Patent Publication Number: US-8967606-B2

Title: Pipe vise stand

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a pipe vise stand having increased utility and useable work area. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Vise stands are well known in the art. Vise stands have been used in various forms for well over 100 years. Typically, vise stands include a plate or similar relatively flat member supported by a collection of legs, usually foldable or hinged in some manner to enable the stand to be placed into a compact form and more readily transported to and from a work or job site. Vise stands also include a vise or similar mechanism for selectively engaging a workpiece to thereby enable an operator to perform one or more operations associated with the workpiece. Typically, the vise is in the form of a chain vise, however an array of other types of vises have been utilized. 
     Several types of vise stands are known, each of which has evolved to meet the needs of certain categories of workpieces and/or operations involving the workpieces. For example, relatively simple vertical stands are known which elevate and support a vise. Multi-leg stands with spaceable planar members similar to “horses” are known for supporting long metal or wood stock. 
     A particular type of vise stand for pipes has also evolved. Pipe vise stands typically include a chain vise as opposed to a moving jaw type vise since chain vises can provide engagement around the outer circumference of a pipe and thereby more securely retain the pipe. The chain vise or other vise provisions are typically incorporated into the plate member of the stand. 
     Another feature that is commonly found in pipe vise stands is a tube bender. A tube or pipe bender as typically provided in pipe vise stands includes one or more outwardly projecting members that define a pipe bending mandrel surface. These members typically are incorporated into the plate member and extend upward from the plate. The mandrel surfaces are typically concave and sized to receive one of various common tube or pipe diameters. The mandrel surfaces typically extend approximately 90° in an arcuate fashion about a generally horizontal bending axis to provide an arcuate forming surface about which a tube or pipe can be bent. For pipes of sufficiently small diameters and/or having walls that are sufficiently thin, an operator can manually bend pipe or tubing to a desired extent at a job site by use of a tube bender provided in a pipe vise stand. 
     Modern pipe vise stands may also include other provisions which may be useful to a pipe fitter, welder, or plumber. For example, in addition to a chain vise, one or more support members oppositely located from the chain vise are typically provided. The support members are typically incorporated into the plate and project upward from the plate. These support members assist in supporting and retaining a pipe engaged in the vise. Another feature sometimes provided in pipe vise stands is a holder for hand tools typically used by an operator. Holders may be in the form of hooks or other projections along the plate or work surface of the stand, or in the form of recesses or apertures in the plate, from which tools can be hung. 
     Many pipe vise stands also include provisions for improving the stability of the stand. These provisions may be in the form of tie-downs or other fixtures along the plate for attaching cables or rigid members to, which are then attached to mounting points along the floor or nearby walls. Another type of stabilizing provision is a jackscrew. Many pipe vise stands include a jackscrew assembly extending from the plate. The jackscrew is oriented to engage a stationary rigid member extending overhead. Upon extension of the jackscrew against the rigid member, a downwardly directed load or force is applied to the plate and legs of the vise stand, which can significantly improve the stability of the stand. 
     As a consequence of including one or more of the previously noted provisions in a pipe vise stand, the useable work area along an upper face of the plate is significantly reduced. As a result, plate members must be increased in size in order to provide a work area of sufficient size. However, increasing the size of plate members results in a larger and heavier vise stand. Furthermore, increasing the size of plate members may also increase the size and weight of other components of the stand such as the legs. Increased sizes and weights of vise stands increase costs of the resulting stands and reduces the ease and portability of the stands, which as will be appreciated is undesirable. 
     Accordingly, a need exists for an improved pipe vise stand which includes an array of provisions typically associated with currently available stands, yet which also provides an increased work area while not being excessively heavy or difficult to transport. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The difficulties and drawbacks associated with previously known vise stands are addressed in the various pipe vise stands and base plates described herein. 
     In one aspect, the present invention provides a pipe vise stand comprising a base plate defining a work face and including at least one support provision extending from the work face and vise provisions spaced from the at least one support provision. The base plate further defines a workpiece support territory along the work face and extending between the at least one support provision and the vise provisions. The pipe vise stand also comprises a plurality of legs attached to the base plate. The base plate further includes at least one tube bender disposed at least partially within the workpiece support territory. 
     In another aspect, the present invention provides a pipe vise stand comprising a base plate, and a plurality of extendable legs movably attached to the base plate. Each leg defines a proximal end attached to the base plate and a distal end opposite from the proximal end. The vise stand is positionable between (i) a work configuration in which the plurality of legs are extended from the base plate to an extended position and the distal ends of the legs generally reside within a common plane, and (ii) a transport configuration in which the legs are retracted from their extended position. The base plate defines a work face, the work face being upwardly directed when the vise stand is in a work configuration and the distal ends of the legs are contacting a horizontal surface. The base plate includes vise provisions at a first location along the base plate, support provisions at a second location along the base plate generally opposite and spaced from the vise provisions, and at least one bending mandrel extending from the base plate. The base plate defines a workpiece support territory along the work face of the base plate extending between the vise provisions and the support provisions. And, the at least one bending mandrel is at least partially located within the workpiece support territory. 
     In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a base plate for use with a pipe vise stand. The base plate defines a work face, an oppositely directed underside, and a peripheral edge region generally extending between the work face and the underside. The base plate comprises at least one support provision extending from the base plate beyond the work face. The at least one support provision defines a first width dimension. The base plate also comprises vise provisions extending from the base plate. The vise provisions define a second width dimension. The vise provisions are spaced from the at least one support provision. The base plate further defines a workpiece support territory along the work face extending between the first width dimension associated with the at least one support provision and the second width dimension associated with the vise provisions. The base plate further comprises a tube bender disposed within the work piece support territory. 
     As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment pipe vise stand in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a generally planar view of a preferred base plate used in the preferred embodiment pipe vise stand of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a detailed perspective view of the preferred base plate. 
         FIG. 4  is a partial detailed view of the preferred base plate. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic planar view of another preferred embodiment base plate in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic planar view of another preferred embodiment base plate in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic planar view of another preferred embodiment base plate in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic planar view of another preferred embodiment base plate in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic planar view of another preferred embodiment base plate in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic planar view of another preferred embodiment base plate in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic planar view of another preferred embodiment base plate in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic planar view of another preferred embodiment base plate in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic planar view of another preferred embodiment base plate in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic side view of the base plate illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic view of a portion of a leg of a vise stand including a preferred leveling provision in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic view of leg portion and another preferred leveling provision in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a detailed schematic view of a leg portion and another preferred leveling provision in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a schematic illustration of another preferred leveling provision in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a detailed view of a preferred securing assembly used in the preferred stands of the invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment leg assembly used in the preferred pipe vise stands of the invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a detailed side view of an adjusting provision of the leg assembly illustrated in  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 22  is an illustration of an alternate configuration of another preferred base plate in accordance with the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The preferred embodiment pipe vise stands of the present invention include a base plate having a unique configuration. The base plate generally defines an upwardly directed work face and an oppositely directed underside. A plurality of legs, preferably three, are movably attached to the base plate and preferably along the underside of the base plate. The plurality of legs can be extended from a retracted position such that upon extension of the legs and contact between the leg distal ends and the floor, the base plate is elevated above the floor and oriented to provide a relatively level and horizontal work surface. In addition, the pipe vise stands preferably include locking provisions for ensuring that the legs remain in their extended position until an operator takes affirmative action to retract the legs. A chain  1  or other flexible member is preferably attached to one of the legs  40 . Upon positioning the legs to a retracted position preferably attached to one of the legs  40 . 
     Various references to “up”, “upward”, “underside” and the like are made herein. These orientation references are made with regard to the stand in a typical configuration during use, e.g. the stand having its legs fully extended and the stand positioned upright upon a floor. 
     The preferred embodiment pipe vise stands feature a base plate having a particular configuration as follows. The base plate includes vise provisions preferably located along a peripheral region of the base plate. Although a wide array of vise types may be used, preferably the vise is a chain vise as known in the art. The base plate also preferably includes one or more workpiece support members extending from the work face and located generally opposite the vise provisions and preferably also along a peripheral region of the base plate. The support members may separately or collectively define an upwardly directed V-shaped region for supporting a workpiece such as a pipe, and particularly a pipe engaged by the noted vise provisions. 
     The upwardly directed work face of the base plate defines a workpiece support territory generally extending between the vise provisions and the workpiece support provisions. The workpiece support territory extends between these provisions and has a width generally corresponding to the width of these provisions. Thus, at a region of the base plate at which is located the vise provisions, the width of the workpiece support territory is generally equal to that of the vise provisions. This width is referred to herein as W VB  and is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The width W VB  generally taken along the interface between the upwardly directed work face of the base plate and the vise provisions which generally project upwardly therefrom. And, at a region of the base plate at which is located the support provisions, the width of the workpiece support territory is generally equal to that of the support provisions. This width is referred to herein as W SM  and is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The width W SM  is generally taken along the interface between the upwardly directed work face of the base plate and the support provisions which generally extend upwardly therefrom. The widths of the workpiece support territory at its two ends can be different or the same. Additional details and aspects of the workpiece support territory are provided herein. 
     As previously noted, it is known to provide one or more pipe or tube benders in a pipe vise stand, and particularly in a base plate of such stands. A typical pipe or tube bender generally includes a bending mandrel and a corresponding workpiece aperture located proximate to the bending mandrel. Upon placing the pipe against the mandrel, a region of the pipe extends through the aperture. The pipe is initially oriented in a generally vertical position while the pipe extends through the bending aperture. Since the aperture is only slightly larger than the outer diameter of the pipe, upon urging the pipe against the bending mandrel, the region of the pipe within the aperture contacts the base plate, and is held stationary. This facilitates bending of the pipe along the arcuate surface of the bending mandrel as an operator applies force to a region of the pipe generally above the mandrel. Bending mandrels are typically in the form of a bending member extending upward from the work face of a base plate. The bending member defines a recessed concave region extending about a bending arc that is preferably defined about a horizontal axis. The recessed concave region is sized and shaped to fittingly receive a pipe and preferably a standard size pipe. The exposed surface of this concave region is the forming or bending surface. The workpiece aperture is sized to accept and receive the pipe of interest. Typically, bending mandrels are provided in groups or multiple sets so that the mandrels can be used to bend a range of pipe diameters, such as for example, ⅜ inch, ½ inch, ⅝ inch, ¾ inch, and 1 inch pipe. A typical combination of pipe diameters which bending mandrels accommodate is ½ inch, ¾ inch, and 1 inch. Collections of pipe or tube bending provisions are typically referred to in the art as “tube benders.” This term is periodically used herein. Representative examples of tube benders include those noted in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,126,544; 1,393,766; and 2,831,583, for example. 
