Abstract: A portable holder for supporting a ski, snowboard, bicycle and firearm during cleaning, maintenance, adjustment, sighting and repair operations at a work station, the holder being adapted to support a portion of the ski, snowboard, bicycle and firearm, the portable holder comprising: a base section adapted to be fixed to the work station in a substantially upright position; a threaded rod mounted to the base section in a substantially vertical orientation; and, one of a support bead and a vise assembly affixed to the upper portion of the threaded rod; wherein the base section contains a substantially vertically orientated threaded aperture allowing the threaded rod to be rotated about its longitudinal axis into the threaded aperture of the base section to permit both mounting of the threaded rod to the base section and height adjustment of the threaded rod relative to the base section; the support head having a base and at least one flange extending upwardly from the base to receive a support tongue of one of

Abstract: A ski jig that has a center vice secured to a frame that has two wing members. The wing members are curved and sized to allow the ends of a Nordic type ski to rest on the wing members. In this way, the ends of the ski, including the tips, are fully supported at all times. Thus, a user can apply full pressure to the ski without fear of damaging it. The frame can be bolted to a table to secure it for use. The center vice is formed of two rectangular plates that abut the center of the device. A wing nut and bolt for the locking mechanism. The center of the ski is placed in the vice and the wing nut is tightened until the ski is secure. Pads, attached to the inside of the vice plates, protect the ski from damage.

Abstract: A support apparatus adapted to support a snowboard having a threaded insert during a tuning operation is provided. The support apparatus includes a support member and a board rest supported on the support member. An attachment member extends from the board rest and is adapted to engage the threaded insert of the snowboard. A method of supporting a snowboard is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding a ski in a stable horizontal position during ski base preparation and maintenance, which apparatus also employs means permitting the ski to be placed in an edge-up orientation and held there in a stable manner for ski edge maintenance procedures. A three-point arrangement includes two ski end supports and an intermediate device which secures the ski to a work station while retracting and holding the ski brake. The apparatus is portable and adaptable for use with all skis having a ski brake.

Abstract: A vise system including a plurality of jaws associated with a vise body. A first jaw is attached to a first shaft which are both slidable with respect to the vise body. A second jaw is attached to a second shaft which are both slidable with respect to the vise body independent of the first jaw and first shaft. A locking mechanism is associated with the first and second shafts for locking the first and second shafts, and first and second jaws, in place. The locking mechanism includes a first collet partially surrounding the first shaft, and an aligned second collet partially surrounding the second shaft. First and second stops are operatively connected to a handle so that as the handle is turned, the first and second stops engage the respective first and second collets to compress the collets over the shafts to immobilize them.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved portable ski and snowboard tuning table that can be employed with skis or snowboards of any length, width or binding style including downhill, telemark or cross-country. In addition, the device allows the skis or snowboards to be installed in either a horizontal or side mounted fashion depending on the user's preference. The device is integrated to include storage for all of the tools required to tune the skis as well as being completely portable in a compact package. The lower surface of the work surface has four legs that are pivotally connected and can be selectable rotated to either a retracted position beneath the work surface or an extended position for use of the table. The ski supports only support the skis from the lower surface and do not wrap around the edges of the ski providing an obstruction to the optimal full stroke tuning method.

Abstract: A portable stand for holding snowboards and skis horizontal and upright during servicing, comprising two identical and free standing stations. Each station having one horizontal member having two temporarily connected support legs. The top surface of the horizontal member and the bottom surface of the support legs are covered with an anti-slip material. A two sided angular slot is centrally located along the top surface of the horizontal member for receiving an upright, base vertical, snowboard or ski for side edge servicing. The depth of the angular slot being approximately equal to one half the width of the widest portion of a typical ski and having a vertical wall and an inclined wall. A wedge dimensioned to mate with the angular slot rests within the angular slot and a means for securing the wedge within the angular slot is provided.

Abstract: A vice jaw assembly mounted upon a precision machining piece of equipment, the equipment including a platform accessible by a machining tool. The vice assembly includes a base which is fixedly secured upon the platform and first and second spaced apart jaw members which are in turn mounted upon the base. A crank mechanism is employed for actuating at least one of the jaw members in directions towards and away from each other. First and second spacer blocks are secured to the first and second jaw members, respectively, by mounting bolts which extend through aligned apertures between the spacer blocks and jaw members. A mounting pin secures to the first spacer block and extends through an aperture in the second spaced apart spacer block. Additional intermediate and floating spacer blocks are arrayed at predetermined locations between the first and second spacer blocks and each includes an additional aperture formed therethrough which receives in inserting fashion the mounting pin.

