BACKGROUND ART
It is often necessary to secure an item or work piece in a particular position. This need extends across a virtually infinite number of circumstances and environments and pertains to numerous professionals, hobbyists, and countless others working with items that need to be securely retained. Various holding devices such as C-clamps, vices, and the like, have been in use for centuries. Unfortunately, conventional holding devices are not always well suited for certain applications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present technology and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present technology. The drawings referred to in this description should not be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted.
FIG. 1A shows a side view of one embodiment of a multi-functional clamping device in accordance with the present claimed invention.
FIG. 1B shows a side view of another embodiment of a multi-functional clamping device in accordance with the present claimed invention.
FIG. 2A shows a side view of one embodiment of a multi-functional clamping device in accordance with the present claimed invention in which an accessory is coupled to the accessory mount.
FIG. 2B shows a side view of another embodiment of a multi-functional clamping device in accordance with the present claimed invention in which an accessory is coupled to the accessory mount.
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of two multi-functional clamping devices in accordance with the present embodiments, in which each of the multi-functional clamping devices is clamped to a table and in which each multi-functional clamping device has an accessory coupled to its accessory mount.
FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a multi-functional clamping device in accordance with the present embodiments, in which the multi-functional clamping device is clamped to a table and in which the multi-functional clamping device has an accessory coupled to its accessory mount.
FIGS. 5A-5C show side views of embodiments of a multi-functional clamping device in accordance with the present claimed invention in which the position of the handle portion is shown is various positions with respect to the clamping portion.
FIGS. 6A-6C show side views of embodiments of a multi-functional clamping device in accordance with the present claimed invention in which the position of the handle portion is shown is various positions with respect to the clamping portion.
FIGS. 7A-7B are schematic representations of top views of one embodiment of a multi-functional clamping device in accordance with the present claimed invention in which the handle portion is foldable.
FIG. 8 is a close up perspective view of two opposing clamps of the clamping portion in accordance with the present embodiments.
FIG. 9A-9B show perspective views of opposing clamps having a non-flat clamping surface in accordance with the present embodiments.
FIGS. 10A-10D show perspective views of an embodiment of a multi-functional clamping device in accordance with the present claimed invention in which the position of the accessory mount is adjustable with respect to the clamping portion.
FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a multi-functional clamping device in accordance with the present claimed invention including a support fixture coupled to the clamping portion.
FIG. 12A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a multi-functional clamping device with a work surface in accordance with the present claimed invention.
FIG. 12B-12C shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a multi-functional clamping device with a light in accordance with the present claimed invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present technology, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the present technology will be described in conjunction with these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the present technology to these embodiments. On the contrary, the present technology is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the present technology as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following description of the present technology, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present technology. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present technology.
Overview
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention describe a multi-functional clamping device (also referred to herein as a universal clamping system) in which a vice grip handle portion is used to control the clamping pressure exerted by a clamping portion which is comprised of a pair of opposing clamps. The multi-functional clamping device further includes an accessory mount which is coupled to the clamping portion. The accessory mount is configured to receive and retain any of numerous accessories in a desired location and orientation. Such accessories may include, but are not limited to, vices or other holding tools, lighting fixtures, cable splicing tools, etc. Due to the variety of accessories which can be retained by the accessory mount, embodiments of the present invention are referred to as a “multi-functional” or “universal” clamping device or system. As will be described in detail below, the present multi-functional clamping device is portable, can be clamped to any number of surfaces, and further allows an accessory to be moved to and retained in a virtually infinite number of positions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to FIG. 1A, a side view of one embodiment of a multi-functional clamping device 100 in accordance with the present claimed invention is shown. Multi-functional clamping device 100 (also referred to herein as a universal clamping system) has a vice grip handle portion 102 which is coupled to a clamping portion 104a. Clamping portions 104 further includes opposing clamps 106 and 108.
FIG. 1B shows a side view of another embodiment of multi-functional clamping device 100 in accordance with the present claimed invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 1B, clamping portion 104b spans a greater length than clamping portion 104a of FIG. 1A. It should be understood that embodiments of the present invention are well suited to having various sizes for handle portion 102, and for clamping portions 104a and 104b. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention are also well suited to various combinations for the respective sizes of handle portion 102 and clamping portions 104a and 104b.
As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, handle portion 102 is comprised of a vice grip type handle. A user adjusts an adjustments screw 120 which ultimately controls the amount of pressure exerted by opposing clamps 106 and 108 when clamping portion 104a or 104b is clamped to a surface. In operation, a user adjusts adjustment screw 120, and then squeezes handle 122 until handle portion 102 locks clamping portion 104a or 104b to a desired surface. To release opposing clamps 106 and 108 from the surface to which they are clamped, a user depresses release lever 124. In one embodiment, handle portion 102 includes an adjustment joint that enables the position of handle portion 102 to be adjusted with respect to clamping portion 104a and 104b. This is described in detail below in conjunction with FIGS. 5A-5C and 6A-6C. Additionally, in various embodiments, handle portion 102 further includes a folding hinge 126 which enable handle portion 102 to be folded inward towards clamping portion 104a or 104b. This feature and functionality is described in detail below in conjunction with FIGS. 7A-7B.
Referring still to FIGS. 1A and 1B, multi-functional clamping device 100 also includes an accessory mount 110 which is coupled to clamping portion 104a or 104b. Accessory mount 110 is configured to receive an accessory and retain the accessory in a desired position with respect to clamping portion 104a or 104b. As will be discussed in detail below in conjunction with FIGS. 10A-10D, the position of accessory mount 110 is adjustable with respect to clamping portion 104a or 104b. In one embodiment, accessory mount 110 is a “male” rod (not shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B) over which a “female” tube is situated. In one such embodiment, an accessory such as, for example, a vice grip has the female tube coupled thereto. In so doing, the vice grip is retained on accessory mount 110 in a desired position.
With reference again to FIGS. 1A and 1B, in the present embodiment, accessory mount 110 is a barrel or tube structure. As such, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B, accessory mount 110 is a “female” mount, and accessory mount 110 is configured to receive a “male” post therein. As a result, the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B are configured to receive any accessory having the appropriate male post coupled thereto. It should be pointed out that in some embodiments, the “male” post is actually a female tube having a diameter which can fit inside the diameter of female accessory mount 110. Additionally, multi-functional clamping device 100 includes an accessory locking fixture 112 coupled to accessory mount 110. In the present embodiment, accessory locking device 112 is a screw having a handle coupled thereto. Accessory locking feature 112 is configured to secure an accessory to accessory mount 110 and prevent the accessory from moving about accessory mount 110. In such an embodiment, accessory mount 110 includes mounting or securing holes that accommodate a screw. It is appreciated that accessory mount 110 can be configured as any shape, size or be comprised of any of numerous materials. Additionally, in one embodiment, accessory mount 110 is removable and/or interchangeable. Further, accessory locking feature 112 and accessory mount 110 can be reciprocally configured to accommodate any number of methods to retain an accessory within accessory mount 110. Such methods include, but are not limited to locking pins, screws, magnets, press fit features, and so on.
Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, side views of embodiment of a multi-functional clamping device are shown accordance with the present claimed invention. Further, in FIGS. 2A and 2B, an accessory, in this example a vice 116 and 118, is coupled to accessory mount 110. After vice 116 and 118 are received in accessory mount 110, accessory locking feature 112 is tightened to securely retain vice 116 and 118 in accessory mount 110. Although vice 116 and 118 are shown in a particular orientation in FIGS. 2A and 2B, due to the adjustability of accessory mount 110 with respect to clamping portion 104a and 104b, the present invention is capable of retaining an accessory in virtually any number of positions and orientations. This feature of the present embodiments will be described in detail below in conjunction with FIGS. 10A-10D.
