Modeling apparatus with tray substrate
First Claim
1. In an additive process three-dimensional modeling machine, the improvement comprising:
- a platform for supporting a modeling substrate, the platform including a plurality of keyholes; and
a substantially rigid substrate having a modeling surface and a plurality of projections, each projection configured to be removably seated in a corresponding one of the keyholes so as to engage the substrate and the platform in a connected position; and
a locking mechanism for securing the substrate to the platform in the connected position, by preventing relative movement between the substrate and the platform when the substrate projections are engaged in the keyholes.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A modeling apparatus includes a platform and a substrate, which are adapted to be releasably locked together to provide a surface for building up models in an additive-process three-dimensional modeling machine. The substrate comprises a substantially rigid, non-dusting tray providing a modeling surface. Female connectors extending from the tray are seated in male connectors in the platform, to engage the substrate to the platform. The engaged substrate is locked to the platform, maintaining accurate positioning of the substrate while a model is built. After modeling is complete, the substrate is released from the platform, the model is removed, and the substrate may be reused.
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Citations
62 Claims
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1. In an additive process three-dimensional modeling machine, the improvement comprising:
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a platform for supporting a modeling substrate, the platform including a plurality of keyholes; and
a substantially rigid substrate having a modeling surface and a plurality of projections, each projection configured to be removably seated in a corresponding one of the keyholes so as to engage the substrate and the platform in a connected position; and
a locking mechanism for securing the substrate to the platform in the connected position, by preventing relative movement between the substrate and the platform when the substrate projections are engaged in the keyholes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. For use in a three-dimensional modeling machine, an apparatus comprising:
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a platform having a plurality of female connectors through a surface thereof;
a substantially rigid, non-dusting substrate adapted to be releasably secured to the platform in a connected position wherein the substrate is supported in a defined configuration on the surface of the platform, the substrate having an outward-facing, substantially flat modeling surface and a plurality of male connectors configured to be seated in an engaged position in corresponding ones of the female connectors; and
a locking mechanism for preventing relative movement between the substrate and the platform when the male connectors are seated in the female connectors. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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33. For use in a three-dimensional modeling machine, an apparatus comprising a platform and a substrate,
the platform and the substrate being adapted to be releasably locked together in a connected position, wherein the substrate is supported in a defined configuration on the platform such that a modeling surface of the substrate faces outward; -
said platform including a means for securing the substrate in the connected position; and
said substrate comprising a substantially rigid, non-dusting tray providing the modeling surface, and integral means for engaging the means for securing the substrate. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35, 36, 37)
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38. For use in an additive process three-dimensional modeling machine of the type which builds models on a substrate supported by a modeling platform, a substrate comprising:
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a substantially rigid, non-dusting tray having a substantially flat modeling surface, the modeling surface having a texture; and
a plurality of spaced male connectors extending from the tray for engaging the modeling platform. - View Dependent Claims (39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48)
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49. In an additive process three-dimensional modeling machine, the apparatus comprising:
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a platform;
a substantially rigid, non-dusting substrate having a modeling surface;
means integral with the platform for engaging the substrate on the platform in a connected position wherein the modeling surface of the substrate faces outward; and
means integral with the substrate for engaging the means integral with the platform. - View Dependent Claims (50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57)
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58. A method for loading a modeling substrate in an additive process three-dimensional modeling machine, comprising the steps of:
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providing a platform for supporting a substrate, the platform having a plurality of female connectors through a surface thereof;
providing a substantially rigid, non-dusting substrate having a modeling surface and a plurality of integral male connectors, each male connector configured to be seated in an engaged position in a corresponding one of the female connectors;
seating the male connectors in the corresponding female connectors; and
locking the substrate onto the platform. - View Dependent Claims (59, 60, 61, 62)
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Specification