Vise handle with torque control
OwnerPaul David Fink, Thomas Bruce Truesdellinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A handle for a machinists vise configured to preset the maximum clamping force that can be applied to the vise jaws constructed such that, in tightening the vise, when a clamping force is applied by the operator to the handle equal to a preset value, a clutching mechanism in the handle will allow the handle to slip without further tightening of the vise. The mechanism includes a ratchet for positive engagement in loosening the vise and for providing a clicking sound that the clutch is slipping and thereby alert the operator that maximum clamping force is being applied.
Claims8
A handle for detachable engagement on the vise shaft of a vise for controlling the maximum clamping force of the vise which comprises:
- a drive shaft having a bore on one end adapted to mate with said vise shaft of said vise;
- said drive shaft having a section with ratchet teeth on a surface of said section;
- a ratchet disk means rotatably and slidably mounted on said drive shaft and having a ratchet means for coupling said ratchet disk means to said drive shaft when said ratchet disk means is turned in a first direction and decoupling said ratchet disk means from said drive shaft when said ratchet disk means is turned in an opposite direction;
- a housing with a first opening;
- means for rotatably mounting and retaining said drive shaft in said housing with said one end of said drive shaft extending through said first opening;
- handle means attached to said housing means for turning said housing;
- means for constraining said ratchet disk means to turn with said housing means when said housing means is rotated;
- a clutch disk mounted on said drive shaft to turn with said drive shaft;
- means for constraining said clutch disk to rotate with said drive shaft when said drive shaft is rotated;
- a friction disk mounted on said drive shaft between said clutch disk and said ratchet disk means;
- means for constraining said friction disk to rotate with one of:
- (i) said clutch disk or;
- (ii) said housing;
- means for setting a preset value of force;
- a cap means mounted onto a second end of said housing;
- a spring means interposed between an end of said cap means facing said ratchet disk means whereby said spring means forces said ratchet disk means against said friction disk and said friction disk is forced against said clutch disk.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.