A vise for holding a workpiece that reduces jaw lift having a vise base with a longitudinally extending guide channel that includes vise base flanges with base flange guide surfaces, the vise having vise trucks that move longitudinally within the guide channel, the vise having jaws that are selectively securable relative to the trucks wherein the jaws and the trucks include lift surfaces that move the trucks toward the jaws transversely to the longitudinal direction as the jaws engage the workpiece to lock the jaws and the trucks relative to the guide channel when the workpiece is clamped in the vise.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The invention of this application relates to vises and, more particularly, to multiple jaw vises that are self-centering. Multiple jaw vises and self-centering vises are known in the art. In particular, U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,694 to Buck discloses a multiple jaw vise and is incorporated by reference herein for showing the same. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,704 to Buck discloses a multiple jaw vise and is incorporated by reference herein for showing the same. U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,001 to Buck discloses a multiple jaw vise and is incorporated by reference herein for showing the same. U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,551 to Cousins et al. discloses a multiple jaw vise with machinable jaws and is incorporated by reference herein for showing the same. U.S. Pat. No. 5,098,073 to Lenz discloses a multiple jaw vise with a double threaded screw and is incorporated by reference herein for showing the same. U.S. Pat. No. 8,408,527 to Klingenberg et al. discloses a multi-jaw vise and is incorporated by reference herein for showing the same. U.S. Pat. No. 9,095,958 to Schmidt discloses a self-centering dual direction clamping vise and is incorporated by reference herein for showing the same. U.S. Pat. No. 9,296,089 to Schweigert et al. discloses a centric clamping vise and is incorporated by reference herein for showing the same. U.S. Pat. No. 5,043,144 to Gordon et al. discloses a self-centering vise and is incorporated by reference herein for showing the same. U.S. Pat. No. 9,364,937 to Taylor et al. discloses a centric clamping vise and is incorporated by reference herein for showing the same. U.S. Pat. No. 2,564,138 to Walker discloses a machine vise and is incorporated by reference herein for showing the same. U.S. Pat. No. 9,004,472 to Schmidt discloses a five axis machine vise and is incorporated by reference herein for showing the same. U.S. Pat. No. 8,020,877 to Lang discloses a self-centering chuck and is incorporated by reference herein for showing the same. U.S. Pat. No. 8,256,753 to Teo discloses a vise that prevents jaw lift and is incorporated by reference herein for showing the same. German Publication No. DE 202 11 275 (copy submitted herewith) discloses a self-centering vise and is incorporated by reference herein for showing the same. German Publication No. DE 10 2015 014 664 (copy submitted herewith) discloses a self-centering vise and is incorporated by reference herein for showing the same. Also incorporated by reference herein in its entirety is JERGENS Production Vise Catalog which is submitted herewith and forms part of this specification as does the above incorporation by reference documents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vises are well known in the art and have evolved over the years. Further, multiple jaw vises and self-centering vises are also known in the art and have been well received. In particular, the vises shown in many of the patents listed above, and incorporated by reference in this application as background material, have been well received in the marketplace. These patents disclose two jaw and self-centering vises that are effective and which have been used in industry for many years. However, many of these vises are costly to manufacture, are costly and difficult to maintain in the field, and can require many adjustments to function properly.

A self-centering vise is a vise that moves the workpiece being held to the center of the vise. This can improve accuracy and precision in the machining process wherein these vises are very popular. In that these vises center the workpiece, both jaws must move relative to the base and relative to one another to either provide an inwardly or an outwardly directed clamping force that is centered within the vise base. In that both jaws must move, there must be sufficient clearance between the jaws and the guides of the vise body. However, this “clearance” can produce jaw lift that reduces machining accuracies, which will be discussed more below. In order to move the jaws relative to one another, most prior art self-centering vises have a threaded rod or lead screw that is rotatable about a screw axis and that can rotate relative to the vise body. The lead screw has a center point and includes a right-handed external thread on one side of the center point and a left-handed external thread at the other side of the center point. The jaws include a first jaw that has a right-handed internal thread and a second jaw that has a left-handed internal thread wherein the jaws rotationally engage the threaded rod on either side of the center point. As a result, rotation of the rod in a first rotational direction about the rod or screw axis moves the jaws toward one another and toward the center. And, rotation of the rod in the other rotational direction moves the jaws away from one another and away from the center point. Thus, rotation of the threaded rod causes the jaws to move towards or away from each other.

