US009079464B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`US 9,079,464 B2
`(10) Patent No.:
`Onello et al.
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Jul. 14, 2015
`
`(54) PORTABLE WORK HOLDING DEVICE AND
`ASSEMBLY
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Timothy Scott Onello, Murfreesboro,
`TN (US); Charles Weber, Onalaska, WI
`(US)
`
`(73) Assignee: JPW Industries Inc., La Vergne, TN
`(US)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 886 days.
`
`(21) Appl.No.: 13/301,359
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Nov. 21, 2011
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2013/0127104 A1
`
`May 23, 2013
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`B60D 1/58
`B25B 1/10
`B25B 1/24
`(52) US. Cl.
`CPC . B60D 1/58 (2013.01); 3253 1/103 (2013.01);
`3253 1/2405 (2013.01); Y10T29/4984
`(2015.01)
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`CPC .......... B23Q 3/06; B23Q 3/066; B23Q 5/326;
`B25B 1/20; B25B 1/02
`USPC ................ 269/99, 43, 45, 271, 143, 246, 249
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`1/1986 Tarquinio ......................... D8/74
`*
`D282,143 S
`
`.. 269/153
`2/1989 Yang ...........
`4,807,863 A *
`.. 269/153
`4,971,301 A * 11/1990 Yang ...............
`
`......
`.. 269/246
`7,017,898 B2*
`3/2006 Varzino et a1.
`
`5/2006 Gasparyan et a1.
`.
`.. 269/181
`7,036,807 B1*
`3/2010 Meholovitch et a1.
`.. 269/181
`7,673,861 B2*
`
`4/2013 Onello et a1. ............ D8/74
`D680,843 S
`*
`
`..... D8/74
`D707,096 S
`*
`6/2014 Zhang et al.
`................... 269/99
`2013/0127104 A1*
`5/2013 Onello et a1.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner 7 Lee D Wilson
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm 7 Schiff Hardin LLP
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A work holding device includes a first jaw piece having an
`elongated first connection member for connecting the work
`holding device to a support. The first connection member
`defines a first passage. A second jaw piece has an elongated
`second connection member positionable within the first pas-
`sage. The second connection member defines a second pas-
`sage in communication with the first passage. A spindle
`assembly movably couples the second jaw piece to the first
`jaw piece. The spindle assembly is configured to move the
`second jaw piece with respect to the first jaw piece to create a
`clamping pressure when an object is placed between the first
`jaw piece and the second jaw piece.
`
`25 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
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`US. Patent
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`Jul. 14, 2015
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`Sheet 1 of7
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`US 9,079,464 B2
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`FIG.1
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`US 9,079,464 B2
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`US 9,079,464 B2
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`US. Patent
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`Jul. 14, 2015
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`Sheet 7 of7
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`US 9,079,464 B2
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`

`

`US 9,079,464 B2
`
`1
`PORTABLE WORK HOLDING DEVICE AND
`ASSEMBLY
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to a
`work holding device, such as a vise, and, more particularly, to
`a portable work holding device configured to removably
`mount to a support, for example, a vehicle receiver hitch or a
`support surface, such as a table or work bench.
`Attempts have been made in the past to attach a vise to
`work trucks or vehicles by taking an existing bench vise and
`mounting the bench vise to a platform or a pad on the vehicle.
`While this creates a work holding device, the conventional
`bench vise is not designed to be portable and, as such, is heavy
`and difficult to transport. Other attempts to make work hold-
`ing devices more portable have resulted in a work holding
`device that compromises the work holding capabilities of a
`conventional bench vise. In both of these cases, an undesir-
`able tradeoff is made for either portability or for function.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`In one aspect, a work holding device includes a first jaw
`piece having an elongated first connection member for con-
`necting the work holding device to a support. The first con-
`nection member defines a first passage. A second jaw piece
`has an elongated second connection member positionable
`within the first passage. The second connection member
`defines a second passage in communication with the first
`passage. A spindle assembly movably connects the second
`jaw piece to the first jaw piece. The spindle assembly is
`configured to move the second jaw piece with respect to the
`first jaw piece to create a clamping pressure when an object is
`placed between the first jaw piece and the second jaw piece.
