INTERLOCKING PRECISION FLEXIBLE RAIL SYSTEM

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an interlocking precision flexible rail system for carrying a positionable machine tool. SOLUTION: This rail system uses a first rail element having a first step extending from a first end to a terminal end at a predetermined length on a bottom surface, and a second rail element having a step extending from a second end to receive the first step and paired with it. A pair of first clips are detachably mounted on a top surface of the first rail element adjacent to the first end with a first pin, and to the second rail element with a second pin. A pair of second clips are detachably mounted to a top surface of the second rail element adjacent to the second end with a third pin, and to the first element with a fourth pin. A positioning hole receiving the pins has a tolerance defined according to a predetermined length of the step, so that the tolerance can be reduced by the length of the step. The pairs of the first and second clips and the associated pins engage the rail elements, and fix them in a horizontal direction. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT