Patent attributes
An interlocking precision flexible rail system for carrying a positionable machine tool employs a first rail element having a first step on a lower surface extending from a first end to a termination at a predetermined length and a second rail element having a mating step on an upper surface extending from a second end to receive the first step. A pair of first clips is removably affixed to a top surface of the first rail element adjacent the first end with a first pin and to the second rail element with a second pin in each clip. A pair of second clips is removably affixed to a bottom surface of the second rail element adjacent the second end with a third pin and to the first rail element with a forth pin in each clip. Alignment holes to receive the pins have tolerances defined in conjunction with the predetermined length of the step, the length of the step allowing a reduced tolerance. The first and second pairs of clips and associated pins laterally secure the rail elements in mated engagement.
