U.S. patent application number 12/188688 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-11 for clamping device.
Invention is credited to Robert T. Elliott.
Application Number | 20100032535 12/188688 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41651988 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100032535 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Elliott; Robert T. |
February 11, 2010 |
Clamping Device
Abstract
A clamping device having a first jaw coupled to a first tube
member oriented along an axis, a second jaw coupled to a second
tube member oriented along the axis, wherein said first and second
jaws are coplaner, and an expansion means allowing for adjustment
of the first and second jaws. The clamping device may also include
a lever configured to provide coarse adjustment of a separation
distance of the first and second jaws, the lever is coupled to the
first tube member. Further, the clamping device may include a knob
configured to provide fine adjustment of the separation distance of
the first and second jaws, and a coupling, coupled to the first
tube member, configured to receive an attachment.
Inventors: |
Elliott; Robert T.; (New
York, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CROWELL & MORING LLP;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP
P.O. BOX 14300
WASHINGTON
DC
20044-4300
US
|
Family ID: |
41651988 |
Appl. No.: |
12/188688 |
Filed: |
August 8, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/229.22 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 13/02 20130101;
F16M 13/00 20130101; G10G 5/00 20130101; B25H 3/006 20130101; F16M
11/041 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/229.22 |
International
Class: |
A47B 96/06 20060101
A47B096/06 |
Claims
1. A clamping device comprising: a first jaw coupled to a first
tube member oriented along an axis; a second jaw coupled to a
second tube member oriented along the axis, wherein said first and
second jaws are coplaner; an expansion means for allowing
adjustment of the first and second jaws; a lever configured to
provide coarse adjustment of a separation distance of the first and
second jaws, the lever coupled to the first tube member; a knob
configured to provide fine adjustment of the separation distance of
the first and second jaws; and a coupling, coupled to the first
tube member, and configured to receive an attachment.
2. The clamping device of claim 1, wherein the first and second
jaws comprise a notched surface.
3. The clamping device of claim 1, wherein the expansion means
comprises a threaded elongated member.
4. The clamping device of claim 1, wherein the lever is coupled to
the first tube member by a bushing, the lever configured for secure
coupling to and release with the expansion means.
5. The clamping device of claim 1, wherein the knob is coupled to
the expansion means and configured to expand the distance between
the first and second jaws based on a direction the knob is
turned.
6. The clamping device of claim 1, wherein the coupling is
configured to interchangeably receive one or more attachments and
to provide at least one of a fixed and variable angle position of
an attachment.
7. The clamping device claim 1, further comprising an attachment
coupled to the coupling, the attachment corresponding to one of a
yoke, unshaped attachment, support for a stringed instrument,
beverage holder and power tool holder.
8. The clamping device claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
bushings to couple the expansion means from the first and second
tube members.
9. The clamping device claim 1, further comprising a utility
carrier coupled to at least one of the first and second tube
members.
10. A clamping device comprising: a first jaw coupled to a first
tube member oriented along an axis; a second jaw coupled to a
second tube member oriented along the axis, wherein said first and
second jaws are coplaner; an elongated threaded member configured
to allow for adjustment of the first and second jaws; a lever
configured to provide coarse adjustment of a separation distance of
the first and second jaws, the lever coupled to the first tube
member; a knob configured to provide fine adjustment of the
separation distance of the first and second jaws, wherein the knob
is configured to adjust separation in a fine manner; and a
coupling, coupled to the first tube member, and configured to
receive an attachment.
11. The clamping device of claim 10, wherein the first and second
jaws comprise a notched surface.
12. The clamping device of claim 10, wherein the elongated threaded
member is disposed within the first and second tube members.
13. The clamping device of claim 10, wherein the lever is coupled
to the first tube member by a bushing, the lever configured to
securely couple and release with the elongated threaded member.
14. The clamping device of claim 10, wherein the knob is coupled to
the expansion means and configured to expand the distance between
the first and second jaws based on a direction the knob is
turned.
15. The clamping device of claim 10, wherein the coupling is
configured to interchangeably receive one or more attachments and
to provide at least one of a fixed and variable angle position of
an attachment.
16. The clamping device claim 10, further comprising an attachment
coupled to the coupling, the attachment corresponding to one of a
yoke, u-shaped attachment, support for a stringed instrument,
beverage holder and power tool holder.
17. The clamping device claim 10, further comprising a plurality of
bushings to couple the elongated threaded member from the first and
second tube members.
18. The clamping device claim 10, further comprising a utility
carrier coupled to at least one of the first and second tube
members.
19. A clamping device comprising: a first jaw coupled to a first
tube member oriented along an axis; a second jaw coupled to a
second tube member oriented along the axis, wherein said first and
second jaws are coplaner; an expansion means for allowing
adjustment of the first and second jaws; a lever means for
providing coarse adjustment of a separation distance of the first
and second jaws, the lever means coupled to the first tube member;
a knob means for providing fine adjustment of the separation
distance of the first and second jaws; and a coupling means,
coupled to the first tube member, and receiving an attachment.
20. The clamping device of claim 19, wherein the first and second
jaws comprise a notched surface.
21. The clamping device of claim 19, wherein the lever means is
coupled to the first tube member by a bushing, the lever means
allowing for secure coupling and release with the expansion
means.
22. The clamping device of claim 19, wherein the knob means is
coupled to the expansion means, the knob means for expanding the
distance between the first and second jaws based on manipulation of
the knob means.
23. The clamping device of claim 19, wherein the coupling means
allows for interchangeably receiving one or more attachments and
providing at least one of a fixed and variable angle position for
an attachment.
24. The clamping device claim 19, further comprising an attachment
coupled to the coupling means, the attachment corresponding to one
of a yoke, u-shaped attachment, support for a stringed instrument,
beverage holder and power tool holder.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates in general to clamping devices
and more particularly to an adjustable clamping device with
replaceable attachments.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventional clamping devices are well known for securing
objects in a fixed position. These clamps are generally specialized
for particular applications, such as manufacturing, construction,
etc. However, some specialized designs may limit functionality of
these clamps.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,809 to Harkey teaches a musical
instrument support employing a type of clamping mechanism. The
device as taught by Harkey includes a pair of clips which may be
secured to a structure by an elastomeric member, such as leather.
However, the support adjustment as taught by Harkey is limited in
its ability to mount to a variety of structures. For example, the
support as taught by Harkey may not allow for mounting to the side
of a structure. Further, the connection as taught by Harkey limits
the position of a clamping device to one or more structures. The
clips of Harkey would not allow for coupling to some flat surfaces.
Further, such a coupling as taught by Harkey would not be able to
support objects to a variety of structures.
[0004] There is need for a clamping apparatus to allow for mounting
to a variety of types of structures in a variety of positions.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Disclosed and claimed herein are clamping devices. In one
embodiment, a clamping device includes a first jaw coupled to a
first tube member oriented along an axis, a second jaw coupled to a
second tube member oriented along the axis, wherein said first and
second jaws are coplaner, and an expansion means allowing for
adjustment of the first and second jaws. The clamping device
further including a lever configured to provide coarse adjustment
of the separation distance of the first and second jaws, the lever
coupled to the first tube member, a knob configured to provide fine
adjustment of the separation distance of the first and second jaws,
and a coupling, coupled to the first tube member, configured to
receive an attachment.
[0006] Other aspects, features, and techniques of the invention
will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art in view of the
following detailed description of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1A depicts a clamping device according to one or more
embodiments of the invention;
[0008] FIG. 1B depicts an exposed view of the clamping device of
FIG. 1A;
[0009] FIG. 1C depicts an expanded view of the clamping device of
FIG. 1A;
[0010] FIG. 1D depicts a disassembled view of the clamping device
of FIG. 1A; and
[0011] FIGS. 2A-2C depict applications of a clamping device
according to one or more embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0012] The present disclosure relates generally to adjustable rigid
clamping devices. In one embodiment, a clamping device comprises a
first jaw and second jaw, wherein the distance of separation of the
jaws may be adjusted by an adjustment means. The adjustment means
may include a knob to allow for fine adjustment of the clamping
device. In another embodiment, the adjustment means may include an
adjustment lever to allow for coarse adjustment of the clamping
device. The clamping device may be configured to receive one or
more attachments.
[0013] A clamping device may be provided that may be rigidly
secured to articles of a variety of shapes and sizes. In that
fashion, the clamping device may be utilized for many applications.
Further, the clamping device may include one or more attachments.
The clamping device may be configured to support or arrange one or
more objects, such as one or more of a stringed instrument, tool,
beverage and objects in general. Similarly, the clamping device may
be configured to support a plurality of objects.
[0014] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1A is a diagram of a
clamping device according to one or more embodiments of the
invention. In one embodiment, clamping device 100 may be configured
to adjustably mount to one or more structures. As shown in FIG. 1A,
clamping device 100 includes first jaw 105 and second jaw 110
coupled to first tube 115 and second tube 120, respectively. First
jaw 105 may be coupled to the first tube by collar 125. Similarly,
second jaw 110 may be coupled to the second tube by collar 130.
