Blade clamping system for a jigsaw

A jigsaw blade clamp comprising:

• first and second clamp members moveable between a blade release position in which a blade can be inserted between and removed from between the first and second clamp members, and a clamping position in which the first and second clamp members are adapted to clamp the blade thereinbetween;
• the first clamp member including first and second spaced-apart shoulders separated by a gap, the first and second shoulders extending from the first clamp member toward the second clamp member, the first and second shoulders being arranged and configured to trap a tang blade within the blade clamp by engaging oppositely disposed tangs of a tang blade when the tang blade is positioned within the gap;
• the second clamp member including a projection extending from the second clamp member toward the first clamp member, the projection being arranged and configured to fit within a mounting opening of a universal blade when the universal blade is positioned in the gap between the shoulders;
• and
• wherein the first blade clamp includes a transverse slot, and the second blade clamp includes transverse wines that fit within the transverse slot.

A jigsaw blade clamp comprising:

• a first clamp member;
• a second clamp member having a portion that opposes the first clamp member, the second clamp member being moveable relative to the first clamp member between a first position in which the first and second clamp members are adapted to clamp a blade, and a second position in which the blade can be inserted between the first and second clamp members;
• a collar that is pivotally moveable in first and second opposite directions relative to the first and second clamp members, the collar including a cam portion for positively moving the second clamp member between the first and second positions, the second clamp member being forced by the cam portion toward the first position when the collar is pivoted in the first direction, and the second clamp member being forced by the cam portion toward the second position when the collar is pivoted in the second direction;
• and
• a spring that urges the collar to pivot in the first direction.