Patent ID: 8033226
Filing Date: 2011-10-11
Classification: B23P,B65D

Abstract:
1. A pallet for supporting a component for assembly operations 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 predetermined positions for supporting the component, a plurality of bases fixed to the platform and each defining one of the plurality of predetermined positions, wherein each of the plurality of bases is configured to selectively receive the respective support element; a locking mechanism operatively connected to each support element to prevent vertical movement of the support element in each of the plurality of bases; and a locator defined on each of the support assemblies at a first end opposing the plurality of bases, wherein each of the plurality of predetermined positions defined by the plurality of bases places each 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 a plurality of linkage assemblies mounted to the platform, wherein each of the plurality of linkage assemblies is operatively connected to one of the plurality of support assemblies to enable movement of the support element to the plurality of positions and wherein the support element in each of the plurality of support assemblies is adjustable in a plurality of directions parallel to the platform via movement of a respective one of the plurality of linkage assemblies and adjustable in a direction perpendicular to the platform via the plurality of bases and sliding of the support element relative to the one of the plurality of linkage assemblies.