US2374899A - Clamp - Google Patents

Description

May 1, 1945. A. M. sAsGEN CLAMP Filed aan. 15, 1943 2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

@Wifi [lll May 1*, 1945.

A. M. sAsGEN CLAMP Filed Jan. 15, 194s 2 sheets-sheet 2 lPatented Mayr 1, 1945 "CLAMP l l t t Ainlthony Sasgen, Chicago, Ill. l l

This invention relates tofclamps andy more partieularlyA to! workLholding clamps: which may be used? eithei: asi awfastening means, to clamp Work to a szofpgioritiri-'giA member; or `as a vise; to' clamp Work: diiseo'tliy between: thet jaws. thereof.

I Foiftlfe'niostfpart, thei clamps heretoforeknown are rath-er cumbersome and difficult tomainip-v ula'te so tiiatan operator,4 in! placing and: secuningi the ciair'np in position-` is ottimes required to useflootlil fnl some cases, #duel tothe nature of the Work te; be' heldL orthe conditions under which* Woikis beng rformed', iii is Often dilfii'cull'tgif not impossible; for a `worlm'ian to have tWo hands free to manipulate the claifiinfg dfeviee*- and; `asaresult, Wher tlie ol'd damping devices Have; been used;` has beenl difficult t'o eife'otively use solch clevi'oes;` 1

Thereifoie; it' is object-1 of my inve "tion to a'oiol a"` dl'aipwhieii'may be'easi'ly manipulated wi'idrooeF mandi to secure the wok` in position,

Another; oliiect of tlie invention is to' afford member and to afford aclamp'wherein the grip ti'ieeof` on a'pieoe oj worin may be easily and quickly released.

Other' and." funthei' `objects ofiy the presentrin ventionfwill be: apparent trom the following dei l serifptionf` and claims andr are illustrated-l in the "accompanying drawings which, by Way of illusl mation', shows` pveiierred' `emboizlimentsY` and the principles" thereof. arid-What ll now` Consider o beI thef best; modes in` whichl I have contemlated applying these prineiplesa of `tl'le invention erjribodying` the same oi" equivaient4 principles nfiay` be used amil s'tiiuctural changes! m'afy` bei made' asffdesiredby those skilled in; the a'rtz Without? depantiin'gzfrom the present invention and the` purview` of the appended In the drawings?,` i f V l Fig. 1'. is an'elevaltionllivibwsliowihg pteffersed form ofthe ewf elarx'ip in'f position of use;

may be made la'rgeiy fro'rn relat'ivel'jyi` inexpensive i arrangement of leves foi* manipulating" one of the clamping jaws" mid-operative engagement with he wofky b N y iiie into opeiative engagement with4 the for aoiooingsoio orio ofj said: jaws relative the l ome-if damping jaw emoiiied in the' clamp'.

stili another oijootoi niieinvefruion is to afford', in one omoooimeni ofy iiie iiiv iiiion, a novero-ia v- 11o-lib operable* leaning device foriaoi-gi e wim and control' of-` 'one iiioveifie'iii:` oi

'ai adosobe soiew anion siii one of. iii@ inesoriaoo foi? engagement with o'iwoik-.f

` Foiiiief obie'ois of ioveiiooii sie i ,I offfofd o lamp wrrerein a `strong: gii'p fmayifvse had: ori

Figi. 2 is ai View on line 2f--2` iri- Figi. ipareiy in section and partly inl` top*- piani;-`

3f is ai View'f o Iixfe: 3"-351'1-1 Fig. 1f partly in` seotioxlil an'd partly inl plian: f

\ iig. 4 isa view ofthe form of the new ola-mp whioh isin Figs; 1, 2f ami 3 boo showing 'out iiiiisfiatiiig iiiooifieu' form' of the imm f Fig. ifi. iso detaiiview iiiostrotino one ooev of` the' forni' of tli new' el'arnnwhichV is illustrated antfi'er' kInodiicationofA the invention; Figi-1.3 is a. top plat-@view of the modifiedform of the invention which is shoW1f1`-l in Fis. 12V show-` Other embodiments l Y Fig. 14 is a View on line |4-l4 in Fig. l2 partly in section and partly in plan;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a pivoted resilient clamping jaw, which is embodied in the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 12 to 16, inelusive;

Fig. 16 is a view of the form of the new clamp which is shown in Figs. 12 to 16, inclusive, but

showing the pivoted clamping jaw in released or ineffective position;

Fig. 17 is a detail view, partly in section, illustrating a modification of a part of the form of the new clamp which is illustrated in Figs. 12 to 16, inclusive; and

Fig. 18 is a view on line lll- I8 in Fig. 17 partly' I is illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive, comprises a clamping arm which includes a supporting frame 22. The supporting frame 22 is preferably formed of a pair of complementary relatively light structural elements in the form of metal stampings 23 and 24 secured together at selected spaced points by suitable fastening elements such as the rivets 25.

