Patent ID: 6158728
Filing Date: 2000-12-12
Classification: B25B

Abstract:
A workpiece holding device for mounting a workpiece on a machine table having a planar surface thereon with a T-slot having a first leg intersecting and perpendicular to the planar surface and a second leg connected to the first leg, the second leg being spaced from and extending parallel to the planar surface, a T-nut being slidably mounted in the T-slot, the device comprising:a locator block including a planar bottom surface adapted to directly slidingly and matingly engage the planar surface of the machine table and a mounting hole having a central axis that intersects the bottom surface to define a first point, the block including at least one workpiece locating surface disposed a predetermined distance from the first point;a key protruding from the bottom surface of the locator block at a second point offset horizontally a predetermined distance from the first point, the key having a width substantially the same as the first leg of the T-slot so as to slidably mount in the first leg;a fastener extending through the mounting hole at the first point for securing the locator block to the T-nut;a clamping mechanism secured to the locator block for clamping the workpiece to the locating surface of the locator block; andthe predetermined distance between the first and second points being sufficient to insure that the key does not interfere with the T-nut when the locator block is secured to the T-nut.