Referring still to FIGS. 2A and 2B, although a vice is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, any other type of accessory is also possible. For example, in one embodiment, the accessory is a tool used for telecommunications work such as soldering and wire splicing. In another embodiment, the accessory is a portable work surface, see for example FIG. 12A, such as a table or a specially configured work bench. In still another embodiment, the accessory is a mount for a fishing rod. In yet another embodiment, the accessory is a BBQ grill. Other accessories found in other embodiments include a flashlight, see for example FIGS. 12B and 12C, a phone, or any other item that a person would like to temporarily mount to a surface and retain in a desired position and orientation. The above list of accessories is meant only to provide examples of possible accessories, and is not meant to be an exhaustive or complete list of possible accessories.
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of two multi-functional clamping devices 100 in accordance with the present embodiments. In FIG. 3, each of the multi-functional clamping devices 100 is clamped to a table 300. Further, each multi-functional clamping device 100 has an accessory 116 or 118 coupled to its accessory mount 110. Although difficult to see in FIG. 3, as described above, a locking feature 112 is used to secure accessory 116 and 118 to its respective accessory mount 110. FIG. 3 is provided to show one example of an implementation of embodiments in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a multi-functional clamping device 100 in accordance with the present embodiments. In FIG. 4, multi-functional clamping device 100 is clamped to a table 400 and has an accessory 402 coupled to accessory mount 110. Locking feature 112 is used to securely retain accessory 402 to accessory mount 110 and can allow 360 degree positioning. Again, FIG. 4 is provided to show one example of an implementation of embodiments in accordance with the present invention.
With reference now to FIGS. 5A-5C, side views of embodiments of multi-functional clamping device 100 are shown in accordance with the present claimed invention. In FIGS. 5A-5C, the position of handle portion 102 is shown is various positions with respect to clamping portion 104a. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, in various embodiments, handle portion 102 has an adjustment mechanism 502 that enables infinite adjustment of handle portion 102 with respect to the clamping portion 104a. In one embodiment, the vertical adjustment of handle portion 102 is accomplished using a series of removable locking support pins 502 and additional corresponding guide pin holes. In other embodiments, an additional vertical lock down swivel is added to handle portion 102. In so doing, handle portion 102 can be adjusted vertically along an infinite number of angles with respect to the clamping portion 104a. This allows a user to clamp clamping portion 104a to a desired surface, and then adjust the position of handle portion 102 to a desired angle with respect to clamping portion 104a. As a result, a user can move handle portion 102 to a position which is most convenient or desired for the user.
Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6C, side views of embodiments of multi-functional clamping device 100 are shown in accordance with the present claimed invention. In FIGS. 6A-6C, the position of handle portion 102 is shown is various positions with respect to clamping portion 104b. Similar to the description above regarding the embodiments of FIGS. 5A-5C, in FIGS. 6A-6C, in various embodiments, handle portion 102 has an adjustment mechanism 602 that enables infinite adjustment of handle portion 102 with respect to the clamping portion 104b. In one embodiment, the vertical adjustment of handle portion 102 is accomplished using a series of removable locking support pins 602 and additional corresponding guide pin holes. In other embodiments, an additional vertical lock down swivel is added to handle portion 102. In so doing, handle portion 102 can be adjusted vertically along an infinite number of angles with respect to the clamping portion 104b. This allows a user to clamp clamping portion 104b to a desired surface, and then adjust the position of handle portion 102 to a desired angle with respect to clamping portion 104b. As a result, a user can move handle portion 102 to a position which is most convenient or desired for the user.
