Patent ID: 7677181
Filing Date: 2010-03-16
Classification: B23Q

Abstract:
1. An interlocking precision flexible rail system for carrying a positionable machine tool comprising: a first rail element having a first step on a lower surface extending from a first end to a termination at a predetermined length; a second rail element having a mating step on an upper surface extending from a second end to receive the first step as a mating joint, said predetermined length providing an uninterrupted flex characteristic of the mated first and second rail elements; at least one first clip removably affixed to a top surface of the first rail element at the first end with a first pin engaged in a first alignment hole and to the second rail element with a second pin engaged in a second alignment hole; and, at least one second clip removably affixed to a bottom surface of the second rail element at the second end with a third pin in a third alignment hole and to the first rail element with a forth pin in a fourth alignment hole, the at least one first and second clips and associated pins laterally securing the rail elements in mated engagement, wherein the predetermined length is defined to allow a tolerance in the alignment holes.