As best shown in Figs. 1 and 4 the supporting frame 22 of the clamp is shaped to afford an arm which extends approximately right-angularly from and relative to the body thereof, this arm being afforded by spaced extensions 39 and 38 of the frame 22 (Figs. 2 and 6).

As shown in Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive, the arm 35-36 of the supporting frame 22 of the new clamp is formed to afford, as an integral part thereof, a generally cylindrical guide sleeve 98 in which a metal bushing 99 is arranged. A clamping screw 40 is slidably projected through the metal bushing 99. The clamping screw 40 is provided, at one end, with a handle 9| and a clamping jaw 9.2 is swivelly or otherwise mounted upon the screw 49 at the opposite end thereof.

The form of the new clamping device which is illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive, includes a second clamp arm 28 which is pivotally and adjustably mounted upon the supporting frame 22 of the clamp. As [best shown in Fig. 3, the pivotal arm' 28 is preferably formed from a pair of spaced and relatively light structural elements or members such as metal stampings or the like and which may be secured together in any suitable manner as, for example, in the manner which will be described presently.

It will be noted, in this connection, that the pivotal clamp arm 28 carries a clamping jaw 32 and that the clamping jaw 32 includes a portion which is arranged between and attached to the spaced structural elements 29-39 of the pivotal arm 28 by means of a suitable fastening element such as the rivet 3l. This rivet 3| also serves to secure the spaced structural elements 29-30 of the pivoted clamp arm 28 together.

As shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 4, the clamping jaw 32 has a knurled gripping surface 33 and. this knurled gripping surface 33 is provided with a transversely extending channel or recess 34, for a reason which will be described hereinafter.

As shown in Fig. 3 the spaced structural elements 29-30 of thepvoted clamp arm 28 are provided with aligned openings 93. As also shown in Fig. 3, the openings 93 are adapted to be registered Withthe openings 26 inthe supporting frame 22, this being accomplished by inserting the body of the relatively narrower supporting frame 22 between the parts `29---311 of the pivoted clamp arm 28 to effect registry of a selected one of the openings 26 with a selected pair of the openings 93. The pivotal connection between the clamp arm 28 and the supporting frame 22 of the other clamp arm 22-23--24-34-35-36 may then be effected by inserting the pin 21 through the selected and aligned openings 26-93.

The pivoted clamp arm 28 includes a manual operable operating lever.46 which is also preferably formed from a pair of relatively light structural elements such as the metal stampings 94 and 95 which may be secured together by any suitable fastening elements such as the rivets 98.

The operating lever 46 is pivotally mounted upon the body of the clamp arm 28, as at 41, and includes a nose or cam portion 91 which is adapted to have camming engagement with the body of the supporting frame 22, as shown in Fig. 4.

A threaded latch member 38 is arranged betweenthe spaced arms 35 and 36 of the supporting frame 22 of the clamp arm 22 and is pivoted therebetween and thereto, as at 31. This latch member 38 has one surface thereof which is threaded, as at 39, for threaded engagement with the clamping screw 40. The pivoted latch member 33 is provided with a notched or serrated edge portion 45 for a reason which will be explained hereinafter.

As best shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the threaded portion 39 of the pivoted latch member 38 projectsinto and works in a cut-out portion or opening 98 which is provided in a generally cylindrical bushing 99 which is arranged in the guide sleeve 99. The bushing 99 may be secured in the guide sleeve 9D in any suitable manner, as by frictional engagement and, as shown, the screw 40 projects through and is guided in the bushing 99.

A coil spring 42 has one end portion thereof anchored, as at 43, between the arms 35 and 36 of the supporting frame 22 of the clamp arm 22-2 3-24-35-.36 and the other end portion of this spring 42 is attached, as at 44, to the pivoted and threaded latch member 38.

