Speed clamp for T-slotted structural elements
First Claim
1. A clamp configured for operation while attached to an elongated structural member having a uniform cross sectional shape along its longitudinal axis, the structural member including a longitudinal slot that is open to an upper surface of the structural member, said slot being widened below the upper surface of the structural member so that the slot is covered by a slot overhang on each side thereof, the clamp comprising:
- a clamp stop attached to the structural member, the clamp stop including a stop surface at its proximal end that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the structural member; and
a clamp block assembly comprising;
a clamp housing penetrated by a first vertical hole intersected by a horizontal passage;
a fixing pin inserted in the first vertical hole, the fixing pin including a vertically extended hole that is held in alignment with the horizontal passage of the clamp housing;
a slot key that is horizontally insertable into the slot of the structural member, a lower portion of the slot key being sufficiently wide to prevent vertical removal of the slot key from the slot while an upper portion of the slot key extends vertically through the slot and is attached to a distal end of the fixing pin, the clamp housing being thereby slidably attached to the structural member;
a lifting mechanism configured to apply a lifting force to the fixing pin, thereby forcing the slot key vertically upward against the slot overhang and fixing the clamp housing in position along the structural member; and
a clamping shaft extending through the horizontal passage and engaged therewith, whereby the clamping shaft can be disengaged or otherwise manipulated for advancement and retraction through the horizontal passage; and
a block surface fixed to a distal end of the clamping shaft and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the structural member, so that the block surface can be placed in an opposed, parallel relationship to the stop surface when the clamping shaft is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the structural member and the block surface is directed toward the clamp stop.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A clamp for a T-slotted structural element can be positioned anywhere along the T-slot. A housing and stop are opposingly attached to the structural member, and a horizontal shaft is engaged with the housing. A fixing pin is inserted through a vertical hole in the housing and attached to a slot key that is inserted in the T-slot. Actuating a lever or handle applies an upward force on the fixing pin, pressing the key against the top of the T-slot and fixing the housing in place. In embodiments, the stop can be repositioned to any of a plurality of locations along the T-slot. In certain embodiments, the stop and housing can be placed on different surfaces of the structural member. In various embodiments, the stop and/or housing are constructed with different slot profiles that match their respective T-slotted structural elements. In embodiments, the housing is rotatable.
49 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A clamp configured for operation while attached to an elongated structural member having a uniform cross sectional shape along its longitudinal axis, the structural member including a longitudinal slot that is open to an upper surface of the structural member, said slot being widened below the upper surface of the structural member so that the slot is covered by a slot overhang on each side thereof, the clamp comprising:
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a clamp stop attached to the structural member, the clamp stop including a stop surface at its proximal end that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the structural member; and a clamp block assembly comprising; a clamp housing penetrated by a first vertical hole intersected by a horizontal passage; a fixing pin inserted in the first vertical hole, the fixing pin including a vertically extended hole that is held in alignment with the horizontal passage of the clamp housing; a slot key that is horizontally insertable into the slot of the structural member, a lower portion of the slot key being sufficiently wide to prevent vertical removal of the slot key from the slot while an upper portion of the slot key extends vertically through the slot and is attached to a distal end of the fixing pin, the clamp housing being thereby slidably attached to the structural member; a lifting mechanism configured to apply a lifting force to the fixing pin, thereby forcing the slot key vertically upward against the slot overhang and fixing the clamp housing in position along the structural member; and a clamping shaft extending through the horizontal passage and engaged therewith, whereby the clamping shaft can be disengaged or otherwise manipulated for advancement and retraction through the horizontal passage; and a block surface fixed to a distal end of the clamping shaft and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the structural member, so that the block surface can be placed in an opposed, parallel relationship to the stop surface when the clamping shaft is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the structural member and the block surface is directed toward the clamp stop. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification