ACTUATOR BRACKET FOR A MODULAR BASE ASSEMBLY FOR VEHICLE MODEL MAKING
A bracket assembly is provided for an actuator associated with a modular base assembly for vehicle model making where the actuator includes a tube nut assembly, a motor, and a gear housing. The bracket assembly includes an upper actuator mount assembly mounted around the drive screw assembly adjacent to the motor and gear housing; and a lower actuator mount assembly mounted around the drive screw assembly adjacent to a lower bearing surface of the tube nut assembly. The upper and lower mount assemblies each include locator nubs for positioning and securing to the modular base assembly.
This application claims priority of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/991,237 filed on Nov. 30, 2007 which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe field of the invention relates to a bracket assembly for a leveler assembly associated with a modular base assembly for vehicle model making.
BACKGROUNDModel-making is often used in vehicle industries such as the automotive industry. In the automotive industry, designers make full-scale automobile models out of suitable clay to get a general look and feel of their design before the automobile is produced and sold. Designers also make full-scale, life-like models from suitable foam for displaying future automobile designs at trade shows. In both cases, a base assembly is commonly used as sort of a pedestal for the models. Some base assemblies are made to be steerable and wheel driven similar to an actual automobile and other base assemblies are stationary. Traditionally, steel castings have been used for both of these driveable and nondrivable base assemblies.
Those base assemblies that are steerable and wheel driven include leveler assemblies with actuators operably connected to the wheel assemblies. In previous designs, the packaging of the actuators required the leveler assemblies to be positioned in the interior of the frame. Smaller available actuators make it possible to position the actuators for the leveler assembly exterior of the frame without hindering the wheel assembly.
SUMMARYA bracket assembly for an actuator associated with a modular base assembly for vehicle model making is provided, wherein the actuator has a tubular nut assembly operably connected to a lower bearing surface. The bracket assembly includes an upper actuator mount assembly configured for mounting around the tubular nut assembly adjacent to the gear housing. The bracket assembly also includes a lower actuator mount assembly configured for mounting around a lower and other tubular nut assembly adjacent to the lower bearing surface. The lower actuator model assembly is configured for also mounting to the modular base assembly.
In one aspect of the invention the upper actuator mount assembly includes a pair of plate members that are the mirror image of each other. Each plate member has spaced horizontal surfaces and inner surfaces con figured for abutment and connection to each other. The pair of plate members each has opposing outer surfaces forming a wall that extend perpendicularly from the horizontal surfaces. Each wall has apertures therethrough for connecting the pair of plate members together.
In another aspect of the invention each plate member has a semi-circular notch formed in the inner surface warming a center circular aperture when the pair of plate members is connected together. Center circular aperture is configured for receiving an upper portion of the tubular nut assembly.
In another aspect of the invention the lower actuator mount assembly includes a back plate and front plate. The front and back plates each have inner surfaces configured for abutment and connection to each other, and opposing outer surfaces with through apertures extending from the outer surface to the inner surfaces.
In another aspect of the invention inner surfaces of the front and back plates have arcuate notches formed therein, wherein the arcuate notches form a circular aperture when the front and back plates are assembled together. The circular aperture is configured for receiving a lower portion of the tubular nut assembly adjacent the bearing surface.
In yet another aspect of the invention the circular aperture is offset in the front and back plates
Other applications of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the following description of the best mode contemplated for practicing the invention is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
Looking at
The base assembly 10 includes a frame 14 having four leveler assemblies 16 attached to the frame 14 with one leveler assembly 16 preferably positioned at each wheel location. The four leveler assemblies 16 each include actuators 18 (
Referring now to
One leveler assembly 16 is located adjacent each wheel assembly. The leveler assemblies 16 are attached to side supports by bolting. A unique bracket assembly 30 is disclosed for bolting the leveler assemblies 16 to the side supports of frame 14 of the modular base assembly 10, which prevents torsional movement of the actuator 18 and provides secure attachment to the frame 14.
