Patent ID: 7556229
Filing Date: 2009-07-07
Classification: F16B

Abstract:
1. A clamp for holding an item, the clamp comprising: a locking rod comprising a locking rod body and a locking member connected to a first end of the locking rod body, the locking member being pivotable about an axis perpendicular to the locking rod body between a clamping position and a release position; a first clamping member comprising a first opening for receiving a second end of the locking rod body therethrough; a second clamping member adapted to align with the first clamping member to receive the item therebetween; and a retainer connected to the second clamping member, the retainer comprising a second opening for receiving the second end of the locking rod body and an interlocking feature for engaging a corresponding interlocking feature on the locking rod body when the locking rod body is in a first rotational position; wherein when the item is positioned between the first and second clamping members and the locking rod body is inserted through the first opening and into the second opening and the locking rod body is oriented in the first rotational position, pivoting the locking member from the release position to the clamping position tightens the first and second clamping members into clamping engagement with the item, and when the locking rod body is in a second rotational position in the retainer, the interlocking features of the locking rod body and retainer are disengaged to allow the locking rod body to be withdrawn from the retainer; further wherein the locking member comprises a lever pivotally connected to the first end of the locking rod body, the lever being pivotable between the clamping position and the release position, and the first clamping member further comprises a hasp, wherein when the lever is in the clamping position and the locking rod body is in the first rotational position, insertion of an obstruction through the hasp secures the lever in the clamping position and secures the locking rod body in the first rotational position.