Patent ID: 6053677
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: B23C,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for supporting a key blank having an angled blade which includes an upper portion and a lower portion which is angled away from the upper portion at a predetermined angle, said apparatus comprising:a support member for engaging the lower portion of the key blank;wherein the support member includes a substantially vertical portion and a substantially flat surface which is slanted relative the substantially vertical portion, and the substantially flat surface forms an angle with a horizontal axis which is in the range of from about 5.degree. to about 85.degree.; andwherein the angle formed between the substantially flat surface of the support member and said horizontal axis substantially corresponds to a predetermined angle formed between an upper portion and a lower portion of an angled key blank thereby permitting the lower portion of the key blank to rest on the substantially flat surface of the support member with the upper portion of the key blank disposed substantially horizontally;wherein the support member includes a base member and a separate insert secured thereto, and the separate insert includes the substantially vertical portion and the substantially flat surface; andfurther comprising a plurality of separate inserts each being securable to the base member, each of said inserts including a substantially vertical portion and a substantially flat surface, and wherein the angle formed between the horizontal axis and the substantially flat surface is different for each of said plurality of inserts.