Patent ID: 6158094
Filing Date: 2000-12-12
Classification: F16L,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A mechanical clamp comprising:an elongate band formed with a sequence of slots along its length, said band surrounding a central region of adjustable cross-section area;an adjustment screw having a head that rotates about a longitudinal axis and having thread portions that extend into respective ones of said slots, said head having an outer surface with a plurality of sides, each side of said plurality having a first edge and a second edge, each first edge and each second edge having a curved portion, said edges extending in a longitudinal direction, said first edge of each side being said second edge of another side, the head having a central point;a distance from said central point to each side being substantially unvaried along a curved portion of each first edge, said curved portion extending in a positive longitudinal direction and a negative longitudinal direction relative to said central point; andsaid clamp being constructed and arranged so that rotation of said adjustment screw controls said adjustable cross-sectional area of said central region,whereby a tool may engage said head and couple torque to said screw about its longitudinal axis when the tool axis is angularly placed from said longitudinal axis.