     The unique base plates of the preferred embodiment pipe vise stands, utilize a configuration in which at least a portion of a tube bender or collection of tube benders is located within the workpiece support territory defined along the work face of the base plate. Preferably, the tube bender or collection of benders is located entirely within the workpiece support territory defined by the base plate. These particular configurations have been discovered to significantly increase the useable work area associated with the base plate, particularly while a workpiece such as a pipe is engaged by the vise provisions and supported by the workpiece support provisions. Thus, by use and/or adoption of these particular configurations, a base plate can provide a relatively large useable work area while also providing an array of features, without an increase in the overall size of the base plate. In addition, another significant advantage of locating the tube bender(s) within a central region of the base plate is that greater loads or forces can be applied to a workpiece or pipe engaged therewith out impacting the stability of the stand, which facilitates bending. 
     Another feature of the preferred embodiment pipe vise stands described herein is the use of tube benders that do not exceed a particular height as compared to aspects of the vise provisions and the workpiece support provisions. That is, the tube bender(s) have a maximum height and are disposed at particular locations within the workpiece support territory such that they do not interfere and thus do not contact a pipe when supported and engaged by the workpiece support and vise provisions. These aspects are described in greater detail herein in association with the preferred embodiment pipe vise stands. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a preferred embodiment pipe vise stand  10  in accordance with the present invention. The stand  10  comprises a base plate  20  defining a generally upwardly directed work face  22 , an oppositely directed underside  24 , and a peripheral edge  26  extending between the faces  22  and  24 . The base preferably includes one or more leg receptacles  28  generally along the underside  24  of the base plate  20 . The base plate  20  may further define one or more apertures  30  extending at least partially through the plate  20 . One or more edge slots  32  are also preferably defined about the outer region or edge  26  of the base plate  20 . The base plate  20  can also include an upwardly extending lip extending at least partially around the outer perimeter of the base plate  20 . 
     The preferred embodiment pipe vise stand  10  also comprises a plurality of legs  40  movably affixed to the base plate  20  and preferably extending from the underside of the base plate  20 . Each leg  40  defines a proximal end  44  and an opposite distal end  46 . The proximal end  44  is preferably engaged with a corresponding leg receptacle  28  provided along the underside  24  of the base plate  20 . As noted, the plurality of legs  40  are preferably positionable between an extended position such as shown in  FIG. 1 , and a retracted position, such as when transporting the pipe vise stand  10 . The stand  10  also preferably includes an extension support frame  42  that is movably affixed to an intermediate region of each of the legs  40 . Upon extension of the legs  40  to the position depicted in  FIG. 1 , the support frame  42  serves to ensure that the legs  40  remain in this extended position until an operator takes affirmative steps to reposition the legs  40  to a retracted position. The present invention includes pipe vise stands having nearly any number of legs. As previously noted, three legs are preferred. However, pipe vise stands having four legs are also included. Moreover, if suitably rendered stable, it is contemplated that a pipe vise stand as described herein could be provided with two legs or a single leg. A chain  1  or other flexible member is preferably attached to one of the legs  40 . Upon positioning the legs to a retracted position, the chain  1  or member can be wrapped about the legs. 
     The pipe vise stand  10  further comprises vise provisions  50  which are preferably formed or otherwise engaged to the base plate  20 . The vise provisions include a vise base  52  that defines an upwardly directed workpiece engaging face  53 , and a handle base  54  for receiving a handle (not shown). The vise provisions  50  are most preferably provided in the form of a chain vise and so include a chain (not shown). Details as to chain vises suitable for incorporation in the present invention pipe vise stands and base plates are provided in association with currently known chain vises such as those available from Ridge Tool of Elyria, Ohio under the model designations BC210, BC410, BC210P, BC410P, BC510, BC610, BC810, BC2A, BC4A, and 640, for example. In addition, representative examples of features, construction, assembly, materials, and other aspects of chain vises are provided in one or more of the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,349,931; 1,158,414; 2,703,027; and 1,054,661. Although chain vises are preferred for incorporation or use with the pipe vise stands and/or base plates described herein, it is to be appreciated that other types of vises could be used such as, but not limited to, yoke vises. 
     The pipe vise stand  10  also preferably comprises one or more workpiece support member(s)  60  extending upward from the work face  22  of the base plate  20 . The workpiece support members  60  are preferably located across and generally opposite from the vise provisions  50 . The workpiece support member(s)  60  are preferably formed integral with the base plate  20 , however the invention includes embodiments in which one or more workpiece support member(s)  60  are selectively attached or otherwise removably engaged with a stand or a base plate. 