`In another aspect, a portable work holding device includes
`a stationary first jaw piece having a casting and an elongated
`first connection member extending from the casting. The first
`connection member defines a first passage. A movable second
`jaw piece has an elongated second connection member
`extending from the second jaw piece. The second connection
`member is positionable within the first passage to couple the
`secondjaw piece to the firstjaw piece. The second connection
`member defines a second passage in communication with the
`first passage with the second connection member positioned
`within the first passage. A spindle assembly movably couples
`the secondjaw piece to the first jaw piece. The spindle assem-
`bly includes a spindle nut positioned within at least the first
`passage. The spindle nut forms a helical thread on an inner
`surface ofthe spindle nut along at least a portion ofa length of
`the spindle nut between a first end and a second end of the
`spindle nut. A spindle forms a helical thread on an outer
`surface ofthe spindle along at least a portion of a length ofthe
`spindle that cooperates with the helical thread formed on the
`inner surface of the spindle nut to facilitate translation of the
`second jaw piece with respect to the first jaw piece along an
`axis defined by the spindle.
`In yet another aspect, a portable work holding device
`assembly includes a work holding device and a plate assem-
`bly. The work holding device includes a first jaw piece having
`an elongated connection member for connecting the work
`holding device to a support, a second jaw piece, and a spindle
`assembly movably connecting the second jaw piece to the
`first jaw piece. The spindle assembly includes a threaded
`spindle rotatable to move the second jaw piece with respect to
`the first jaw piece. The plate assembly includes a member
`having a plurality of walls defining a passage with a comple-
`
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`mentary cross-section to receive the first connection member.
`One or more brackets are coupled to a corresponding wall of
`the plurality ofwalls ofthe member. The one or more brackets
`each define one or more apertures to facilitate coupling the
`work holding device to a support surface.
`In yet another aspect, a method of assembling a work
`holding device includes providing a stationary first jaw piece
`having a casting and an elongated first connection member
`extending from the casting, wherein the first connection
`member defines a first passage. An elongated second connec-
`tion member of a movable second jaw piece is positioned
`within the first passage. The second connection member
`defines a second passage in communication with the first
`passage. A spindle assembly is positioned within the first
`passage and the second passage to movably couple the second
`jaw piece to the first jaw piece.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is front plan view of an exemplary work holding
`device;
`FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of the work holding device
`shown in FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the work
`holding device shown in FIG. 1;
`FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the work holding device
`shown in FIG. 3 along sectional line A-A;
`FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the work holding device
`shown in FIG. 1;
`FIG. 6 is a partial cross-section view of the work holding
`device shown in FIG. 5 along sectional line B-B;
`FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary work holding
`device coupled to a vehicle receiver hitch;
`FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary work holding
`assembly coupled to a support, such as a work bench; and
`FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a plate assembly ofthe work
`holding assembly shown in FIG. 8.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`The embodiments described herein relate to a work hold-
`
`ing device, such as a vise, that is capable of being quickly
`mounted to a vehicle using the vehicle receiver hitch as a
`connection point. The work holding device can also be
`mounted to a bracket that is fixed to a suitable support surface,
`such as a table or a work bench, utilizing an elongated con-
`nection member also used for mounting the work holding
`device to the vehicle receiver hitch. In one embodiment, the
`work holding device includes a fixed or stationary jaw piece,
`that includes a casting and the elongated connection member,
`and a movable jaw piece that is operatively connected to the
`stationary jaw piece by a spindle assembly that moves the
`movable jaw piece with respect to the stationary jaw piece to
`generate or create a pressure when an object is paced between
`the stationary jaw piece and the movable jaw piece. In one
`embodiment, the work holding device includes a handle hav-
`ing a single fixed arm that can be fixed or locked in a desired
`position, for example, in a twelve o ’clock position, for storing
`the work holding device on the vehicle while the vehicle is
`being driven. In one embodiment, a recess is formed in the
`casting of the stationary jaw piece that allows for weight
`reduction, as well as a handle feature to facilitate portability.
`A work surface or an anvil is formed on at least the stationary
`jaw piece and is raised above the jaw pieces to create a more
`useable work surface while the work holding device is
`mounted to the vehicle.
`
`

`

`US 9,079,464 B2
`
`3
`Referring to FIGS. 1-9, in one embodiment a portable work
`holding assembly includes a work holding device, such as a
`vise, having a first jaw piece and an elongated first connection
`member for removably connecting the work holding device to
`a support, such as a vehicle receiver hitch or a support surface.
`A second jaw piece has an elongated second connection
`member that is positionable within a passage defined by the
`first connection member, and that defines a second passage in
`communication with the first passage. A spindle assembly is
`positioned within the first and second passages to movably
`couple the second jaw piece to the first jaw piece to facilitate
`translation ofthe secondjaw piece with respect to the first jaw
`piece.
`Referring further to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary portable
`work holding device 10, such as a vise, includes a stationary
`first jaw piece 12 having a casting 14 and an elongated first
`connection member 16 extending from a first end of casting
`14 for connecting work holding device 10 to a support 18
`(shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, for example). First connection
`member 16 defines a first passage 20, as shown in FIG. 2, that
`extends between a second end 22 and an opposing first end 24
`of first connection member 16. First connection member 16 is
`
`configured to be inserted into and received within a receiver
`hitch on a vehicle, as shown in FIG. 7, or a plate assembly for
`mounting on a surface, such as a table or workbench, as
`shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and described in greater detail below.
`Referring to FIG. 1, an aperture 26 is defined through oppos-
`ing lateral sides of first connection member 16. With work
`holding device 10 inserted into a vehicle receiver hitch, for
`example, a pin (not shown) is removably positioned within
`aperture 26 to facilitate coupling work holding device 10 to
`the vehicle receiver hitch. In a particular embodiment, a nut
`(not shown) is coupled to first connection member 16, such as
`by one or more spot welds or another suitable method, and is
`threadedly engageable with the pin to fixedly couple first jaw
`piece 12 to the vehicle receiver hitch.
`A movable second jaw piece 30 includes an elongated
`second connection member 32 extending from a first end of
`second jaw piece 30. Second connection member 32 is posi-
`tionable at least partially within first passage 20 to couple
`secondjaw piece 30 to firstjaw piece 12. As shown in FIG. 2,
`second connection member 32 defines a second passage 34
`that extends between a second end 36 and an opposing first
`end 38. Second passage 34 is in communication with first
`passage 20 with second connection member 32 positioned
`within first passage 20. In one embodiment, a jaw member 39
`made of a suitably durable and strong material, such as steel,
`is coupled to first jaw piece 12 and/or secondjaw piece 30 and
`configured to secure an object placed between first jaw piece
`12 and second jaw piece 30. In a particular embodiment, jaw
`member(s) 39 are removable and replaceable.
`In one embodiment, work holding device 10 includes a
`spindle assembly 40 movably connecting secondjaw piece 30
`to first jaw piece 12. Spindle assembly 40 is configured to
`move second jaw piece 30 with respect to first jaw piece 12 to
`create a clamping pressure on an object when the object is
`placed between first jaw piece 12 and second jaw piece 30.
`For example, a work piece, such as a pipe, may be positioned
`within pipe jaws 41, and spindle assembly 40 moves second
`jaw piece 30 with respect to first jaw piece 12 to provide a
`suitable clamping pressure to maintain the work piece prop-
`erly positioned between pipe jaws 41. In one embodiment,
`pipe jaws 41 are stepped to receive different sized pipes or
`objects.
`Spindle assembly 40 includes a spindle nut 42 positioned
`within at least first passage 20. With second connection mem-
`ber 32 positioned within first connection member 16, spindle
`
`4
`
`nut 42 extends through first passage 20 and into second pas-
`sage 34, as shown in FIG. 2. A helical thread 44 is formed on
`at least a portion of an inner surface 46 of spindle nut 42
`between a first end 48 and an opposing second end 50 of
`spindle nut 42.
