US 6,748,667 B2 · Low profile, one hand go-no-go gage and locator

Abstract

The apparatus forms a combined locating pin and gage for supporting and measuring two pieces of an assembly. The method for using the apparatus includes measuring an opening within each piece of the assembly using the limit gage portion of the apparatus and then locating the pieces together to form a temporary assembly using the gage as the shank of the locating pin portion of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a handle and a shank extending from the handle. In order to use the locating pin and gage apparatus, the mid-section of the shank forms a limit gage and has an outer diameter of a fixed dimension for measuring an opening within the two pieces of the assembly. If the diameter of each opening is within the predetermined limit set for the openings, then the handle of the apparatus is rotated in either direction, correspondingly rotating the lower locking section and causing the locking section to contact the lower piece, effectively temporarily and positively locking the assembly together.

Claims26

Dependent claims

A locating pin and gage for supporting and measuring two pieces of an assembly having an opening of fixed dimension within a piece forming the assembly, said locating pin and gage comprising:

a handle;
and
a shank extending downwardly from said handle;
said handle comprising a hollow center for housing a spring and means for rotatably attaching said handle to said shank;
said shank comprising a mid-section and a locking section, said mid-section comprising a cam surface opposite said handle and an opening extending the length of said mid-section, offset from the vertical center of said mid-section;
said locking section comprising a cam surface matching said cam surface of said mid-section, a tapered end opposite said cam surface, and an opening extending the length of said locking section, offset from the vertical center of said locking section;
wherein said locking section is attached to said handle with a shaft.

4 more elements

A method for measuring and positioning two pieces of an assembly, each piece having an opening of fixed dimension for positioning a locating pin and gauge, said method comprising the steps of:

aligning the openings of each piece,
inserting said locating pin and gage into said openings, said locating pin and gage comprising a handle and a shank extending downwardly from said handle, wherein said shank comprises a mid-section and a locking section and wherein said locking section is attached to said handle with a shaft;
measuring the dimension of said openings to the outer dimension of said shank by determining if said dimension of said openings is within the predetermined limit set for said openings, wherein said limit is equal to said outer dimension of said shank;
if said outer dimensions are within said limit, positively locking said two pieces of an assembly together by rotating said handle about said shank to a locked position;
and
restricting 5 degrees of freedom of said assembly when said locating pin is in said looked position, wherein all steps are capable of being performed with a single hand of the user.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Low profile, one hand go-no-go gage and locator

Life of this patent

Low profile, one hand go-no-go gage and locator

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims26