Multi-purpose flexible jaw universal vise with removable clamp feature

• US 7,290,761 B2
• Filed: 09/20/2005
• Issued: 11/06/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/08/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert P. Siegel
• Original Assignee: Robert P. Siegel
• Inventors: Siegel, Robert P
• Primary Examiner(s): Wilson; Lee D.
• Application Number:
  US11/229,603
• Publication Number:
  US 20060108729A1
• Time in Patent Office: 777 Days
• Field of Search: 269/266, 269/166, 269/254.CS, 269/43, 269/95
• US Class Current: 269/266
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 1/08 using cams
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 1/2421 the parts having a linear movement
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 1/2489 Slideways

Abstract

A multi-purpose clamping device that stabilizes and holds a wide variety of irregularly shaped objects through the use of a stationary and a movable jaw, a linear ratchet and a rotary power cam; both used to engage the work piece, a pair of conformable jaw faces consisting of an array of spring-loaded pins to grasp the work piece, and a base with retractable stabilizing outriggers that ground and stabilize the work. The device is configured in such a way that it will lay flush on one side so that it can be used as a vise in an alternate orientation to allow access from both the top and the side. The base is also configured to allow the clamp portion to detach from the base in order to be used separately as a clamp.

Claims

1. A device for clamping or securing regular and irregular shaped work objects, comprising:

A base member;

A pair of jaws projecting upwardly from said base member, and wherein at least one of each of said pair of jaws includes a plate and an array of spring loaded pins therein that, when driven along a bar and actuated by means of a cam arrangement including a lever and a cam which allows the jaws to grasp work objects of regular and irregular shapes; and

Wherein said base member is detachable from said pair of jaws in order to turn said device into a clamp.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the alignment between the jaws and the base is such that one side of each jaw is flush with the base which enables the vise to lay flat on one side permitting a user to use said device with through access between said pair of jaws as in a drill press vise.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein said base member includes stowable, retractable outriggers that prevent said device from tipping during use.

4. A vise, comprising:

a base member;

a stationary jaw and a movable jaw projecting upwardly from and slidable on said base member;

a slide mechanism connecting said stationary jaw to said movable jaw, said slide mechanism being adapted to allow quick movement of said movable jaw towards said stationary jaw to a point where a work object is engaged;

a cam arrangement including a lever with a cam which engages said slide mechanism to thereby displace said movable jaw towards said fixed jaw; and

Wherein said base member is detachable from said stationary jaw and a movable jaw in order to turn said vise into a clamp.

5. A vise, comprising:

a base member;

a stationary jaw and a movable jaw projecting upwardly from and slidable on said base;

a linear ratchet slide mechanism connecting said stationary jaw to said movable jaw, said linear ratchet slide mechanism being adapted to allow quick movement of said movable jaw towards said stationary jaw to a point where a work object is engaged;

and a ratchet cam arrangement wherein said ratchet cam comprises a lever with a cam which engages a piston within said linear ratchet slide mechanism thereby displacing said movable jaw towards said fixed jaw;

wherein said base member is detachable from said stationary jaw and a movable jaw in order to turn said vise into a clamp.

6. The vise of claim 5, wherein in said first mode alignment between said upwardly projecting jaw and said base member is such that one side of each of said jaws is flush with said base member which enables said vise to lay flat on one side permitting a user to use said vise as a drill press vise with through access between said pair of jaws.