`Spindle assembly 40 also includes a spindle 52 operatively
`coupled to spindle nut 42. A complementary helical thread 54
`is formed on at least a portion of an outer surface 56 of spindle
`52 along a length of spindle 52 between a first end 58 and an
`opposing second end 60 of spindle 52. Helical thread 54
`cooperates with helical thread 44 formed on inner surface 46
`of spindle nut 42 to facilitate translation of second jaw piece
`30 with respect to first jaw piece 12 along an axis 62 defined
`along a length of spindle 52, as shown in FIG. 2. In one
`embodiment, spindle assembly 40 forms a seal within first
`passage 20 and second passage 34 to prevent or limit debris,
`such as dust, from entering first passage 20 and/or second
`passage 34.
`In one embodiment, spindle nut 42 forms one or more tabs
`64 at first end 48 that interfere with a shoulder or ledge 66
`formed on an inner surface 68 of first connection member 16
`
`10
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`15
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`to prevent decoupling of second jaw piece 30 from first jaw
`piece 12. In the exemplary embodiment, a continuous, cir-
`cumferential tab 64 is formed around an outer surface 70 of
`
`25
`
`spindle nut 42. In alternative embodiments one or more dis-
`continuous tabs 64 are formed on outer surface 70 of spindle
`nut 42. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, an aperture 72 defined
`through first end 48 of spindle nut 42 aligns with aperture 26
`to retain spindle nut 42 properly positioned within first pas-
`sage 20 and to facilitate coupling work holding device 10 to a
`receiver with a pin positioned through aperture 26 and aper-
`ture 72.
`
`In one embodiment, a stop block 74 is coupled to first end
`58 of spindle 52. Stop block 74 is configured to allow spindle
`52 to move along axis 62 within an intended travel range,
`while preventing secondjaw piece 30 from extending outside
`the intended travel range and decoupling from first jaw piece
`12. As shown in FIG. 2, a bolt 76 removably couples stop
`block 74 to first end 58 of spindle 52. If the user needs to
`separate secondjaw piece 30 from first jaw piece 12, the user,
`through first end 22 of first passage 20, can access bolt 76 that
`holds stop block 74 to remove bolt 76 from spindle nut 42.
`With bolt 76 and stop block 74 removed from within first
`connection member 16, spindle nut 42 can be removed from
`within first connection member 16 to dissemble spindle
`assembly 40.
`As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and further referring to FIGS.
`3 and 4, work holding device 10 includes a handle 80 opera-
`tively coupled to spindle 52. In conventional bench-mounted
`vises, there is not a need for the handle to lock in a specific
`location; however, for use with a vehicle hitch receiver it is
`desirable for handle 80 as described herein to be fixed in a
`
`locked position to protect handle 80 from undesirable contact
`and/or damage, such as during vehicle travel. Handle 80 is
`configured to be fixed in a locked position to facilitate trans-
`porting work holding device 10, such as when work holding
`device 10 is coupled to a vehicle receiver hitch. Handle 80 is
`also configured to translate with respect to spindle 52 along
`axis 62 between a first position (away from second jaw piece
`30) that allows handle 80 to rotate about axis 62 and a second
`position (toward second jaw piece 30) that locks handle 80 in
`the locked position, such as in a 12 o’clock position shown in
`FIG. 1, for example. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, handle 80
`includes a socket head 82 seated on one or more socket head
`
`cap screws 84 mounted to second jaw piece 30 with handle 80
`in the locked position. Socket head 82 defines a chamfered
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`US 9,079,464 B2
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`5
`pocket 86 that socket head cap screws 84 self-center on as
`handle 80 is urged toward the locked position.
