Multiple part functional gauge with shipping stand apparatus and method

Abstract

Disclosed is a multi-part functional gauge. A platform or single package, such as a shipping stand for shipping parts can incorporate the multi-part functional gauge. The shipping stand can also include mounts that are also a functional gauge for checking the specifications of the part. A method of manufacture which includes employing a shipping stand having multiple mounts for multiple parts, the multiple parts mounted to the shipping stand so that the first part needed in the manufacturing process can be removed from the shipping stand without having to remove the other parts attached to the shipping stand. A first part is mounted to a first set of attachment points and a second part is mounted or attached to a second set of attachment points. The first part corresponds to the first part needed in an assembly process.

1 . A multi-part functional gauge apparatus comprising:
 a platform;   at least one structure attached to the platform, the at least one structure further comprising:
 a first set of attachment points adapted to receive a first part if the first part is within specifications; and 
 a second set of attachment points adapted to receive a second part if the second part is within specifications. 
   
     
     
         2 . The multi-part functional gauge apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the platform is made of a substantially stable material. 
     
     
         3 . The multi-part functional gauge apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the platform is a shipping stand. 
     
     
         4 . The multi-part functional gauge apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a second structure attached to the platform. 
     
     
         5 . The multi-part functional gauge apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the second structure further comprises a set of attachment points adapted to receive a third part if the third part is within specifications. 
     
     
         6 . The multi-part functional gauge of  claim 1  wherein the second part cannot be removed until the first part is removed, the first part being needed in an assembly that includes the first part and the second part. 
     
     
         7 . A shipping stand apparatus comprising:
 at least one structure attached to the shipping stand, the at least one structure further comprising:
 a first set of attachment points adapted to receive a first part if the first part is within specifications; and 
 a second set of attachment points adapted to receive a second part if the second part is within specifications. 
   
     
     
         8 . The shipping stand of  claim 7  wherein the first set of attachment points is a functional gauge whereby attaching the first part to the first set of attachment points indicates that the first part will fit in an assemblage. 
     
     
         9 . The shipping stand of  claim 7  wherein the second set of attachment points is a functional gauge whereby attaching the second part to the second set of attachment points indicates that the second part will fit in an assemblage. 
     
     
         10 . The shipping stand of  claim 7  wherein the second part cannot be removed before the first part is removed. 
     
     
         11 . The shipping stand of  claim 11  wherein the first part and the second part are needed to form an assembly, the first part needed first in the process of assembling the assembly before the second part. 
     
     
         12 . A procurement and shipping method comprising:
 studying an order of assembly for an assemblage;   determining a first part and a second part that could be manufactured and shipped together at less cost than if manufactured separately and shipped separately;   receiving a first part and a second part in a single package proximate the place where the assemblage will be assembled.   
     
     
         13 . The procurement and shipping method of  claim 12  wherein receiving the first part and the second part on the single package includes placing the first part and the second part on the package so that the first part needed during assembly of the assemblage is the first part that can be removed from the single package. 
     
     
         14 . The procurement and shipping method of  claim 12  wherein the first part and the second part are mounted onto the single package. 
     
     
         15 . The procurement and shipping method of  claim 12  wherein the first part is mounted to a first set of attachment points associated with the single package, and the second part is mounted to a second set of attachment points associated with the single package. 
     
     
         16 . The procurement and shipping method of  claim 15  wherein the first set of attachment points is a first functional gauge for the first part, and the second set of attachment points is a second functional gauge for the second part. 
     
     
         17 . The procurement and shipping method of  claim 16  wherein attaching the first part to the first functional gauge assures that the first part is within the specified tolerance for the first part, and wherein attaching the second part to the second functional gauge assures that the second part is within the specified tolerance for the second part. 
     
     
         18 . The procurement and shipping method of  claim 16  further comprising including at least one structure on the single package that includes the first set of attachment points and the second set of attachment points. 
     
     
         19 . The procurement and shipping method of  claim 12  where the single package is a shipping stand. 
     
     
         20 . The procurement and shipping method of  claim 12  where the single package is a reused.