Apparatus for expanding the worksurface of a vise-like workholding apparatus

A shield for use in connection with a workholding apparatus for clamping a workpiece, said apparatus having a base, having a longitudinal axis a top surface and two spaced lateral sides substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis, said base having a maximum first overall width transverse to said longitudinal axis and a longitudinal slot in said top surface extending along the longitudinal axis, a fixed jaw member attached to the base and first and second movable support members each being supported on the base for longitudinal movement along the slot toward and away from the fixed jaw member, a first jaw member attached to the first movable support member and a second jaw member attached to the second movable support member, the shield comprising a plate member removably received on the base between the first and second jaw members and the base, said plate member having a second width transverse to said longitudinal axis that is greater than said first width such that said plate member extends beyond at least one said lateral side of the base when it is received thereon, said plate member having a first opening therein for receiving the first movable support member therein and a second opening for receiving the second movable support member therein, said plate member and the first and second jaw members substantially completely covering the slot during the entire clamping operation when said plate member is received on said base and said first and second jaw members are attached to said first and second support members, respectively.

A shield for use in connection with a workholding apparatus for clamping a workpiece, said apparatus comprising having a base having a longitudinal axis and a first longitudinal slot extending along the longitudinal axis, a center jaw member attached to the base and first and second movable support members each being supported on the base for longitudinal movement along the slot toward and away from the center jaw member, a first jaw member attached to the first support member and a second jaw member attached to the second support member, the shield comprising:

• a plate member removably received on the base between the first and second jaw members and the base, said plate member having a longitudinal opening therein for receiving the first and second support members therein such that the first and second support members can be selectively advanced toward and away from said center jaw member;
• and
• a longitudinally telescoping cover plate assembly slidably received in a guiding means of said removable plate member, said cover plate assembly spanning said longitudinal opening therein and being selectively coextensive therewith, said telescoping cover plate assembly attached to said first and second movable support members for travel therewith such that said cover plate assembly, in cooperation with the first and second jaw members, substantially completely covers the slot in the base during the clamping operation.