Patent ID: 8448346

Claim:
A trigger assembly for parts checking jigs and the like, comprising: a pivoting trigger arm having an outer end portion configured for abutting contact with a formed part disposed in an associated checking jig, an inner end portion configured for abutting contact with a gauge that indicates the position of the formed part relative to the checking jig, and a central portion with a laterally extending bearing aperture about which said trigger arm pivots; a universal base having a lower face configured for abutting support on an associated portion of the checking jig, opposite side faces, opposite end faces and an upper face disposed generally parallel with and opposite said lower face, and including: first and second pivot pin apertures disposed in said side faces and arranged in a longitudinally spaced apart relationship adjacent said opposite end faces, and extending laterally through said side faces for selective alignment with said bearing aperture in said trigger arm; a generally U-shaped channel extending along said lower face and through said end faces, and configured to receive and retain said trigger arm for pivotal motion in said U-shaped channel; first and second gauge bushing apertures disposed in said upper face and arranged in a longitudinally spaced apart relationship adjacent said opposite end faces, and extending through said upper face and into said U-shaped channel at locations generally overlying said trigger arm to facilitate said abutting contact between the gauge and said inner end portion of said trigger arm; a pivot pin shaped for close reception in said bearing aperture of said trigger arm and both of said first and second pivot pin apertures in said base; said pivot pin being selectively received in one of said first and second pivot arm apertures and supporting said trigger arm in said U-shaped channel of said base adjacent an associated one of said end faces of said base for pivoting motion between extended and retracted positions; a spring having an inner end portion supported in said base, and an outer end portion abuttingly contacting said trigger arm at a location thereon between said bearing aperture and said inner end portion to bias said trigger arm towards said extended position; a gauge bushing shaped for close reception in both of said first and second gauge bushing apertures in said base; said gauge bushing being selectively received in one of said first and second gauge bushing apertures for positioning the gauge adjacent an associated one of said end faces of said base, whereby said trigger arm assembly can be readily reconfigured for placement at various location on the checking jig by selective mounting of said trigger arm using said pivot pin in either one of said first and second pivot pin apertures, and selective mounting of said gauge bushing in either one of said first and second gauge bushing apertures.