Workholding Device

Abstract

A jig for holding a product while a substance is applied to the product comprises a first structure for mounting the product thereon, and a second structure for mounting a member that is contoured to

Claims

1. A jig for holding a product while a substance is applied to the product, comprising:A first structure for mounting the product thereon; anda member contoured to match the contour of a surface of the product to which the substance is to be applied, wherein the member is mounted on a second structure with the contour of the member set to be in spaced separation from the contour of the surface of the product, wherein the member may be installed in one of three or more pre-determined positions on the jig.

2. A jig according to claim 1, wherein the member is elongate.

3. A jig according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the member is made of metal.

4. A jig according to any preceding claim, wherein the spaced separation between the member and a product is consistent across the width or long axis of the member5. A jig according to any preceding claim, wherein the spaced separation is in the range 45 to 48 mm.

6. A jig according to claim 5, wherein the member may be moved between the three or more pre-determined positions on the jig.

7. A jig according to any preceding claim, wherein an edge of the member in spaced separation from the product is tapered on the side proximal to the product at an angle of 30° or greater.

8. A jig according to any preceding claim, wherein the jig comprises a base, and wherein the first structure sits in a cooperating recess in the base.

9. A jig according to claim 8, wherein the base is made of metal.

10. A jig according to any preceding claim, wherein the first structure is made of resin material.11 .A jig according to claim 8, wherein one or more further structures each fit into a cooperating recess in the base.

12. A jig according to claim 11, wherein the first structure and further structures are for holding the products in the relative spatial positions in which they will be installed together in a larger product.

13. A jig according to any preceding claim, wherein the member is additionally mounted on a third structure.

14. A jig according to any of claims 8 to 13, wherein the second and / or third structures are installed or mounted on the base.

15. A method of applying a substance to a product comprising the steps of:mounting the product on a jig of any of claims 1 to 14;mounting the member on the jig in a position whereby the member obscures a portion of the product; andsimultaneously applying the substance to the member and the unobscured area of the part.

16. A method according to claim 15, comprising the further steps of:detaching the member from the jig;moving the member to a new position; andremounting the member in the new position17. A method according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the new position is vertically removed from the previous position.

18. A method according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the substance is applied to the product by spraying the substance thereon.

19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the spray is applied at 90° to the plane of the member.

20. A method according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the spray is aimed at the edge of the member.

21. A product obtainable according to a method of any of claims 15 to 20.

22. A product according to any of claims 1 to 14 and 21, for use in a vehicle, furniture, or part of a building.

23. A product according to claim 22, wherein the vehicle is an automobile, train, boat, or aeroplane, preferably the vehicle is an automobile.5 24. A vehicle comprising a product according to any of claims 1 to 14 and 21.

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