In that the accuracy of the self-centering vise depends on the vise accurately centering and locating the workpiece each time, some self-centering vises include an adjustable center point.

One issue with multi-jaw vises is the “jaw lift” noted above. In greater detail, precision machining requires the workpieces to be maintained and repeatably located within strict tolerances. Jaw lift in a vise makes it difficult to maintain strict tolerances in the workpieces. Jaw lift is when the movable jaws of the vise lift as the jaws compress the workpiece relative to one another. Such ‘jaw-lift’ may result in, for example, a workpiece being slightly out of position relative to a known coordinate location of the milling machine. Moreover, jaw lift can also occur during machining. As referenced above, there needs to be enough clearance between the jaws and the guides of the vise body to allow the jaws to move and this clearance can produce the jaw lift.

In view of the importance of preventing jaw lift, some prior art vises have incorporated elaborate structures to control the clearances between the jaws and the guides to prevent jaw lift. In one particular vise, which has been well received in the industry, the vise incorporates an array of set screws and strategically placed pad arrangements to prevent the unwanted jaw lift. While this design can reduce jaw lift, it is time consuming, it requires the use of an additional tool and it adds another parameter into workholding geometry. In this respect, this system requires two set screw and two pad arrangements per moveable jaw. Thus, these vises include four set screws that must be tightened and loosened each time a workpiece is clamped in the vise. Moreover, these four set screws must be manually loosened and then manually and accurately tightened each time the vise is used.

In greater detail, the four set screws engage four respective pads that are positioned below the jaws. When the set screws are tightened, they engage the pads and urge the jaw upwardly in the vise body guides. Each set screw urges one side of one of the jaws upwardly into one of the two vise body guides. The tightening of these two set screws removes the clearance between the vise body guides and one of the jaws in a known direction such that the jaw is forced against the upper guide surfaces of the vise body guides. Then, the same must be done to the other jaw since self-centering vises have two moveable jaws. This set screw tightening procedure must be done each time the jaws are adjusted or moved along the vise body guides. Then, before the jaws can be loosened or moved, all four set screws must be loosened to bring back the clearances that are needed to allow the jaws to move relative to the vise body guides.

As can be appreciated, this can be time consuming. And, it also requires a separate tool. Yet even further, the threads of the screws and/or threaded holes can become stripped if they are over tightened, which can make this feature inoperable and/or require expensive repairs. Moreover, in view of the time associated with tightening and then loosening the plurality of set screws, there is also the risk that this feature is not properly utilized by shop personnel.

Another issue is the centering of the jaws of the vise. In this respect, it is also important to set the center of the vise. Prior art vises includes means to make this adjustment, but it has been found that these systems can be ineffective, inaccurate, overly complicated and/or require special tools.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention of this application relates to vises and more particularly to multiple moveable jaw vises that overcome many of the shortcomings in the prior art. Even more particularly, the invention of this application relates to vise structures that have been found to work particularly well in connection with self-centering vises wherein the invention of this application will be discussed with specific reference to self-centering vises even though this application is not to be limited to a particular style of vise.

According to one aspect of the invention of this application, the vise includes one or more vise components configured to prevent jaw lift.

According to certain embodiments of the invention of this application, the vise includes vise trucks that move along a vise axis and vise jaws fixed relative to the vise trucks and wherein the vise jaws can automatically move relative to the vise trucks to urge the jaws toward the trucks when the vise is tightened and to allow the jaws to automatically move away from the trucks when the jaw is loosened.

According to yet other embodiments of the invention of this application, the vise includes a vise lead screw having a center point that rotates about a screw axis that is parallel to the vise axis wherein the vise trucks are on either side of the center point and move relative to the vise base when the lead screw is rotated about the screw axis. The lead screw being transversely displaceable relative to the screw axis to help facilitate the movement of the trucks relative to the vise jaws.

According to another aspect of the invention of this application, the vise includes one or more vise components configured to produce an efficient centering feature to center the moveable jaws within the jaw body.

According to certain embodiments of the invention of this application, the vise includes an axially displaceable pillow block assembly to provide selective unified displacement of the vise jaws, the vise trucks and the lead screw relative to the vise base along the vise axis.