`In one embodiment, second end 60 of spindle 52 has a
`rectangular, such as a square, cross-section. Handle 80
`defines a corresponding void 88 having a complementary
`cross-section to receive second end 60 of spindle 52 to facili-
`tate translation ofhandle 80 between the first position and the
`second position, and to facilitate a torque transfer when
`handle 80 is rotated about axis 62 in the first position. As
`shown in FIG. 4, a snap ring 90 is positioned about at least a
`portion of an outer surface 92 of second end 60 of spindle 52.
`Snap ring 90 is compressible when handle 80 is moved
`between the first position and the second position. Snap ring
`90 expands into a corresponding pocket 94 of a plurality of
`pockets 94 formed within socket head 82 of handle 80, with
`handle 80 at one of the first position and the second position,
`to create a positive locating action to notify the user that
`handle 80 is in the first position or the second position. Fur-
`ther, with snap ring 90 positioned in one of corresponding
`pockets 94, handle 80 is restricted or prevented from coming
`disengaged during vehicle travel.
`In a further embodiment, socket head 82 defines a void 96,
`as shown in FIG. 2. A suitably-sized socket head screw 98
`extends into void 96 to couple spindle 52 to socket head 82.
`Socket head screw 98 limits translation of handle 80 along
`spindle 52 between the first position wherein socket head
`screw 98 contacts a first portion of a wall forming void 96 and
`the second position wherein socket head screw 98 contacts an
`opposing second portion of the wall forming void 96. In one
`embodiment, handle 80 extends outwardly from axis 62 to a
`fixed terminal point 100 at a distance 102 from axis 62, as
`shown in FIG. 2. Unlike sliding handles on conventional
`bench-mounted vises, by fixing handle 80 at a fixed terminal
`point 100 in the locked position, handle 80 will not drop down
`and be at risk for damage.
`As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, in one embodiment first jaw
`piece 12 defines a cored-out back section 104 that provides a
`handle feature for easily moving, transporting, and mounting
`portable work holding device 10. Further, the cored-out back
`section 104 reduces the weight of work holding device 10. A
`bottom surface 106 ofwork holding device 10 can be squared
`off so the user can place work holding device 10 upright on a
`support surface, such as the ground or a floor. Referring to
`FIGS. 2, 7 and 8, for example, first jaw piece 12 and/or second
`jaw piece 30 has an anvil surface 108 raised above first jaw
`piece 12 and second jaw piece 30 to provide a work surface
`while mounted to the support. In a certain embodiment, cast-
`ing 14 defines a recess forming a bottle opener 109, as shown
`in FIGS. 5 and 6.
`
`Referring now to FIG. 7, first connection member 16 canbe
`inserted into a vehicle receiver hitch 110, and a suitable pin
`(not shown in FIG. 7) is inserted through aperture 26 and
`aligned aperture 72 (shown in FIG. 2) to lock firstjaw piece 12
`and spindle nut 42 to vehicle receiver hitch 110. In one
`embodiment, first connection member 16 is a two-inch square
`tube extending from casting 14. The two-inch square tube is
`inserted into vehicle receiver hitch 110, or an optional plate
`assembly for mounting on a workbench as described below in
`reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. In a certain embodiment, a
`threaded nut is also located on or within the two-inch tube
`
`with a hole through which the pin travels to facilitate locking
`first jaw piece 12 to vehicle receiver hitch 110.
`Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, a portable work holding
`device assembly 120 includes work holding device 10 having
`first jaw piece 12 with elongated first connection member 16
`for connecting work holding device 10 to support 18, such as
`a work surface or work bench. A plate assembly 122 includes
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`a member 124 formed by a plurality of walls 126 defining a
`passage 128 having a complementary cross-section to receive
`first connection member 16 to facilitate coupling work hold-
`ing device 10 to support 18. In one embodiment, one or more
`brackets 130, such as one or more angle iron pieces or another
`suitable component, is welded to a corresponding wall 126 of
`member 124. Bracket 130 defines one or more apertures 132
`through a first portion 134 of bracket 130 to facilitate cou-
`pling work holding device 10 to support surface 18.
