Apparatus for supporting a manipulator arm

Claim 1

Apparatus for supporting a manipulator on the frame of a machine or the like comprising a support arm for said manipulator, pivotal means pivotally supporting one end of said support arm on said machine frame for pivotal movement about a vertical axis, a manipulator device carried on the other end of said support arm, said support arm being pivotal between an operative position wherein said manipulator device is operable to perform manipulating functions on a workbench on said machine and a second position wherein said support arm and manipulator device are in a position disposed to one side of said workbench to provide unobstructed and ready access to said workbench, said support arm having a base portion which extends substantially perpendicularly from said machine frame when said support arm is in said operative position and an outer portion disposed at an obtuse angle relative to said base portion, said base portion of said support arm extending substantially parallel to said machine frame when in said second position, a stop member secured to said machine frame and having a vertically disposed opening, said support arm having a vertical passage which is axially aligned with said opening in said stop member when said support arm is in said second position, said vertical passage in said support arm being located substantially at an intermediate position of said support arm between said base portion and said outer portion, a pin insertable in said axially aligned holes in said stop member and said support arm when the latter is in its second position to thereby secure said support arm and manipulator device in a position providing unobstructed and ready access to said workbench, a retaining segment fixed to a front end portion of the base of said support arm, said retaining segment having openings, said machine frame having openings axially aligned with said openings in said retaining segment when the support arm is in said operative position, and threaded means received in said axially aligned openings in said retaining segment and said machine frame for securing said retaining segment and said support arm to said machine frame in the operative position of the support arm.