Abstract:
A welding jig is provided for supporting and aligning first and second workpieces in preparation for a welding operation. The welding jig includes a first support arm extending along a first axis. A second support arm is operatively connected to the first support arm and extends along a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis. A first clamping member is operatively connected to the first end of the first support arm for supporting a first workpiece. A second clamping member is pivotably connected to the first end of the second support arm for supporting a second workpiece. The second clamping member may be pivoted about a vertical axis for adjusting the angle between the first and second workpieces. In addition, the axial position of the second workpiece may be adjusted by moving the second clamping member along an axis parallel to the first workpiece.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to welding equipment, and in particular, to a welding jig for positioning first and second workpieces adjacent one another to facilitate the welding of the same. 
     BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The welding industry is extremely competitive. As such, it is vital that a minimum amount of manpower and time be used to effectuate a welding operation while still assuring that a high quality weld is achieved. This is often a difficult task in such instances where multiple workpieces must be welded together to form a customized arrangement. The workpieces in these customized arrangements are not necessarily at standard right angles to each other. As a result, an assistant coupled with various jerry-built holders may be required to position the workpieces with respect to one another while the workpieces are initially tacked in place and welded together. It can be appreciated that the alignment of the workpieces with respect to one another is often a difficult undertaking. In addition, by way of example, conditions such as poor lighting, awkward positions, and the like may complicate the welding process. Further, depending on the quality of the jerry-built holder, errors in the welding process may necessitate the redoing of a complicated welding project. 
     Several jigs have been developed to assist in the aligning and holding of workpieces relative to each other. However, many of these jigs are more complicated and expensive than is desired. Further, known welding jigs are often cumbersome to use and are not as durable and long lasting as is desired. Further, with prior jigs, it is often necessary to reconfigure the jigs each time a new welding operation takes place. As heretofore described, this reconfiguration may be a difficult undertaking. In addition, most welding jigs only allow for the positioning of two workpieces at right angles to each other and do not accommodate the positioning of the workpieces at a variety of angles to each other. Therefore, it is highly desired to provide a welding jig that allows for the quick and easy positioning of workpieces at various angles to each other, without the need to completely reconstruct the welding jig. 
     Therefore, it is a primary object and feature of the present invention to provide a welding jig that is simple to utilize and inexpensive to manufacture. 
     It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a welding jig that easily positions first and second workpieces adjacent one another for a welding operation. 
     It is a still further object and feature of the present invention to provide a welding jig that allows a user to position first and second workpieces adjacent one another at a user desired angle to each other. 
     In accordance with the present invention, a welding jig is provided for positioning first and second workpieces adjacent to one another. Each workpiece has first and second sides and first and second ends. The welding jig includes a first clamp structure for supporting the first workpiece and a second clamp structure operatively connected to the first clamp structure. The second clamp structure supports the second workpiece at a user desired location such that the first end of the second workpiece abuts the first side of the first workpiece. 
     The first clamp structure includes a clamp movable between an open position wherein the first workpiece is vertically movable and a clamping position wherein the first workpiece is retained in a user desired position. The first clamp structure may also include a clamp movable between an open position wherein the clamp is spaced from the second side of the first workpiece and a clamping position wherein the clamp engages the second side of the first workpiece to retain the first workpiece in a user desired position. 
     An adjustment mechanism is operatively connected to the second clamp structure. The adjustment mechanism allows the user to reposition the second workpiece along the first side of the first workpiece. The adjustment mechanism includes a locking structure for retaining the second clamp structure in a selected position. It is contemplated to provide a support structure for supporting the first and second clamp structures. The second clamp structure is pivotably mounted to the support structure and a locking structure is provided for retaining the second clamp structure is a selected position. 
     In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a welding jig is provided. The welding jig includes a first support arm extending along the first axis. The first support arm has first and second opposite ends. A second support arm is operatively connected to the first support arm and extends along a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis. The second support arm has first and second opposite ends. The first clamping member is operatively connected to the first end of the first support member for supporting a first workpiece. Second clamping members pivotably connected to the second end of the second support arm supporting a second workpiece. The second clamping member is pivotable about a vertical axis for positioning the second workpiece relative to the first workpiece. 
     The welding jig may also include an adjustment mechanism engagageable with the second support arm. The adjustment mechanism moves the first end of the second support arm toward and away from the first support arm to a user desired position. A locking mechanism rigidly connects the first and second support arms in a user desired position. 