`In one embodiment, member 124 is a square tube and
`bracket 130 includes two l.25><l .25 angle iron pieces welded
`to corresponding walls 126 of member 124. Bracket 130
`allows for work holding device 10 to be quickly moved from
`a vehicle receiver hitch 110 to a support 18 simply by pulling
`the pin, positioning first connection member 16 within mem-
`ber 124, and positioning the pin through an aperture 140
`defined through member 124, and aligned aperture 26 of first
`connection member and aligned aperture 72 of spindle nut 42.
`Further, a user has the option to couple plate assembly 122 to
`a desired support 18, such as a work bench, and transport
`work holding device 10 to the worksite to utilize with vehicle
`receiver hitch 110.
`
`In one embodiment, a method of assembling a work hold-
`ing device includes providing a stationary first jaw piece
`having a casting and an elongated first connection member
`extending from the casting. The first connection member
`defines a first passage. An elongated second connection mem-
`ber of a movable second jaw piece is positioned within the
`first passage to couple the second jaw piece to the first jaw
`piece. The second connection member defines a second pas-
`sage in communication with the first passage. A spindle
`assembly is positioned within the first passage and the second
`passage to movably couple the second jaw piece to the first
`jaw piece. In a particular embodiment, positioning the spindle
`assembly within the first passage and the second passage
`includes positioning a spindle nut within at least the first
`passage. The spindle nut forms a helical thread on an inner
`surface ofthe spindle nut along at least a portion ofa length of
`the spindle nut between a first end and a second end of the
`spindle nut. A spindle extends into the second connection
`member. The spindle forms a helical thread on an outer sur-
`face of the spindle along at least a portion of a length of the
`spindle that cooperates with the helical thread formed on the
`inner surface of the spindle nut to facilitate translation of the
`second jaw piece with respect to the first jaw piece along an
`axis defined by the spindle. The spindle is operatively coupled
`to the spindle nut.
`The described assembly, device, and methods are not lim-
`ited to the specific embodiments described herein. In addi-
`tion, components of each assembly and/or device, and/or
`steps of each method may be practiced independent and sepa-
`rate from other components and method steps, respectively,
`described herein. Each component and method also can be
`used in combination with other assemblies, devices, and
`methods.
`
`This written description uses examples to disclose the
`invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any
`person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including
`making and using any devices or systems and performing any
`incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention
`is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that
`occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are
`intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have
`structural elements that do not differ from the literal language
`ofthe claims, or ifthey include equivalent structural elements
`with insubstantial differences from the literal language ofthe
`claims.
`
`

`

`US 9,079,464 B2
`
`What is claimed is:
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`1. A work holding device, comprising:
`a first jaw piece having an elongated first connection mem-
`ber for connecting the work holding device to a support,
`the first connection member defining a first passage, the
`first connection member being configured as a generally
`square elongated tube shaped for mounting in a receiver
`hitch of a vehicle, the first connection member having a
`first end at the first jaw piece and a second end;
`a second jaw piece having an elongated second connection
`member positionable within the first passage and defin-
`ing a second passage in communication with the first
`passage, the second connection member having a first
`end at the second jaw piece and a second end opposite
`the first end, the second pas sage being in communication
`with the first passage at the second end of the second
`connection member; and
`a spindle assembly movably connecting the second jaw
`piece to the first jaw piece, the spindle assembly config-
`ured to move the second jaw piece with respect to the
`first jaw piece to create a clamping pressure when an
`object is placed between the first jaw piece and the
`second jaw piece, the second end of the second connec-
`tion member being enclosed within the first connection
`member regardless of the position of the second jaw
`relative to the first jaw.
`2. The work holding device of claim 1, further comprising;
`a handle coupled to the spindle assembly, the handle hav-
`ing a single arm positionable in a locked position to
`facilitate storing the work holding device.
`3. The work holding device of claim 1, further comprising:
`a recess defined within the first jaw piece forming a handle.
`4. The work holding device of claim 1, wherein at least the
`first jaw piece defines an anvil surface raised above the first
`jaw piece providing a work surface while mounted to the
`support.