These and other objects, aspects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the Detailed Description of the invention set forth below taken together with the drawings which will be described in the next section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting the same,FIG. 1—show a two jaw vise10which generally includes a vise body or base12, a central pillow block assembly14, a first truck20, a second truck22, a first jaw30, a second jaw32and a lead screw40. The vise can further include a vise handle assembly42

As is known in the art, jaws30and32are configured to move relative to vise base12toward and away from one another and function to clamp a workpiece WP between the vise jaws. Again, while a specific vise configuration and vise base is shown, the invention of this application can be utilized in a wide range of vise configurations without detracting from the invention of this application including, but not limited to, a wide range of jaw configurations, single jaw vises, multiple jaw vises, multiple station vises, self-centering vises, 5-axis machining vises, multi axis machining vises and multi-station vises. Moreover, reference to directions and/or positions in this specification are in reference to the drawings only and are not to limit the invention of this application, including, but not limited to, top, bottom, upper, lower, middle, left, right.

Base12has a length50extending in a longitudinal direction52and a width54transverse to the longitudinal direction. Base12can be produced by any method known in the art including, but not limited to, a machined solid block, an extrusion and/or an assembly of separate parts without detracting from the invention. As is shown, base12is a machined solid block. Base12can include any mounting arrangement known in the art to secure the vise, which includes those found in the prior art.

Base12includes a base bottom60that can include the mounting arrangements reference above. Base12has a longitudinally extending guide channel70that can extend from a first vise end72to a second vise end74. Guide channel70is parallel to longitudinal direction52and can have a wide range of configurations without detracting from the invention of this application. As is shown, guide channel includes a bottom surface80, a first side surface82extending upwardly from one side of bottom surface80and a second side surface84extending upwardly from the other side of bottom surface80. Guide channel70further includes a first inwardly extending flange90above first side surface82and a second inwardly extending flange92above second side surface84. First flange90includes a first inwardly facing edge or surface100and a first downwardly facing edge or surface102and second flange92includes a second inwardly facing edge or surface110and a second downward edge or surface112wherein edges100and110face one another and wherein edges102and112are generally parallel to one another and face bottom surface80. In combination, first downward edge102, first side surface82and a first portion120of bottom surface80form a first truck channel122. Similarly, second downward edge112, second side surface84and a second portion130of bottom surface80form a second truck channel132. Moreover, the first and second flanges can include one or more chip flanges140and142, respectively, that can be used to maintain needed clearances when the vise is being used in a machining operation. Vise base12further includes a first base upper guide surface134on one side of guide channel70and a second base upper guide surface136on the other side of channel70that both extend longitudinally. As is shown, surfaces134and136are upwardly facing surfaces, which will be discussed more below.

First truck20has a first outside face141and a first inside face143longitudinally spaced from the first outside face when in an assembled condition as is shown in the illustrated embodiment. First truck20includes a bottom edge or surface150and oppositely extending first truck flanges152and154on either end of bottom edge150. Truck flange152includes an outer edge or surface160and an upper surface162and truck flange154includes an outer edge or surface164and an upper surface166. Extending upwardly from truck flange152is a guide surface170and extending upwardly from truck flange154is a guide surface172wherein guides surfaces170and172are generally parallel to one another. First truck20further includes a first jaw mount180that includes opposite side surfaces182and184. Below first jaw mount180is a first threaded lead screw opening190having a first truck lead screw thread192, which can be either a right hand or a left hand thread and which extends about first truck thread axis194. When in an assembled condition as is shown inFIG. 1, first truck thread axis194is coaxial with a lead screw axis196of lead screw40, which will be discussed more below. First jaw mount180includes a first inwardly extending jaw lift control projection200, which will be discussed more below.

Jaw lift control projection200includes an upper control surface202, a middle control surface203and a lower control surface204that are angled relative to one another as is shown. Middle control surface203is at a control angle206relative to first truck thread axis194. Control angle206can be between 20 degrees and 70 degrees. More particularly, control angle206is between 30 degrees and 60 degrees. More particularly, control angle206is between 40 degrees and 50 degrees. In one embodiment, control angle206is about 45 degrees. Upper control surface202can also be parallel to lower control surface204and/or perpendicular to middle control surface203.

