Quick-connect clamp and method for using the same
First Claim
1. A clamping system for engaging a base member having a plurality of slots arranged in a line comprising:
- a clamp frame adapted to support a load that depends therefrom;
a first tab assembly including a first tab shoulder sized and arranged to engage an interior face of the base member adjacent to a first slot structure on the base member;
a movable tab structure pivotally and slidably mounted with respect to the clamp frame including a second tab assembly including a second tab shoulder sized and arranged to engage an interior face of the base member adjacent to a second slot structure on the base member; and
a locking member selectively locking the movable tab structure against movement relative to the frame so as to retain the second tab shoulder and the first tab shoulder in a fixed relationship, each engaging the interior face of the base member respectively adjacent to the first slot structure and the second slot structure, and for unlocking the movable tab structure so as to allow the second tab structure to be removed from engagement with the interior face of the base member for removal of the clamp frame from the base member.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
This invention provides a load bearing quick-base that is applied directly to the adjustable-height slot structure of a modular frame upright that is also used ubiquitously to support adjustable-height accessory brackets. By employing a set of upper (or “first”) tabs and a set of spaced-apart, lower (or “second”) tabs, the clamp can be firmly secured to the upright'"'"'s front, slot-containing face as needed at any desired height in the same manner as a shelf bracket. The clamping system provides a clamp frame adapted to support a load, such as a swing arm support, that depends therefrom. The clamp frame has a first (or “upper”) tab structure with a first tab assembly including a first tab shoulder sized and arranged to engage an interior face of the base member (such as a slotted upright) adjacent to a first slot structure on the base member. There is also provided a movable (or “lower”) tab structure that is pivotally and slidably mounted with respect to the clamp frame. This second movable tab structure includes a second tab assembly having a second tab shoulder sized and arranged to engage an interior face of the base member adjacent to a second slot structure on the base member. The second tab structure is served by a locking member, which can be a spring-loaded, rotating bale, which selectively locks the movable tab structure against movement relative to the frame so as to retain the second tab shoulder and the first tab shoulder in a fixed relationship.
-
Citations
18 Claims
-
1. A clamping system for engaging a base member having a plurality of slots arranged in a line comprising:
-
a clamp frame adapted to support a load that depends therefrom;
a first tab assembly including a first tab shoulder sized and arranged to engage an interior face of the base member adjacent to a first slot structure on the base member;
a movable tab structure pivotally and slidably mounted with respect to the clamp frame including a second tab assembly including a second tab shoulder sized and arranged to engage an interior face of the base member adjacent to a second slot structure on the base member; and
a locking member selectively locking the movable tab structure against movement relative to the frame so as to retain the second tab shoulder and the first tab shoulder in a fixed relationship, each engaging the interior face of the base member respectively adjacent to the first slot structure and the second slot structure, and for unlocking the movable tab structure so as to allow the second tab structure to be removed from engagement with the interior face of the base member for removal of the clamp frame from the base member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
-
-
11. A method for quick connect and disconnect of a load-bearing clamping base with respect to a base member having a line of slot structures comprising the steps of:
-
locating a first slot structure at a desired location on the base member from a plurality of slot structures in the line;
inserting a first tab assembly located on a clamp frame through the first slot structure and moving the tab assembly so that a first tab shoulder overlies an interior face of the base member adjacent to the slot structure;
rotating the clamp frame to bring a movable tab structure having a second tab assembly into contact with a second slot structure at a predetermined spacing from the first slot structure;
inserting the second tab assembly through the second slot structure and slidably and rotatably moving the movable tab structure relative to the clamp frame so that a second tab shoulder overlies the interior of the base member adjacent to the second slot structure;
rotating the clamp base into a confronting relationship with the base member and thereby slidably and rotatably moving the movable tab structure into a lockable orientation; and
moving a locking mechanism to retain the movable tab structure against rotatable and slidable movement with respect to the clamp frame. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
-
-
14. A quick-connect clamp having tabs adapted to be received by first slots and second slots, spaced apart from the first slots, on an upright comprising:
a clamp frame that supports a first pair of side-by-side tabs each with respective first tab shoulders adapted to engage an interior of the upright and that extend outwardly from the clamp frame in a first direction and a second pair of side-by-side tabs each with respective second tab shoulders that extend outwardly from the clamp frame in a second direction opposite the first direction, the second pair of side-by-side tabs being movable to allow the second tab shoulders to selectively either (1) overlie or (2) be positioned remote from an interior face of the upright, when the second pair of side-by-side tabs is positioned in the second slots, while the first pair of side-by-side tabs is positioned in the first slots with the first tab shoulders overlying the interior face of the upright. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
Specification