FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to T-clamps for connecting to a T-slot, and in particular to quick release T-clamps having a substantially automatic locking mechanism.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
T-clamps for connecting to a T-slot are generally well-known. However, known T-clamps are limited in their ability to efficiently provide quick and reliable interlocking with a T-slot, as well as quick and easy unlocking and disconnecting from the T-slot.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a quick release T-clamp having an efficient assembly and interlocking mechanism, as well as a quick and easy unlocking and disassembly mechanism.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a novel quick release twist-lock T-clamp having an efficient assembly and interlocking mechanism, as well as a quick and easy unlocking and disassembly mechanism.
According to one aspect of the invention the novel quick release twist-lock T-clamp is formed of a housing having spaced base and crown portions with a keel projected from the base thereof, and an aperture communicating between the base and the crown along an operational axis extending therebetween. An anchor is formed with a pair of opposing flukes extended outwardly therefrom adjacent to one end thereof. The anchor is moveable within the aperture of the housing relative to the operational axis. An axial drive mechanism is coupled between the anchor and the aperture of the housing. The axial drive mechanism is operable for moving the flukes of the anchor between an undeployed installation/removal configuration substantially aligned with the keel and spaced away from the base of the housing, and a deployed interlock configuration substantially crosswise of the keel and adjacent to the base of the housing.
Other aspects of the invention are detailed herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the twist-lock T-clamp for operation with a conventional T-slot;
FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 illustrate installation/removal of the twist-lock T-clamp with a conventional T-slot;
FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 illustrate the twist-lock T-clamp with an anchor portion thereof in an undeployed installation configuration with its flukes configured in an installation orientation;
FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 illustrate the twist-lock T-clamp with its anchor portion in a deployed interlock configuration having its flukes configured in an interlock orientation;
FIG. 8 is an end view of the twist-lock T-clamp having a rudder portion removed for clarity and showing an end view of the flukes configured in an installation orientation;
FIG. 9 illustrate the twist-lock T-clamp with its anchor in the undeployed installation configuration with its flukes in the installation orientation;
FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 illustrate the anchor oriented in subsequent stages of deployment between the undeployed installation configuration and a fully deployed interlock configuration;
FIG. 12 illustrates the twist-lock T-clamp with its the anchor oriented in its fully deployed interlock configuration;
FIG. 13 illustrates an axial drive mechanism of the twist-lock T-clamp;
FIGS. 14-18 illustrate various aspects of the axial drive mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In the Figures, like numerals indicate like elements.
FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a novel twist-lock T-clamp 10 for operation with a conventional T-slot 12 formed in a rail (shown) or other plate. T-slot channel 12 is formed as a T-shaped lengthwise cavity that has an opening 14 to a mounting surface 16 formed between opposing spaced apart T-arms 18 spread out from a shallow stem 20 about the same width as opening 14. T-clamp 10 includes a housing 22 molded of a substantially rigid material, for example, an injection moldable plastic, composite or metal material, and having a mount 23 projected therefrom. Housing 22 of T-clamp 10 is formed with a substantially planar base 24 and a crown 26 spaced away from base 24. A keel 28 is formed along base 24 of T-clamp housing 22 and is sized to be received through opening 14 into T-slot 12 between spaced apart T-arms 18. Optionally, keel 28 may extend into stem 20 of T-slot 12. A rudder 30 is formed on base 24 of T-clamp housing 22 in a position spaced away from keel 28 and is also sized to be received through opening 14 into T-slot 12 between spaced apart T-arms 18. Optionally, rudder 30 also may extend into stem 20 of T-slot 12. T-clamp housing 22 is further formed with an axial bore or aperture 32 communicating between its base 24 and crown 26 along an operational axis 34 passing between keel 28 and rudder 30 of housing 22.
A substantially rigid twist-lock anchor 36 is coupled for motion relative to operational axis 34 extended through T-clamp housing 22 and passing between keel 28 and rudder 30 thereof. Twist-lock anchor 36 is coupled for linear motion (arrow 38) relative to axis 34 responsive to rotational motion (arrow 40) thereof about axis 34. For example, anchor 36 is responsive to operation of a handle or other grip mechanism 42 coupled thereto for rotational motion (arrow 40) about operational axis 34 which results in linear motion (arrow 38) along same axis 34.
FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 illustrate installation of T-clamp 10 into T-slot 12 and removal therefrom. As illustrated, keel 28 and rudder 30 on base 24 of T-clamp housing 22 are installed into or removed from T-slot 12 along direction (arrows 44, 46) of axis 34. During installation, base 24 of T-clamp housing 22 is brought into contact with mounting surface 16 adjacent to T-slot opening 14. Anchor 36 is formed with a barrel-shaped stock portion 48 having a smaller shank 50 extended therefrom substantially along axis 34. Two or more flukes 52 are rigidly extended outwardly from shank 50 substantially crosswise of axis 34 in positions external of T-clamp housing 22 and substantially diametrically opposite one from the other. Each fluke 52 is sized to be received into T-slot 12 through opening 14 and into opposing T-arms 18 on either side of T-slot stem 20. Flukes 52 are movable in a rotational motion (arrow 54) substantially about axis 34 responsive to rotation (arrow 40) of anchor 36 about axis 34. Additionally, rotation (arrow 40) of anchor 36 causes linear motion (arrow 56) of flukes 52 relatively toward and away from base 24 of T-clamp housing 22 as a function of linear motion (arrow 38) of anchor 36 along axis 34. During installation and removal, each fluke 52 is rotated (arrow 54) into an undeployed configuration (shown) that is substantially aligned between keel 28 and rudder 30 on base 24 of T-clamp housing 22.
FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show T-clamp 10 configured in the installation state with flukes 52 of anchor 36 oriented in the undeployed configuration. This relative orientation of anchor 36 and flukes 52 is achieved as a function of an axial drive mechanism by rotation about operational axis 34, as by operation of handle or other grip mechanism 42 coupled thereto. For example, grip 42 is rotated (arrow 58) toward a register 60 formed on T-clamp housing 22. Register 60 effectively stops anchor 36 with flukes 52 oriented in the undeployed configuration for configuring T-clamp 10 in the installation state. Accordingly, this configuration of flukes 52, keel 28, rudder 30 and anchor 36 permits T-clamp 10 to be inserted through opening 14 into T-slot 12 until base 24 of T-clamp housing 22 is seated against mounting surface 16. This same configuration of flukes 52 permits keel 28, rudder 30 and anchor 36 permits T-clamp 10 to be withdrawn through opening 14 for removal from T-slot 12.
Here, keel 28 is embodied as a small pin projected from base 24 of T-clamp housing 22.
FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show T-clamp 10 configured in an interlock state with flukes 52 of anchor 36 oriented in a deployed interlock configuration (shown) substantially crosswise of axis operational 34 between keel 28 and rudder 30 and pulled adjacent to base 24 of T-clamp housing 22 along axis 34. This relative orientation of anchor 36 and flukes 52 is achieved as a function of the axial drive mechanism by opposite rotation about operational axis 34, as disclosed herein. For example, grip 42 is rotated (arrow 62) away from register 60 on T-clamp housing 22. Rotation (arrow 62) opposite of installation direction (arrow 54) effectively orients anchor 36 and flukes 52 in the deployed interlock configuration for configuring T-clamp 10 in the interlock state. Accordingly, this configuration of flukes 52, keel 28, rudder 30 and anchor 36 effectively interlocks T-clamp 10 into T-slot 12 with base 24 of T-clamp housing 22 firmly seated against mounting surface 16. This same configuration of flukes 52 permits keel 28, rudder 30 and anchor 36 resists T-clamp 10 withdrawal through opening 14 and removal from T-slot 12.
FIG. 8 is an end view of T-clamp 10 having rudder 30 removed for clarity and showing an end view of flukes 52 of anchor 36. Here, flukes 52 of anchor 36 oriented in the undeployed configuration (shown) substantially aligned with between keel 28 and rudder 30 and spaced away from base 24 of T-clamp housing 22 along operational axis 34. Flukes 52 optionally pitched to include an upper interlock surface 64 that is rotated at a small ramp angle 66 about a fluke axis 67 that is oriented substantially crosswise of operational axis 34 similarly to a fan blade or screw thread. When anchor 36 is rotated (arrow 54) about operational axis 34, a leading edge 68 of each fluke 52 distal from base 24 of T-clamp housing 22 first engages an upper surface 18a of arm 18 of T-slot 12. As rotation of anchor 36 progresses, rotated upper interlock surface 64 continues to engage upper surface 18a of arm 18 drawing base 24 of T-clamp housing 22 closer to mounting surface 16 of T-slot 12, until a trailing edge 70 of fluke 52 adjacent to base 24 of T-clamp housing 22 finally engages upper surface 18a of arm 18. Accordingly, base 24 of T-clamp housing 22 is drawn nearer to mounting surface 16 of T-slot 12 by rotated upper interlock surface 64 during rotation (arrow 54) of anchor 36 between its undeployed installation configuration and its deployed interlock configuration (shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7). In the fully deployed interlock configuration of anchor 36, T-clamp 10 is compressively interlocked with T-slot 12 by flukes 52 extended into each of opposing T-arms 18.
