Patent Application
20210205960
The present invention relates to workpiece holders such as vises.
Vises are useful tools for holding various work pieces while performing work operations on the work piece. A vise typically includes a first jaw and a second jaw that are configured to operate relative to each other. In particular, a force is typically applied between the first jaw and the second jaw, causing the jaws to supply a compression force to the work piece, thereby holding the work piece in place. Vises are useful for welding, sanding, drilling, sawing, and various other work functions.
It may be useful to mount a vise to a workbench. Mounting the vise prevents movement of the vise and the work piece, and the workbench provides a suitable surface at a suitable height for performing the various work functions. Typically, a vise is simply bolted to the work bench, and therefore, is not adjustable. Rather, the vise sits in a static position, relative to the work bench. This may not be suitable for certain work functions that require manipulation of the orientation of the work piece.
Embodiments of a vise are described. In an embodiment, a vise may include a clamping structure and an adjustable base configured to mount the clamping structure to a work surface. In an embodiment the clamping structure may include a first clamping jaw, a second clamping jaw positioned relative to the first clamping jaw, and a quick adjust guide to maintain the first clamping jaw relative to the second clamping jaw. In an embodiment, the adjustable base may include a surface mounting structure configured to mount to a work surface, the surface mounting structure comprising positional adjustments to facilitate a positional adjustment of the vise relative to the work surface. Additionally, the adjustable base may include a vise mounting structure to interface with the surface mounting structure to secure the vise relative to the work surface, wherein the vise mounting structure engages with the positional adjustments of the surface mounting structure to facilitate adjustment of the position of the vise relative to the work surface. The adjustable base may also include an adjustment structure to facilitate rapid adjustment of the vise mounting structure relative to the surface mounting structure and to facilitate detachment of the vise structure from the surface mounting structure.
In an embodiment, the vise also includes a driving element to apply a force to move the first clamping jaw relative to the second clamping jaw, wherein the driving element comprises a release structure to release the applied force to facilitate rapid adjustment of the first clamping jaw relative to the second clamping jaw. Additionally, the vise may include a force structure coupled to the driving element to facilitate a user application of force to the driving element. In such an embodiment, the user application of force operates a ratcheting mechanism to move the first clamping jaw relative to the second clamping jaw.
In an embodiment, the vise includes at least one guide rail to maintain an alignment between the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw. In such an embodiment, the at least one guide rail comprises a telescoping guide rail. Additionally, at least one of the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw is configured to receive a jaw pad, in some embodiments.
Another embodiment of a vise may include a clamping structure having a first clamping jaw, a second clamping jaw positioned relative to the first clamping jaw, and a quick adjust jaw guide to maintain the first clamping jaw relative to the second clamping jaw. The quick adjust jaw guide may include a driving element to apply a force to move the first clamping jaw relative to the second clamping jaw, wherein the driving element comprises a release structure to release the applied force to facilitate rapid adjustment of the first clamping jaw relative to the second clamping jaw.
In a further embodiment, the vise may include a surface mounting structure configured to mount to a work surface, the surface mounting structure comprising positional adjustments to facilitate a positional adjustment of the vise relative to the work surface. Additionally, the vise may include a vise mounting structure to interface with the surface mounting structure to secure the vise relative to the work surface, wherein the vise mounting structure engages with the positional adjustments of the surface mounting structure to facilitate adjustment of the position of the vise relative to the work surface. In a further embodiment, the vise may include an adjustment structure to facilitate rapid adjustment of the vise mounting structure relative to the surface mounting structure and to facilitate detachment of the vise structure from the surface mounting structure. Also, the vise may include a force structure coupled to the driving element to facilitate a user application of force to the driving element, wherein the user application of force operates a ratcheting mechanism to move the first clamping jaw relative to the second clamping jaw.
In an embodiment, the vise may include at least one guide rail to maintain an alignment between the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw. In such an embodiment, the at least one guide rail comprises a telescoping guide rail. Also, at least one of the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw may be configured to receive a jaw pad.
