Work holders – Relatively movable jaws – Means to actuate jaw
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-13
2001-05-22
Hail, III, Joseph J. (Department: 3723)
Work holders
Relatively movable jaws
Means to actuate jaw
C072S422000, C024S278000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06234465
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a clamping apparatus. Specifically this invention relates to a new apparatus for quickly clamping and unclamping metal concrete forms.
BACKGROUND ART
Methods for clamping articles together are known in the prior art.
FIG. 7
shows an example of a prior art C-clamp
100
. Such a prior art C-clamp is operative to hold two or more work pieces together by tightening a threaded member
102
. In the concrete construction industry a variety of such prior art C-clamps are used to secure metal form components together. The high labor costs associated with the construction trade requires that such forms be put together as quickly as possible. Unfortunately prior art C-clamps consume a considerable amount of time to properly clamp two or more metal plates together. Typically the construction worker must hold the C-clamp in position and turn the threaded member
102
with a wrench. Such an operation can be quite tedious, especially under cold weather conditions when gloves are worn.
In addition common contaminants on a construction site such as dirt, water, and concrete often become lodged within the threads of the clamp, making the process of tightening or un-tightening the clamp even more difficult and time consuming. In addition the threads and screws of the C-clamp tend to become corroded over time which also makes the clamp more difficult to install and remove. As a result prior art C-clamps must be frequently cleaned and/or replaced, which adds additional costs to the construction project.
Thus there exists a need for a clamping device for use with constructing metal concrete forms that is faster to install and remove. There is a further need for a clamping device that does not require a properly sized wrench to install and remove the clamp. In addition there is a further need for a clamping device that is not hindered by contamination and corrosion.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a clamping apparatus.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a clamping apparatus that is operative to clamp metal plates together.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a clamping apparatus that can be quickly installed and removed.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a clamping apparatus that is easier to install and remove when wearing gloves.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a clamping apparatus that can be installed and removed with a hammer.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a clamping apparatus that is not hindered by corrosion and the buildup of contamination.
Further objects of the present invention will be made apparent in the following Best Modes for Carrying Out Invention and the appended claims.
The foregoing objects are accomplished in one exemplary embodiment of the invention by a “C” shaped clamp that includes a slidable and angled wedge. The clamp body includes an angled mouth for accepting work pieces for clamping. The clamp body further includes a slot between two opposed sides of the clamp body for receiving the angled wedge. When the wedge is slid forward within the slot, a front upper surface of the wedge moves forward within the mouth of the clamp body and is operative to urge work pieces against a jaw surface of the front upper portion of the clamp body. The work pieces can be released by sliding the wedge in the opposite direction (rearward), which moves the front upper surface of the wedge away from the jaw surface of the clamp body.
The slot within the C-clamp body is tapered such that the top portions of the slot are narrower than the bottom portions of the slot. When the wedge is pushed forward the back upper portions of the wedge move into contact with the narrower upper portions of the slot. When a hammer is used to pound the wedge further into the slot, the resulting friction and compression forces of the sides of the clamp body acting on the sides of the wedge are operative to prevent the wedge from sliding. In this position the apparatus is operative to hold work pieces together between the jaw surface of the clamp body and the front upper surface of the wedge.
Such a design enables the quick clamping of work pieces such as steel plates by hammering the wedge forward with respect to the clamp body. The clamp may be loosened to remove the work pieces by hammering the front of the wedge so as to drive the wedge rearward and out of the narrower portions of the slot. Unlike prior art clamps, both contamination and corrosion are operative to increase the effectiveness of the clamp by increasing the friction and compression forces between the wedge and the clamp body.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1837425 (1931-12-01), Gastan
patent: 2893275 (1959-07-01), Lindermann
patent: 3879814 (1975-04-01), Mojeski
patent: 3988865 (1976-11-01), Weisman
patent: 4324125 (1982-04-01), Jarman et al.
patent: 4457159 (1984-07-01), Jarman et al.
patent: 4513474 (1985-04-01), Watabe
patent: 4515355 (1985-05-01), Hunter
patent: 4834356 (1989-05-01), Fox
patent: 4844210 (1989-07-01), Wong
patent: 5156240 (1992-10-01), Ostrobrod
patent: 5483997 (1996-01-01), Corain
Hail III Joseph J.
Parmele Christopher L.
Shanley Daniel
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