Patent ID: 7824125
Filing Date: 2010-11-02
Classification: F16B,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An adjustable clamping assembly comprising: a first object having a first channel of a first width longitudinally extending within a first surface of said first object, said first channel having a first opening disposed at an edge of said first surface and having a first cutaway region disposed at an intermediate location of said first channel distal said first opening and defining front and rear portions of said first channel; a second object having a second channel of a second width longitudinally extending within a second surface of said second object, said second channel having a second opening disposed at an edge of said second surface and having a second cutaway region disposed at a location of said second channel distal said second opening; said first object and said second object being positioned such that said edges of said first and second surfaces face one another and such that said first and second channels and said first and second openings are longitudinally aligned; a self-aligning coupling device comprising an elongate connecting portion positioned within said first and second channels and extending through said first and second openings, said elongate connecting portion having a threaded portion at a first end and a head portion having an end fixedly connected to a second end of said elongate connecting portion, a free end of said head portion comprising at least a first lug having opposing lateral surfaces, wherein the distance between said opposing lateral surfaces defines a width that is less than said first width and said second width; an engagement assembly positioned within said first cutaway region of said first channel and operably associated with said elongate connecting portion, said engagement assembly comprising a gear member engaging said threaded portion of said elongate connecting portion, wherein actuation of said gear member longitudinally translates said elongate connecting portion within said first and second channels; wherein in a first position of use, said gear member rotates in a first direction to translate said elongate connecting portion such that said head portion moves longitudinally away from said first object within said second channel toward said second cutaway portion, and said opposing lateral surfaces of said first lug are generally aligned with sidewalls of said first and said second channels such that the head portion is prevented from rotating as said elongate connecting portion translates within said first and said second channels; and wherein in a second position of use, said first lug is translated to a position within said second cutaway portion of said second channel and said gear member is rotated in a second direction to rotate said head portion such that said opposing lateral surfaces are positioned at an angle relative to said sidewalls of said second channel and such that said first lug abuts a sidewall of said second cutaway portion, wherein rotation of said gear member in said second direction translates said elongate connecting portion such that said threaded portion of said elongated connecting portion extends into the rear portion of said first channel and such that said head portion moves longitudinally toward said first object, pulling said first and said second objects together.