Compact clamp

Details Compact clamp Compact clamp

2000-02-11

2001-11-13

Watson, Robert C. (Department: 3723)

Work holders

Relatively movable jaws

Means to actuate jaw

Reexamination Certificate

active

06315278

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to clamp-type hand tools for holding one or more parts, and particularly to clamps of the toggle type.
Various types of clamping tools are well known in the art, and typically they include a fixed arm carrying a fixed jaw and a movable arm carrying a movable jaw, the jaws cooperating to hold a part firmly therebetween. One type of clamping tool is of the pliers or pivoting-jaw type, wherein the movable arm and jaw are pivotally movable relative to the fixed arm or jaw. Another type of clamping tool is a linear clamp, wherein the movable arm and jaw reciprocate along a linear path toward and away from the fixed jaw.
The present invention relates to the latter type of clamping tool. Heretofore, clamping tools of the linear type have been characterized by relatively large and unwieldy construction, which may make it difficult for them to be used in many confined-space applications. For example, many clamps have frames or fixed arm members which project a substantial distance in directions perpendicular to the direction of movement of the movable jaw. Also, such prior clamps typically have adjusting mechanisms for adjusting the distance between the fixed and movable jaws in the clamped condition, and this adjustment is typically accomplished by a screw mechanism which extends variable distances beyond the end of the frame.
Many such prior art clamp tools use a toggle or over-center mechanism for moving the movable jaw to and from and retaining it in its clamped position, and such toggle mechanisms are typically relatively complicated and/or can considerably extend the operating profile of the tool.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a general object of the invention to provide an improved clamp which avoids the disadvantages of prior clamps while affording additional structural and operating advantages.
An important feature of the invention is the provision of a clamp of the type with a linearly movable jaw which has a compact, small profile.
In connection with the foregoing feature, another feature of the invention is the provision of a clamp of the type set forth, which can be adjusted without affecting the profile and can be moved between clamped and unclamped conditions substantially without extending the length of the tool.
Still another feature of the invention is the provision of a clamp of the type set forth, which is of simple and economical construction.
Certain ones of these and other features of the invention may be attained by providing a compact clamp comprising: a frame defining a fixed jaw, a clamp lever mechanism pivotally connected to the frame adjacent to an end of the frame, and a movable jaw assembly disposed between said fixed jaw and the end and carried by the frame for linear movement toward and away from the fixed jaw, the clamp lever mechanism being coupled to the movable jaw assembly for effecting movement thereof.
The invention consists of certain novel features and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that various changes in the details may be made without departing from the spirit, or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention.


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