Patent ID: 6105948
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: B25B

Abstract:
In a vise, comprising:a) an elongated base defined by opposed, spaced-apart end edges and spaced-apart side edges, including a planar upper surface, and adapted for mounting on the work surface of a machine that performs machining operations;b) an elongated first jaw fixedly mounted at one said end of said base and having a jaw portion extending a distance above said upper surface thereof;c) an elongated second jaw moveably mounted on said planar upper surface of said base, spaced-apart from said fixed jaw and parallel thereto, having a jaw portion extending a distance above said plane;d) opening/closing means passing underneath said planar upper surface and received in said second jaws in captive movement with said first jaw for drawing said jaws together and forcing them apart, and including a handle for turning said shaft means with respect to said jaws; the improvement that allows a plurality of like parts to be retained in the vise so that they can be machined all in one operation, said improvement comprising:e) a plurality of elongated, floating jaw members, each said member defined by a smooth base for sliding movement over said planar upper surface and a pair of parallel jaw side surfaces, held in spaced-apart arrangement by a top jaw surface, said jaw side surfaces arranged orthogonal to said planar upper surface, said members capable of clamping at least one part between said jaw surfaces of two, adjacent jaw members so that a plurality of similar parts for machining can be held in rigid, clamped arrangement between said elongated jaw members for permitting accurate machining of all the parts in one machine operation; and,f) wherein said floating, elongated jaw members are defined by a cross-sectional shape that includes at least one corner formed between said upper jaw surface and one of said jaw side surfaces and wherein said jaw member has formed therein at least one deep slot near said corner for deforming and absorbing any dimensional change occurring to said jaw side surfaces due to tightening the parts between said jaw members in the vise.