Abstract: In a two station machining vise having a stationary, center jaw and movable opposing jaws, the interior of the vise body is totally enclosed to protect the working components from machining byproducts. The vise has a brake mechanism and an offset mechanism associated with one slide so that workpieces can be engaged and released sequentially. If the brake mechanism is not activated, the two movable jaws are moved simultaneously. With the brake mechanism engaged, one movable jaw is moved to position first and then the movable jaw having the brake and offset mechanisms connected therewith is subsequently moved into position. When the workpieces are to be released, the second movable jaw is first retracted the offset distance and then the first movable jaw must be completely retracted prior to any subsequent movement by the first movable jaw.

Abstract: A portable support fixture for snowboards and skis comprises at least two interconnected support portions, with a suction cup secured to the top and bottom of each support portion, and a connecting structure which interconnects the support portions. The connecting structure has an elongate vertical slot which matingly receives and holds a snowboard or ski upright on one of its longitudinal edges for filing and maintaining the edges. The suction cups on the bottom of the support portions may be used to secure the fixture to any relatively flat surface, such as the hood of a car. The top suction cups may be used to secure a snowboard or ski horizontally to the fixture for waxing and maintaining the bottom of the snowboard or ski or for working on the binding(s).

Abstract: A vise having machinable low profile removable jaws includes a stationary jaw attached between two movable jaws for holding two work pieces during a machining process. The stationary jaw is positioned adjacent to a pair of guide rails, which are mounted onto a base. The movable jaws are removably attached to a first and second slide member by a mating connection which is positioned below the work surface of the vise. The slide members are contained within a channel in the base. A screw shaft is disposed within a bore of the slide members and is contained within a tube and a sleeve which are telescopically connected together for protecting the threads of the screw shaft from metal chips and other debris. A tension mechanism is disposed in an aperture of the first and second slide members for controlling movement of the movable jaws. The base has interlocking edges for allowing vises positioned side by side to be mounted closer together.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding a snowboard in a stable horizontal position during snowboard base preparation and maintenance, which apparatus also employs mechanism permitting the board to be swung around into a vertical orientation and held there in a stable manner for board edge maintenance procedures. An improved three-point support arrangement which provides substantial support of the snowboard for base preparation and wherein an intermediate support can be quickly and readily swung out of the way to allow the board to be moved into a vertical orientation for edge maintenance. The apparatus may be provided with clamps for securely engaging the ends of the snowboard and holding it firmly in position during repair and maintenance procedures. The apparatus is adaptable for use with a very wide variety of snowboards having different lengths, widths, board tip angles and board thicknesses.

Abstract: A portable ski and snowboard tuning table comprised of a horizontal support bar. A pair of legs are hingedly secured to opposing ends of the horizontal support bar. A pair of stabilizers of slidably secured to the horizontal support bar. A pair of vices are slidably secured to the horizontal support bar inwardly of the pair of stabilizers.

Abstract: In a wide-opening vise having two movable jaws and a fixed center jaw, the movable jaws are easily removed and reset onto associated slides. The slides have upperly projecting bodies with pressure release latches for positively fixing the jaws in position on the slides. Further, a brake and off-set assembly is associated with one movable slide. The combination allows the second movable jaw, after the first movable jaw has engaged a workpiece, to engage and disengage from a workpiece without effecting the engagement of the first movable jaw with its held workpiece. At least two off-set positions are provided for the engagement and disengagement of the second movable jaw.

Abstract: The portable clamp is used, for example, in making repairs to a product, such as a snowboard. The repair volume location of the snowboard is reworked to prepare this repair volume, i.e. a damaged portion of the product, to receive repairing materials. After their placement, a pressure distribution plate of this portable clamp is positioned over, and generally beyond, the repair volume location. Then a bottom clamp bar and a top clamp bar are positioned, respectively, under and over the snowboard. These clamp bars are thereafter drawn together by using the preliminary clamping fastener assemblies located at their respective ends. Then final clamping fastener assemblies, threadably positioned in the top clamp bar, in the central portion thereof, are tightened to continue the distribution of clamping forces to the pressure distribution plate.

Abstract: In a wide-opening vise having two movable jaws and a fixed center jaw, the movable jaws are easily removed and reset onto associated slides. The slides have upperly projecting bodies with pressure release latches for positively fixing the jaws in position on the slides. Further, a brake and off-set assembly is associated with one movable slide. The combination allows the second movable jaw, after the first movable jaw has engaged a workpiece, to engage and disengage from a workpiece without effecting the engagement of the first movable jaw with its held workpiece. At least two off-set positions are provided for the engagement and disengagement of the second movable jaw.