With reference now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, schematic representations of top views of multi-functional clamping device 100 are shown. As described above, in various embodiments, handle portion 102 further includes a folding hinge 126. In FIG. 7A, handle portion 102 is in an open or unfolded position with respect to handle portion 104a or 104b (herein written as 104a/b). Further dotted line 700 is intended to represent the edge of a surface to which clamping portion 104a/b is clamped. In FIG. 7A, handle portion 102 would extend outward from edge 700 of the surface to which clamping portion 104 is clamped. In FIG. 7B, handle portion 102 is in a folded position with respect to handle portion 104a/b. More specifically, in FIG. 7B, after clamping portion 104a/b is clamped to the desired surface, handle portion 102 is folded, via hinge 126, inward towards clamping portion 104a/b. In so doing, handle portion 102 is moved towards edge 700. In some embodiments, handle portion 102 is nearly flush with edge 700 of the surface to which clamping portion 104a/b is clamped. As a result, in the present embodiment, during use a user can move handle portion 102 to a position which is most convenient or desired for the user. Specifically, rather than having handle portion 102 extend outward from edge 700 where handle portion may be in the way of the user (such as, for example, poking the user in the stomach), the user can now fold handle portion 102 via hinge 126, such that handle portion is no longer in an undesired location. It should be understood that embodiments in the course of the present invention can use any of numerous mechanisms to allow handle portion 102 to fold as described above.
Referring next to FIG. 8, is a close up perspective view of two opposing clamps 106 and 106 of clamping portion 104a/b is shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, opposing clamps 106 and 108 are coupled to clamping arms via connectors 802 which allow movement or pivoting of opposing clamps 106 and 108. By allowing movement, embodiments of the present invention allow opposing clamps 106 and 108 to swivel to the proper position to best mate with the surface to which they are clamped. Connectors 802 can be screws, a gimbal mechanism, rivets, pins, or any other suitable component that allow movement of and /or replacement of opposing clamps 106 and 108. In so doing, embodiments of the present invention enable opposing clamps 106 and 108 to be removable. Although shown as removable in FIG. 8, the present invention is also well suited to embodiments in which opposing clamps are not removable or moveable. Returning to the embodiments of FIG. 8, in various embodiments, opposing clamps 106 and 108 are circular in shape. It should be noted, although shown as circular in the present embodiment, the present invention is well suited to having opposing clamps 106 and 108 formed of any of various shapes such as, but not limited to, circular, square, polyhedronal, or any other shape that is appropriate for a given use and/or surface. In one embodiment, multi-functional clamping device 100 utilizes rounded opposing clamps to provide more surface area for clamping. Such an approach is particularly useful on surfaces where the clamping force needs to be distributed over a greater area to prevent damage. Further, although opposing clamps 106 and 108 appear to be the same size as shape in FIG. 8, embodiments in accordance with the present invention are well suited to having opposing clamps 106 and 108 with differing sizes, shapes, or materials.
Referring still to FIG. 8, in one embodiment, opposing clamps 106 and 108 have a rubber or other compliant material applied to the clamping surface 804 thereof to achieve a padded clamping surface 804. The padded clamping surface 804 helps to provide additional gripping force between opposing clamps 106 and 108 and the surface to which they are clamped. Further, in one embodiment, the gripping material on clamping surface 804 of opposing clamps 106 and 108 is selected to be a material which will not damage the surface to which multi-functional clamping device 100 is being clamped. Additionally, using a gripping material on opposing clamps 106 and 108 enables multi-functional clamping device 100 to grip uneven or textured surfaces. Materials used on clamping surface 804 of opposing clamps 106 and 108 include but are not limited to felt, rubber, metal, wood, fabric, a non-slip pliable material, an electrically insulated material, a textured material, etc. Again, the above list is not intended to be exhaustive. Also, in one embodiment, opposing clamps 106 and 108 include a magnet that provides a magnetic force between opposing clamps 106 and 108 and the surface to which they are being clamped.
Referring now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, perspective views of opposing clamps (906 and 908) and (910 and 912) having a non-flat clamping surface in accordance with present embodiments are shown. It should be noted, that the present invention is well suited to having opposing clamps formed with any of various clamping surface shapes that is appropriate for a given use and/or surface. Further, although opposing clamps (906 and 908) and (910 and 912) appear to have matching clamping surface shapes in FIGS. 9A and 9B, embodiments in accordance with the present invention are well suited to having opposing clamps wherein each opposing clamp has a different clamping surface shape. That is, the present invention is well suited to an embodiment wherein one opposing clamp has a rounded clamping surface and the other opposing clamp has a non-rounded clamping surface.