     The first clamping member includes a first clamping structure having first and second clamping elements defining a first cavity therebetween. First and second clamping elements are adjustable between a first open position for allowing the workpiece be inserted to and removed from the first cavity and a clamping position for retaining the first workpiece in the first cavity. The first clamping member also includes a second clamping structure having first and second clamping elements defining in a second cavity therebetween. First and second clamping elements of the second clamping structure are adjustable between a first open position for allowing the first workpiece to be inserted to and removed from the second cavity and a clamping position for retaining the second workpiece in the second cavity. Similarly, the second clamping member includes a clamp defining a second workpiece receiving cavity therein. The clamp is movable between an open position for allowing the second workpiece to be inserted to and removed from the second workpiece receiving cavity and a clamping position for retaining the second workpiece in the second workpiece receiving cavity. 
     In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention, a welding jig is provided. The welding jig includes a first support arm extending along an axis and having a passageway therein. A second support arm is slidable received in the passageway of the first support arm. A first clamping member is operatively connected to the first support arm for supporting a first workpiece and a second clamping member is operatively connected to the second support arm for supporting a second workpiece. An arm locking structure extends into the passageway of the first support arm for maintaining the second support arm at a user selected position with respect to the first support arm. 
     The second clamping member is pivotable upon an axis for positioning the second workpiece relative to the first workpiece. The welding jig may include a clamp lock operatively connected to the second support arm for maintaining the second clamping member at a user desired position. An adjustment mechanism engages the second support arm and moves the second support arm to the user desired position. 
     The first clamping member includes a first clamping structure having first and second clamping elements defining a first cavity therebetween. The first and second clamping elements are adjustable between a first open position for allowing the first workpiece to be inserted to and removed from the first cavity and a clamping position for retaining the first workpiece in the first cavity. The first clamping member also includes a second clamping structure including first and second clamping elements defining a second cavity therebetween. The first and second clamping elements of the second clamping structure are adjustable between a first open position for allowing the first workpiece to be inserted to and removed from the second cavity and a clamping position for retaining the first workpiece in the second cavity. Similarly, the second clamping member includes a clamp defining a second workpiece receiving cavity therein. The clamp is movable between an open position for allowing the second workpiece to be inserted to and removed from the second workpiece receiving cavity and a clamping position for retaining the second workpiece in the second workpiece receiving cavity. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The drawings furnished herewith illustrate a preferred construction of the present invention in which the above advantages and features are clearly disclosed as well as others which will be readily understood from the following description of the illustrated embodiment. 
     In the drawings: 
     FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a welding jig in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a first side of the welding jig of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the welding jig of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the welding jig of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a second side of the welding jig of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the welding jig of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a welding jig of the present invention taken along line  7 — 7  of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the welding jig of the present invention taken along line  8 — 8  of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the welding jig of the present invention taken along line  9 — 9  of FIG. 3; and 
     FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the welding jig of the present invention taken along line  10 — 10  of FIG.  3 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to FIG. 1, a welding jig in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral  10 . It is intended that welding jig  10  allow a user to position first and second workpieces  12  and  14 , respectively, adjacent one another to facilitate the welding together of the same. By way of example, first and second workpieces  12  and  14 , respectively, are depicted as elongated, generally flat plates. However, it is contemplated that welding jig  10  may be used to position workpieces of other configurations without deviating from the scope of the present invention. 
     By way of example, first workpiece  10  includes first and second sides  16  and  18 , respectively; first and second edges  20  and  22 , respectively; and first and second ends  24  and  26 , respectively. Similarly, second workpiece  14  includes first and second sides  26  and  28 , respectively; first and second edges  30  and  32 ; and first and second ends  34  and  36 , respectively. As hereinafter described, it is intended to position first end  34  of second workpiece  14  at a user desired location adjacent first side  16  of first workpiece  10  to facilitate a welding operation. 
     Welding jig  10  includes a support generally designated by the reference numeral  40 . Support  40  includes an arm  42  having enlarged support element  44  formed on first end  48  thereof and clamping structure  50  formed on second end  52  thereof. As best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, support element  44  is generally rectangular in shape and includes upper and lower surfaces  54  and  56 , respectively, and a threaded passageway  56  extending therebetween. Screw  60  is threaded into passageway  58  of support element  44  for reasons hereinafter described. Cap  62  is molded over head  64  of screw  60  to facilitate rotation of shaft  66  into and out of passageway  58  through support element  44  by a user. 