FIG. 9 shows T-clamp 10 configured in the installation state with flukes 52 of anchor 36 oriented in the undeployed installation configuration (shown) substantially aligned with between keel 28 and rudder 30 and spaced away from base 24 of T-clamp housing 22 along axis 34. This relative orientation of anchor 36 and flukes 52 is a function of the axial drive mechanism being rotated (arrow 58) about axis 34 toward the register 60, as by operation of grip 42 coupled thereto.
FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show grip 42 being rotated (arrow 62) away from register 60 on T-clamp housing 22, whereby flukes 52 of anchor 36 are oriented in subsequent stages of deployment between the undeployed installation configuration (shown in FIG. 9) and a fully deployed interlock configuration (shown in FIG. 11).
FIG. 12 shows anchor 36 in its interlock configuration with its flukes 52 in a fully deployed interlock configuration oriented substantially crosswise of keel 28 and rudder 30 of T-clamp housing 22 and withdrawn into a position adjacent to its base 24. Anchor 36 is thereby rotated (arrow 54) about axis 34 and withdrawn linearly (arrow 56) substantially along axis 34 toward base 24 of T-clamp housing 22 such that flukes 52 are oriented in the fully deployed interlock configuration.
When anchor 36 in its interlock configuration with its flukes 52 in a fully deployed interlock configuration, T-clamp 10 is compressively interlocked with T-slot 12 with shank 50 of anchor 36 extended through opening 14 and flukes 52 extended into each of opposing T-arms 18. Accordingly, base 24 of T-clamp housing 22 is effectively compressed against T-slot mounting surface 16 adjacent to opening 14 of T-slot 12.
FIG. 13 shows T-clamp 10 with handle or other grip mechanism 42 removed to show stock portion 48 of anchor 36. An axial drive mechanism 72 is structured for driving rotational motion (arrow 54) of anchor 36 as disclosed herein. Axial drive mechanism 72 is formed of a rotational joint structured between stock portion 48 of anchor 36 and aperture 32 communicating between its base 24 and crown 26 of housing 22 along operational axis 34.
Axial drive mechanism 72 is operable for moving anchor 36 along operational axis 34 as a function of anchor 36 being rotated relative to T-clamp housing 22, whereby flukes 52 of anchor 36 are alternately movable between: i) the undeployed installation configuration, wherein flukes 52 are arranged substantially aligned between keel 28 and rudder 30 of housing 22 and spaced away from base 24 of housing 22, and ii) a deployed interlock configuration, wherein flukes 52 are oriented substantially crosswise of the keel and keel 28 and rudder 30 of housing 22 and adjacent to base 24 of housing 22.
As illustrated here, axial drive mechanism 72 includes a housing installation drive surface 74 structured as a pair of diametrically opposed spiral ramp surfaces formed on interior wall surface 75 of aperture 32 and aligned along operational axis 34 and inclined relative thereto. Axial drive mechanism 72 also includes an installation drive pin 76 fixed crosswise to anchor 36 and cooperating with spiral housing installation drive surfaces 74. For example, drive pin 76 is fitted into a slot 78 formed crosswise to anchor 36. Drive pin 76 is structured to interact with spiral housing installation drive surfaces 74 along operational axis 34.
Spiral drive surfaces 74 are molded or otherwise formed in T-clamp housing 22 within interior of aperture 32 and substantially aligned along operational axis 34. Stock portion 48 of anchor 36 is sized to rotate within aperture 32 of T-clamp housing 22 between spiral drive surfaces 74 and slide therebetween along axis 34. Drive pin 76 is fixed in stock 48 and extends beyond stock 48 to engage axial drive surfaces 74. Rotation (arrow 40) of anchor stock 48 causes drive pin 76 to move slidingly along inclined spiral axial drive surfaces 74 for moving (arrow 38) anchor 36 linearly upwardly along operational axis 34. Axial drive mechanism 72 includes handle or grip 42 for generating rotational motion (arrow 54) of anchor 36.