The actuator assembly 18 includes the actuator drive screw (not shown) enclosed in a housing 26. The screw terminates and is connected to the foot 20 that is exposed from a bottom end of the housing 26. The foot 20 moves with the movement of the drive screw. A motor 22 and gear box 24 are functionally connected to the actuator screw for operating the screw and associated foot 20. The foot 20 can be selectively moved by the motor 22 to position the foot 20 so that the modular base assembly 10 maintains a level orientation. The gear box 24 and motor 22 are connected to the drive screw by conventional means. A clamping fixture 32 is provided between the gear box 24 and the drive screw housing 26 for connection to the actuator bracket assembly 30. The clamping fixture 32 includes a member affixed between the screw housing 26 and the gear box 24. The member includes a pair of exposed faces 34 with a center threaded aperture 36 through each. The exposed faces 34 are positioned on opposing sides of the gearbox 24.
The actuator bracket assembly 30 further includes an upper actuator mount assembly 40 and a lower actuator mount assembly 70. The upper actuator mount assembly 40 has features for mounting to the actuator assembly 18 as well as the frame 14. For mounting to the actuator assembly 18, the upper actuator mount assembly 40 is secured to the clamping fixture 32 as will be discussed hereinafter.
Looking at
At the opposing ends of the inner edges 48a, 48b of each upper plate is a wall 56a, 56b extending perpendicular above the horizontal upper surface 44a, 44b. The spacing between the vertical walls 56a, 56b is such that the vertical walls lie immediately adjacent to opposing sides of the gear box 24 when assembled to the actuator assembly 18, as shown in
The outer upper plate 42b has a through aperture 62 on each side of the central groove 58b extending from the exterior surface 64 of the vertical wall 56b, through the body of the plate 42b to the inner edge 48b of the outer upper plate 42b for receiving threaded screws 66. The inner upper plate 42a has apertures 67 through the inner edges 46a. The apertures 67 extend at least a portion through the body of the plate 42a and are configured for receiving the end portions of the screws 66. The screws 66 secured the two upper plates 42a, 42b together.
Looking at
The actuator bracket assembly 30 further includes a lower actuator mount assembly 70, as shown in
Opposite the inside edge of the first member is an opposing outside planar edge 82 (
The second member 72b of the lower actuator mount assembly 70 is a cap for the first member 72a having an inside surface 76b configured for abutting the inside surface 76a of the first member 72a. The inside surface 76b has a centrally located arcuate groove 88 cut out therein which completes and forms a circular aperture with the arcuate groove 78 when the first and second member 72a, 72b of the lower actuator mount assembly 70 are connected together. The inside edge 76b of the second member 72b has a pair of through apertures 86b which extend to the opposing outer vertical edge 90 and located on either side of the arcuate groove 88. The through apertures 86b are positioned for aligning with the apertures 86a in the first member 72a. The through apertures are intended for receiving screws 92 for attaching the second member 72b to the first member 72a. The circular aperture 78,88 formed when the first and second members 72a, 72b are connected is configured for receiving a portion of the tubular housing of the actuator 18.
The first and second members 72a, 72b of the lower actuator mount assembly 70 are connected to each other via screws 92 extending through the apertures 86a, 86b. The lower actuator mount assembly 70 is then connected to the frame 14. Chases or nut strips 94 are installed within the cavity of the frame 14 and positioned for proper alignment of the lower actuator mount assembly 70. The raised locating nubbed screw holes 84 on the first plate 72a are aligned with apertures in the nut strips 94 positioned within the cavity of the frame 14. Appropriate sized shanks or screws 96 are inserted into apertures extending in the bottom surface 75 of the first member 72a that extend through the locating nubbed screw holes 84 and into the nut strips 94 for securing the lower actuator mount assembly 70 to the frame 14.
