Patent ID: 6032940
Filing Date: 2000-03-07
Classification: B25B

Abstract:
A machine vise having a base member with a longitudinal axis, and a pair of rails defining an elongated slot that extends along the longitudinal axis, a first jaw and a second jaw mounted on said base and supported on upper surfaces of the rails, the upper surfaces being coplanar and at least said second jaw being movable in directions toward and away from the first jaw between a jaw closed position with the second jaw adjacent the first jaw and a jaw open position with the second jaw spaced from the first jaw by a distance;a nut mounted in the slot for moving the second jaw upon actuation of the nut, said nut having a rib member that fits in the slot and extends to fill the slot to a level substantially equal to the upper surfaces of the rails, the rib being of length to extend the entire distance between the first and second jaws with the first and second jaws in the jaw open position, the first and second jaws being supported on the upper surfaces of the rails and positioned entirely above a plane lying on the upper surfaces of said rails, said nut having a head, said second law being coupled to said nut by a hook member on the head of said nut, which extends above the plane of the upper surfaces of the rails, said second jaw having a recess for receiving the head of said nut, a jaw loading member comprising a flange on the second jaw having an internal conical surface mating with a part conical surface moving with the hook member for carrying load from said hook member to said second jaw selectively at one of a plurality of separate positions of the second jaw.