In operation, drive pin 76 is responsive to rotation (arrow 40) of anchor 36 for sliding upwardly (arrow 38) of operational axis 34 along cooperating pair of spirally inclined axial drive surfaces 74 and thereby causing flukes 52 of anchor 36 to move upwardly (arrow 38) along axis 34 from the undeployed installation configuration, wherein flukes 52 are arranged substantially aligned between keel 28 and rudder 30 of housing 22 and spaced away from base 24 of housing 22, and into the deployed interlock configuration, wherein flukes 52 are oriented substantially crosswise of the keel and keel 28 and rudder 30 of housing 22 adjacent to base 24 thereof and in forced contact with upper surface 18a of arm 18 of T-slot 12 of housing 22, whereby base 24 of T-clamp housing 22 is forced into contact with mounting surface 16 adjacent to T-slot opening 14.
Optionally, axial drive surfaces 74 are interrupted with anti-rotation “keeper” means 80 where drive pin 76 is retained in a rotated orientation. For example, the spiral drive surfaces 74 extend at their maximum elevation relative to an extension or “shelf” portion that is formed either level surfaces formed substantially perpendicular to operational axis 34, or canted at a slightly negative inclination relative to respective spiral drive surfaces 74.
FIG. 14 shows cross-section of T-clamp housing 22 and axial drive mechanism 72 taken along operational axis 34 through anchor 36. Optionally, axial drive mechanism 72 further includes a rotational biasing member 82 for urging anchor 36 into rotation (arrow 40) about axis operational 34 for sliding rotation drive pin 76 upwardly away from mounting surface 16 of T-slot 12 along cooperating pair of spirally inclined axial drive surfaces 74. Biased rotation (arrow 40) of anchor 36 about axis 34 thereby moves anchor 36 linearly upwardly (arrow 38) along axis 34 from the undeployed installation configuration into the deployed interlock configuration. For example, rotational biasing member 82 is a coiled spring configured for torsional urging of anchor 36 in rotation (arrow 40) about operational axis 34. Accordingly, rotational biasing member 82 is torsionally coupled between anchor 36 and aperture 32 of housing 22 for substantially automatically rotating anchor 36 from the undeployed installation configuration thereof toward the deployed interlock configuration.
FIG. 15 shows cross-section of T-clamp housing 22 and axial drive mechanism 72 having anchor 36 removed for more clearly illustrating inclined spiral axial drive surfaces 74. Optionally, axial drive mechanism 72 includes a stop or brake 84 at its lower extreme for limiting angular motion of drive pin 76 relative to T-clamp housing 22. Brake 84 thereby limits rotation of anchor 36 for arranging flukes 52 in the undeployed installation configuration substantially aligned between keel 28 and rudder 30 of housing 22, whereby T-clamp 10 is configured for installation into or removal from T-slot 12.
Here, coiled spring rotational biasing member 82 is formed with an outward tang 86 positioned for mating with a cooperating slot 88 in aperture 32 of T-clamp housing 22. An inward tang 90 is positioned for mating with a cooperating slot 92 in stock 48 of anchor 36.
FIG. 16 shows axial drive mechanism 72 including handle or other grip mechanism 42 coupled to stock portion 48 of anchor 36. For example, one or a pair of screws 94 are threaded into anchor stock 48 for securing grip 42, which also operates to secure drive pin 76 in slot 78. Grip 42 optionally includes a skirt 96 sized to loosely engage aperture 32 for centering grip 42 therein.
FIG. 17 shows cross-section of T-clamp housing 22 and axial drive mechanism 72 taken crosswise of axis 34 through anchor 36. Here, anchor 36 is twisted (arrow 94) about axis 34 against installation rotation (arrow 40) for sliding rotation drive pin 76 downwardly toward mounting surface 16 of T-slot 12 along cooperating pair of spirally inclined axial drive surfaces 74, and thereby moving anchor 36 linearly downwardly (arrow 38) along axis 34 away from the deployed interlock configuration into the undeployed installation configuration (shown). Such twisting against installation rotation (arrow 40) thus winds torsional rotational biasing member 82 into a coiled state for urging anchor 36 into rotation (arrow 40) about axis 34 upon release.
FIG. 18 shows anchor 36 rotated about operational axis 34 along installation rotation (arrow 40) for sliding rotation drive pin 76 upwardly away from mounting surface 16 of T-slot 12 along cooperating pair of spirally inclined axial drive surfaces 74. Anchor 36 is thereby moved linearly upwardly (arrow 38) along operational axis 34 away from the undeployed installation configuration into the deployed interlock configuration (shown). Such installation rotation (arrow 40) of anchor 36 about operational axis 34 is responsive to torsional unwinding of rotational biasing member 82 from its coiled state.
While the preferred and additional alternative embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the inventor makes the following claims.
Patent Application
20120045276
