Controlled latch clamp

Abstract

A controlled latch clamp including a base and a handle pivotally connected to the base. The clamp has a link pivotally connected to the handle and to a plunger. The plunger also being pivotally connected to the base. The clamp includes an arm connected to an end of the plunger.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the controlled latch clamp according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the clamp according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the clamp in its fully open position.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the clamp in its fully closed or clamped position.

FIG. 5 shows an end view of the clamp according to the present invention.

Claims

1. A controlled latch clamp, said clamp comprising: a base;a handle pivotally connected to said base;a link pivotally connected to said handle;a plunger pivotally connected to said base and said link; andan arm connected to an end of said plunger, said arm travels during opening of the clamp along an axis of said plunger a predetermined distance and then travels in a predetermined length rotational arc.

2. The clamp of claim 1 wherein said arm having a hook on one end thereof.

3. The clamp of claim 1 wherein said arm moves or travels along said axis away from said base approximately within a range of ⅛″ to 4″.

4. The clamp of claim 3 wherein said arm moves or travels away from said base approximately one half inch.

5. The clamp of claim 3 wherein said arm travels in said arc approximately 90°.

6. The clamp of claim 5 wherein said handle and said plunger being nearly or generally in a vertical position with respect to said base when the clamp is in an open position.

7. The clamp of claim 1 wherein said base having a reduced height to create a low closed clamp profile.

8. The clamp of claim 1 wherein said base having a slot therethrough, said slot having a curved portion and a straight portion extending from one end of said curved portion.

9. The clamp of claim 8 wherein said straight portion is arranged near a top end of said base.

10. The clamp of claim 1 wherein said base having a lobe extending from an end thereof.

11. The clamp of claim 1 wherein said base having a knob extending from a top edge thereof.

12. The clamp of claim 1 wherein said handle having an offset or bend at a predetermined position therein.

13. The clamp of claim 1 wherein said link having at least one offset or bend therein.

14. The clamp of claim 1 wherein said plunger having a first and a second bearing member.

15. The clamp of claim 14 wherein said first bearing member is pivotally connected to said link.

16. The clamp of claim 14 wherein said second bearing member is linearly fixed with relation to said base and rotatable with respect to said base.

17. The clamp of claim 1 wherein during closing of the clamp said arm rotates from a generally vertical position to a generally horizontal position and then linearly travels along said axis towards said base until the clamp is toggled.

18. A manual pull action controlled clamp, said clamp comprising: a low profile base;a handle having a bend therein, said handle pivotally connected on one end thereof to said base, said handle having an outer surface that engages an inner surface of said base;a link having at least one bend therein, said link pivotally connected on one end to said handle and engaged with an outer surface of said base on an opposite end of said link;a plunger having a first and second bearing member, said first bearing member pivotally connected to said link, said second bearing member pivotally connected to said base; andan arm extending from an end of said plunger, said arm moves generally linearly along an axis of said plunger and rotates in a predetermined arc with respect to a point on said base.

19. The clamp of claim 18 wherein said base includes a first and second member each having a generally L-shaped cross section.

20. The clamp of claim 18 wherein said base having a slot, said slot having a curved portion and a straight portion extending from one end of said curved portion.

21. The clamp of claim 18 wherein said handle includes a first and second member.

22. The clamp of claim 18 wherein said link includes a first and second member.

23. The clamp of claim 18 wherein said arm and said handle are nearly or generally vertical or perpendicular with relation to a bottom flange of said base when the clamp is open.

24. The clamp of claim 23 wherein said arm and said handle are generally parallel to one another and horizontal with relation to said bottom flange of said base when the clamp is closed.

25. A method of clamping a workpiece using a controlled latch clamp, said method including the steps of: rotating an arm of the clamp in a handle from a generally vertical position with relation to a base of the clamp through an approximate 90° arc;moving said arm via said handle in a linear direction towards said base; andtoggling the clamp to securely hold the workpiece.