Patent ID: 6588968
Filing Date: 2003-07-08
Classification: B64G,F16L,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A clamping mechanism (CM) for releasably interconnecting two structural components (9, 10) having radially outwardly reaching clamping surfaces (7â€², 8â€²) of rotational symmetry, said clamping mechanism comprising a plurality of clamping elements (5), at least one tensioning member (1) holding said clamping elements together, said clamping elements (5) comprising a radially inwardly facing clamping groove (6) adapted for cooperation with said clamping surfaces (7â€², 8â€²) of said structural components, said at least one tensioning member (1) comprising a first end and a second end, a first connecting eye (1â€²) secured to said first end, a second connecting eye (1â€³) secured to said second end of said at least one tensioning member, and a tensioning assembly comprising a mounting (17), spaced first and second tensioning levers (18, 19), two separate hinges (21, 21â€²), each hinge operatively securing one of said spaced first and second tensioning levers (18, 19) to said mounting (17) for performing a first tensioning step, a locking mechanism (15) secured to said mounting (17) between said spaced first and second tensioning levers (18, 19) for locking said spaced first and second tensioning levers in a tensioned position, said first tensioning lever (18) comprising a first guide, a first journal bolt (3) securing said first connecting eye (1â€²) to said first tensioning lever (18) in said first guide for movement relative to said first tensioning lever, said second tensioning lever (19) comprising a second guide, a second journal bolt (4) securing said second connecting eye (1â€³) to said second tensioning lever (19) in said second guide for movement relative to said second tensioning lever, and first and second tensioning screws (22) as part of said first and second tensioning levers for adjusting the position of said first and second journal bolts (3, 4) respectively relative to said first and second tensioning levers (18, 19) for performing a second tensioning step.