Clamp
First Claim
Patent Images
1. In combination with a clamping device for workpieces or the like having a pair of operatively interconnected jaws and force multiplying means for displacing the jaws relative to each other;
- the improvement including a work engaging element movably mounted on one of the jaws in confronting relation to the other of the jaws, over-center linkage means mounted on said one of the jaws and engageable with said work engaging element for displacement thereof from a retracted position toward the other of the jaws, operating means mounted on said one of the jaws for actuating the linkage means in response to over-center movement, spring means operatively engageable with the work engaging element for yieldably resisting said over-center movement of the operating means, release means selectively engageable with said one of the jaws for imparting over-center movement to the operating means against the bias of the spring means to return the work engaging element to the retracted position, said force multiplying means including a pair of links, means pivotally connecting each of said links between the jaws, each of said links having arcuate sections of opposite curvature, means pivotally interconnecting said links between the arcuate sections, a pair of nut elements, pin and slot connecting means interconnecting said nut elements with overlapping arcuate sections of said links, and actuating screw means threadedly engageable with said nut elements.
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Abstract
A pair of work engaging jaws of a clamp device are interconnected by linkages forming part of a manually operable force multiplying mechanism. A movable work engaging element mounted by one of the jaws, is actuated by a grip lever from a retracted position into engagement with a workpiece. An over-center linkage transmits the actuating force against the resistance of a spring to prevent return of the grip lever from its actuated position. A release lever is actuated to cam the grip lever and retract the work engaging element.
27 Citations
12 Claims
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1. In combination with a clamping device for workpieces or the like having a pair of operatively interconnected jaws and force multiplying means for displacing the jaws relative to each other;
- the improvement including a work engaging element movably mounted on one of the jaws in confronting relation to the other of the jaws, over-center linkage means mounted on said one of the jaws and engageable with said work engaging element for displacement thereof from a retracted position toward the other of the jaws, operating means mounted on said one of the jaws for actuating the linkage means in response to over-center movement, spring means operatively engageable with the work engaging element for yieldably resisting said over-center movement of the operating means, release means selectively engageable with said one of the jaws for imparting over-center movement to the operating means against the bias of the spring means to return the work engaging element to the retracted position, said force multiplying means including a pair of links, means pivotally connecting each of said links between the jaws, each of said links having arcuate sections of opposite curvature, means pivotally interconnecting said links between the arcuate sections, a pair of nut elements, pin and slot connecting means interconnecting said nut elements with overlapping arcuate sections of said links, and actuating screw means threadedly engageable with said nut elements.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
- 8. A clamping device for workpieces comprising a pair of jaws, a pair of links, means pivotally connecting each of said links to the jaws, each of said links having arcuate sections of opposite curvature, means pivotally interconnecting said links between the arcuate sections, a pair of nut elements, pin and slot connecting means interconnecting said nut elements with overlapping arcuate sections of said links, and actuating screw means threadedly engageable with said nut elements.
- 10. A clamping device for workpieces comprising a pair of spaced apart opposing jaws, force multiplying means interconnecting the jaws for relative displacement of said jaws toward and away from each other, a work engaging element movably mounted on one of the jaws in confronting relation to the other of the jaws, actuating means operatively connected to said work engaging element for displacement thereof between retracted and clamping positions, said one jaw and said work engaging element including first coacting means supporting said element from said one jaw for guided movement of said element relative to said one jaw toward and away from the other jaw and second coacting abutment means establishing a limit position of movement of said element relative to said one jaw away from the other jaw, disconnectable spring means operatively connected between said element and said one jaw yieldingly biasing said element toward said limit position, said first coacting means including relatively telescoped portions of said element and said one jaw readily disengageable with each other upon disconnection of said spring means and movement of said element, relative to said first jaw, in excess of a predetermined amount away from said limit position and toward said other jaw, said one jaw including opposite side outwardly opening recesses extending toward and away from said other jaw and opening endwise outwardly toward said other jaw, said element including a pair of spaced furcations slidably and guidingly received in said recesses, said recesses and furcations comprising said first coacting means and defining said relatively telescoped portions.
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12. A clamping device for workpieces comprising a pair of spaced apart opposing jaws, force multiplying means interconnecting the jaws for relative displacement of said jaws toward and away from each other, a work engaging element movably mounted on one of the jaws in confronting relation to the other of the jaws, actuating means operatively connected to said work engaging element for displacement thereof between retracted and clamping positions, said force multiplying means including a pair of links, means pivotally connecting each of said links to the jaws, each of said links having arcuate sections of opposite curvature, means pivotally interconnecting said links between the arcuate sections, a pair of nut elements, pin and slot connecting means interconnecting said nut elements with overlapping arcuate sections of said links, and actuating screw means threadedly engageable with said nut elements.
Specification