     The pipe vise stand  10  also comprises one or more pipe benders  80 . The pipe benders are preferably oriented so as to extend upward from the work face  22  of the base plate  20 . Each pipe bender includes an upwardly extending bending mandrel or member and a recessed concave region. A corresponding workpiece aperture  90  is also preferably defined in the base plate  20  and most preferably proximate the bending mandrel. The location of the pipe benders  80  relative to other components and details of the pipe benders are described in greater detail herein. 
       FIGS. 2-4  illustrate a base plate  20  of the preferred embodiment pipe vise stand  10  in greater detail. Each pipe bender includes an upwardly directed bending mandrel or member  82  and a recessed concave region  84 . As best depicted in  FIG. 2 , a workpiece aperture  90  is disposed immediately proximate to a lowermost region of the concave region  84  of the bending mandrel  82 . Each mandrel  82 , concave region  84 , and workpiece aperture  90  is sized to closely receive and accommodate a pipe or tube of interest. More specifically,  FIG. 4  illustrates a first tube bender portion of the benders  80  defining a concave region  84   a  and a corresponding workpiece aperture  90   a . A second tube bender portion of the benders  80  defining a concave region  84   b  and a corresponding aperture  90   b  is also depicted. And, a third tube bender portion of the benders  80  defining a concave region  84   c  and a corresponding aperture  90   c  is illustrated. As will be appreciated, each of the sets of a concave region and an aperture are preferably sized to receive and accommodate a pipe or tube of interest. 
     The base plate  20  defines a workpiece support territory  70  extending along the work face  22  of the base plate  20 . The workpiece support territory  70  extends between the vise provisions  50 , and preferably the vise base  52 ; and the workpiece support member(s)  60 . The workpiece support territory  70  is generally denoted as the region along the work face  22  extending between the dashed lines in  FIGS. 2-4 . Most preferably, the width of the workpiece support territory  70  along a region of the base plate  20  at which is located the vise provisions  50 , is equal to the width of the vise base  52 , illustrated in the referenced figures as W VB . And, most preferably, the width of the workpiece support territory  70  along a region of the base plate  20  at which is located the workpiece support member(s)  60 , is equal to the width of the workpiece support member(s)  60 , illustrated in the referenced figures as W SM .  FIG. 2  illustrates the various features and provisions of the preferred plate  20  as described in conjunction with  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2  also illustrates a lip  34  that may optionally be provided to extend at least partially around the outer periphery of the plate  20 . 
     Referring further to  FIGS. 2-4 , in accordance with the present invention, it is preferred that at least a portion and preferably all of the pipe benders  80  be located within the workpiece support territory  70 . In the particular embodiment shown, the pipe benders  80  are entirely located within the workpiece support territory  70 . Furthermore, the pipe benders  80  are depicted as generally centered within the territory  70  along the width dimension of the base plate  20 . In addition, for certain embodiments it is also preferred that the maximum height of the pipe benders  80  is equal to or less than the minimum height of the workpiece support member(s)  60 . The heights of the pipe benders  80  and the workpiece support member(s)  60  are measured from the work face  22  of the base plate  20 . For the particular embodiment under discussion,  FIG. 3  illustrates a maximum height of pipe benders  80  as H PB . And,  FIG. 3  also depicts a minimum height of the workpiece support member(s)  60  as H SM . Thus, preferably the relative heights of these components are:
 
H SM ≧H PB  
 
Preferably, the maximum height of the pipe benders  80  is equal to or less than the minimum height of the workpiece support member(s)  60 . In this preferred configuration, upon positioning a workpiece or pipe on the support member(s)  60 . In this preferred configuration, and the vise provisions, the upwardly extending pipe benders  80 , located in the workpiece support territory, will not interfere with, e.g. contact, the workpiece.
 
     However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this preferred configuration. Instead, the invention includes arrangements in which the maximum height of a bender or collection of benders may be greater than a minimum height of the workpiece support member(s). Generally, such an arrangement may exist when the height of a bender or collection of benders is laterally offset or spaced from the location of minimum height of the workpiece support member(s). It is also contemplated that the maximum height of the bender(s) may be greater than the minimum height of the support member(s) even for configurations in which the bender(s) are directly in front of the support member(s) as depicted in  FIG. 3 . Such configurations are permissible when the support member(s) is used to support a pipe or other cylindrical body. Due to the V-shaped profile of the support member(s) as depicted in  FIG. 3 , when a pipe is placed within the V-shaped support member, the lowermost surface of the pipe will be spaced above the minimum height of the support member. Thus, the maximum height of the bender(s) could extend within the region between the lowermost pipe surface and the minimum height of the support member. However, generally, the height of the bender(s) is less than or equal to the height of the workpiece support member(s) when these heights are taken at locations along a line parallel to a pipe or other member when supported in the support member(s). 
