Patent ID: 8033227
Filing Date: 2011-10-11
Classification: B25B

Abstract:
1. A pallet for supporting a component for assembly operations, the pallet comprising: a plurality of support assemblies each mounted to a platform, wherein each of the plurality of support assemblies includes a support element which is rotatable and moveable to a plurality of positions; a plurality of bases each defining one of the plurality of positions, wherein each of the plurality of bases is configured to selectively receive the respective support element, and has an alignment mechanism arranged with respect to the support element and configured to align the rotational position of the support element in each of the plurality of positions relative to the platform; a locking mechanism operatively connected to the plurality of bases and configured to selectively prevent vertical movement of the support element relative to each of the plurality of bases; a locator defined on each of the support elements at a first end opposing the alignment mechanism, wherein each of the plurality of positions defined by the plurality of bases places the locator at a respective predetermined height and linear position relative to the platform for supporting the component when the support element is received by each of the respective plurality of bases and when the alignment mechanism has aligned the rotational position of the support element relative to the platform; and a plurality of linkage assemblies mounted to the platform, wherein each of the plurality of linkage assemblies further comprises a foundation secured to the platform, a first arm rotatably connected to the foundation and a second arm rotatably connected to the first arm, wherein the second arm defines an aperture to slideably and rotatably receive the support element.