First truck20further includes a first spring plunger assembly210extending from outside face141and that extends from a spring plunger opening212. First spring plunger210can be any spring plunger (or the like) without detracting from the invention of this application and can be used in connection with surfaces202-204to secure the jaw relative to the truck while allowing controlled movement between the jaw and the truck. In addition, first truck20can include one or more first bottom ribs220. It has been found that first bottom rib220can be used to help first truck20work in the harsh environments associated with machining operations to prevent chips, which are produced from machining, from preventing movement or causing jamming of the truck within the guide channel. Moreover, it has been found that first rib220can also reduce lead screw flex during clamping and improve clamp load.

Second truck22can be like first truck20, but this is not required. In this respect and as is shown, second truck22has a second outside face230and a second inside face232longitudinally spaced from the second outside face when in the assembled condition. Second truck22includes a bottom edge or surface240and oppositely extending second truck flanges242and244on either end of bottom edge240. Truck flange242includes an outer edge or surface250and an upper surface252and truck flange244includes an outer edge or surface254and an upper surface256. Extending upwardly from truck flange242is a guide surface260and extending upwardly from truck flange244is a guide surface262wherein guides surfaces260and262are generally parallel to one another. Second truck22further includes a second jaw mount270that includes opposite side surfaces272and274. Below second jaw mount270is a second threaded lead screw opening280having a second truck lead screw thread282, which is coaxial with a second screw thread axis284. Truck thread282can be either a right hand or a left hand thread, but is preferably the opposite of first truck lead screw thread192. When in an assembled condition as is shown inFIG. 1, second screw truck thread axis284is also coaxial with lead screw axis196of lead screw40, which will be discussed more below. Second jaw mount270includes a second inwardly extending jaw lift control projection290, which will be discussed more below.

Jaw lift projection290includes an upper control surface292, a middle control surface293and a lower control surface294that are angled relative to one another. Middle control surface293is at a control angle296relative to second screw truck thread axis284. Control angle296can be between 20 degrees and 70 degrees. More particularly, control angle296is between 30 degrees and 60 degrees. More particularly, control angle296is between 40 degrees and 50 degrees. In one embodiment, control angle296is about 45 degrees. Upper control surface292can also be parallel to lower control surface294and/or perpendicular to middle control surface293.

Second truck22further includes a second spring plunger assembly300extending from outside face230and that extends from a spring plunger opening302. Second spring plunger assembly300can be any spring plunger (or the like) and can be the same as spring plunger assembly210without detracting from the invention of this application. Second spring plunger assembly300can be used in connection with surfaces292-294to secure the jaw relative to the truck while allowing controlled movement between the jaw and the truck, which will be discussed in greater detail below. In addition, second truck22can include one or more second bottom ribs310. Again, it has been found that second bottom rib310can be used to help second jaw22work in the harsh environments associated with machining operations to prevent jamming of the truck within the guide channel. Moreover, the second rib310can reduce lead screw flex and improve clamp load.

First and second jaws30and32can have any known jaw configuration without detracting from the invention of this application wherein the jaws shown are for example only. Moreover, jaws30and32can be made from a wide range of materials without detracting from the invention of this application including, but not limited to, materials having different hardnesses.

In greater detail, first and second jaws30and32as are shown in the illustrated embodiments are identical; however, this is not required. In the interest of brevity, part of jaws30and32will be described together. includes a first jaw clamping surface or face350and a back face352. While clamping surface or face350is shown to be an inwardly facing surface, this is not required. First jaw30further includes first side jaw edges356and357that can be parallel to one another. First jaw30further includes a first jaw top360and a first jaw bottom362. First jaw30further includes a first truck mount366that is shaped to receive first jaw mount180discussed above. As is shown, first truck mount can be positioned relative to first jaw bottom362. First jaw30further includes two jaw guide surfaces370and372, which can be on either side of first truck mount366. Jaw guide surfaces370and372can include relief portions.

First truck mount366includes a first truck pocket390having a configuration to receive at least a portion of first jaw mount180and first inwardly extending jaw lift control projection200. First truck pocket390includes at least one lifting surface wherein the at least one lifting surface in the embodiments shown includes a front lower surface400, a front middle surface402, a front upper surface404, a rear lower surface410, a rear middle surface412and a rear upper surface414. First pocket390can further include a top surface420and one or more reliefs. As is shown, top surface420can join front upper surface404and rear upper surface414, but this is not required. Moreover, while many surfaces of this application are shown as planar surfaces, this is not required wherein they should not be limited to planar surfaces. While not required, front surfaces400,402and404can have the same or similar configuration as rear surfaces410,412and414. First truck mount366can extend from first jaw bottom362forming truck mount side surfaces, which can be configured to extend into guide channel70when in the assembled condition.