The actuator 18 is then installed so that the housing 26 and screw are inserted through the circular aperture 78, 88 formed by the lower actuator mount assembly 70. The actuator 18 can be rotated within the lower actuator mount assembly 70 until proper alignment is acquired. Proper alignment includes that the apertures 36 of the clamping fixture on the actuator 18b aligned with the aperture 58a in the wall 56a of the inner plate 42a of the upper actuator mount assembly 40. While the actuator 18 is being rotated for the proper alignment, debris or excess air can be evacuated between the actuator housing 26 and the circular apertures 78,88 formed by the lower actuator mount assembly 70 via the grooves 80. Once the actuator 18 is properly aligned, the outer plate 42b of the upper actuator mount assembly 40 can be installed over the clamping fixture 32 connecting the outer plate 42b to the inner plate 42a of the upper actuator mount assembly 40. The screw 41 extends through aperture 58b and into threaded aperture 36 in the clamping fixture 32. The actuator bracket assembly 30 is now fully installed onto the frame of the modular base assembly 10. Although the assembly of the actuator bracket assembly 30 onto the modular base assembly 10 is shown with the convenience of nut strips 94, it is envisioned that the actuator bracket assembly 30 as disclosed can be attached to the frame 14 without the addition of nut strips.
While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.
Claims
1. A bracket assembly for an actuator associated with a modular base assembly for vehicle model making, the actuator having a drive screw assembly having a lower bearing surface, a motor and a gear housing, the bracket assembly comprising:
- an upper actuator mount assembly configured for mounting around the tubular nut assembly adjacent the gear housing; and
- a lower actuator mount assembly configured for mounting around a lower end of the drive screw assembly, adjacent to the lower bearing surface and said lower actuator mount assembly configured for mounting to the modular base assembly.
2. The bracket assembly of claim 1, the upper actuator mount assembly comprising:
- a pair of plate members, each plate member with spaced horizontal surfaces and having inner surfaces configured for abutment and connection to each other and outer surfaces forming a wall extending perpendicular from the horizontal surfaces, said each wall having apertures for connecting the pair of plate members together.
3. The bracket assembly of claim 2, wherein each wall has a center through aperture for receiving connection means to the actuator.
4. The bracket assembly of claim 2, wherein each plate member has a semi-circular notch formed in the inner surface forming a center circular aperture when the pair of plate members connected together, said center circular aperture configured for receiving an upper portion of the tubular nut assembly.
5. The bracket assembly of claim 4, wherein one of the horizontal surfaces of each plate member has a groove extending from the semi-circular notch to the wall.
6. The bracket assembly of claim 1, the lower actuator mount assembly comprising:
- a back plate and a front plate, the front and back plates each having inner surfaces configured for abutment and connection to each other, and opposing outer surfaces with through apertures extending from the outer surfaces to the inner surfaces.
7. The bracket assembly of claim 6, wherein the inner surfaces of the front and back plates have arcuate notches formed therein and the arcuate notches form a circular aperture when the front and back plates are assembled together defining a lower bracket plate said circular aperture configured for receiving a lower portion of the drive screw assembly adjacent the bearing surface.
8. The bracket assembly of claim 7, wherein the back plate has a larger arcuate notch than the front plate.
9. The bracket assembly of claim 7, wherein the circular aperture includes means for expelling dirt and air around the tubular nut assembly.
10. The bracket assembly of claim 9, wherein the means for expelling dirt and air is a groove in the arcuate notch extending between the opposing horizontal surfaces.
11. The bracket assembly of claim 7, wherein the circular aperture is offset the center of the lower bracket plate.
12. The bracket assembly of claim 11, wherein the back plate has locating nubs protruding from one of the horizontal surfaces adjacent the outer surface.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 25, 2008
Publication Date: Jun 4, 2009
Inventor: Paul W. Marino (Detroit, MI)
Application Number: 12/277,470
International Classification: A47B 96/06 (20060101);