Another embodiment of a vise may include a clamping structure having a first clamping jaw, a second clamping jaw positioned relative to the first clamping jaw, and a quick adjust jaw guide to maintain the first clamping jaw relative to the second clamping jaw. In an embodiment, the quick adjust jaw guide includes at least one telescoping guide rail to maintain an alignment between the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw.
In an embodiment, the vise may also include an adjustable base configured to mount the clamping structure to a work surface. In such an embodiment, the adjustable base further comprises a surface mounting structure configured to mount to a work surface, the surface mounting structure comprising positional adjustments to facilitate a positional adjustment of the vise relative to the work surface. Additionally, the adjustable base may include a vise mounting structure to interface with the surface mounting structure to secure the vise relative to the work surface. In such embodiments, the vise mounting structure engages with the positional adjustments of the surface mounting structure to facilitate adjustment of the position of the vise relative to the work surface.
In another embodiment, the vise includes an adjustment structure to facilitate rapid adjustment of the vise mounting structure relative to the surface mounting structure and to facilitate detachment of the vise structure from the surface mounting structure. Also, the vise may include a driving element to apply a force to move the first clamping jaw relative to the second clamping jaw, wherein the driving element comprises a release structure to release the applied force to facilitate rapid adjustment of the first clamping jaw relative to the second clamping jaw. The vise may further include a force structure coupled to the driving element to facilitate a user application of force to the driving element. In such an embodiment, the user application of force operates a ratcheting mechanism to move the first clamping jaw relative to the second clamping jaw. In various embodiments, at least one of the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw is configured to receive a jaw pad.
Embodiments of a jaw pad are also described. In an embodiment, a jaw pad may include a first surface configured to engage a work piece, and a receiver configured to receive at least one of a first clamping jaw and a second clamping jaw of a vise.
The receiver ray include a recess configured to receive the at least one of the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw of the vise. In a further embodiment, the receiver further comprises a slot for receiving and retaining a portion of the at least one of the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw.
In an embodiment, the first surface comprises a concave profile for receiving a non-planar work piece. Furthermore, the first surface may include a grip feature. In an embodiment, the grip feature comprises a slot. In another embodiment, the grip feature comprises a tooth.
In order that the advantages of the embodiments of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the embodiments briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only some embodiments and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of scope, the embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:
Aspects of the present disclosure may be embodied as an adjustable quick vise. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a vise having a first clamping jaw and a second clamping jaw moved by a driving element. The driving element may be releasably coupled to one or both of the first and second clamping jaws. The vise may be mounted to a work surface at a base. The base may be adjustable to change the orientation of the vise relative to the work surface.
In the following description, numerous details are set forth. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.
Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of embodiments of the disclosure. However, the disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosure.
The description of elements in each figure may refer to elements of subsequent or preceding figures. Like numbers refer to like elements in all figures, including alternate embodiments of like elements.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first base portion 102 connects to the second base portion 104 at the base hinge 106 and releasably connects at the base closure 108. In some embodiments, the first base portion 102 interfaces with the surface mounting structure 110. The first base portion 102 forms a vise mounting structure as it facilitates connection of the vise 100 to a work surface (not shown) via the surface mounting structure 110. The first base structure 102 interfaces with the surface mounting structure 110 by coupling with the second base portion 104.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first base portion 102 is connected to the second base portion 104 by the base hinge 106. The base hinge 106 is shown as a pinned connection but may also include other types of hinge connections. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge 106 allows for the first and second base portions 102 and 104 to connect in a clam-shell fashion with the base closure 108 connecting the first and second base portions 102 and 104. The base closure 108 may act as an adjustment structure to facilitate a relatively rapid adjustment of the vise 100 at the interface with the surface mounting structure 110. In some embodiments, the first and second base portions 102 and 104 interface with the surface mounting structure 110 by enclosing the surface mounting structure 110 when the first and second base portions 102 and 104 are in the closed position.