Again, the first and second jaws can be the same configuration as is shown in the drawings, but this is not required. As is shown, second jaw32includes a second jaw clamping surface or face450and a back face452. Again, while clamping surface or face450is shown to be an inwardly facing surface, this is not required. Second jaw32further includes second side jaw edges456and457that can be parallel to one another. Second jaw32further includes a second jaw top460and a second jaw bottom462. Second jaw32further includes a second truck mount466that is shaped to receive second jaw mount270discussed above. As is shown, second truck mount466can be positioned relative to second jaw bottom462. Second jaw32further includes two jaw guide surfaces470and472, which can be on either side of second truck mount466. Jaw guide surfaces470and472can include relief portions480and482, respectively.

Second truck mount466includes a second truck pocket490having a configuration to receive at least a portion of second jaw mount270and second inwardly extending jaw lift control projection290. Second truck pocket490includes at least one lifting surface wherein the at least one lifting surface in the embodiments shown includes the same surfaces as jaw30. As with jaw30, jaw32includes a front lower surface400, a front middle surface402, a front upper surface404, a rear lower surface410, a rear middle surface412and a rear upper surface414. Second pocket490can further include a top surface420and one or more reliefs. As is shown, top surface420can join front upper surface404and rear upper surface414, but this is not required. While not required, front surfaces400,402and404can have the same or similar configuration as rear surfaces410,412and414. Second truck mount466can extend from bottom second jaw bottom462forming truck mount side surfaces, which can be configured to extend within guide channel70when in the assembled condition.

Again, jaws30and32can have a wide range of configurations without detracting from the invention of this application wherein the drawings of this application merely show one of the many possible configurations.

Pillow block assembly14can have a wide range of configurations without detracting from the invention of this application as is the case for other structures of this application. As is shown in the illustrated embodiments, pillow block14has a two piece design having a top pillow block portion550, a bottom pillow block portion552and pillow block fasteners554. Top pillow block550includes a top pillow block upper edge560, a top block lower edge562and top block side edges564&566. Top pillow block550further includes top block fastener openings570and572. Top pillow block further includes a top block opening portion580of a lead screw opening582. Top block opening portion580extends inwardly from top block lower edge562and top block opening portion580is preferably centered in lower edge562, but this is not required. Top pillow block550has a top block thickness590at least near lead screw opening582.

Bottom pillow block552includes a bottom block upper edge600, a bottom block lower edge602and bottom block side edges604&606. Bottom pillow block552further includes bottom block fastener openings610and612. Bottom pillow block further includes a bottom block opening portion620of lead screw opening582. Bottom block opening portion620extends inwardly from bottom block upper edge600and bottom block opening portion620is preferably centered in upper edge600, but this is not required. Bottom pillow block552has a bottom block thickness622at least near lead screw opening582.

Top pillow block550and bottom pillow block552are configured to be securable relative to one another to form pillow block assembly14and are sized to allow pillow block assembly14to fit within guide channel70. This can include a pillow block assembly width624that allows the assembly to fit within guide channel70and selectively move within the channel as will be discussed more below. Moreover, top block fastener openings570and572and/or bottom block fastener openings610and612can be slotted openings in longitudinal direction52(when in the assembled condition shown inFIG. 1) to allow selective and controlled longitudinal movement or adjustment of pillow block assembly14relative to vise base12in longitudinal direction52within guide channel70, which will also be discussed more below. Fastener openings570and572can further include a countersink614.

Yet even further, pillow block assembly14and/or vise10can include a center jaw625that can create a two workpiece vise design. In this set of embodiments, center jaw can include a first center jaw clamping surface or face626facing first jaw clamping surface or face350and a second center jaw clamping surface or face627facing second jaw clamping surface or face450. According, vise10can have two operable work stations wherein the first work station is between faces626and350and the second one is between faces627and450. Center jaw625can be a fixed jaw and can be centered in the same way as the pillow block assembly, which will be discussed more below. Center jaw625can come in a wide range of variations without detracting from the invention of this application. Moreover, center jaw625can be part of and/or extension of the central pillow block assembly and/or an attachment to the pillow block assembly. As is shown, center jaw625can be a modification of top pillow block550wherein the jaws and pillow blocks can be centered simultaneously as will be discussed more below.

