QUICK RELEASE MECHANISM

Abstract

A quick release mechanism is adapted to actuate a stack of at least one clutch plate of a clamp assembly. The assembly includes a beam and a jaw with a housing having the stack disposed therein. The quick release mechanism is positioned around an outer surface of the housing. The quick release mechanism also includes a handle and a clutch plate engaging portion adapted to engage the stack.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The present invention will be further explained with reference to the attached figures, wherein like structure or system elements are referred to by like reference numerals throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a bar clamp assembly.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a quick release mechanism.

FIGS. 3-5 are side views of a sequence of a quick release mechanism engaging a stack of clutch plates.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a pipe clamp.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a quick release mechanism.

FIGS. 8-10 are side views of a sequence of a quick release mechanism engaging a stack of clutch plates.

Claims

1. A clamp assembly, comprising: a beam;a jaw including a housing disposed about the beam;a stack including at least one clutch plate disposed within the housing; anda quick release mechanism positioned around an outer surface of the housing, the quick release mechanism including a handle and a clutch plate engaging portion adapted to engage the stack.

2. The clamp assembly of claim 1 wherein the clutch plate engaging portion engages a first side of the stack below the beam and engages an opposite side of the stack above the beam.

3. The clamp assembly of claim 1 wherein the quick release mechanism is positioned such that movement of the handle away from the beam tilts the stack to be substantially perpendicular to the beam.

4. The clamp assembly of claim 1 wherein the beam is one of a bar and a pipe.

5. The clamp assembly of claim 1 wherein the quick release mechanism includes an aperture adapted to surround the outer surface of the housing.

6. The clamp assembly of claim 5 wherein the aperture includes at least five sides.

7. The clamp assembly of claim 1 wherein the quick release mechanism includes at least one tab extending from the clutch plate engaging portion to engage the stack.

8. The clamp assembly of claim 1 wherein the handle is obliquely oriented to the clutch plate engaging portion.

9. The clamp assembly of claim 1 wherein the stack includes a plurality of clutch plates.

10. The clamp assembly of claim 1 and further comprising a biasing element positioned within the housing to effectuate a force on the stack.

11. A quick release mechanism adapted to actuate a stack of at least one clutch plate of a clamp assembly having a beam and a jaw with a housing having the stack disposed therein, the mechanism comprising: a handle; anda clutch plate engaging portion adapted to be positioned around an outer surface of the housing and adapted to engage the stack.

12. The mechanism of claim 11 wherein the clutch plate engaging portion is adapted to engage a first side of the stack and a second side of the stack, opposite the first side.

13. The mechanism of claim 11 wherein the handle is adapted to be positioned such that actuating the handle in a direction away from the beam provides tilting of the stack to be substantially perpendicular to the beam.

14. The mechanism of claim 11 wherein the clutch plate engaging portion includes an aperture.

15. The mechanism of claim 14 wherein the aperture includes at least five sides.

16. The mechanism of claim 11 wherein the clutch plate engaging portion includes tabs extending therefrom and adapted to engage the stack.

17. The mechanism of claim 11 wherein the handle is obliquely oriented to the clutch plate engaging portion.

18. A method for operating a clamp assembly that includes a beam and a jaw with a housing having a stack of at least one clutch plate disposed therein, the method comprising: providing a quick release mechanism including a handle and a clutch plate engaging portion adapted to engage the stack; andpositioning the quick release mechanism around an outer surface of the housing.

19. The method of claim 18 and further comprising actuating the handle of the quick release mechanism away from the beam to tilt the stack substantially perpendicular to the beam.

20. The method of claim 18 and further comprising: positioning a portion of the clutch plate engaging portion on one side of the stack; andpositioning another portion of the clutch plate engaging portion on an opposite side of the stack.

21. The method of claim 18 wherein the housing is disposed about the beam.