Patent ID: 8573578

Claim:
A workholding apparatus, comprising: a base comprising a workpiece support surface; a first lateral member comprising a first bottom surface and a first array of engagement members defined in said first bottom surface; a second lateral member comprising a second bottom surface and a second array of engagement members defined in said second bottom surface; a drive member operably engaged with said first lateral member and said second lateral member, wherein said drive member is configured to move said first lateral member and said second lateral member simultaneously; a first jaw member; and a second jaw member slidably engaged with and supported by said base, said second jaw member comprising: a first lateral link movable between a disengaged position in which said first lateral link is operatively disengaged from said first lateral member and an engaged position in which said first lateral link is engaged with said first lateral member; and a second lateral link movable between a disengaged position in which said second lateral link is operatively disengaged from said second lateral member and an engaged position in which said second lateral link is engaged with said second lateral member, wherein said drive member is configured to move said second jaw member relative to said first jaw member when at least one of said first lateral link is engaged with said first lateral member and said second lateral link is engaged with said second lateral member, and wherein said second jaw member is movable relative to said first jaw member and said drive member when said first lateral link is disengaged from said first lateral member and said second lateral link is disengaged from said second lateral member.