In some embodiments, the first and second base portions 102 and 104 may be adjusted relative to the surface mounting structure 110. This may be achieved by releasing the base closure 108 to operate the base hinge 106 and separate the first and second base portions 102 and 104 to alleviate the locking forces applied to the surface mounting structure 110. This may disengage the first and second base portions 102 and 104 from the surface mounting structure 110 such that the first and second base portions 102 and 104 and remainder of the vise 100 are free to move relative to the surface mounting structure 110 or free to be completely removed from the surface mounting structure 110.
In some embodiments, one or each of the surface mounting structure 110, the first base portion 102, and the second base portion 104 includes a positional adjustment to provide indicators, increments, or measures of the first and second base portions 102 and 104 relative to the surface mounting structure 110. In some embodiments, the positional adjustment may include a physical structure to provide a tactile feedback to give a user positive indication of a certain adjustment, movement, or position. The positional adjustment may also have visual indicators such as markings, numbers, bars, or other indicators to communicate a relative position, adjustment, or setting.
In some embodiments, the first and second base portions 102 and 104 may be replaced by a single unified structure (described in greater detail below with relation to
The illustrated embodiment of the vise 100 includes the first clamping jaw 112 and the second clamping jaw 114. The first and second clamping jaws 112 and 114 are oriented to open and close relative to one another. The first and second clamping jaws 112 and 114 may have a structural arrangement to improve strength, reduce weight, provide aesthetic appeal, and/or provide storage. In some embodiments, the first and second clamping jaws 112 and 114 move along a linear path relative to one another. In other embodiments, the first and second clamping jaws 112 and 114 may be moved or be adjustable outside of the linear path. In some embodiments, the first and second clamping jaws 112 and 114 include clamping surfaces (shown as first clamping surface 116 and second clamping surface 118). In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second clamping surfaces 116 and 118 are aligned on parallel planes such that closure of the vise 100 will bring the first and second clamping surfaces 118 and 118 into flush contact with one another. In other embodiments, one or both of the first and second clamping surfaces 116 and 118 may be adjusted or moved to translate along planes that are non-parallel. For example, the first clamping surface 116 may be adjusted to be oriented at some angle relative to the second clamping surface 118 such that closure of the first and second clamping jaws 112 and 114 would cause the first and second clamping surfaces 116 and 118 to contact one another on a single side or point without being flush to one another. In this manner a work piece that is irregular in size (for example, tapered) may be easily gripped within the vise 100. This adjustment may be facilitated by a ball-and-socket joint connecting one or both of the first clamping surface 116 to the first clamping jaw 112 and the second clamping surface 118 to the second clamping jaw 114. Other pinned joints, sliders, manual adjustment joints, locking or free-moving joints may be incorporated.
In some embodiments, the first and second clamping jaws 112 and 114 are moved relative to one another by a force applied through a driving element 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the driving element 120 is a threaded structure such as an acme screw or worm. In this manner, as the driving element is turned, one or both of the first and second clamping jaws 112 and 114 are drawn towards or driven away from the other. The driving element 120 may include other structures or mechanisms to apply a force to move the first and second clamping jaws 112 and 114 relative to the other. For example, the driving element 120 may include a hydraulic or mechanical piston, a rack and pinion, or other driving system.
In the illustrated embodiment, the driving element 120 is connected to the force structure 122. The force structure 122 may be a handle, knob, key, lever, or other structure to which a user, machine, or tool may apply a force to operate the vise 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the force structure 122 is a handle formed to accommodate a force input from a user's hand. The illustrated embodiment of the force structure 122 has a somewhat flattened design similar to a paddle. Other geometries and shapes may be incorporated to provide different strength, weight, cost, leverage, force translation, ergonomics, or other characteristics.
