Leveler Table

Abstract

A leveler table includes a plate with a flat top work surface that is level in all planes, by locating a circular level recessed within the center of the plate, so that the level indicator of the circular level is in horizontal alignment with the top work surface. By locating the circular level in the middle of the plate, at the same horizontal level as the work surface, this leveler table provides accuracy and repeatability for use of the flat top work surface in manufacturing steps, particularly the forming of parts where repeatability is necessary, such as the in situ forming of an automotive windshield sensor pad in an open ended package supported on the flat top surface.

Claims

1-6. (canceled)

7. A method comprising: pouring a liquid curable material into a mold, the liquid material curable in the shape of the mold to which it is being poured, thereby to form an automotive windshield sensor pad, wherein during the pouring the mold resides on a flat top surface of a leveler table that includes a plate having three spaced threaded holes extending therethrough, the flat top surface generally defining a plane; wherein three screws, one for each hole in the plate, hold the plate above an underlying support, and each screw is adapted to be rotatably adjusted relative to the plate so as to vertically adjust the flat top surface thereof relative to the underlying support; and a circular level mounted in the middle of the plate, such that an upper surface thereof resides in the plane defined by the flat top surface of the plate, thereby to enable a user to readily see the horizontal orientation of the flat top surface while adjusting one or more of the screws, to assure a horizonal work surface for forming the sensor pad.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the mold is part of a foldover clamshell-type housing, the housing having opposing base and cover sections that are relatively movable between an open position and a closed position, with the closed position defining an enclosed volume of predetermined shape.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the clamshell-type housing is of integral one piece construction, with a connector extending therebetween, and the base and cover sections foldable along the connector to move between the open and the closed positions.

10. The method of claim 7 wherein the automatic windshield sensor pad comprises a silicone gel composition that is capable of being flowed into the base section, and thereafter, able to sufficiently cure therein within a relatively short time window with a durometer of about 10 on a Shore A scale, such that after curing the sensor pad has sufficient internal cohesiveness to be removed from the base section as a unitary piece.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a leveler table according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the leveler table shown in FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along lines 3-3 shown in FIG. 2, with directional arrows showing the adjustability of one of the screws, and with a package for forming an automotive windshield sensor pad resting on a top surface of the table, with the package in an open condition.

[0016] FIGS. 4 and 5 show a horizontal view of the leveler table shown in FIG. 1, from the front and from the rear, respectively.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a horizontal view that shows the leveler table in an unlevel condition, due to the need to adjust one or more of the screws to thereby achieve a level top surface.

[0018] FIG. 7 shows a variation on the embodiment of the leveler table shown in FIG. 1, with different screw head types.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a leveler table 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The leveler table 10 incudes a plate 11 having a flat top surface 12, and has three threaded screws 14 threadably extended therethrough, through three corresponding screw holes 16. The bottoms of the screws 14 rest on an underlying support 18 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 3). A center hole 20 in the middle of the plate 11 receives a circular level 22. FIG. 2 shows the relative position of these components from a top plan view.

[0020] FIG. 2 also shows, via directional arrows 24, the vertical adjustability of one of the screws 14. Those skilled in the art will recognize that all three screws 14 have the same adjustable capability, to enable a user to achieve a level top surface 12, to facilitate the use of the top surface 12, for instance, in making automotive windshield sensor pads (not shown). In fact, FIG. 3 shows a package 26 for one such windshield sensor pad, the package being in an open condition. The details of a suitable package 26 are disclosed more fully in U.S. Design Pat. Appl′n. No. 29/748,203, filed Aug. 27, 2020, and also in (add pending utility patent application number), each of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein, in its entirety. Essentially, the package 26 is a mold for receiving the pad material 28 in liquid form, prior to curing.

[0021] FIGS. 4 and 5 show front and back horizontal views of the leveler table 10 FIG. 6 shows the leveler table 10 in a tilted condition, so that it needs to be adjusted.

[0022] According to the embodiment of the invention shown in the Figures, the leveler table 10 is formed from a square aluminum plate with length and width dimensions of 4.5”, and a uniform thickness of 0.25”. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other dimensions would also work. Further, in this embodiment the plate 11 has a hole 20 formed in the middle thereof, with the diameter of the hole 20 preferably being 20 mm. According to this embodiment the circular level 22 preferably also has a dimension of 20 mm (diameter) by 9 mm (depth). Applicant has used a commercially available “bullseye” bubble level for this particular leveler table, sold under the brand name (ADD). Further, applicant has used three eighth by one inch knurled socket head cap screws 114 threadably extended through the plate 11 at the spaced locations of the screw holes 16, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0023] This specification describes and shows one currently preferred embodiment of the invention, but those skilled in the art will recognize that this invention is suitable for reasonable modification, and that the disclosed invention is therefore not limited to the specific examples shown and described herein. Thus, the Figures and this description should be considered exemplary, not limiting, and the accompanying claims define the scope of the present invention.