     It will be appreciated that in no way is the present invention limited to base plates having the particular configuration, shape, and/or layout as illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 . Nor is the present invention limited to components or provisions as shown in the referenced figures. Thus, it is contemplated that base plates of the present invention could utilize vise base plate structures having different shapes and/or configurations than that depicted in  FIGS. 2-4 . Similarly, the base plates of the invention can use work support members of different shapes, styles, and configurations than the support member(s)  60  illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 . Likewise, the invention includes tube benders having a wide range of shapes, styles, and configurations. 
     The present invention includes a wide array of different arrangements and configurations of the base plate and specifically, the relative locations of the vise provisions, workpiece support member(s), and the pipe benders. For example,  FIGS. 5-8  are schematic planar views of additional preferred embodiment base plates in accordance with the present invention.  FIG. 5  depicts a preferred embodiment base plate  120  comprising vise provisions  150  and workpiece support member(s)  160 . A workpiece support territory  170  is defined between a vise base  152  of the vise provisions  150  and the workpiece support member(s)  160 . One or more pipe bender(s)  180  are located within the workpiece support territory  170 . It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, the vise provisions  150  are not centered along a central axis of the base plate as in the base plate  20  of  FIGS. 1-4 , but instead located along a corner or lateral edge region of the base plate  120 . The handle base  154  can be oriented as desired and is not limited to the particular orientation shown in  FIG. 5 . The orientation of the workpiece support member(s)  160  may be directed so as to face the vise base  152  shown in  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts yet another preferred embodiment base plate  220  in accordance with the present invention. The base plate  220  comprises vise provisions  250  and workpiece support member(s)  260  which define a workpiece support territory  270  extending therebetween. As will be appreciated, the vise provisions  250  include a vise base  252  and a handle base  254 . The base plate  220  further includes one or more pipe bender(s)  280  located within the territory  270 . In  FIG. 6 , the workpiece support member(s)  260  are disposed along a lateral side region of the base plate  220  rather than being centrally located along a longitudinal axis of the base plate as depicted in  FIGS. 1-4 . Again, the workpiece support member(s)  260  can be oriented to face the vise base  252 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates yet another preferred embodiment base plate  320  in accordance with the present invention. The base plate  320  comprises vise provisions  350  and workpiece support members  360  that define a workpiece support territory  370  extending therebetween. The vise provisions  350  include a vise base  352  and a handle base  354 . The base plate  320  also comprises one or more pipe bender(s)  380  that are disposed within the support territory  370 . The base plate  320  of  FIG. 7  features workpiece support members  360  and vise provisions  350  that are located along generally opposite lateral regions of the base plate  320 . In this embodiment, the pipe benders  380  are generally centrally located between the vise provisions  350  and the workpiece support members  360 . 
       FIG. 8  depicts yet another preferred embodiment base plate  420  in accordance with the present invention. In this version of the invention, the base plate  420  comprises vise provisions  450  and workpiece support members  460  across from one another, yet located on opposite ends as compared to the base plate  20  described in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-4 . As will be appreciated, the vise provisions  450  include a vise base  452  and a handle base  454 . The base plate  420  comprises one or more pipe bender(s)  480  located within a workpiece support territory  470  extending between the vise provisions  450  and the workpiece support member(s)  460 . 
     It will be appreciated that the invention includes variations of all of the placement configurations depicted in  FIGS. 5-8 . Thus for example, referring to  FIG. 5 , the vise base  152  could be located along the right hand side of the base plate  120 , instead of the left hand side as shown. Similarly, in  FIG. 6 , the vise base  252  could be disposed on the right hand side of the base plate  220  and the workpiece support member(s)  260  disposed on the left hand side of the base plate  220 . Similar variations are contemplated for the configurations depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
     Moreover, it will be understood that the invention is not limited in any respect concerning the orientation and/or location of a handle base such as  154  relative to a corresponding vise base  152 . Referring to  FIG. 5  for example, although the handle base is shown as extending from a particular region of the vice base  152 , the invention includes alternate arrangements of handles relative to a corresponding vice base. 
     As previously noted, the one or more pipe bender(s) may be located entirely within or only partially within a workpiece support territory. Previously described  FIGS. 1-8  illustrate various preferred embodiments of base plates in which their corresponding pipe benders are located entirely within a support territory.  FIGS. 9-12  illustrate various preferred base plates in which their corresponding pipe benders are only partially located within a support territory. For example,  FIG. 9  illustrates a preferred embodiment base plate  520  comprising vise provisions  550 , workpiece support members  560 , and a workpiece support territory  570  extending therebetween. The vise provisions  550  include a vise base  552  and a handle base  554 . The base plate  520  further comprises one or more pipe bender(s)  580  partially located within the support territory  570 . As a result of the pipe bender(s)  580  being partially located within the support territory  570 , a portion of the pipe bender(s)  580  are located outside of the support territory. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates yet another preferred embodiment base plate  620  comprising vise provisions  650 , workpiece support members  660 , and a workpiece support territory  670  extending therebetween. The vise provisions  650  include a vise base  652  and a handle base  654 . The base plate  620  further comprises one or more pipe benders  680  which are partially located within the support territory  670 . In this version, the benders  680  are located closer to the vise provisions  650  than the support members  660 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates yet another preferred embodiment base plate  720  in accordance with the present invention. The base plate  720  includes vise provisions  750 , workpiece support members  760 , and a workpiece support territory  770  extending therebetween. As will be understood, the vise provisions  750  include a vise base  752  and a handle base  754 , spaced therefrom. The base plate  720  further includes one or more pipe bender(s)  780  at least partially disposed in the support territory  770 . In this embodiment, it will be noted that one or both of the vise provisions  750  and the workpiece support members  760  can be located toward an interior region of the base plate  720  and spaced from the outer edge of the plate  720 . 
     And,  FIG. 12  illustrates yet another preferred embodiment base plate  820  in accordance with the present invention. The base plate  820  comprises vise provisions  850  and workpiece support members  860 . The vise provisions  850  include a vise base  852  and a handle base  854 . The base plate defines a workpiece support territory  870  extending between the vise provisions and the support members  860 . In this embodiment, one or more pipe benders  880  are located only partially within the support territory. In this embodiment, the pipe benders  880  are located in a corner region of the plate  820  near the vise base  852 . 
     The present invention also includes embodiments in which one or more benders are located or otherwise positioned so as to be spaced from the location of a leg along the underside of a base plate. Although several of the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 5-12  embody such a configuration, further description is provided as follows. In such a configuration, one or more benders are located in a region of the base plate which does not directly overlie a leg receptacle such as leg receptacle  28  depicted in  FIG. 1 . For example, it is contemplated that one or more benders could be located adjacent or next to an edge slot  32  as shown in  FIGS. 1-2  and  4 . Preferably, at least a portion of the bender (not overlying a leg receptacle) extends into a workpiece support territory as described herein. In these preferred configurations in which a bender does not overlie a leg receptacle, the bender is preferably aligned with a leg and/or leg receptacle disposed along an opposite region across the base plate. 
     In all of the embodiments described in conjunction with  FIGS. 5-12 , i.e. base plates  120 ,  220 ,  320 ,  420 ,  520 ,  620 ,  720 , and  820 , the base plates define a workpiece support territory, i.e.  170 ,  270 ,  370 ,  470 ,  570 ,  670 ,  770 , and  870 . As noted, each workpiece support territory extends between vise provisions and preferably a vise base of the vise provisions and a workpiece support member. As previously noted in conjunction with the description of  FIGS. 1-4 , the support territory can be in a wide array of different forms, shapes, and sizes. The widths of the territory at each end can be different from one another or can be the same. Thus, a support territory may correspond to any of conditions (i)-(iii):
 
W VB =W SM ;  (i)
 
W VB &gt;W SM ;  (ii)
 
or
 
W VB &lt;W SM .  (iii)
 
     The present invention also includes embodiments in which the base plate does not include a workpiece support member. Although such embodiments are less preferred than the embodiments described herein, the invention includes base plates free of such members such as  160 ,  260 ,  360 ,  460 ,  560 ,  660 ,  760 , and  860 . In these less preferred configurations, the workpiece support territory is defined by projecting the width of the vise provisions across the upwardly directed surface of the base plate. The lines of projection are generally taken parallel to the orientation of a member such as a pipe when secured in the vise provisions. Furthermore, it will be understood that the invention includes base plates having a wide array of vise types. In no way is the invention limited to base plates with chain vises. Non-limiting examples of vises include chain vises, yoke vises, machine or drill vises, compound slide vises, off-center vises, angle vises, sine vises, rotary vises, diemaker&#39;s vises, and pin vises. 
     Furthermore, it is also contemplated that the present invention includes embodiments in which the workpiece support member is located or otherwise disposed between the benders and the vise provisions. In these alternate configurations, the benders are located along a peripheral edge region of the base plate with the workpiece support member disposed at least partially between the benders and the vise provisions. Thus, the workpiece support member is disposed inboard of the benders, or the benders are disposed outboard of the workpiece support member.  FIG. 22  illustrates an example of such an alternate configuration of the embodiment described in conjunction with  FIG. 2 . 
     In certain embodiments, it may be preferred to provide pipe benders that extend upward from a work face of the base plate (as measured immediately adjacent to the work face of the base plate) at an angle that is less than 90°, for example from about 60° to about 30°, and most preferably about 45°. Such a configuration for the pipe benders may facilitate a bending operation since the portion of pipe extending upward from the base plate is then not directly above the base plate and so may be more accessible to an operator. Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , another representative preferred base plate  920  is illustrated. The base plate  920  comprises a jackscrew  940  and vise provisions  950  including a vise base  952  and a handle base  954 . Located generally opposite from the vise provisions  950  is one or more workpiece support members  960 . As previously described herein, a workpiece support territory  970  is defined between the vise provisions  950  and the support members  960 . The base plate  920  also comprises pipe benders  980  at least partially located within the support territory  970 . The pipe benders  980  include upwardly directed bending mandrels  982  that define a recessed concave region  984 . The forming or bending surface extends upward from the work face of the base plate  920  at an angle A, which is from about 60° to about 30°; and preferably about 45°. Angle A is taken between the work face of the base plate and a lowermost region of the bending surface of a mandrel, adjacent the work face. Although the invention is not limited to any particular location of the pipe benders so long as they are at least partially located within a workpiece support territory, it is preferred to position the pipe benders directly above the location along the underside of the base plate at which a leg is affixed or engaged. 