In some embodiments, the force structure 122 is fixedly attached to the driving element 120. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the force structure 122 is coupled to the driving element 120 with a ratcheting mechanism to allow the user to ratchet the force structure 122 to apply force to the driving element 120 and thereby move the jaws 112 and 114 of the vise 100. In some embodiments, the ratcheting structure may be a toothed ratchet which interfaces with a pawl and catch. In another embodiment, the ratchet may be a toothless or friction ratchet. It may also be a compression ratchet. Other forms of ratchets may also be used. Additionally, other mechanisms such as gearing to step up or step down the torque or displacement may also be incorporated. In some embodiments, mechanisms such as a ratchet or gearing may be incorporated into the force structure 122, the driving element 120, or separately as an interface between the two.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first clamping jaw 112 is secured to the driving element 120 by the release structure 124. In the depicted embodiment, the release structure 124 is mounted on the first clamping jaw 112 and interfaces with the driving element 120. The release structure 124 may interface with the driving element 120 by meshing a corresponding threaded portion of the release structure 124 into the threads of the driving element 120. The release structure 124 may also include a frictional component to translate the rotational movement of the illustrated driving element 120 to translational motion of the first clamping jaw 112. Other embodiments of the release structure 124 may include other interfaces. For example, the release structure 124 may include one or more tracking pins or teeth to mesh with the driving element, a wheel or bearing to roll along the surface features of the driving element 120, or one or more splines to track the movement of the driving element 120. These interfaces may be situated on all or part of the internal structure of the release structure 124. For example, the release structure 124 may only interface the driving element 120 on a single portion of the driving element 120 such as the lower portion. It may interface the driving element 120 at multiple positions on the driving element 120 similar to a drill chuck or collet. Other interfacing schemes may be incorporated.
In the illustrated embodiment, the release structure 124 allows the user to release the first clamping jaw 112 from the driving element 120. In some embodiments, the release structure 124 disengages from the driving element 120 in response to a user input at the release structure 124. For example, in different embodiments, the user may apply a downward, upward, or horizontal force at the release structure 124 to disengage the release structure 124 from the driving element 120.
In another embodiment, the release structure 124 may release the driving element 120 in response to an input at the driving element 120. For example, the release structure 124 may disengage from the driving element 120 in response to a user locking and reversing the input at the force structure 122. Other inputs or triggers may be used to engage and disengage the release structure 124 from the driving element 120. For example, the release structure 124 may operate only when a second structure (not shown) is also acted upon by the user.
In another embodiment, the release structure 124 may be incorporated in the force structure 122 such that the force structure 122 may be released from the driving element 120 to quickly adjust the relative position of the jaws 112 and 114. Other embodiments may include other arrangements for engaging and disengaging with the driving element 120 to adjust the relative position of the first and second clamping jaws 112 and 114.
Disengaging the release structure 124 from the driving element 120 will allow the first clamping jaw 112 to move freely relative the driving element 120 and the second clamping jaw 114. This allows the user to quickly adjust the relative distance, to either close the gap between the jaws 112 and 114 or increase the gap, in order accommodate insertion, removal, repositioning, or adjustment of a work piece.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second clamping jaws 112 and 114 are maintained in alignment by guide rails 126. The guide rails 126 allow for relative movement of the first and second clamping jaws 112 and 114 along a linear path. The guide rails 126 may include stops 128 to prevent the first or second clamping jaw 112 or 114 from being runout off the driving element 120 and guide rails 126. In some embodiments, the stops 128 may be removably coupled to the guide rails 126. For example, the stops 128 may be threaded or clipped onto the guide rails 126 such that they may be removed for disassembly, maintenance, or repairs on the vise 100. In other embodiments, the stops 128 are a unified portion of the guide rails 126 or otherwise permanently affixed to prevent accidental or intentional removal.
In some cases, the rails 126 are a low friction material. In other embodiments, the rails 126 may have a lubricant or lubricant facilitator applied or embedded. One or both of the first and second clamping jaws 112 and 114 may also include friction reducing mechanisms such as bearings, slides, or other low-friction surfaces at the points at which they contact the rails 126. The rails 126 may be smooth, as shown in
The surface mounting structure 110 includes mounting features 132 to facilitate mounting the surface mounting structure 110 to a work surface. Similar to the description of the attachment features 130, the mounting features 132 may accommodate screws, bolts, or other fasteners. The mounting features 132 may apply suction, friction, or other forces to the work surface to secure the surface mounting structure 110. The mounting features 132 may facilitate permanent or removable installation of the surface mounting structure 110 to the work surface. Other embodiments may include additional features for securing the surface mounting structure 110 to the work surface.