     Support block  68  is interconnected to lower surface  56  of support element  44 . Support box  68  has first and second ends  70  and  72 , respectively, and upper and lower surfaces  74  and  76 , respectively. Upper surface  74  of support block  68  includes a recess  78  formed therein for slidably receiving support arm  80 , for reasons hereinafter described. Bolts  82  and  84  extend through corresponding threaded passageways  86  and  88  in support block  68  and into support element  44  so as to capture support block  68  between heads  82   a  and  84   a  of bolts  82  and  84 , respectively, and lower surface  56  of support element  44 . 
     A generally U-shaped member  90  extends from first side  70  of support block  68  and defines a cavity  92 , for reasons hereinafter described. Shaft  96  of screw  98  is threaded into a threaded passageway  100  extending into first end  102  of support arm  80 . Non-threaded portion  104  of screw  98  is seated within aperture  106  extending through member  90  for rotational movement therein. In addition, dial  108  is positioned about and rigidly connected to non-threaded portion  104  of screw  98 . Dial  108  is positioned within cavity  92  defined by U-shaped member  90 . It can be appreciated that rotation of dial  108  is translated to screw  98  so as to allow a user to thread threaded portion  102  of screw  98  into and out of a threaded passageway  100  in first end  102  of support arm  100 . As a result, it can be understood that rotation of dial  108  allows a user to manually adjust the position of support arm  88  along its longitudinal axis. 
     Support arm  80  includes,upper and lower surfaces  114  and  116 , respectively, and aperture  118  extending therebetween. Support arm  80  further includes threaded bore  120  extending inwardly from second end  122  of support arm  80 . Threaded bore  120  in second end  122  of support arm  80  communicates with aperture  118  through support arm  80 , for reasons hereinafter described. 
     A pivotable clamp assembly  126  is supported by support arm  80 . Clamp assembly  126  includes a generally cylindrical body  128  extending along an axis and having lower and upper ends  130 , and  132 , respectively. Lower end  130  of clamp assembly  128  terminates at a generally flat lower surface  134  that is supported by and slidably engages upper surface  114  of support arm  80 . Neck  136  depends from lower surface  134  of clamping assembly  128  and extends through aperture  118  in support arm  80 . Neck  136  includes an outer surface  138  that forms a rotational interface with surface  140  that defines aperture  118  through support arm  80 . Outer surface  138  of neck  136  of clamping assembly  126  includes a circumferentially extending recess  140  therein for receiving the terminal end  142  of set screw  144 , as hereinafter described. It can be appreciated that, as described, clamping assembly  126  is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of body  128 . 
     Upper end  132  of cylindrical body  128  terminates at a generally flat upper surface  146 . Workpiece receiving recess  148  extends into upper surface  146  of cylindrical body  128  and is defined by first and second generally parallel sidewalls  150  and  152 , respectively. Sidewalls  150  and  152  in upper surface  146  of cylindrical body  128  are spaced by horizontal, lower surface  154 . It can be appreciated that workpiece receiving recess  148  in upper surface  146  of cylindrical body  28  must be of sufficient dimension to accommodate the positioning of second workpiece  14  therein. Shaft  160  of a clamping screw  162  extends through threaded bore  164  in cylindrical body  128  of clamping assembly  126 . Bore  164  through cylindrical body  128  communicates with workpiece receiving recess  148  in upper surface  146  of cylindrical body  128  so as to allow terminal end  166  of clamping screw  162  to extend into workpiece receiving recess  148  in upper surface  146  of cylindrical body  128  in response to the clockwise rotation of clamping screw  162 . Cap  168  is molded over head  170  of clamping screw  162  to facilitate the grasping and rotation of clamping screw  162  by a user. 
     As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 7, clamping structure  50  is generally U-shaped and is defined by first and second legs  172  and  174 , respectively, and base  176 . Inner surfaces  172   a  and  174   a  of legs  172  and  174 , respectively, define a channel  178  for receiving first workpiece  12  therein. Threaded bore  180  extends through leg  172  of clamping structure  50  for receiving threaded shaft  182  of screw  184 . Threaded bore  180  through leg  172  communicates with channel  178  for reasons hereinafter described. Screw  184  includes a cap  186  formed about the head  188  thereof to facilitate the rotation of threaded shaft  182  of screw  184  into and out of threaded bore  180  in leg  172  of clamping structure  50  by a user. 