     In certain embodiments, it may be preferred to include one or more leveling provisions for the vise stands. Leveling provisions enable an operator to adjust the orientation of the base plate. Preferably, the leveling provisions are provided in association with at least one of the legs, and most preferably in association with one leg. It is also contemplated that leveling provisions could be included on each leg. As explained herein, it is most preferred that the leveling provisions enable an operator to adjust the orientation of the base plate while the stand is under a load, such as while supporting a workpiece and/or during application of a stabilizing load such as from a jackscrew. 
     A wide array of different assemblies and strategies can be used to enable leveling of the vise stands of the invention. For example, leveling provisions can be in the form of threaded leg members such that rotation of a leg member results in linear extension or retraction of the leg member generally along its longitudinal axis. Another form of leveling provisions is the use of threaded members disposed on the distal ends of the legs. The extent of adjustment of the leveling provisions is preferably such that the orientation of the base plate can be changed by about +/−3°. However, the invention includes versions in which the orientation can be changed to a greater extent such as by at least +/−5° of more. 
     The leveling provisions can include gross leveling adjustments and fine leveling adjustments. For example, gross adjustments can be in the form of telescoping leg sections engaged with one another by a member that is inserted into aligned apertures formed in the leg sections. A collection of apertures are preferably formed in each leg section. Upon appropriate positioning of one leg section to another to a desired leg length and alignment of a corresponding pair of apertures, the member is inserted into the aligned apertures thereby engaging the leg sections together. 
     Fine leveling provisions can be provided by threaded members disposed at the distal ends of the legs. Similarly, incorporating threaded regions along a length portion of a leg or leg section could also be used for fine leveling provisions or gross leveling provisions depending upon the thread characteristics and thread spacing. 
     Optional locking provisions can be included in association with the leveling provisions. Locking provisions can be in a wide variety of forms such as threadedly engaged locking members, locking nuts, and the like. 
       FIG. 15  schematically illustrates a preferred embodiment leveling provision  1010  provided in association with a leg  1040  of a vise stand, such as stand  10  depicted in  FIG. 1  The leg  1040  defines a distal end  1042  and a proximal end (not shown) at which the leg  1040  is coupled or otherwise engaged to a base plate (not shown). The leveling provision  1010  is preferably located between the distal and proximal ends of the leg  1040  and in this version, include a first threaded member  1044  engaged to a proximal portion of the leg and a second correspondingly threaded member  1046  threadedly engaged therewith. The second threaded member  1046  is engaged to a distal portion of the leg  1040 . As will be appreciated, upon rotation of the second member  1046 , the distal end  1042  of the leg  1040  is linearly displaced along the longitudinal axis of the first threaded member  1044  and the leg  1040 . Preferably, key provisions are provided in association with the distal end  1042  so that upon desired positioning of the distal end  1042 , that end is precluded from rotating about the longitudinal axis of the leg  1040 . In a preferred configuration, the threaded member  1046  engages a lower leg portion  1041  to capture the leg portion  1041  and attach the portion  1041  to the leg  1040 . 
       FIG. 16  schematically depicts yet another embodiment of a leg leveling provision  1110  provided in association with a leg  1140 . The leveling provision  1110  is preferably located proximate a distal end  1142  of the leg  1140 . The provision  1110  includes a threaded member  1144  having a head  1146  adapted to be engaged with a wrench and an opposite foot  1148 . The member  1144  extends through the distal end  1142  of the leg  1140  and is threadedly engaged therewith. As will be appreciated, upon rotation of the member  1144 , the linear distance between the foot  1148  and the distal end  1142  of the leg  1140  can be adjusted. 
       FIG. 17  schematically depicts yet another leveling provision  1210  and its incorporation in a distal end  1242  of a leg  1240 . The leveling provision  1210  includes a threaded member  1244  having a head  1246  and a foot  1248 . A threaded foot insert  1250  is disposed within an aperture defined in the leg distal end  1242 . Upon selectively rotating the member  1244  to a desired position relative to the distal end  1242  of the leg  1240 , a locking nut  1255  can be used to secure the member  1244  in the desired position. 
       FIG. 18  schematically depicts another leveling provision  1310  provided in association with one or more legs  1340  of a vise stand (not shown). Each leg  1340  defines a proximal end  1341  and a distal end  1342 . Leveling provision  1310  is provided between the ends  1341  and  1342 . In this version, a plurality of apertures  1305  are defined along a portion of a distal leg section and at least one aperture  1308  is defined in a proximal leg section. The leg sections are preferably telescopically engageable with each other. Upon aligning the apertures  1305  and  1308  with one another, a retention member or pin (not shown) is inserted into the aligned apertures to thereby secure the leg sections together. 
     It will be appreciated that any of the described leveling provisions can be used in combination with other leveling provisions and used in more than one leg of the vise stands described herein. That is, in no way is the invention limited to any of the particular leveling provisions described herein. 