Abstract: A universal ski holding device positively and fixedly mounts a ski, via its binding's heel piece and toe piece, in its inverted position with its major bottom surface uppermost for maintenance and tuning. Two mounting supports support an elongated bed having a way with which heel-carriage and toe-carriage pieces are complementally engaged. A nut carried by the toe-carriage piece is operatively engaged by an elongated screw to move the toe-carriage piece longitudinally relative to the heel-carriage piece to constitute a boot portion simulating a ski boot and thereby effect mounting via the ski's binding. Adjustably pivotable spatial accommodating elements mounted by the heel-carriage and toe-carriage pieces further spatially accommodate the vertical-height differences in the various heel and toe pieces of conventional bindings.

Abstract: A vacuum-type clamping device for releasably holding a ski or other workpiece in a stationary position. The device is attached to a table by a C-clamp having the usual threaded rod. A suction cup is fixedly mounted on the non-clamping end of the rod and a nut carrying a rigid support ring having a pair of diametrically opposed contact portions is threadedly engaged with the rod. A surface of the workpiece is pressed into engagement with the upwardly facing, concave surface of the suction cup. The nut is then advanced on the threaded rod to bring the contact portions of the ring into engagement with the workpiece surface at positions on opposite sides of and spaced outwardly from the peripheral lip of the suction cup. Continued advance of the nut urges the workpiece away from the cup, thereby increasing the clamping force to the desired degree. The nut is rotated in the opposite direction to permit removal of the workpiece.

Abstract: In a wide-opening vise having two movable jaws and a fixed center jaw, the movable jaws are easily removed and reset onto associated slides. The slides have upperly projecting bodies with pressure release latches for positively fixing the jaws in position on the slides. Further, a brake and off-set assembly is associated with one movable slide. The combination allows the second movable jaw, after the first movable jaw has engaged a workpiece, to engage and disengage from a workpiece without effecting the engagement of the first movable jaw with its held workpiece. At least two off-set positions are provided for the engagement and disengagement of the second movable jaw.

Abstract: A vise for holding an object, such as a snow ski or water ski, in a relatively fixed position includes first, second and third support members mountable on a support surface, a plurality of rods supported in spaced parallel relation by the support members, first and second mounting members carried on the rods and first and second jaws removably mounted on the respective first and second mounting members. One of the rods is a rotatable rods having an external threaded surface. A handle is located at one end of the rotatable rod to facilitate the rotation thereof. Each of the amounting members has a plurality of bores for accommodating the passage of the respective rods therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved ski holding device for mounting a ski on a table such as a work bench to prepare the ski base and edges. Problems presented by the new trapezoidal and monocoque designs are overcome by using a simulated ski boot to mount the ski. The mounting also provides for pivoting the ski from a position in which the base is horizontal with the ski inverted, positions in which the base of the ski is vertical and intermediate positions and holding the ski in such orientation. There is additional locking means for holding the base in a horizontal and inverted position. There is also provision for easily disengaging a boot portion of the holding device from a mounting portion of the holding device to reverse the direction in which the ski is pointing.

Abstract: A machine vise holds two parts against a center mounting block, and has simultaneously moving jaws slidable on a vise body toward opposite sides of the center jaw for clamping. One of the jaws is driven through a torque limiting clutch to the drive screw to provide a preload on one of the parts, after which the clutch releases for final, high pressure tightening.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding two workpieces, each with respect to a fixed reference location, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base to which a fixed central jaw member is secured. A clamping assembly which includes a first slide member and a second slide member which are joined by a threaded screw shaft is provided for movement relative to the central jaw member. A biasing means is attached to the first slide member by means of a compression spring assembly and may be either displaced with the first slide assembly or secured to the base. When the biasing means is secured to the base member and the first slide is displaced away therefrom, a biasing force is generated so as to urge the second slide member toward the central jaw to hold a workpiece therebetween. As such, one workpiece may be retained or released prior to another workpiece. Further, the instant construction provides the biasing feature without requiring any increase in overall vise length.

Abstract: A ski grinding device and method comprising a holder having an adjustably sizable frame and a plurality of biasing legs disposed to engage the ski and maintain it in a flattened position. By holding the ski flat, the running surface can be ground more controllably and precisely.

Abstract: A two station, single action vise has a body, with a fixed center block forming oppositely facing fixed jaws, and movable jaws at opposite ends of the body that are moved by operation of a vise screw toward one of the respective oppositely facing fixed jaws in the center of the body. The vise screw is spring centered and will yield to apply a preclamp with one of the jaws onto a piece part. The movable jaws are shown operated by a vise screw that has left-hand threads for operating one of the movable jaws and right-hand threads for operating the other movable jaw, so that as the screw is rotated both movable jaws move simultaneously toward the center block forming the fixed jaws. In this way two work pieces can be clamped by the movable jaws against the center fixed jaw. In order to preclamp piece parts under a spring load the screw is moved so it can shift axially slightly under spring load after preclamping one part until both movable jaws are positioned to clamp their respective piece parts tightly.