Collars 125 and 130 may allow for rotation of jaws 105 and 110,
repetitively. For example, collar 125 may be configured to allow
for rotation of jaw 105 with respect to the central axis of first
tube 115. Alternatively, or in combination, jaw 105 may be rotated
with respect collar 125. Jaw 110 may be rotated in a similar
fashion. The first and second jaws 105 and 110 may comprise a
notched surface. It may also be appreciated that jaws 105 and 110
may each comprise one or more prongs.
[0015] Clamping device 100 may be extended, and/or contracted, to
modify the distance of separation for jaws 105 and 110. Lever 135
may be configured to release and secure the first tube 115 such
that the clamping device 100 may be loosened and/or tightened. It
may be appreciated that lever 135 may be configured to provide
coarse adjustment of clamping device 100. As shown in FIG. 1A,
lever 135 is shown in a non-depressed position. Clamping device 100
may be utilized by positioning jaws 105 and 110 on either side of
an object to be clamped to as will be described in more detail
below with respect to FIGS. 2A-2C.
[0016] Clamping device 100 may further include knob 140. As shown
in FIG. 1A, knob 140 may be configured to adjust the distance of
jaws 105 and 110. Knob 140 may be configured to adjust clamping
device 100 at a slower mechanical rate than lever 135. As such,
knob 140 may be configured to allow for fine adjustment of clamping
device 100. In certain embodiments, knob 140 may be configured to
comprise an increased mechanical advantage to provide greater
mechanical force than lever 135. In that fashion, clamping device
100 may be tightened and/or loosened. As will be described in
further detail below, clamping device 100 may comprise means to
extend and contract. Clamping device 100 may further include
coupling 145 to receive one or more attachments. Coupling 145 may
be configured to provide secure connection for one or more
attachments in a fixed and/or rotatable fashion. Attachment 150 may
be coupled to first tube 115 by coupling 145. As shown in FIG. 1A,
attachment 150 corresponds to a yoke attachment. However, it may be
appreciated that other types of attachments may be coupled to
clamping device 100, including but not limited to ring shaped
attachment, beverage holder, tool holster, instrument stand, etc.
Attachment 150 may include rotatable bar 155 as a securing means.
When clamping device 150 is used to support an object, rotatable
bar 155 may be used to secure the object.
[0017] One advantage of clamping device 100 may be that additional
weight may be supported by clamping device 100 than conventional
devices. For example, at least one of jaws 105 and 110, knob 140,
lever 135 and expansion means of clamping device 100 can allow for
rigid clamping to a structure. Rigid clamping as may be provided by
clamping device 100 may be appreciated when supporting valuable
objects. Further, rigid clamping as may be provided by clamping
device 100 may be required for particular structures.
[0018] Referring now to FIG. 1B, an exposed view is shown of
clamping device 100 of FIG. 1A. As shown in FIG. 1B, clamping
device 100 comprises an expansion means 160 configured to allow
clamping device 100 to extend and/or contract in a fixed and a
secured fashion. Expansion means 160 may relate to a threaded
member. As such, it may be appreciated that lever 135 may be
positioned to engage with expansion means 160 such that jaws 105
and 110 are held at a fixed distance in a secure manner. Lever 135
may comprise one or more grooves to engage with expansion means
160. Lever 135 may be depressed to disengage lever 135 from
expansion means 160. In that fashion, clamping device 100 may be
extended and/or contracted. Similarly, coarse adjustment of
clamping device 100 may be performed using lever 135. In certain
embodiments, clamping device 100 may be contracted without
depressing lever 135. Expansion means 160 may be coupled to knob
140. Rotation of knob 140 will not affect the position or rotation
of tube 120 according to another embodiment. In that fashion, by
turning knob 140 in one direction, the clamping device may be
expanded. Similarly, by turning knob 140 in the opposite direction,
clamping device 100 may be contracted. Knob 140 may provide fine
adjustment of clamping device 100 including compressing and/or
releasing jaws 105 and 110. As such it may be appreciated that
clamping device 100 may be tightened to be securely coupled to an
structure as will be described below in more detail with reference
to FIGS. 2A-2C.
[0019] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1B, clamping device 100 may
include inner tube member 165 disposed within the second tube
member 120. Inner tube member 165 may provide one or more of a
guide and spacer for expansion means 160. In one embodiment,
expansion means 160 may relate to a threaded bar of a sufficiently
rigid material, such as metal or plastic. It may also be
appreciated that clamping device 100 may be expanded such that
tubes 115 and 120 do not rotate relative to each other. Further,
the geometry of tubes 115 and 120 can restrict rotation of jaw 105
and jaw 110. Clamping device 100 may comprise bushings and/or
hardware to allow for such operation. Further, when clamping device
100 is extended, first tube 115 may separate from second tube 120.