The use and operation of the form of the new clamp illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive, of the drawings are as follows: The clamp arm 28 may be disposed in a selected adjusted position relative to the supporting frame 22 and the other clamp arm 22--23-24-35-36 by inserting the supporting frame 22 between the structural elements or parts 29 and 30 of the clamp arm 28 with the openings 93 in the parts 29 and 30 in registry with a selected one of the openings 26 in the supporting frame 22, whereupon the pivot pin 21 may then be inserted through the thus registered openings 93 and 28. In this manner the clamp arm 28 may be initially positioned upon and relative to the supporting frame 22 for use with work 2l of a particular size, thickness, shape, etc. I

The swivelled clamping jaw 92 may then be moved into engagement with the work 2| as follows: This is accomplished by the operator or user of the new clamp pressing his thumb against the s'errated or notched edge portion 45 of the pivoted and threaded latch member 38 so as to pivot this member 38, against the action of its resetting spring 42, from its normal or effective and latching position, as in Fig. 1 and as in full lines in Fig. 5, into unlatched position in which This movement of the lever 6| moves the nose or cam portion thereof into camming engagement with the body or supporting frame of the clamp arm 48 and thereby rocks the clamp arm 60, about its pivot 59, upon and relative to the clamp arm 48, thus moving the clamping jaw 65, which is carried by the clamp arm 60, into clamping engagement with the work 61.

However, in certain instances it may be desirable to clamp a round or cylindrical object between the clamping jaws 63 and |00. In such instances the clamping jaw 63 may be rotated upon its mounting 64 so as to bring the channeled or recessed surface 66 thereof into a position opposite or in clamping relationship with the clamping jaw |00. A round or cylindrical object, such as 68, may then be disposed upon the channeled surface 61 of the clamping jaw 63 and the clamping jaw 63 moved into clamping engagement by manipulation of the hand lever 6|, in the manner hereinbefore described.

Another modification of the invention is shown in Figs. 12 to 16, inclusive, and in this form of the invention the two clamp-supporting arms 14 and. 19 are formed as integral parts of the frame or body 69 of the clamp which, in turn, is preferably formed of a pair of relatively light structural elements and 1|, such as metal stampings or the like, which are fastened together by suitable fastening elements such as the rivets 12.

In this form of the invention the two clampsupporting arms 14 and 19 extend substantially or in general parallel to each other and the structural parts or elements 10 and 1| of the clampsupporting arms 14 are integrally joined and shaped to provide a substantially cylindrical guide sleeve 15, which. is similar to the guide sleeve 54.

The guide sleeve 15, like the guide sleeve 54, is internally threaded and a clamping screw 16 is threaded therethrough. This clamping screw 16 is provided at one end with a knurled hand knob 18 and at its other end the clamping screw 16 carries a clamping jaw |04 which may be swivelly or otherwise mounted upon the clamping screw 16.

A knurled clamping nut 11 is threaded onto the clamping screw 16 between the guide sleeve and the knurled hand knob 18.

A hand lever 80 is pivotally mounted upon the clamp-supporting arm 15, as at 8|, and between the structural elements or parts 10 and 1| of the clamp-supporting arm 19. The lever 80 has a cam or nose portion 82 and this cam or nose portion 82 of the hand lever 80 is engageable with :f

one surface of a resilient clamping member 85 which is preferably formed of a piece of resilient flat metal spring stock slightly curved, as shown in Figs. 12, 15 and 16. 'I'he resilient clamping member 85 is `provided at one end with a pair of laterally extending ears 84 and these ears 84 project into openings 83 which are provided in the structural elements 10 and 1| of the clamp, and are inserted therein prior to the time the structural elements 10 and 1| are riveted or otherwise fastened together, as at 12. In this manner4 the resilient clamping member 85 is pivotally mounted upon and relative to the clampsupporting arm.

As shown in Figs. 12, 13 and 16, the body of the clamp 69 is provided with a handle or thumb rest portion 'I3 which is formed as an integral extension of the 'structural elements 10 and 1| which are, as shown in Fig. 13, preferably bent outwardly relative to each other so as to afford a relatively wide thumb rest when using this form of the new clamp, as will be explained presently.

The use and operation of the form of the new clamp shown in Figs. 12 to 16, inclusive, of the drawings, are as follows: The clamping jaw |04 may be positioned in engagement with one side of the work 86 by manipulating the hand knob 18 of the clamping screw 16, whereupon the clamping nut 11 may be adjusted into engagement with the guide sleeve 15. The hand lever may then be pivoted from its normal or ineffective position, as in Fig. 16, into effective or clamping position as in Fig. 12. This may be accomplished by placing the thumb upon the thumb rest portion 13 and grasping the hand lever 80 with the same hand.

When the hand lever 80 is thus moved from its normal or ineffective position, as in Fig. 16, into effective or clamping position as in Fig. l2, the nose or cam portion 82 thereof bears or cams against one surface of the resilient clamping member 85 and urges the latter into clamping engagement with the work 86 at the side there of which is opposite the clamping jaw |06.

It will be noted, in this connection, that when the resilient clamping member 85 is in effective or clamping position it provides a relatively large bearing or clamping surface which is more effective than the relatively small clamping. surface of the nose or cam portion 82 of the lever 80 would be if it engaged directly with the work inasmuch as there would be a tendency for such a relatively small cam surface as might be afforded by the nose or cam portion 82 of the lever 80 to slip. relative to the work or to permit the work to slip relative thereto.

In order to release the parts of the form of the new clamp shown in Figs. l2 to 16, inclusive, it is merely necessary to manipulate the clamping lever 80 from effective or clamping position in which it is shown in Fig. 12 into neffective position in which it is shown in Fig. 16, wthout changing the adjustment of the clamping screw 16 and its clamping jaw |04 upon or relative to the clamp-supporting arm 1d.

A modified construction of one part of the form of the invention which is shown in Figs. 12 to 16, inclusive, is illustrated in Figs. 17 and 18. This modification is substantially similar to the form of the invention which is illustrated in Figs. l2 to 16, inclusive, and parts thereof which correspond to parts in the form of the invention which are shown in Figs. l2 to 16, inclusive, have been given the same reference numerals followed by the additional reference character a.

In the form of the invention which is shown in Figs. 17 and 18, internal threads are omitted from the guide sleeve for the clamping screw and the guide sleeve 15a is made somewhat larger, in diameter, than the guide sleeve 15 for the reception of an internally threaded flanged metallic bushing 81. This bushing 81 is inserted into the guide sleeve 15a, and may be secured to the guide sleeve 15a in any suitable manner as by peening one flange portion 88 thereof into a resultant indented portion of the guide sleeve 15a, as shown at 81 in Fig. 17. Except as thus described, however, the modification which is lllustrated in Figs. 17 and 18 is substantially similar in construction, use and operation to the form of the invention which is illustrated in Figs. 12 to 16, inclusive, and hence need not be described in further detail.

It will be noted that in all of the several forms thereof which are illustrated in the drawings the pivoted clamp arm and the clamping jaw carried or controlled thereby, may be manipulated into and out of effective or clamping position relative to and without disturbing the position or adjustment of the other clamp arm and the clamping screw and clamping jaw carried thereby. This enables the operator or user of the new clamp to manipulate the same and to shift the clamp upon or relative to the work with and by the use of only one hand, leaving the other hand free for necessary work.

It will thus be seen from the foregoing description, considered in conjunction with the ac'- companying drawings, that the present invention provides a new and improved clamping de vice and accomplishes its intended objects and has the desirable advantages and characteristics including those hereinbefore pointed out and others which are inherent in the invention.

While I have illustratedand described selected embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that these are capable of variation and modification and I therefore do not Wish to be limited to the precise details set forth but de sire to avail myself of such changes and alterations as fall within the purview of the following,-

claims.

I claim:

l. A clamp comprising a pair ofI cooperatingy jaw-supporting arms, one of which arms is substantially L-shaped and each formed of separate and relatively light and flat structural elements,

a clamping jaw carried by each of said jaw-supporting arms, the other of said jaw-supporting arms being pivotally mounted substantially midway between its ends upon the substantially L- shaped jaw-supporting arm, means for pivotally mounting said other jaw-supporting arm at different times in various positions upon and relative to said one jaw-supporting arm, the structural elements forming said pivotally mounted jaw-supporting arm including portions spaced from each other, a portion of said substantially L-shaped jaw-supporting arm being disposed between the spaced portions of said pivotally mounted jaw-supporting arm, said means for pivotally mounting said other jaw-supporting arm in various positions including a plurality of spaced apertures formed in said substantially L-shaped jaw-supporting arm and a pair of aligned apertures formed in the said spaced structural ele- `ments of said pivotally mounted jaw-supporting 'out ofclamping engagement with an object disposed therebetween.

2. A clamp comprising cooperating substantially L-shaped jaw-supporting arms, clamping means carried by each jaw-supporting arm at ,opposed ends thereof and the other ends there-` of being free, the said arms being adjustably` pivotally connected together substantially medially of their respective ends and such pivotal connection effecting an overlapping relationship of the arms intermediate their free ends, a movi able lever having a camming surface for engagement with one of the arms and to effect movement of the other arm, said lever being pivot- Vally connected to the free end of one of the arms and overlapping a portion thereof when clamping work and having a portion in non-overlapping relationship with said last mentioned arm which permits readymanipulation of the said lever toeither clamp or unclamp work, the said adjustable pivotal connection of the two jaw-supporting` arms consisting of a plurality of spaced apertures `formed in one of the arms and an aperture formed in the other arm, the said apertures in each arm being selectively registrable with each other, and a pivot pin selectively insertible into the registered apertures.

ANTHONY M. SASGEN.-

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