Abstract: The means comprises a ski bench and attachment piece that has a horizontal support beam that is attached to a plurality of independent folding leg supports. At each end of the horizontal support beam are slotted vertical end supports for the front and rear tips of the skis to fit onto a solid position. An attachment piece is positioned along the horizontal centerline of the horizontal support beam and at its mid-point. This attachment piece has a plurality of immovable vertical extensions that have rigid twin u-shaped supports and a rigid angled brace located at the top of the vertical extensions. A cross country ski binding will snap into position against one of the u-shaped supports or against the angled brace. Separate contoured ski tip supports fit into the slots of the vertical end supports and are used to firm the ski tip area when necessary.

Abstract: An adaptation device 10 for temporary positioning of a conventional ski template on a monoski including a plate 12 having two parallel edges 16a and 16b separated by a distance substantially equal to the width of a conventional ski, a lower contact surface 20 and gripping arm 22 for temporarily immobilizing the plate on the upper surface of the monoski by abutting an interior surface 22e against a lateral side 31a of the monoski and by gripping the thickness of the monoski adjacent one of its lateral edges in such a fashion that the parallel edges of the adaptation element extend in a longitudinal direction of the monoski.

Abstract: A ski holder includes:(a) rotatable jaws having first generally longitudinally extending axis of rotation,(b) two supports for the jaws having sockets in which the jaws are rotatable about the axes,(c) the supports located for relative movement so that when a ski is placed between the jaws with its opposite sides positioned to be gripped thereby, the jaws rotatably accomodate to said ski sides as the jaws are relatively closed toward said sides.

Abstract: A jig or bench for holding a ski in any one of several stationary positions for servicing and repair comprising a rigid frame without any moving parts or clamps, which provides three stable sites for stationarily supporting a ski in any one of a plurality of positions suitable for different servicing and maintenance operations.

Abstract: An apparatus for the quick clamping of skis of various widths is described, having two parallel guide rods on which a movable clamping jaw is guided. By means of a threaded element and an eccentric lever, the movable clamping jaw is reciprocated in the axial direction and relative to a stationary clamping jaw. In order to attain a substantially constant clamping force with such an apparatus while providing for easy manipulation, a threaded spindle, as the threaded element, is rotatably supported and is joined in a rotationally stiff manner with the eccentric lever via a member which is elastic in the axial direction.

Abstract: A holder for attaching a ski having a binding including a ski-stopper to a stationary support comprises a ski boot dummy to be inserted into the ski binding while retracting the ski stopper mechanism. A holder part has means for attachment to the stationary support, and means for removably securing said dummy to said holder part. The holder can hold the ski in a first position, with the bottom side of the ski up, and second and third positions with either of the ski side edges up, thus permitting preparation of the running surface (waxing, etc.) as well as both side edges (sharpening, etc.).

Abstract: A ski rack which can also be used as a vise includes a base member and a perpendicular leg at either end, one leg fixed and the other hinged to move into and out of the perpendicular position. A suction cup is located along the underside of the base member. To secure the rack to a smooth surface, the fixed leg of the rack is placed thereon, the rack is forced downward until the suction cup contacts the surface and the air is expelled from it, and the hinged leg is swung down into the perpendicular position, against the smooth surface, forcing the base member upwards to increase the suction in the suction cup. For use as a vise, the rack has a pair of jaws, one movable, along the base member to grip lateral edges of a ski. A spaced apart pair of vises provides increased support. For use as a rack to hold skis along an automobile side window, a pair of racks are mounted along the window, one in front of the other, each in a vertical orientation.

Abstract: A deliberately simple ski vise is provided which utilizes essential structural elements requiring only a minimum of machining. The vise is preferably used in conjunction with another identical vise to hold skis securely to a table top or other flat surface while the skis are `tuned` or otherwise worked upon. The skis may be clamped in any desired position, and irrespective of the widths of the skis, the skis may be clamped in position and unclamped with unprecedented ease and speed. A novel, quick-release mechanism is provided on the vise which serves to lock movable jaws of the ski vise relative to each other so as to negate longitudinal travel relative to each other except by rotation of a rod which is at least partially threaded to provide a screw-clamping action.

Abstract: A holder is described for temporarily mounting a ski on a work surface for permitting the ski to be tuned or otherwise routinely maintained by filing the ski edges and bottoms and for coating the ski bottoms etc. Each holder has a threaded clamp for mounting it on a work table or other convenient surface and has a pivotally mounted vacuum ski engaging device at its top for removably engaging the ski. Two of these holders firmly position a ski on the work surface for the ski tuning operation.

Abstract: A vise to hold a pair of skis in either the flat or edge up positions employs two spaced base members, a pair of guide-ways and a clamping rod extending between the base members. A floating jaw slides along the guideways and a movable clamping jaw is side actuated to grip the clamping rod to hold the skis in a snug and firm condition.