Lead screw opening582, which is formed by top and bottom block opening portions580and620, can also be slotted to allow transverse movement of lead screw40relative to pillow block assembly14and longitudinal direction52. In greater detail, lead screw opening582includes a slotted configuration transverse to longitudinal direction52. Lead screw opening582includes a top screw arcuate portion630and a bottom screw arcuate portion632and upwardly extending opening screw side edges634&636, which extend between top screw arcuate portion630and bottom screw arcuate portion632. Top screw arcuate portion630, bottom screw arcuate portion632and screw side edges634&636define a lead screw opening height640and a lead screw opening width642wherein lead screw opening height640is greater than lead screw opening width642. In that opening side edges634&636are transverse to longitudinal direction52and lead screw opening height640is greater than lead screw opening width642, lead screw opening582is configured to allow selective transverse movement of lead screw40toward and away from base upper guide surfaces134and136to allow for controlled and limited transverse movement of the trucks and the jaws to prevent jaw lift, which will be discussed more below.

As is shown, fastener openings570,572,610and612include a slotted configuration parallel to longitudinal direction52when in the assembled condition. In greater detail, fastener openings570,572610and612include a first fastener arcuate portion650and a second fastener arcuate portion652and longitudinally extending opening fastener side edges654&656, which extend between first fastener arcuate portion650and second fastener arcuate portion652. In that side edges654&656are parallel to longitudinal direction52, they allow selective movement of pillow block assembly14in the longitudinal direction and, thus, lead screw40in longitudinal direction52when pillow block fasteners554are loosened. This in turn produces selective and unified movement of the trucks and the jaws with the pillow block and the lead screw in the longitudinal direction. This unified longitudinal movement of the pillow block assembly, lead screw, trucks and jaws can be used to adjust or calibrate the center point of the lead screw relative to the vise base, which will be discussed more below.

Lead screw40extends in longitudinal direction52wherein lead screw axis196is at least generally parallel to longitudinal direction52and forms a vise axis. However, as will be discussed more below, the controlled transverse movement of the jaws and/or trucks to prevent jaw lift could result in the lead screw axis being at least slightly unparalleled to longitudinal direction52. Lead screw40extends between a first lead screw end710to a second lead screw end712. First lead screw end710can include a first tool engaging configuration720and second lead screw end can include a second tool engaging configuration722. First and second tool engaging configurations720and722can be the same configuration and/or can include different configurations as is shown in the drawings. As is shown, first tool engaging configuration is a hex socket head and second tool engaging configuration is a hex head. Vise handle assembly42can be configured to engage first and/or second tool engaging configurations and can be any handle assembly known in the art without detracting from the invention of this application.

Lead screw40further includes a center point730between first and second ends710and712. Center point730can be an adjustable center point based on the adjustability of pillow block assembly14, which will be discussed more below. Lead screw40further includes a longitudinally extending central groove740, which is preferably cylindrical. Groove740is shaped to be received within lead screw opening582wherein the slotted configuration of lead screw opening582allows for the transverse movement of lead screw40as referenced above and which will be discussed more below. Central groove740is coaxial with lead screw axis196and includes a first groove wall750and a second groove wall752that is axially spaced from first groove wall750by a groove spacing754. Groove spacing754is larger than pillow block assembly width590,622to allow pillow block assembly14to capture and secure lead screw40longitudinally within central groove740, but allow relative rotation of lead screw40about lead screw axis196. Preferably, groove spacing754is only slightly larger than pillow block assembly14width590,622to limit unwanted longitudinal movement of lead screw40. Central groove740can further include a cylindrical groove bearing surface760having a groove diameter762between the groove walls. Groove diameter762can be closely sized to lead screw opening width642to allow controlled rotation of the lead screw about the lead screw axis, but less than lead screw opening height640to allow for the transverse movement of lead screw40relative to block14and base12. Lead screw40includes a first screw thread800on a first screw side802and a second screw thread810on a second screw side812. First screw thread800is configured to threadingly engage with first truck lead screw thread192of first threaded lead screw opening190of first truck20. Similarly, second screw thread810is configured to threadingly engage with second truck lead screw thread282of second threaded lead screw opening280of second truck22. These threaded engagements produce longitudinal movement of the first and second trucks toward one another when lead screw40is rotated about lead screw axis196in a first rotational direction820and away from one another when rotated in a second rotational direction822. Movement of the trucks in turn produces movement of the first and second jaws. Similarly, movement of the jaws can produce movement of the trucks.