Referring still to FIGS. 9A and 9B, by having non-flat clamping surfaces, the present invention is well suited to using multi-functional clamping device on surfaces such as, for example, a boat rail, a truck tailgate, a fence post, a telephone pole, and so on. Thus, by tailoring the shape, size, and/or clamping surface of opposing clamps, the present multi-functional clamping device has an almost unlimited ability to be used in innumerable environments.
With reference next to FIGS. 10A-10D, perspective views of an embodiment of multi-functional clamping device 100 in accordance with the present claimed invention is shown in which the position of accessory mount 110 is adjustable with respect to clamping portion 104a/b. FIG. 10A shows an adjustable position accessory mount 110 that has a set screw 1002 for enabling accessory mount 110 to be swiveled any number of angles (as depicted by arrow 1012) with respect to clamping portion 104a/b. In so doing, an accessory retained in accessory mount 110 can be located leaning forward away from handle portion 102. Conversely, an accessory can be swiveled back toward handle portion 102. Referring now to FIG. 10B, the location of set screw 1004 enables rotation of accessory mount 110 as depicted by arrow 1014. In so doing, accessory mount 110 would sweep through a cone whose shape would depend on the angle of accessory mount 110 with respect to clamping portion 104a/b. Referring now to FIG. 10C, the location of set screw 1006 enables upward or downward movement of accessory mount 110 as depicted by arrow 1016. In so doing, accessory mount 110 is moved nearer to or farther from clamping portion 104a/b. Referring now to FIG. 10D, the location of set screw 1008 enables rotation of accessory mount 110 as depicted by arrow 1018. In so doing, accessory mount 110 would rotate with respect to clamping portion 104a/b. Importantly, in some embodiments of the present invention, combinations of the adjustments described above are used together. In so doing, an accessory received in accessory mount 110 can be moved through several axes of motion and can be retained in an infinite number of positions relative to clamping portion 104a/b.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of multi-functional clamping device 100 in accordance with the present claimed invention including a support fixture 1102 coupled to clamping portion 104a/b. In the present embodiment, support fixture 1102 includes bracing posts 1104a and 1104b, a tensioner 1106, and adjustment knobs 1108a and 1108b. In operation, in order to ensure that clamping portion 104a/b remains in a fixed location with respect to the surface to which it is clamped, support structure 1102 is utilized. Specifically, bracing posts 1104a and 1104b keep the arms of clamping portion 104a/b in a desired position. Although, support fixture 1102 of the present embodiment has both top and bottom bracing posts 1104a and 1104b, the present invention is also well suited to an embodiment in which only a top bracing post 1104a or only a bottom bracing post 1104b is used. In this embodiment, a top tensioner 1106 is used to contact the top surface to which multi-functional clamping device is clamped. By contacting the top surface, tensioner 1106 and bracing post 1104a keep the top portion of clamping portion 104a/b in a desired location. Similarly, a bottom tensioner, hidden, is used to contact the bottom surface to which multi-functional clamping device is clamped. By contacting the bottom surface, bottom tensioner, hidden, and bracing post 1104b keep the bottom portion of clamping portion 104a/b in a desired location.
Referring still to FIG. 11, in one embodiment of the present invention, the position of support fixture 1102 is adjustable. In such an embodiment, adjustment knobs 1108a and 1108b are used to move bracing posts 1104a and 1104b, respectively, to a desired location along clamping portion 104a/b as shown by arrows 1110a and 1110b. It should be understood, however, that in some embodiments, support fixture 1102 is not adjustable.
Hence, embodiments in accordance with the present invention create a unique multi-functional or universal clamping platform which enables any accessory to be received and retained in a desired position and orientation. Further, embodiments in accordance with the present invention are well suited to use in numerous environments and present embodiments are not limited to any one single application.
Although the subject matter is described in a language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.
Patent Application
20170043456