In the illustrated embodiment, the driving element 120 is inserted through the second clamping jaw 114 and interfaces with the force structure 122. The interface between the force structure 122 and the driving element 120 may be a pinned, threaded, welded, or other connection. The force structure 122 then facilitates a ratcheting, fixed, or other input to the driving element 120. The driving element 120 is also inserted into the first clamping jaw 112 and interfaces with the release structure 124. As described above, different embodiments of the release structure 124 may interface with the driving element 120 in different manners. The illustrated embodiment of the release structure 124 includes one or more springs 142 to apply force to the release structure 124. The force applied by the springs 142 to the release structure 124 may force the release structure 124 to interface with the driving element 120. If a user presses on the release structure 124 with sufficient force to compress the springs 142, the release structure 124 may be displaced sufficiently to disengage the release structure 124 from the driving element 120. This may allow the first clamping jaw 112 to move freely along the driving element 120 and guide rails 126.
The illustrated embodiment also depicts the relative orientation of the first and second base portions 102 and 104 with the base closure 108 and the surface mounting structure 110. The position of the attachment features 130 of the first base portion 102 and the mounting features 132 of the surface mounting structure 110 may also be more easily understood in the depicted view. In alternate embodiments, the base portion 104 may include a locking pin 111 that engages an opening 113 in the base portion 104. The locking pin 111 is configured to pass through the opening and engage a slot in the surface mounting structure 110, thereby rotationally locking the base portions 102, 104 with the surface mounting structure 110. In an embodiment, the locking pin 111 may be a detent pin, a screw-threaded bolt, a t-handle, and the like. Beneficially, this allows the vise to be rotated to any position and then locked in that position.
The depicted embodiment also includes an alternative design for the release structure 124. In this embodiment, the release structure 124 is more integrated into the body of the second clamping jaw 114. This may improve durability and functional consistency. It may also improve resistance to contaminant and particulate intrusion into the release structure 124.
The illustrated embodiment also includes jaw pads 148. In some embodiments, the jaw pads 148 are permanently applied to the clamping surfaces 116 and 118 of
The illustrated embodiment of the clamping jaw attachment 148 of
Some embodiments of the clamping jaw attachments 148 may be made of a flexible material to provide a certain gripping functionality. Other embodiments may include rigid or semi-rigid materials. In some embodiments, the clamping jaw attachments 148 may include multiple materials to provide certain advantages. Embodiments of the clamping jaw attachments 148 may include numerous surface textures and geometries to interface with work pieces or provide other gripping and aesthetic functionality. Some embodiments may include structures or features to facilitate installation and removal of the clamping jaw attachments 148 onto and off of the clamping jaws 112 and 114. Other features may improve the security of the attachments 148 on the clamping jaws 112 and 114. Other embodiments may include fewer or more features to provide less or more functionality.
In an embodiment the surface mounting structure 110 may include one or more mounting features 132, such as holes for receiving a screw, bolt, or other fasteners. Additionally, the surface mounting structure 110 may include a plurality of adjustment points 152. Adjustment points 152 may include recesses, slots, dimples, notches, or the like. In an embodiment, a mating adjustment point in the base closure (not shown) may engagement the adjustment points 152 to lock the base in a fixed position. One or more indicators 154 may be included to indicate an azimuthal position of the base.
In the above description, numerous details are set forth. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.
It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it will be recognized that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described, but can be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
The present invention is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/204,983, filed Jul. 7, 2016, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/189,361, filed Jul. 7, 2015. The contents of said prior applications are incorporated entirely herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62189361 | Jul 2015 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15204983 | Jul 2016 | US |
| Child | 17205275 | US |