`5. The work holding device of claim 1, wherein the first
`connection member defines a pin receiving opening adjacent
`the second end, the pin receiving opening being configured to
`receive a pin to secure the work holding device in a vehicle
`receiver hitch.
`
`6. The work holding device of claim 1, wherein the first jaw
`piece is removably connectable to a plate assembly fixed to a
`support surface.
`7. The work holding device of claim 1, wherein the first jaw
`piece is stationary with respect to the support.
`8. A portable work holding device, comprising:
`a stationary first jaw piece having a casting and an elon-
`gated first connection member extending from the cast-
`ing, the first connection member defining a first passage,
`the elongated first connection member being shaped to
`fit into and be supported in a receiver hitch of a vehicle;
`a movable second jaw piece having an elongated second
`connection member extending from the second jaw
`piece,
`the second connection member positionable
`within the first passage to couple the secondjaw piece to
`the first jaw piece, the second connection member defin-
`ing a second passage in communication with the first
`passage with the second connection member positioned
`within the first passage; and
`a spindle assembly movably connecting the second jaw
`piece to the first jaw piece, the spindle assembly com-
`prising:
`a spindle nut positioned within at least the first passage,
`the spindle nut forming a helical thread on an inner
`surface of the spindle nut along at least a portion of a
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`length of the spindle nut between a first end and a
`second end of the spindle nut; and
`a spindle forming a helical thread on an outer surface of
`the spindle along at least a portion of a length of the
`spindle cooperating with the helical thread formed on
`the inner surface of the spindle nut to facilitate trans-
`lation of the second jaw piece with respect to the first
`jaw piece along an axis defined by the spindle.
`9. The portable work holding device of claim 8, further
`comprising:
`a stop block coupled to the first end of the spindle, the stop
`block configured to allow the spindle to move along the
`axis within an intended travel range and restrict the
`second jaw piece from extending outside the intended
`travel range.
`10. The portable work holding device of claim 9, further
`comprising:
`a bolt removably coupling the stop block to the first end of
`the spindle.
`11. The portable work holding device of claim 8, wherein
`the spindle nut forms one or more tabs at the first end to
`prevent decoupling of the second jaw piece from the first jaw
`piece.
`12. The portable work holding device of claim 8, further
`comprising:
`a handle coupled to the spindle and configured to be fixed
`in a locked position.
`13. The portable work holding device of claim 12, wherein
`the handle translates along the axis between a first position
`that allows the handle to rotate and a second position that
`locks the handle in the locked position.
`14. The portable work holding device of claim 13, wherein
`the handle comprises a socket head seated on one or more
`socket head cap screws mounted to the second jaw piece with
`the handle in the locked position.
`15. The portable work holding device of claim 14, wherein
`the socket head defines a chamfered pocket that the one or
`more socket head cap screws self-center on as the handle is
`urged toward the locked position.
`16. The portable work holding device of claim 14, wherein
`the second end of the spindle has a rectangular cross-section,
`and the socket head defines a corresponding void to receive
`the first end of the spindle to facilitate translation of the
`handle along the axis between the first position and the second
`position, and to facilitate torque transfer when the handle is
`rotated in the first position.
`17. The portable work holding device of claim 16, further
`comprising:
`a snap ring positioned about at least a portion of an outer
`surface of the second end of the spindle, the snap ring
`compressible when the handle is translated between the
`first position and the second position.
`18. The portable work holding device of claim 17, wherein
`the snap ring expands into a corresponding pocket of a plu-
`rality of pockets formed within the socket head with the
`handle at one of the first position and the second position.
`19. The portable work holding device of claim 12, wherein
`the handle comprises a socket head defining a void, and a
`socket head screw extends into the void to couple the socket
`head to the spindle, the socket head screw limiting translation
`of the handle along the spindle between a first position and a
`second position.
`20. The portable work holding device of claim 12, wherein
`the handle extends outwardly from the axis to a fixed terminal
`point at a distance from the axis.
`21. The portable work holding device of claim 8, wherein
`the first