In operation, vise10is positioned on a work surface WS. As noted above, any mounting feature and/or configuration known in the art can be used to secure vise base12of vise10relative to the work surface. Once secured to the work surface, pillow block fasteners554can be loosened to allow pillow block assembly14to be selectively moved in longitudinal direction52. This movement can be used to adjust center point730of lead screw40and the vise as is desired to center the vise on the work surface. In that lead screw is held relative to the pillow block assembly longitudinally, longitudinal movement of the pillow block moves lead screw40longitudinally. Moreover, the longitudinal movement of lead screw40also moves trucks20&22and jaws30&32together in the longitudinal direction. Similarly, when pillow block fasteners554are loose, movement of jaws30&32can move trucks20&22, which in turn will move lead screw40, which will move pillow block assembly14. According to one set of embodiments, vise base12can further include center alignments openings850and852. Center alignments openings850and852can be shaped to receive alignment dowels or pins860. In this embodiment, the vise can be quickly and accurately centered with the use of pins860. In this respect, once vise10is positioned on the work surface, pins860are positioned into alignments openings850and852and pillow block fasteners554are loosened. Then, lead screw40can be rotated to move jaws30&32toward the center point and toward pins860in openings850and852. As jaws30&32approach pins860, one of the jaws will engage pins860first if the jaws are not centered. In that pillow block fasteners554are loose, the engagement between the one jaw and pin860will stop the inward movement of the one jaw and urge the other jaw toward the pins, which will move pillow block14toward the center of the vise. Continued tightening of the lead screw until both jaws are firmly engaged against either side of pins860will automatically center the pillow block assembly, the lead screw, the trucks, and the jaws. Once in the centered position, pillow block fasteners554can be tightened to maintain the pillow block assembly, lead screw, trucks and jaws in the centered position. Therefore, this movement can be used to center the jaws relative to the vise and; therefore, the work surface being used. Yet even further, it has been found that accuracy is further improved if pins860are cylindrical. In this respect, by utilizing cylindrical pins, each jaw/pin engagement point is in point contact wherein each jaw has two repeatable points of contact with the two pins.

Once vise10is in the desired operating position and centered, a workpiece WP can be positioned relative to the vise, which is shown inFIGS. 19 & 20. Once in position, lead screw40is rotated (based on the drawings of this application) in first rotational direction820to urge the jaws toward one another to “tighten” the jaws on the workpiece toward the position shown inFIGS. 21 & 22. As the jaws engage the work piece, first inwardly extending jaw lift control projection200engages first truck pocket390of first jaw30to create controlled truck lift900in first truck20. Similarly, second inwardly extending jaw lift control projection290engages second truck pocket490to create controlled truck lift900in second truck22. Continued tightening of the jaws then produces controlled and repeatable truck lift900for both trucks as is shown inFIGS. 21 & 22. In this respect, inward movement of the trucks urges the trucks toward one another in guide channel70even after jaws30and32engage the workpiece thereby causing movement of the trucks relative to the jaws in the longitudinal direction. This causes engagement between at least one front surfaces (400,402,404) of first truck pocket390of the first jaw and at least one control surfaces202-204of first inwardly extending jaw lift control projection200of the first truck. The angled surfaces cause first truck20to lift within guide channel70in direction900until upper surfaces162and166of the truck flanges engage downward edges or surfaces112and102of guide channel70, respectively. Continued tightening of the trucks will seat upper surfaces162and166against the downward surfaces112and102thereby preventing any lift of the first truck during machining of the work piece. Similarly, inward movement of the second jaw causes engagement between at least one front surfaces (400,402,404) of second truck pocket490of the second jaw and at least one control surfaces292-294of second inwardly extending jaw lift control projection290of the second truck. The angled surfaces cause second truck22to lift within guide channel70in direction900until upper surfaces252and256of the truck flanges engage downward edges or surfaces102and112of guide channel70, respectively. Continued tightening of the trucks will seat upper surfaces252and256against the downward surfaces102and112thereby preventing any lift of second truck during machining of the work piece.

