Swivel mounting device

Abstract

A device comprising a swivel mount and its method of use are described. The device can be used in pairs with a variety of different power tools useful for working on metal or wood. The purpose of the tool is to insure a precise linear alignment between the measuring device and the moving part of the power tool that removes material from the wood or metal. The swivel mount includes a mounting block, a ball shank, and a swivel body mounted on the ball of the shank. The swivel mount attaches to one portion of the measuring device that is linearly adjustable with respect to the material removing part of the power tool. A second swivel mount attaches to a portion of the power tool that maintains a fixed distance with respect to the moving part of the power tool.

1 . A swivel mounting device comprising: 
 a) a mounting block for mounting the swivel device on power equipment such as a woodworking or metal working machine;    b) a ball shank comprising a shaft having a first end secured to the mounting block and a second end terminating in a ball and    c) a swivel body mounted on the second end of the ball shank, said swivel body being capable of being affixed to one portion of a measuring device such as a caliper for use in making measurements of a piece of wood or metal on which the power equipment can perform a material removing operation.    
   
   
       2 . The swivel mounting device according to  claim 1  wherein the swivel body includes a recess in which the ball of the ball shank is retained.  
   
   
       3 . The swivel mounting device according to  claim 2  where in the swivel body includes a slot to receive and secure said one portion of said measuring device  
   
   
       4 . The swivel mounting device according to  claim 1  wherein the mounting block is fixedly attached to the power equipment  
   
   
       5 . The swivel mounting device according to  claim 1  including means selected from among the group consisting of cement, clamps and magnets to secure the mounting block to the power equipment.  
   
   
       6 . The swivel mounting device according to  claim 5  wherein the shaft of the ball shank includes a planar portion and the mounting block includes at least one set screw bearing against the planar portion to prevent relative rotational motion between the mounting block and the ball shank.  
   
   
       7 . The swivel mounting device according to  claim 2  wherein the swivel body includes a hole in the bottom of the recess through which the shaft of the ball shank passes, and means for retaining the ball in the recess.  
   
   
       8 . A method of making accurate measurements when working with a power tool used for the removal of material from an object while compensating for angularity alignment between the power tool and a measuring device that defines a spatial relationship between the material removal portion of the tool and a portion of the object to be removed the method comprising providing a first device for holding first portion of the measuring device, said device mounted on a portion of the power tool that maintains a fixed spatial relationship with the material removal part of the tool, and a second device for holding a second portion of the measuring device that is movable with respect to the material removal part of the tool, wherein the two devices are spaced apart from one another and allow for changes in the angularity between the measuring device and the power tool without changing the linear spacing between the two portions of the measuring device.  
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 8  wherein said first device and said second device each comprise a) a mounting block for mounting the swivel device said power tool; b) a ball shank comprising a shaft having a first end secured to the mounting block and a second end terminating in a ball and c) a swivel body mounted on the second end of the ball shank, said swivel body being capable of being affixed to one portion of a measuring device such as a caliper for use in making measurements of a piece of wood or metal on which the power equipment can perform an operation.  
   
   
       10 . The method according to  claim 9  wherein the swivel body includes a recess in which the ball of the ball shank is retained.  
   
   
       11 . The method according to  claim 10  where in the swivel body includes a slot to receive and secure said one portion of said measuring device  
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 10  wherein the mounting block is fixedly attached to the power tool.  
   
   
       13 . The method according to claim  111  including means selected from among the group consisting of cement, clamps and magnets to secure the mounting block to the power equipment.  
   
   
       14 . The method according to  claim 12  wherein the shaft of the ball shank includes a planar portion and the mounting block includes at least one set screw bearing against the planar portion to prevent relative rotational motion between the mounting block and the ball shank.  
   
   
       15 . The method according to  claim 14  wherein the swivel body includes a hole in the bottom of the recess through which the shaft of the ball shank passes, and means for retaining the ball in the recess.  
   
   
       16 . The method according to  claim 8  wherein the power tool is a wood working tool selected from the group consisting of a circular saw, a drill, a router, a planer, and a lathe.  
   
   
       17 . The method according to  claim 16  wherein the measuring device is a caliper, the first portion of said device is the movable jaw, and the second portion is the fixed jaw.  
   
   
       18 . A pair of devices for maintaining lineal accuracy of a measuring instrument adapted for use on equipment for accurately measuring the amount of material to be removed, 
 a. one device comprising 1) a mounting block for securing the device to a portion of the equipment that is maintained at a fixed distance from the material removal part of the equipment; 2) a ball shank having a free end secured to the mounting block and a ball at the other end; and 3) a swivel body mounted on the ball end of the ball shank and capable of being clamped to one of the jaws of the calipers, and    b. the second device comprising 1) a mounting block for securing the second device to a portion of the equipment that is linearly movable with respect to the material removal part of the equipment; 2) a second ball shank having a free end secured to the second mounting block and a ball at the other end; and 3) a swivel body mounted on the ball end of the ball shank and capable of being clamped on to the other of the jaws of the calipers.