       FIG. 19  is a detailed view of a preferred embodiment securing assembly  101  provided in conjunction with the preferred embodiment stands. The securing assembly  101  generally comprises a first retention member  102 , a section of chain  104  or other like member, and a clasp  106  having closure provisions. Preferably, the retention member  102  extends about and most preferably is affixed to a leg of a stand, such as for example the leg  40  of the stand  10  depicted in  FIG. 1 . The retention member  102  is preferably positioned near the distal end of the leg  40 , such as the end  46 , however the invention is not limited to such arrangements. Preferably, an end  104   a  of the chain  104  is attached to the retention member  102 . The opposite end  104   b  is free. The clasp  106  preferably includes an engagement end  106   a  at which the clasp  106  is engaged with the retention member  102 , and a relatively larger fastening region  106   c . The clasp  106  preferably includes a connector member  106   b  that is releasably secured to the fastening region  106   c  along a connector interface  106   d . Typically, and after positioning the stand (not shown) in a retracted position, the chain  104  is wrapped around the other legs (not shown). The free end  104   b  of the chain  104  is secured to the clasp  106  and preferably by disengaging the connector member  106   b  from the fastening region  106   c  at connector interface  106   d.    
     As will be understood, either the connector member  106   b  or the fastening region  106   c  of the clasp  106  is inserted into the end link  104   b  of the chain  104 . The connector member  106   b  is then engaged with the fastening region  106   c  to “close” the clasp  106  and thereby affix the end  104   b  of the chain  104  to the clasp  106 . It will be appreciated that a wide variety of other fastening and retaining assemblies could be used for the clasp  106 , and/or the chain  104 . Non-limiting examples include cables, cords, ties, straps, and flexible members. 
       FIGS. 20 and 21  illustrate a preferred embodiment leg assembly  1410  used in the vise stands described herein. The leg assembly  1410  includes an upper leg portion  1440 , a lower leg portion  1441  and adjusting provisions therebetween for coupling the two leg portions together and providing selectively adjustable positioning of the leg portions relative to one another. The lower leg portion  1441  defines a distal end or foot  1442  preferably integrally formed with the lower leg portion  1441 . The adjusting provisions preferably include a member  1446  rotatably attached to the lower leg portion  1441 . The member  1446  defines a central threaded bore which receives a threaded member  1444  or extension of the upper leg portion  1440 . As will be appreciated, upon threadedly engaging the member  1446  and the member  1444  and rotating the member  1446 , the linear distance between the upper and lower leg portions  1440  and  1441  can be selectively and incrementally varied. 
     Preferably, key provisions are provided in both the upper and lower leg portions. The key provisions prevent rotation of the lower leg portion  1441  about its longitudinal axis relative to the upper leg portion  1440 , and vise-versa. Although a wide array of key provisions may be used, a preferred configuration is shown in  FIG. 20 . An inwardly extending slotted region  1430  is provided along an end of the lower leg portion  1441 . A slotted depression or aperture  1445  is provided in the threaded member  1444 . The slotted depression or aperture  1445  is sized to slidably receive the inwardly extending slotted region  1430 . This configuration allows the leg portions  1441  and  1440  to be linearly displaced relative to one another along their longitudinal axes, yet prevents rotation of one relative to the other about the longitudinal axis. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates a preferred configuration and engagement between the components. The member  1446  defines a pair of laterally extending handles or grips  1452  and  1452 ′ which extend in opposite directions from a central body  1456 . The member  1446  defines a threaded bore extending through the body  1456  from a first opening  1454  to a second oppostively directed opening  1457 . The second opening  1457  is sized to rotatably receive an end of the lower leg portion  1441 . The end of the leg portion  1441  preferably includes an outwardly extending disk shaped member  1420 . The member  1446  defines an interior hollow region  1450  accessible from the opening  1457 . The hollow region  1450  is sized to rotatably receive the disk member  1420 . Thus, by this configuration, the member  1446  can rotate relative to the lower leg portion  1441  and disk member  1420 , yet the two leg components are securely coupled together. 
     The various components of the vise stands described herein can be formed from nearly any suitable material having sufficient strength, durability and rigidity for the stands to function as described herein. Metals such as various grades of hardened steel are preferred. Other metals such as alloys of aluminum, magnesium, and the like are also contemplated. A preferred material for the base plate is aluminum. It is further envisioned that composite materials could be used for certain components. The present invention is not limited to any particular type of material. 
     Representative examples of features, construction, assembly, materials, and other aspects of vise stands and pipe vise stands are provided in one or more of the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,634,837; 798,371; 1,216,610; 4,715,760; 1,686,023; 1,393,766; 1,126,544; 4,231,557; and 7,430,968. In addition, such information is also noted in US Patent Application Publication US 2007/0080268. 
     Many other benefits will no doubt become apparent from future application and development of this technology. 
     All patents, published applications, and articles noted herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     It will be understood that any one or more feature or component of one embodiment described herein can be combined with one or more other features or components of another embodiment. Thus, the present invention includes any and all combinations of components or features of the embodiments described herein. 
     As described hereinabove, the present invention solves many problems associated with previous type devices. However, it will be appreciated that various changes in the details, materials and arrangements of parts, which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the invention, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the principle and scope of the invention, as expressed in the appended claims.