Joints and connections – Laterally related members connected by latch means – e.g.,...
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-13
2001-11-27
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3629)
Joints and connections
Laterally related members connected by latch means, e.g.,...
C052S656900, C403S174000, C403S359600
Reexamination Certificate
active
06322277
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to shoring apparatus used in forming concrete structures and, more specifically, to a clamp useful in interconnecting components of scaffolding apparatus which includes a moveable jaw that is moved to and held in a clamping position by a fluted pin.
2. Background of the Prior Art
Concrete forming apparatus is in wide use in the construction of buildings, bridges, and other concrete structures. The formwork against which the concrete is formed is often held in place by shores, walers, and the like. In creating, shoring, apparatus having the desired strength, it is common to interconnect vertical and horizontal components of the shoring apparatus. Because of the variety in the size and shape of concrete structures formed using the shoring apparatus, it is advantageous to have the ability to interconnect the various components of the shoring apparatus in a wide variety of configurations without unduly multiplying the number of distinct components that are required to assemble the shoring apparatus of the desired diversity. Accordingly, a number of attempts have been made to design clamps or couplings for interconnecting components of shoring apparatus that are adjustable to fit a wide variety of configurations. One such coupling, is described in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,687. The patent describes a coupling for interconnecting a horizontal panel at any desired position along a pair of vertical shoring posts. The coupling has a mouth formed of a stationary and moveable jaw. The moveable jaw is closed towards the stationary jaw by driving behind the moveable jaw a wedge-shaped tensioning member. The coupling mouth when tensioned by the wedge, engages the vertical shoring post at the desired position. In an alternative embodiment, the wedge includes ribs that run at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the wedge and which engage teeth on the moveable jaw to move it between an opened position and a clamped or tensioned position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention consists of a clamp for releasably Securing to each other components of a shoring apparatus. The clamp includes a housing that is secured to a first component of the shoring apparatus. The housing has a fixed jaw which projects laterally of the component and a moveable jaw that is mounted in the housing for pivotable movement in a direction which will move the moveable jaw toward and away from the fixed jaw. A clamp member comprises a pin that has a plurality of flutes arranged about its outer periphery and disposed at an angle relative to the longitudinal, pivoting axis of the pin and clamp member. Recesses corresponding to the flutes are formed in the housing and the clamp member is received for guided vertical sliding movement inside the housing wherein the flutes of the pin are received inside the corresponding recesses formed in the housing. Movement of the clamped member along its longitudinal axis results in pivotable movement of the clamped member as a result of the engagement of the flutes with the recesses. A pivot or swing arm of the clamp member projects radially of the pin and has an outer end portion that is received within a corresponding socket in the moveable jaw. Accordingly. longitudinal movement of the clamp member will pivot the pivot arm and thereby move or swing the moveable jaw toward and away front the fixed jaw. The pitch of the flutes relative to the longitudinal axis of the clamp member in combination with the permitted longitudinal axis of the clamp member result in the moveable jaw being pivotable between an open position and a clamping position wherein the pair of jaws engage a mating surface on a second component of the shoring apparatus.
An object of the present invention is to provide a clamp for interconnecting components of a shoring apparatus that is quickly and easily moveable between a released and a clamped position.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a clam for interconnecting components of a shoring apparatus which is durable and provides the requisite strength while being economical to manufacture.
These and other objects of the invention will be made apparent to a person that is skilled in the art upon a review and understanding of this specification, the associated drawings, and the appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2546929 (1951-03-01), Nampa
patent: 3939300 (1976-02-01), Hawkins
patent: 5078532 (1992-01-01), Williams
patent: 5315805 (1994-05-01), Harsch
patent: 5388666 (1995-02-01), Schworer
patent: 5713687 (1998-02-01), Schworer
Browne Lynne H.
Dunwoody Aaron
Herink Kent A.
Rosenberg Daniel A.
Wilian Holding Company
LandOfFree
Clamp for interconnecting components of shoring apparatus does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Clamp for interconnecting components of shoring apparatus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Clamp for interconnecting components of shoring apparatus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2594695