Patent ID: 9109616
Filing Date: 2015-08-18
Classification: F16B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A clamp for clamping a first member to a second member, the clamp comprising: a plunger; and a lever that is rotatably coupled to the first member, the lever comprising a handle and a cam that rotate together about a rotational axis; wherein rotation of the lever along a path of travel about the rotational axis in a first direction continuously cams the plunger towards the second member to couple the first and second members together and wherein rotation of the lever about the rotational axis in a second, opposite direction about the path of travel continuously cams the plunger away from the second member to uncouple the first and second members from each other; wherein the cam comprises at least a first cam surface that cams the plunger towards the second member when the lever is rotated in the first direction and at least a second cam that cams the plunger away from the second member when the lever is rotated in the second direction; wherein the first cam surface is distinct from the second cam surface in a longitudinal direction; wherein the first cam surface and second cam surface are radially eccentric with respect to the rotational axis and are shaped so that an amount of torque necessary to rotate the lever about the rotational axis is greatest at an over-center rotational position, past which the lever does not freely rotate; wherein the plunger comprises at least a first plunger surface that is cammingly engaged by the first cam surface when the lever is rotated in the first direction, to thereby move the plunger towards the second member, and at least a second plunger surface that is cammingly engaged by the second cam surface when the lever is rotated in the second direction, to thereby move the plunger away from the second member.