar surface, a T-nut being slidably mounted in the T-slot, the device comprising:
- a locator block including a planar bottom surface adapted to directly slidingly and matingly engage the planar surface of the machine table and a mounting hole having a central axis that intersects the bottom surface to define a first point, the block including at least one workpiece locating surface disposed a predetermined distance from the first point;
- a key protruding from the bottom surface of the locator block at a second point offset a predetermined distance from the first point, the key having a width substantially the same as the first leg of the T-slot so as to slidably mount in the first leg;
- a fastener extending through the mounting hole for securing the locator block to the T-nut;
- a clamping mechanism secured to the locator block for clamping the workpiece to the locating surface of the locator block;
- and
- the locator block having first and second keyways formed in the bottom surface thereof for slidably receiving the key, the keyways extending perpendicular to each other and intersecting at the first point.
A workpiece holding device for mounting a workpiece on a machine table having a planar surface thereon with a T-slot having a first leg intersecting and perpendicular to the planar surface and a second leg connected to the first leg, the second leg being spaced from and extending parallel to the planar surface, a T-nut being slidably mounted in the T-slot, the device comprising:
- a locator block including a planar bottom surface adapted to directly slidingly and matingly engage the planar surface of the machine table and a mounting hole having a central axis that intersects the bottom surface to define a first point, the block including at least one workpiece locating surface disposed a predetermined distance from the first point;
- a key protruding from the bottom surface of the locator block at a second point offset a predetermined distance from the first point, the key having a width substantially the same as the first leg of the T-slot so as to slidably mount in the first leg;
- a fastener extending through the mounting hole for securing the locator block to the T-nut;
- a clamping mechanism secured to the locator block for clamping the workpiece to the locating surface of the locator block;
- the at least one workpiece locating surface including a first planar workpiece locating surface extending parallel to the bottom surface of the locator block at a predetermined distance above the bottom surface, and a second planar workpiece locating surface that is adjacent to and perpendicular to the first planar workpiece locating surface so as to intersect the first planar workpiece locating surface and form an elongated L-shaped notch in the locator block for receiving an edge of the workpiece;
- and
- a stop plate mounted to the locator block so as to protrude into the L-shaped notch and extend perpendicular the first and second workpiece locating surfaces.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.