Universal fixture for pre-assembly of computer components

• US 6,175,999 B1
• Filed: 01/12/1999
• Issued: 01/23/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 01/12/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Dell USA LP (Dell Technologies Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Dell USA LP (Dell Technologies Inc.)
• Inventors: Sloan, Robert, Manley, Mark
• Primary Examiner(s): Watson, Robert C.
• Application Number:
  US09/228,963
• Time in Patent Office: 742 Days
• Field of Search: 269/79, 269/285, 269/286, 269/274, 269/71, 269/40, 269/37, 269/903, 292/811, 292/814, 292/815
• US Class Current: 29/281.4
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 11/02 Assembly jigs
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 269/903 Work holder for electrical circuit assemblages or wiring systems
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53974 having means to permit support movement while work is thereon
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53978 including means to relatively position plural work parts

Abstract

A universal fixture for a pre-assembly of computer components includes a base and a support plate adjustably mounted on the base for movement to various inclined positions. At least one support arm interconnects the base and the support plate for securing the support plate in an inclined position. A fixture is rotatably mounted on the support plate and includes various positioning stops and an adjustable slide for properly positioning various computer components for attaching chassis mounting devices to the components. The adjustment of the support plate and rotation of the fixture provide ergonomic advantages to the assembler performing the pre-assembly operations.

Claims

1. A work piece holder comprising:

a base;

a support plate pivotally mounted for inclined adjustment on the base; and

a fixture rotatably mounted on the support plate, the fixture including a recess formed therein for receiving a workpiece and having a plurality of stops mounted therein and extending into the recess.

2. The workpiece holder as defined in claim 1 wherein the support plate is supported in an inclined position by at least one support arm.

3. The workpiece holder as defined in claim 2 wherein the support arm includes a first end pivotally connected to the base and a second end slidably connected to the support plate.

4. The workpiece holder as defined in claim 3 where in the support plate includes a groove formed therein for receiving the second end of the support arm.

5. The workpiece holder as defined in claim 4 further comprising means for securing the second end of the support arm in a stationary position in the groove for maintaining the support plate in the inclined position.

6. The workpiece holder as defined in claim 1 wherein the recess includes an adjustable slide movably mounted therein.

7. The workpiece holder as defined in claim 6 wherein the adjustable slide includes an extension resiliently mounted thereon.

8. The workpiece holder as defined in claim 1 wherein the fixture includes a plurality of tool access grooves formed therein adjacent the recess.

9. The workpiece holder as defined in claim 1 wherein the recess includes a support surface including a resilient pad mounted thereon.

10. The workpiece holder as defined in claim 1 further comprising a first adapter plate for mounting in the recess of the fixture.

11. The workpiece holder as defined in claim 10 wherein the first adapter plate includes a recess formed therein for receiving another workpiece.

12. The workpiece holder as defined in claim 11 wherein the recess in the first adapter plate includes a support surface including a resilient pad mounted thereon.

13. The workpiece holder as defined in claim 11 wherein the first adapter plate includes a plurality of tool access grooves formed therein.

14. The workpiece holder as defined in claim 11 wherein the first adapter plate includes a plurality of stops mounted thereon.

15. The workpiece holder as defined in claim 11 further comprising a second adapter plate for mounting in the recess of the workpiece.

16. The workpiece holder as defined in claim 15 wherein the second adapter plate includes a recess formed therein for receiving a further fixture.

17. The workpiece holder as defined in claim 16 wherein the recess formed in the second adapter plate includes a support surface including a resilient pad mounted thereon.

18. An adjustable fixture comprising:

a base;

a support plate adjustably mounted on the base for movement to a plurality of inclined positions;

at least one support arm interconnecting the base and the support plate for securing the support plate in an inclined position; and

a fixture plate rotatably mounted on the support plate, the fixture plate being formed of an ultra-high molecular weight anti-static plastic material and being reinforced with an anti-warp backing plate.

19. The adjustable fixture as defined in claim 18 wherein the fixture plate includes adjustable stops mounted thereon.

20. The adjustable fixture as defined in claim 18 wherein the fixture plate includes resilient stops mounted thereon.

21. The adjustable fixture as defined in claim 18 wherein the fixture plate includes a recess formed therein for receiving a workpiece, and a resilient pad mounted in the recess.

22. The adjustable fixture as defined in claim 21 wherein the resilient pad is formed of anti-static material.

23. A universal fixture comprising:

a base;

a support plate adjustably mounted on the base for movement to a plurality of inclined positions;

at least one support arm interconnecting the base and the support plate for securing the support plate in an inclined position;

a fixture plate rotatably mounted on the support plate; and

a plurality of positioning stops and an adjustable slide mounted on the fixture plate.