     Welding jig  10  further includes a generally U-shaped vertical clamping structure  190  for retaining first workpiece  12  in channel  178  through clamping structure  50 . Vertical clamp  190  includes a generally flat base  192  having first and second legs  194  and  196 , respectively, projecting vertically therefrom. Legs  194  and  196  are spaced so as to accommodate clamping structure  50  therebetween. First and second retaining elements  200  and  202 , respectively, project laterally from the terminal ends of legs  194  and  196  respectively such that lower surfaces  204  and  206  of retaining elements  200  and  202 , respectively, overlap upper surface  208  of base  192  of vertical clamping structure  190 . Lower surfaces  204  and  206  of retaining elements  200  and  202 , respectively, include first portions  204   a  and  206   a , respectively, that are generally parallel to upper surface  208  of base  192  of vertical clamp  90  and angled portions  204   b  and  206   b , respectively, that diverge from legs  194  and  196 , respectively of vertical clamp  190 . Angled portions  204   b  and  206   b  of lower surfaces  204  and  206 , respectively, prevent lateral movement of first workpiece  12  when received in channel  178  in clamping structure  50 . 
     Base  192  of vertical clamping structure  190  includes a threaded aperture  220  extending therethrough for receiving the threaded shaft  222  of screw  224 . Cap  226  is provided over head  228  of screw  224  to facilitate the rotation of threaded shaft  222  of screw  224  into and out of passageway  220  through base  192  of vertical clamping structure  190  for reasons hereinafter described. 
     In operation, first workpiece  12  is positioned in channel  178  through clamping structure  50  such that edge  22  of first workpice  12  rests on base  176 . A user utilizes cap  186  to rotate screw  184  clockwise into threaded bore  180  such that the terminal end of screw  184  engages and bears against second side  18  of first workpiece  12 . This action provides the clamping force necessary to retain first workpiece  12  in channel  178  between the terminal end of screw  184  and leg  174  of clamping structure  50 . 
     After clamping first workpiece  12  within channel  178  of clamping structure  50 , vertical clamping structure  190  is positioned about first workpiece  12  such that first and second retaining elements  200  and  202 , respectively, overlap edge  20  of first workpiece  12  and such that base  192  of vertical clamping structure  190  is positioned below base  176  of clamping structure  50 . Cap  226  is utilized to rotate screw  224  in a clockwise direction into passageway  220  through base  192  of vertical clamping structure  190  such that the terminal end of screw  224  engages and bears against base  176  of clamping structure  50 . This action urges retaining elements  200  and  202  into engagement with edge  20  of first workpiece  12  and provides additional clamping force on first workpiece  12  to prevent vertical movement of first workpiece  12  within channel  178 . 
     Second workpiece  14  is positioned in workpiece receiving recess  148  in upper surface  146  cylindrical body  128  such that edge  30  of second workpice  14  rests on lower surface  154  and such that first end  34  of second workpiece  14  engages first side  16  of first workpiece  12 . A user utilizes cap  168  to rotate screw  170  clockwise into threaded bore  164  such that the terminal end of screw  170  engages and bears against second side  28  of second workpiece  14 . This action provides the clamping force necessary to retain second workpiece  14  in workpiece receiving recess  148  between the terminal end of screw  170  and sidewall  150  of cylindrical body  128 . 
     In order to adjust the angle between first and second workpieces  12  and  14 , respectively, cylindrical body  128  is rotated about it longitudinal axis to a user desired position. A user utilizes cap  145  to rotate set screw  144  clockwise into bore  120  in second end  122  of support arm  80  such that the terminal end  142  of set screw  144  engages and bears against neck  136  within recess  140 . This action provides the clamping force necessary to retain clamping assembly  126  at a user desired position wherein second workpiece  14  extends from first workpiece  12  at a user selected angle. 
     In order to adjust the axial position of first end  34  of second workpiece  14  along the first side  16  of first workpiece  12 , a user rotates dial  108 . By rotating dial  108  in a first direction, support arm  80  is drawn into recess  178  in support block  168  such that first end  34  of second workpiece  14  slides axially along first side  16  of first workpiece  12  towards clamping structure  50 . Alternatively, by rotating dial  108  in a second, opposite direction, support arm  80  withdraws from recess  178  in support block  168  such that first end  34  of second workpiece  14  slides axially along first side  16  of first workpiece  12  away from clamping structure  50 . When first end  34  of second workpiece  14  is located at a user desired position along first side  16  of first workpiece  12 , cap  62  is utilized to rotate screw  60  clockwise into passageway  58  through support element  44  such that the terminal end of screw  60  engages and bears against upper surface of support arm  80 . This action provides the clamping force necessary to retain support arm  80  and first end  34  of second workpiece  14  at the user desired position along first side  16  of first workpiece  12 . 
     Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.