Patent ID: 6708956
Filing Date: 2004-03-23
Classification: B23Q,B25J,F16P,Y10T

Abstract:
A breakaway barrier for use with a work station mounted on a support surface and comprising a work piece support for holding a work piece, and a robot mounted in a position to engage and perform work upon the work piece while the work piece is on the work piece support, the robot having an outer movement limit that defines the range of movement capability of the robot; the breakaway barrier comprising;first and second spaced apart upstanding posts positioned a predetermined safe distance away from the outer movement limit of the robot; a first barrier assembly and a second barrier assembly, each comprising one or more door panels; the first and second barrier assemblies being hinged to the first and second posts, respectively, for hinged movement from a closed position wherein the first and second barrier assemblies are a closed distance less than said safe distance away from the outer movement limit of the robot to an open position wherein both said first and second barriers are free from engagement with one another and are an open distance greater than the safe distance away from the outer movement limit of the robot; a breakaway latch assembly holding the first and second barriers together when in the closed position, the latch assembly being responsive to a predetermined opening force urging the first and second barriers apart to break away and permit the first and second barriers to separate and move to the safe distance away from the outer movement limit of the robot.