It may also be appreciated that either or both of first tube 115
and second tube 120 may move in relation to expansion means 160
according to another embodiment.
[0020] Referring now to FIG. 1C, an extended view is shown of
clamping device 100 of FIG. 1A according to one or more embodiments
of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1C, clamping device 100 may be
extended along the axis of expansion means 160 shown by direction
161. Extending clamping device 100 along direction 161 may be
performed using lever 135 and/or knob 140. Attachment 150 may be
rotated as shown by direction 162. In that fashion, clamping device
100 may be configured to support one or more objects in one or more
mounting positions.
[0021] Referring now to FIG. 1D, a disassembled view is shown of
clamping device 100 of FIG. 1A according to one or more embodiments
of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1D, clamping device 100 may
comprise inner tube 165 having a diameter that fits within second
tube 120 and can receive expansion means 160. Coupling 145 (not
shown in FIG. 1D) may include a bushing assembly 170 to allow for
rotation of attachment 150 coupled to clamping device 100. Coupling
145 may be configured to allow for quick connection and
disconnection of attachment 150. It may be appreciated that
coupling 145 may correspond to one of a male and female coupling.
In a similar fashion, knob 140 may be coupled to second tube 120 by
connection assembly 175. Connection assembly 175 may allow for
rotation of knob 140, and coupling of knob 140 to expansion means
160 and second tube 120.
[0022] According to another embodiment, attachment 150 may include
u-plate 180 to allow for coupling to bushing assembly 170. U-plate
180 may comprise a quick release fitting for coupling 145.
Attachment 150 may further include tubing material 185 to provide
grip for supporting an object by attachment 150. Bushing 190 may be
used to position lever 135. Similarly, bushing 190 and slide ring
195 can allow for expansion and/or contraction of clamping device
100 about expansion means 160.
[0023] Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2C, exemplary illustrations are
shown of the clamping device of FIG. 1A according to one or more
embodiments. Referring first to FIG. 2A, clamping device 200 (e.g.,
clamping device 100) is shown coupled to speaker cabinet 220. In
the embodiment of FIG. 2A, clamping device comprises a yoke
attachment 205 (e.g., attachment 150) and utility carrier 210. Yoke
attachment 205 may be coupled to clamping device 200 such that
stringed instrument 215 may be supported. As shown in FIG. 2A, the
clamping device may be clamped to a lateral portion of speaker
cabinet 220. By way of example, jaws of the clamping device may be
tightened by at least one of a lever (e.g., lever 135) and knob
(e.g., knob 140) of clamping device 200. In that fashion, clamping
device may be securely fixed to the lateral portion of speaker
cabinet 220. Clamping device 200 may be securely mounted for a
desired height of a user. In that fashion, support of stringed
instruments of different heights may be accommodated. It may also
be appreciated that clamping device 200 may be securely clamped to
the topmost portion of the speaker cabinet 220. Jaws of clamping
device 200 may allow for coupling to flat and/or non-flat surfaces.
Further, clamping device 200 may be coupled to speaker cabinet 220
in a secure fashion to withstand prolonged vibration. Clamping
device 200 may include a utility carrier 210 employed to store one
or more items.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 2B, clamping device 200 is shown
secured to step ladder 230. Additionally, clamping device 200 is
shown supporting tool 225. Tool 225 may be securely supported by
attachment 205 of clamping device 200. Tool 225 may be coupled to
clamping device 200 by a rotatable bar (e.g., rotatable bar 155)
(not shown). Attachment 205 may be uncoupled from clamping device
200 while securely fixed to tool 225. It may also be appreciated
that attachment 205 may be shaped for specific tools. Clamping
device 200 may be adjusted for coupling to various parts of step
ladder 230, such as a step, rung, plurality of steps, beam,
etc.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 2C, clamping device 200 may comprise
ring attachment 235. As shown, clamping device 200 may be coupled
to stool 245 and configured to support beverage 240. It may also be
appreciated that ring support 235 may be configure to hold and/or
support various types of items. While described above as
mechanically adjusted by a user, clamping device 200 may comprise a
power drive means (not shown) to adjust a separation distance of
the jaws. By way of example, clamping device 200 may include a
button and battery actuated expanding and/or contracting of the
jaws.
[0026] According to one embodiment, a plurality of clamping devices
may be used together. For example, clamping device 200 may
interoperate with an additional clamping device (not shown) to
support one or more objects. Further, the clamping devices may have
different attachments.
[0027] While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and
shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that
such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on
the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the
specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since
various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled
in the art. Trademarks and copyrights referred to herein are the
property of their respective owners.
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