In addition, the jaws can be configured to also take advantage of the lift control projections. In this respect, the engagement of first inwardly extending jaw lift control projection200against first truck pocket390of first jaw30can also create jaw pull down902in first jaw20. Similarly, the engagement of second inwardly extending jaw lift control projection290against second truck pocket490can create jaw pull down902in second jaw22. Continued tightening of the jaws then produces controlled and repeatable pull down902of the jaws. Again, inward movement of the trucks urges the trucks toward one another in guide channel70even after jaws30and32engage the workpiece thereby causing movement of the trucks relative to the jaws in the longitudinal direction. This causes the engagement between at least one front surfaces (400,402,404) of first truck pocket390of the first jaw and at least one control surfaces202-204of first inwardly extending jaw lift control projection200of the first truck. The angled surfaces can also cause first jaw30to be pulled down toward guide channel70until jaw guide surfaces370and372of first jaw30engage first and second base upper guide surfaces136and134, respectively. Continued tightening of the trucks will seat the jaw guide surfaces against the upper guide surfaces of the base. Similarly, inward movement of the second jaw causes engagement between at least one of front surfaces (400,402,404) of second truck pocket490of the second jaw and at least one of control surfaces292-294of second inwardly extending jaw lift control projection290of the second truck. The angled surfaces cause second jaw32to be pulled down toward guide channel70until jaw guide surfaces470and472of second jaw32engage first and second base upper guide surfaces134and136. Continued tightening of the trucks will seat the jaw guide surfaces against the upper guide surfaces of the vise base.

The truck lift and the jaw pull down can also work together to securely pinch the first and second inwardly extending flanges90and92between the jaws and the trucks. Moreover, the slotted shape of lead screw opening582helps facilitate this pinching action between the jaws, the trucks and the guide channel and prevents bending of the lead screw by allowing it to float and allows greater tightening forces to be applied to the workpiece. In this respect, the truck lift produced during jaw tightening produces upward movement of the trucks relative to the base that is transverse to direction52, which in turn moves first truck screw thread axis194of first truck20and second truck screw thread axis284of second truck away from guide surface80of guide channel70. By having a slotted lead screw opening582, lead screw40can freely move with the trucks thereby reducing bending in the lead screw thereby increasing the pinching effect of the jaws and trucks and increasing the holding force of the vise in view of the reduced friction. Moreover, the pinching effect of the components significantly reduces jaw lift in the vise and does so automatically when the vise is tightened.

Again, rotation of the lead screw in the first rotational direction moves the jaw(s) and the truck(s) from a non-engagement position shown inFIGS. 19 & 20wherein the jaw clamping surface(s) is spaced from the workpiece, an engaging position wherein the jaw clamping surface(s) is engaging the associated workpiece and a fully engaged position shown inFIGS. 21 & 22wherein the jaw clamping surface(s) is tightened against the associated workpiece. When in the non-engagement position, the jaw(s) being movable relative to the truck(s) and the vise having a movement clearance between the upper truck surfaces and the base flange bottom surface allowing longitudinal movement of the truck(s) relative to the vise base. When in the engaging position, engagement between the jaw clamping surface(s) of the jaw(s) and the workpiece urging the at least one lifting surface of the jaw(s) against the lift control projection thereby urging the upper truck surface toward the base flange bottom surface(s) and wherein the jaw(s) moves relative to the truck(s) transversely to the longitudinal direction. When in the fully engaged position, the upper truck surface(s) engaging the base flange bottom surface(s) and the jaw(s) being fixed relative to the truck(s).

While not shown, the vise according to the present invention can be used for any known application, and even newly found applications, for these styles of vises. This includes, but is not limited to, powered versions of these vises wherein hand crank42is replaced with a powered crank (not shown). Further, the vise according to the present invention could be incorporated as a component of a clamping system without detracting from the invention of this application.

While considerable emphasis has been placed on the preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated that other embodiments, and equivalences thereof, can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be combined to form yet other embodiments of the invention of this application. Accordingly, it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.